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Abigail Cady
Foundation Relations Manager at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater
Professional Background
Abigail Cady is a talented freelance dramaturg and theatre administrator based in the vibrant theatre scenes of Baltimore, MD, and Washington, DC. With a rich tapestry of experience and a deep passion for the performing arts, Abigail has made a significant impact on various theatre companies throughout her career. Her dedication lies in developing meaningful relationships with theatre artists, providing insightful research, and guiding them in their artistic choices to enhance the quality of their work.
Abigail has collaborated with numerous acclaimed theatre organizations, contributing her dramaturgical skills to productions at Single Carrot Theatre, Cohesion Theatre Company, Annex Theatre, Interrobang Theatre, Iron Crow Theatre, and The Strand Theatre. Notably, she serves on the Advisory Committee for Cohesion Theatre Company, where she leads the annual Playwrights Fellowship, a program dedicated to nurturing new play development. Currently, she is recognized for her role as the Production Dramaturg for the anticipated play "Pink Milk" by Ariel Zetina, directed by Ben Kleymeyer at Single Carrot Theatre.
Beyond her theatre work, Abigail holds a vital position as the Foundation Relations Manager at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, where she leverages her expertise to foster relationships with foundations and support the artistic initiatives of the institution. Her previous roles in various capacities at prominent theatres have enriched her understanding of the entire spectrum of theater administration, from development to education.
Education and Achievements
Abigail's academic foundation is as impressive as her professional endeavors. She earned a Master’s Degree in Literary and Cultural Studies from the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University. Her education also includes a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Miami University of Ohio. The rigorous training she received has equipped her with the analytical skills and creative mindset essential for her roles in theatre.
Throughout her career, Abigail has accumulated a wealth of experience in theatre administration and production. She began her journey as an Education Apprentice at Everyman Theatre in Baltimore during the 2017/18 season, honing her skills as a Teaching Artist and gaining firsthand experience in the inner workings of a theatre. Her internships in the literary departments of both Goodman Theatre in Chicago and City Theatre Company in Pittsburgh laid the groundwork for her understanding of dramaturgy, while her positions as a front-of-house associate at these theatres provided her with invaluable customer service experience and a holistic view of the theatrical landscape.
Abigail's commitment to the arts is evident in her ongoing endeavors to contribute her skills to diverse theatre projects while advocating for artists and the power of storytelling. Her proactive engagement in the community serves to highlight her dedication to fostering a vibrant cultural environment wherein both artists and audiences thrive.
Achievements
In addition to her hands-on experience at established theatres, Abigail has played an integral role in various capacities that highlight her administrative acumen and artistic insights. As the Development Assistant at Arena Stage, she has been critical to the organization's fundraising efforts and community outreach programs. Her previous role as the Interim Development Associate at Everyman Theatre further exemplifies her ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic environments.
Abigail's contributions to the theatre extend to her time at the Horticulture Playwrights Workshop, where she held the position of Director. This role allowed her to directly influence the exploration of new works and support playwrights in their creative processes.
Her diverse experience ranges from being a Ticket Agent at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to serving as a Box Office Associate at City Theatre Company. Furthermore, her background also includes valuable roles such as Literary and Dramaturgy Intern at both the Goodman Theatre and City Theatre Company, where she enhanced her research skills and dramaturgical knowledge, solidifying her standing as an expert in her field.
Ultimately, Abigail Cady stands out as a dedicated and passionate advocate for the performing arts. Whether working backstage as a dramaturg, managing development initiatives, or guiding new playwrights through their creative journey, Abigail’s comprehensive skill set and unwavering commitment elevate the theatre community around her. With her unique blend of creativity, analytical skills, and dedication to fostering artistic growth, Abigail continues to make a lasting impact in the world of theatre.