The decline story is the easy one to write. Today’s feed makes the case for the other one — where culture is building, the rooms are full. Start in Istanbul, where Argentine tango has found a huge, fervent following, with milonga clubs and dance schools multiplying across the city (AP). In Los Angeles, the Hollywood Fringe just drew a record number of participants and is set to break even for the first time in years — perhaps evidence behind the old boast that “L.A. is a theater town” (MSN)?

Reinvention runs backward, too: in Palermo, director Emma Dante revived Sicilian dialect theatre and is now collecting a Golden Lion for it (The New York Times).

Two more to enjoy: how Gaudí engineered the Sagrada Família to stand without flying buttresses, which he dismissed as “crutches” (BBC), and a forgotten Tolkien translation surfacing in Oxford’s Bodleian after decades in the stacks (MSN).

Doug

The passionate ballroom dance of Buenos Aires and Montevideo has found a large, equally passionate base of fans in Istanbul, where a multitude of milonga clubs, dance studios and schools have arisen to support a vibrant tango scene. – AP

Rau’s trials — with real witnesses and arguments, followed by symbolic judgments — have put Gisèle Pelicot’s rapists, mining companies in the Congo, and the Russian jurists who prosecuted Pussy Riot in the dock. But when Rau invited controversial billionaire Peter Thiel for a tribunal, stakeholders rebelled. – The Guardian

How much do we want the internet to be television? A good gimmick for social-media content doesn’t automatically translate to interesting TV, a medium that many of us enjoy precisely because it doesn’t live or die by an algorithmic social-media feed. – The New Yorker

A new generation – of concert-goers as well as performers – are essential to classical music’s future. Would a Ryan Wigglesworth born today still become a musician? Are the networks and resources still in place? Wigglesworth thinks not. It’s a problem he’s navigating first-hand with his own children. – The Guardian

Our reigning cultural ideology has been poptimism—the idea that if a lot of people like a work of art, then it has to be good. Now sloptimism, which holds that if there’s a lot of art out there and people are engaging with it then how bad can it be? – The New Yorker

Emma Dante, who will receive the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement at this year’s Venice Theatre Biennale, led a revival of interest in dialect plays in Sicily in the ‘00s, and she’s staged works in Neapolitan and Apulian as well.  Then, last year, she up and moved to Rome. – The New York Times

This year’s event has a record number of participants, and is set to break even after operating at a loss for the last two years. The motto “L.A. is a theater town” is emblazoned on posters and T-shirts all over the festival, featuring thousands of artists in nearly 500 live performances. – Los Angeles Times (MSN)

For decades, the beautiful game depended on the human eye: a scout on the sideline, attentively watching, waiting for that something special. That process, however, is becoming increasingly data-driven. – The Conversation

As seen in a viral video posted to Instagram on Tuesday, Wembanyama and his sister Eve, who also plays professional basketball, but in Europe, were spotted in Gramercy Park, one of just two private parks in New York City, sketching a statue of Edwin Booth. – ARTnews

The great Barcelona architect despised flying buttresses, especially in 20th-century neo-Gothic architecture, calling them “crutches” for a building that couldn’t support its own weight. To keep the walls and towers of his masterpiece church standing tall, he relied on an even older architectural feature, one that dates back to antiquity. – BBC

What used to be a novelty has now become a core staple of symphonic programming in the United States: live soundtracks, performances in which an orchestra plays while a movie screens overhead. – The New York Times

A huge share of STEM and economics faculty across the UC system is now in open revolt—demanding that California’s public universities at least look at standardized-test scores before offering admission. – The Atlantic

It was an AI-manipulated version of the band’s 2019 single “Angels Above Me,” sped up with a tweaked lead vocal and a dance-music kick drum. Stick Figure wasn’t mentioned anywhere, but someone was making thousands of dollars off its viral success. – Los Angeles Times

“He focused on kinetic sculpture … and the geometric optical illusions of Op Art, infusing them with regional influences” — he was Argentine, though he spent his adult life in Paris — “and often overtly political content, … pioneer(ing) a form of socially conscious, audience-friendly sculpture and vibrantly colorful, politically engaged painting.” – The New York Times

Millions have already been spent on planning and architectural design for a new home for the Deutsche Oper am Rhein, and total costs for the project were capped at a projected €1 billion (which few people believed). Now the mayor says the money simply isn’t there. – The Violin Channel

What most respondents considered negative was the effort itself. One visitor called it “un-American.” Another criticized the idea of “having Americans call in and snitch on each other.” One person wrote, “Hey Donald Trump! Trying to erase history doesn’t mean it didn’t still happen!” – AP

“A key challenge will be finding a buyer who wouldn’t present a conflict of interest.” How so? – TheWrap (Yahoo!)

“For decades, the relationship between artists and audiences was heavily mediated and nurtured by newspaper critics, classical radio hosts, record-store owners, etc. — They made the music findable and meaningful. I call that layer the civic middleware of culture, and over the past twenty years it has largely collapsed.” – Bachtrack

“The deal struck between the Directors Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers came four weeks after talks began.” – AP

“The Lord of the Rings author’s translation of a medieval religious text from the early 13th century had lain forgotten in the Bodleian Libraries’ collections until now. His reworking of Sawles Warde, an early Middle English prose homily, which he titled Soul’s Ward …, is to be published for the first time.” – The Telegraph (UK)

The Executive Director will serve as the Historic Paramount Theatre’s (Paramount) senior administrative and strategic leader, driving daily operations, stewarding finances, supervising staff, and partnering with the Board of Directors while keeping the theatre active, stable, and deeply connected to Abilene. This person will maintain the Paramount’s programming model, build strong civic and cultural relationships, work closely with the Chief Financial Officer on budgeting and cash flow, and lead the creation of the organization’s first strategic plan.

They will be a dynamic, community minded ambassador who brings strong communication skills, sound financial judgment, and collaborative leadership to development, programming, and external relations. This leader will strengthen donor and foundation relationships, oversee grants, sponsorships, restoration projects, marketing, and programming, and advance a refreshed artistic direction that reduces dark days, broadens audiences, and deepens the Paramount’s civic impact. They will guide planning for the 2030 centennial and champion accessible programming that welcomes new audiences and supports downtown revitalization.

Organization

Designed and built in 1930 by architect David Castle, the Historic Paramount Theatre is one of West Texas’s most treasured cultural landmarks. A stunning example of the nostalgic “atmospheric” movie palace, the theatre was created during an era when attending the cinema was intended to be a grand and immersive experience. The main auditorium was designed to resemble a Spanish/Moorish courtyard at night, complete with drifting projected clouds, twinkling stars, and a neon-lit sky that transported audiences to another world.

Restored in 1987 and renovated to accommodate live theatre performances, the Paramount has evolved into a vibrant multidisciplinary performing arts venue serving the Abilene community and surrounding region. Today, the theatre hosts a broad range of programming, including concerts, film screenings, ballet, opera, touring productions, comedy performances, educational programming, and community events. For nearly 100 years, the Paramount has remained a defining entertainment destination and an enduring symbol of the cultural life of West Texas.

The theatre’s programming is intentionally broad and diverse. Each year features between 150 and 170 nights of live performances or active rental use. Numerous local nonprofit organizations utilize the Paramount as their performance home, and facility rentals remain a significant source of earned revenue. Though originally constructed as a movie palace, films continue to be screened throughout the year. Paramount Productions has presented an annual summer musical for more than 30 years and produces a children’s musical each January. Since 2020, the theatre has also produced twice-yearly cabaret performances that have become highly popular with audiences. In 2022, the organization expanded its focus on touring concerts and stand-up comedy events; what began as a goal of four touring presentations in the first year grew to more than 30 such events in 2025. Additional earned revenue is generated through concessions and bar sales.

Recent upgrades and restoration projects demonstrate the organization’s ongoing commitment to preserving and modernizing the facility. Improvements include a new downstairs concessions area and bar (2025), expansion into the adjacent Wooten Hotel for additional office space (2024), complete LED stage lighting replacement (2025), mezzanine chair replacement (2023), installation of a new house audio system (2021), and a new digital projector (2021). In summer 2026, the theatre will undertake a nearly $400,000 marquee replacement project featuring a new LED marquee system. A donor-funded architectural lighting and safety enhancement project totaling approximately $1.5 million is also underway.

The Paramount has a 17-member board of directors led by Chair Ronalyn Sutphen. The Executive Director reports to the board of directors and oversees six full-time staff members and 40 part-time staff members. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, Paramount reported total revenue of $2.1 million, including 49% from contributions and 51% from earned revenue sources. The projected revenue for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, is $1.7 million, including 54% from contributions and 46% from earned revenue sources.

Sources: edited from paramountabilene.com; propublica.org

Community

Located in the heart of West Texas, Abilene is a mid-sized city of approximately 125,000 residents known for its welcoming atmosphere, strong civic identity, and rich historical heritage. Founded during the cattle-drive era of the late nineteenth century, the city has grown into a regional center for education, healthcare, commerce, and military service while maintaining the character of a close-knit community. Abilene is home to three universities: Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, and McMurry University, which contribute significantly to the city’s educational and cultural vitality. The community is also deeply connected to Dyess Air Force Base, one of only two U.S. installations that house the B-1 Bomber, making military tradition and service an important part of local identity.

Abilene offers residents a high quality of life with affordable living, family-oriented neighborhoods, and a growing downtown district that has become a center for dining, entertainment, and cultural activity. Recreational attractions include the Abilene Zoo, Frontier Texas!, and the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, alongside a broad network of parks, trails, and community amenities maintained by the City of Abilene. Ongoing downtown revitalization efforts, including the Cypress Street Improvement Project and the Downtown Pedestrian Plaza, continue to strengthen the city’s walkability, economic vitality, and appeal as a regional destination for arts, culture, and tourism. Community events, festivals, and arts programming contribute to an active civic environment, and the city is widely regarded as one of the best places in Texas to raise a family due to its strong schools, engaged community, and accessible lifestyle.

Sources: abilenetx.gov; census.gov

Roles and Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Administration

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the organization’s operations, staff, and programming.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate all full-time staff members.
• Foster a collaborative and mission-driven organizational culture.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable licensing and regulatory requirements, including TABC regulations.
• Embrace other organizational leadership and administration responsibilities as needed.

Financial Management

• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to develop and present the annual operating budget for board approval each March.
• Oversee implementation of and adherence to the approved budget.
• Work closely with the Board and CFO to manage organizational cash flow and steward banking reserves.
• Review and approve all company expenditures, with expenditures over $5,000 requiring a second signature from the Board.
• Work with staff to establish pricing for goods and services and determine inventory and merchandise offerings.
• Embrace other financial management responsibilities as needed.

Governance & Board Relations

• Prepare for and participate in all meetings of the Board of Directors, including providing timely reports, recommendations, and updates on organizational operations and strategic priorities.
• Implement directives and policies established by the Board of Directors.
• Engage and support board members in fundraising initiatives, long-range planning, and organizational strategy.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Paramount and the building owners.
• Embrace other governance and board-relations responsibilities as needed.

Programming & Artistic Oversight

• Lead the programming, negotiation, and contracting for Paramount Road Shows and other live performances presented by the organization.
• Oversee film programming, including selections made by committees and staff.
• Ensure programming aligns with the mission, audience interests, and financial goals of the Paramount.
• Embrace other programming and artistic oversight responsibilities as needed.

Development & Fundraising

• Serve as the organization’s primary development contact.
• Oversee grant funding strategies, donor cultivation and stewardship, and corporate sponsorship relationships.
• Support and guide fundraising initiatives in partnership with staff and the Board of Directors.
• Embrace other development and fundraising responsibilities as needed.

Marketing & Community Relations

• Produce, oversee, or approve all marketing and promotional materials and campaigns.
• Represent the Paramount within the community and serve as the primary spokesperson at public events, partnerships, and community engagements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with patrons, community stakeholders, donors, sponsors, and partner organizations.
• Embrace other marketing and community relations responsibilities as needed.

Facilities & Capital Improvements

• Identify, secure funding for, and oversee all restoration, maintenance, and capital improvement projects related to the Paramount.
• Ensure the long-term preservation and operational functionality of the Paramount.
• Embrace other facilities and capital improvements responsibilities as needed.

Traits and Characteristics

The Executive Director will be an engaging and people-oriented leader who values communication, collaboration, and relationship-building across a broad range of stakeholders. This individual will demonstrate versatility and adaptability, navigating frequent change and shifting priorities with confidence and ease. Grounded in intuition, experience, and thoughtful decision-making, the Executive Director will bring a harmonious and balanced leadership style that fosters trust and stability within the organization. The Executive Director will also be resourceful and receptive, combining practical problem-solving skills with openness to new ideas, opportunities, and innovative approaches that advance Paramount’s mission and long-term success.

Other key competencies include:

• Personal Accountability and Diplomacy – The capacity to be answerable for personal actions and effectively and tactfully handle difficult or sensitive issues.
• Time and Priority Management – The ability to prioritize and complete tasks in order to deliver desired outcomes within allotted time frames.
• Leadership – The capability to organize and influence people to believe in a vision while creating a sense of purpose and direction.
• Teamwork – The aptitude to cooperate with others to meet objectives.
• Decision Making – The faculty to analyze all aspects of a situation to make consistently sound and timely decisions.
• Problem Solving and Resiliency – The competence to quickly recover from adversity and solve problems effectively.

Qualifications

Two to three years of senior leadership experience in a historic theatre, professional arts organization, or relevant business setting are expected. A bachelor’s degree in the arts or a related field is preferred. The ability to build and sustain a high performing team is essential, as is experience with fundraising at varying levels. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the capacity to represent the Paramount to diverse audiences and donors, are important. If you do not meet all the qualifications but possess transferable or equivalent skills, experience, or education, we encourage you to apply and highlight those areas.

Compensation and Benefits

The Paramount provides a competitive and equitable compensation package with an estimated salary range of $110,000 to $125,000. Benefits include paid time off and comprehensive employee support programs designed to promote work-life balance and long-term financial wellness. Full-time employees receive 12 vacation days annually, with additional accrual based on years of service, along with 12 sick days per year. Health insurance premiums for employee-only coverage are paid 100% by Paramount, with eligibility beginning on the first of the month after 60 days of service. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in a 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% employer match after 90 days of employment.

Applications and Inquiries

To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please click here or visit ArtsConsulting.com/OpenSearches. For questions or general inquiries about this job opportunity, please contact:

Flora Stamatiades, Vice President
Tel (888) 234.4236 Ext. 238
Email HistoricParamount@ArtsConsulting.com

The Historic Paramount Theatre is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and experiences.

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“A sign of the nation’s complete engulfing by war was the presence of so many soldiers on the stages; writers who had become soldiers, soldiers who had become writers. The Russia-Ukraine war has dragged on so grievously, and for so long, that entire publishing cycles have turned since 2022.” – The Guardian