Our People
Washington Performing Arts has engaged for more than half a century with artists, audiences, students, and civic life. The city is truly our stage: for decades, in venues ranging from concert halls and clubs to public parks, we have presented a tremendous range of artists and art forms, from the most distinguished symphony orchestras to both renowned and emerging artists in classical music, jazz, international genres, and more.
Meet the team that makes it all possible:
Washington Performing Arts Staff
Advancement
Carole Russo
Rachel Luehrs
Sarah Frances Williams
Melanie Bidault
Reema Kattan
Scott Hounsou
Bowie Aitken
Mikayla Decker
Marketing, Communications, & Creative Media
Sadie Gronigan
Scott Thureen
Tina David
Daniele Oliveira
Finance & Administration
Paul Leider
Bridgette Cooper
Miles Little
Patron Services (Ticket Office)
Chad Dexter Kinsman
Mbissane Diagne
Special Productions & Initiatives
Shruthi Mukund
Nia Stephens
Resident Artists
Michele Fowlin
Anthony “Tony” Walker
Karon Johnson
Stanley J. Thurston
Washington Performing Arts Board of Directors
Washington Performing Arts has a dynamic and deeply engaged Board of Directors, Junior Board, and Women’s Committee, comprised of members from varied backgrounds, generations, professional expertise, and life experience.
Junior Board
Comprised of young professionals and performing arts enthusiasts, the Washington Performing Arts Junior Board makes an impact in D.C. and beyond through its commitment to philanthropy, leadership, and advocacy.
The Junior Board builds an artistic community of their peers, develops their leadership network and skills, and adopts philanthropic projects with meaningful impact. From enjoying roof-top cocktail hours to advocating in Junior Board meetings to supporting education initiatives, the work of the Junior Board is as varied as its members!
Email JuniorBoard@WashingtonPerformingArts.org for more information.
Membership Benefits:
- Networking and making friends with young professionals in the DMV and our Board of Directors
- Selecting which programs and performances the Junior Board sponsors and supports
- Access to exclusive events like private embassy concert previews, educational programs, rehearsal sneak peeks, and more
- Priority seating and flexible ticket exchanges
Membership Commitments:
- Complete a two-year term
- Pay annual dues ($1,000/fiscal year, “Give or Get”)
- Attend at least 3 performances per season
- Contribute to and/or attend our annual gala
- Attend and participate in quarterly Junior Board meetings
- Participate in one or more of our change-making committees: Audience Engagement, Philanthropy & Gala, or Nominating & Governance
Junior Board Interest Form
Applications for the Junior Board generally open in April but occasionally are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Click the link below to get in touch if you are interested in learning more about the Junior Board.
“I lived overseas as a diplomat for 23 years and I always felt that my family missed so much of the American cultural scene. When I returned to Washington, a close friend introduced me to the Washington Performing Arts Women’s Committee. … Our commitment is to help Washington Performing Arts promote the performing arts among youth, seniors, and a wide range of audiences. I am honored to be a part of this organization.”
—Denise Rollins, longtime member of the Washington Performing Arts Women’s Committee and Washington Performing Arts supporter and subscriber.
Women’s Committee
The Women’s Committee of Washington Performing Arts was organized in 1969 in response to a need for community outreach. We are one of the earliest-formed volunteer organizations for women in the nation’s capital that focuses on community service through the performing arts and support for high quality performances.