Board OF TRUSTEES

President - Samantha Wheeler Marrs

Vice President, Operations - Anthony Russell

Vice President, Marketing and Development - Ocelia Hudson

Treasurer - Kathleen Skerrett

Secretary - Christiana Roberts

Brooks Nelson

Danny Welsch

Jim Whelen

Seeking New Board Members

About Richmond Shakespeare

Richmond Shakespeare is a professional nonprofit theatre company dedicated to producing exceptional classical and contemporary theatre, inspiring audiences, and making the performing arts accessible throughout Central Virginia.

Through our year-round theatrical season, Richmond Shakespeare Festival, student matinees, and educational outreach initiatives, we bring powerful storytelling to thousands of audience members and students each year. Our educational programming alone welcomes more than 3,000 students annually to professional theatre performances, supported by study guides, workshops, and artist talkbacks.

As we enter an exciting period of artistic growth and organizational development, Richmond Shakespeare is seeking passionate, engaged, and community-minded individuals to join our Board of Directors.

The Opportunity

Members of Richmond Shakespeare's Board of Directors serve as advocates, ambassadors, and strategic leaders for one of Central Virginia's professional theatre organizations.

Board members work collaboratively with fellow directors and organizational leadership to advance our mission, strengthen our financial sustainability, expand community partnerships, and ensure that professional theatre remains accessible to future generations.

This is an especially meaningful opportunity to help shape the organization's next chapter as we strengthen our governance, expand educational access, develop new partnerships, and build a sustainable future for professional theatre in Richmond.

Board Member Responsibilities

Board members are expected to:

  • Provide Strategic Leadership: Participate in organizational planning, governance, and long-term decision-making.

  • Support Financial Sustainability: Exercise financial oversight, help identify funding opportunities, and participate in fundraising and development efforts.

  • Serve as Community Ambassadors: Promote Richmond Shakespeare's productions, educational initiatives, and community impact through professional and personal networks.

  • Support Board Development: Help recruit new board members, strengthen organizational governance, and contribute to a collaborative board culture.

  • Participate Actively: Attend board meetings, serve on committees or special projects, and participate in organizational events.

  • Champion Arts Accessibility: Advocate for educational outreach, affordable theatre experiences, and opportunities for students and underserved communities.

  • Uphold Fiduciary Responsibilities: Exercise the duties of care, loyalty, and obedience in support of the organization's charitable mission.

Who We're Looking For

We welcome individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, lived experiences, and communities who share our belief in the transformative power of live theatre.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience or connections in:

  • Fundraising, philanthropy, and nonprofit development

  • Finance, accounting, and business management

  • Law, governance, and nonprofit administration

  • Marketing, communications, and public relations

  • Corporate leadership and community partnerships

  • Education, higher education, and youth development

  • Real estate, facilities, and strategic planning

  • Arts advocacy and community engagement

Previous board experience or professional theatre experience is not required. We value curiosity, collaboration, sound judgment, and a genuine commitment to our mission.

Why Join Richmond Shakespeare?

Serving on our Board of Directors offers an opportunity to make a tangible difference in Richmond's cultural community.

You'll help support professional artists, introduce thousands of young people to live theatre, strengthen the region's creative economy, and ensure that Shakespeare and other important theatrical works remain accessible to audiences throughout Virginia.

Our board members are not simply supporters of the arts. They are partners in building an organization that will serve our community for generations to come.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to complete Richmond Shakespeare's Board of Directors application. Individuals may apply independently or be nominated by an existing board member.

Board appointments are approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, generally each fall or as organizational needs arise.

Join us in shaping the future of Richmond Shakespeare.

Apply