"Akia is a dedicated and talented Company Manager. I have had the pleasure of working with her for the last 10 years at Blue Man Group. She has been a tremendous help and guiding force through my own transition from the Stage Manager to the Production Stage Manager. I recommend her with the highest regard."
-Bernadette Castro, Production Stage Manager
"After 21-years performing w/ Blue Man Group in 4 countries, I've worked w/ a lot of company managers. Akia is the best."
"Akia has the remarkable gift of perpetual grace, open ears, calm in multi-tasking and an inimitable, palpable drive to keep things on the plane of fairness and balance. It's been awesome to watch her evolve her incredible ethic over the 10-years I've known her."
- Pete Simpson, Actor/Performer/Teacher, Blue Man Group, Elevator Repair Service
A Dynamic Arts Administrator recognized for creative leadership and artistic innovation.
Excelled at leading teams, creating community and fostering retention and growth of staff, cast, crew and volunteers.
I have a passion for creating supportive, unified theatrical communities onstage and off, and works to bring organization and efficiency while encouraging joyful, diverse and inspired work environments.
Having worked in corporate, commercial, non profit and independent theatre environments, I'm able to support both the business and personnel functions needed.
Available as a General Manager, Company Manager, Stage Manager, Artistic Director and Producer
Contact akiasquitieri@gmail.com
Excelled at leading teams, creating community and fostering retention and growth of staff, cast, crew and volunteers.
I have a passion for creating supportive, unified theatrical communities onstage and off, and works to bring organization and efficiency while encouraging joyful, diverse and inspired work environments.
Having worked in corporate, commercial, non profit and independent theatre environments, I'm able to support both the business and personnel functions needed.
Available as a General Manager, Company Manager, Stage Manager, Artistic Director and Producer
Contact akiasquitieri@gmail.com
Company Manager Blue Man Group - Astor Theatre October 2007- January 2018
Reports directly to Resident General Manager with focus on the day to day operations of the theatre & business functions including human resources, finance and box office sales. Manage employee relations issues, coordinate company wellness initiatives; maintain all benefits & pension programs, employee records; co-manage accounting and business practices as well as financial and sales goals; prepare financial statements and reports; ensure the accurate execution of payroll processing and staff development. Manage Full company meetings, implementation of new policies; create training & wellness programs, support special appearances & gigs, assist with cross production payroll training, implemented customer service department, handle audience complaints & issues, handle workers compensation & accident reporting. Lead all safety initiatives, onboarding, acculturation, housing & travel. Supervised multiple departments including Company Management Team, Sales & Marketing Team & Box Office Treasurer, Theatre operations.
Company Manager, Awards Committee, Producer 2005- Present
The New York Innovative Awards/ Innovative Theatre Foundation
Involved in all aspects of this non-profit Organization, including event & Awards Ceremony production, appearances and staffing. Created & Implemented Internship Program. Develop, train and manage volunteer staff of over 100, with an 80% retention rate over 10 years, created close working relationship with the Mayor’s office of Volunteers & United Way Program. Manage high profile Awards event logistics, onsite venue & logistics mgmt. work as a liaison to high profile celebrity guests and audience attendees
Founding Artistic Director 2001 -Present
Rising Sun Performance Company
Involved in all aspects of this non-profit performance and theatre organization including: season selection & planning & curation, venue scouting & coordination, auditions, training/education programming, artistic development programming, press & public relations, Box Office process & Website maintenance, Hiring of Staff, Financial planning and record keeping, community outreach, intern recruitment & mentorship, fundraising, audience development, budget management, social media, production management as needed, and directing at least one production per season.
Associate Producer/Production Coordinator Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre 1/2007- 7/2007
Worked on all aspects of Playwright’s Unit 6 month production season. Co-Produced the Staged Reading Series (9 readings) and INSIGHT 13 Series (3 full length Equity Showcase productions within a 3 week time period). Managed a 32 Person Team for Insight 13. Coordinated auditions and interviews for creative & technical staff. Responsible for Offer Letters, Hiring Negotiations and Dismissal/Firing of staff. Prepared contracts and all paperwork for Performers, Directors, and Design & Technical Staff. Worked closely with SSDC & Equity to ensure compliance and proper procedure. Responsible for all petty cash, expense and payroll check requests and distribution. Handled all front of house & box office business. Created and Implemented new production procedures and manual for Insight staff. Managed publicity, oversaw postcard & Program design and production. Created and Implemented Intern Program. Coordinated rehearsal space logistics, scheduling & booking of space. Worked closely with Development Director to create grant proposals and project budgets for Insight 13 and the 2008 Season. Oversaw participation in the Ford Foundation’s Good Neighbor Program. Created Production Resource database for PRTT and production staff. Created Press Database. Maintained Playwrights Unit Mailing list. Provided Detailed Closing Report & Paperwork for Production Season.
Festival General Manager FRIGID New York Seasonal- 2007-2012
Handled daily correspondence and assistance to Festival participants. Assisted with Obtaining Event Sponsorship/Material Donations, Responsible for Recruiting & Managing Volunteer Festival team, Managed all Box office Scheduling & Logistics, Daily Box office payouts to Festival Participants, Created Festival Procedures Manual and conducted Participant Orientations, Conducted Volunteer & Staff Orientations, Training and Manual. Managed day to day festival operations. Managed Street Team. Assisted with Pre-Festival Preparations. Provided detailed close of Festival Report.
Administrative Staff Horse Trade Theater Group 06/2006- 12/07
Responsible for daily operation of three theatres, a liaison for renters, handled any technical issues pre-show/post show for renters, Managed Box office operations, Publicity Tracking, and training office staff.
Contributing Writer & Reviewer: Scene4 Magazine, nytheatre.com, Theatrescene.net
Awards & Recognitions: 7 New York Innovative Theatre Award Nominations and recipient of “Founders” Award for contributions to the Indie Theatre Community . 23 Nominations & Winner of 7 Planet Connection Theatre Festival Awards, two year running recipient of PCTF Congeniality Award Winner of 6 FRIGID Festival Awards
Reports directly to Resident General Manager with focus on the day to day operations of the theatre & business functions including human resources, finance and box office sales. Manage employee relations issues, coordinate company wellness initiatives; maintain all benefits & pension programs, employee records; co-manage accounting and business practices as well as financial and sales goals; prepare financial statements and reports; ensure the accurate execution of payroll processing and staff development. Manage Full company meetings, implementation of new policies; create training & wellness programs, support special appearances & gigs, assist with cross production payroll training, implemented customer service department, handle audience complaints & issues, handle workers compensation & accident reporting. Lead all safety initiatives, onboarding, acculturation, housing & travel. Supervised multiple departments including Company Management Team, Sales & Marketing Team & Box Office Treasurer, Theatre operations.
Company Manager, Awards Committee, Producer 2005- Present
The New York Innovative Awards/ Innovative Theatre Foundation
Involved in all aspects of this non-profit Organization, including event & Awards Ceremony production, appearances and staffing. Created & Implemented Internship Program. Develop, train and manage volunteer staff of over 100, with an 80% retention rate over 10 years, created close working relationship with the Mayor’s office of Volunteers & United Way Program. Manage high profile Awards event logistics, onsite venue & logistics mgmt. work as a liaison to high profile celebrity guests and audience attendees
Founding Artistic Director 2001 -Present
Rising Sun Performance Company
Involved in all aspects of this non-profit performance and theatre organization including: season selection & planning & curation, venue scouting & coordination, auditions, training/education programming, artistic development programming, press & public relations, Box Office process & Website maintenance, Hiring of Staff, Financial planning and record keeping, community outreach, intern recruitment & mentorship, fundraising, audience development, budget management, social media, production management as needed, and directing at least one production per season.
Associate Producer/Production Coordinator Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre 1/2007- 7/2007
Worked on all aspects of Playwright’s Unit 6 month production season. Co-Produced the Staged Reading Series (9 readings) and INSIGHT 13 Series (3 full length Equity Showcase productions within a 3 week time period). Managed a 32 Person Team for Insight 13. Coordinated auditions and interviews for creative & technical staff. Responsible for Offer Letters, Hiring Negotiations and Dismissal/Firing of staff. Prepared contracts and all paperwork for Performers, Directors, and Design & Technical Staff. Worked closely with SSDC & Equity to ensure compliance and proper procedure. Responsible for all petty cash, expense and payroll check requests and distribution. Handled all front of house & box office business. Created and Implemented new production procedures and manual for Insight staff. Managed publicity, oversaw postcard & Program design and production. Created and Implemented Intern Program. Coordinated rehearsal space logistics, scheduling & booking of space. Worked closely with Development Director to create grant proposals and project budgets for Insight 13 and the 2008 Season. Oversaw participation in the Ford Foundation’s Good Neighbor Program. Created Production Resource database for PRTT and production staff. Created Press Database. Maintained Playwrights Unit Mailing list. Provided Detailed Closing Report & Paperwork for Production Season.
Festival General Manager FRIGID New York Seasonal- 2007-2012
Handled daily correspondence and assistance to Festival participants. Assisted with Obtaining Event Sponsorship/Material Donations, Responsible for Recruiting & Managing Volunteer Festival team, Managed all Box office Scheduling & Logistics, Daily Box office payouts to Festival Participants, Created Festival Procedures Manual and conducted Participant Orientations, Conducted Volunteer & Staff Orientations, Training and Manual. Managed day to day festival operations. Managed Street Team. Assisted with Pre-Festival Preparations. Provided detailed close of Festival Report.
Administrative Staff Horse Trade Theater Group 06/2006- 12/07
Responsible for daily operation of three theatres, a liaison for renters, handled any technical issues pre-show/post show for renters, Managed Box office operations, Publicity Tracking, and training office staff.
Contributing Writer & Reviewer: Scene4 Magazine, nytheatre.com, Theatrescene.net
Awards & Recognitions: 7 New York Innovative Theatre Award Nominations and recipient of “Founders” Award for contributions to the Indie Theatre Community . 23 Nominations & Winner of 7 Planet Connection Theatre Festival Awards, two year running recipient of PCTF Congeniality Award Winner of 6 FRIGID Festival Awards