Ricardo Frazer Executive Leadership Program
New Program Start Date
Applications Now Open – Apply by March 26, 2026
Overview
The Ricardo Frazer Executive Leadership Program is a strategic initiative designed to enhance the leadership skills and expand networks of mid-career professionals of historically excluded communities in the performing arts. Now in its third year, the program addresses the persistent underrepresentation of racial diversity by providing participants with the skills, knowledge, and connections to advance into executive leadership roles.
Overview
The Ricardo Frazer Executive Leadership Program is a strategic initiative designed to enhance the leadership skills and expand networks of mid-career professionals of historically excluded communities in the performing arts. Now in its third year, the program addresses the persistent underrepresentation of racial diversity by providing participants with the skills, knowledge, and connections to advance into executive leadership roles.
Program Purpose
Our goal is to foster a new generation of visionary leaders who will shape the future of the performing arts. The program cultivates a more representative and inclusive arts community that celebrates the richness of diverse cultures.
This program is about illuminating and strengthening the leadership that already exists within you. It is not about teaching you how to lead, but about empowering you to harness your inherent strengths and experiences to lead authentically and effectively.
Program Structure
The program runs from February 2026 to November 2026 and includes four immersive institutes (2.5 days each). Each institute combines workshops, leadership advising, and networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders.
2026 Institute Dates
- Institute One: Creating a Leadership Vision – May 27-29, 2026
- Institute Two: Deepening Leadership Capacities –Aug 12-14, 2026
- Institute Three: Learning from Success Stories – Nov 18-20, 2026
- Institute Four: Integrating Knowledge & Action; Creating a Plan – Feb 24-26, 2027
Institute Schedule:
- Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Networking
Participants will have numerous opportunities to connect with peers, advisors, and industry leaders — building relationships that extend well beyond the program year.
Networking
Participants will have numerous opportunities to connect with peers, advisors, and industry leaders — building relationships that extend well beyond the program year.
Expectations
Participants are expected to:
- Attend all scheduled program activities
- Actively contribute to discussions and exercises
- Complete assignments and pre-work on time
- Support a positive and inclusive learning environment
Application Process
To apply, please submit:
- Completed application form
- Current resume
- Personal statement (500–750 words) on what arts and culture mean to you and how they connect to your career goals and aspirations.
- Letter of recommendation or support
- Print-ready photo
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: Nov 15, 2025
- Notification of Acceptance: Dec 15, 2025
- Program Start Date: Feb 25, 2026
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: March 26, 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: April 16, 2026
- Program Start Date: May 27, 2026
Eligibility
Applicants should be:
- Early, emerging, or mid-career leaders in arts & culture, entertainment, music, events programming, radio, festivals, or related fields
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing arts and culture
- Current residents of Washington State
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow as a leader in the arts and culture sector.
Contact Information
- Aaron Reader
- Email: aaronr@stgpresents.org
- Phone: 206.623.0696
Ricardo Frazer Executive Leadership Program
2025
Overview: The Ricardo Frazer Executive Leadership Program is a strategic initiative designed to enhance the leadership capacities and networks of mid-career professionals of historically excluded communities in the performing arts industry. Now in its second year, the program builds on the success of its inaugural cohort, addressing the persistent underrepresentation of racial diversity by equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to progress in leadership positions.
Program Purpose: The program aims to foster a new generation of visionary leaders who will drive transformative change and shape the future of the performing arts. By prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) principles, we strive to cultivate a more representative and inclusive arts community that celebrates and champions the richness of our diverse cultures.
Empowering Existing Leadership: This program is about illuminating and strengthening the leadership capabilities and skills that already exist within. It’s not about “let us show you how to lead,” but rather about empowering you to harness your inherent strengths and experiences to lead effectively and authentically.
Program Structure: Running from February 2025 to November 2025, the program offers an immersive curriculum that delves into various facets of leadership excellence. Participants will engage in a series of comprehensive workshops spread over four institutes, each lasting 2.5 days:
Institute Dates:
- Institute One: Creating a Leadership Vision: February 26-28, 2025
- Institute Two: Deepening Leadership Capacities – Theory & Practice: May 21-23, 2025
- Institute Three: Learning From Success Stories: August 13-15, 2025
- Institute Four: Integrating Theory, Practice & Personal Knowledge; Creating a Plan: November 5-7, 2025
- New application deadline: December 13, 2024
Institute Schedule:
- Wednesday: 10am to 5pm
- Thursday: 10am to 5pm
- Friday: 10am to 1pm
Participants will benefit from one-on-one sessions with Leadership Advisors from the performing arts sector. These advisors will provide personalized guidance, share their experiences, and support participants in their professional growth, helping them navigate the challenges of leadership and career development.
Networking: The program offers numerous networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with peers and industry leaders, fostering relationships that extend beyond the program’s duration.
Expectations and Commitments: As a participant, you are expected to:
- Attend all scheduled program activities.
- Actively participate in discussions and exercises.
- Complete any pre-work or assignments on time.
- Respect and contribute to a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Application Process: To apply, please submit the following materials:
- Completed application form.
- Current resume.
- Personal statement (500-750 words) on your vision for leadership in the arts and your career aspirations.
- Letter of recommendation or support.
- Print-ready photo.
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: Dec. 13, 2024
- Notification of Acceptance: Jan. 10, 2025
- Program Start Date: Feb. 26, 2025
Eligibility Criteria: If you are…
- An early, emerging, or mid-career leader in the fields of arts & culture, entertainment, music, events programming, radio, festivals, etc.
- Demonstrated commitment to arts and culture
- Washington resident
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow as a leader in the arts and culture sector. Apply today!
Contact Information
- Aaron Reader
- Email: aaronr@stgpresents.org
- Phone: 206.623.0696
BIPOC Executive Leadership in the Arts Program
Seattle Theatre Group is part of the Live Arts Center of North America (LACNA) and was an active partner in the inaugural BIPOC Executive Leadership in the Arts Program in the spring of 2021. It is the first program of its kind designed to accelerate the development of leadership skills among mid-career BIPOC professionals in the arts, transform the culture of artistic organizations, and diversify their leadership. A major goal of the program is to strengthen executive leadership capacities and networks of BIPOC professionals to lead large civic cultural organizations into the future. Each program fellow will benefit from a multifaceted and experienced-based curriculum with five key components including training on leadership theory and practice, residencies-in-practice at participating performing arts centers, one-on-one leadership coaching, networking opportunities and participation in a leadership summit.
STG’s own Marisol Sanchez Best, Director of Education and Community Engagement, has this to say about her experience. “I am honored to have participated in the inaugural year of the BIPOC c-suite leadership program. During my time with the program, I met a network of strong national leaders that undoubtedly will change the landscape of our industry with their innovative ideas and passion for the arts. I leave the program feeling inspired to continue strengthening and building on my leadership skills.”
Marisol was able to visit San Francisco – Stanford, Schenectady, NY – Proctors Collaborative, Miami – Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center, Denver – Denver Performing Arts Center, and Washington DC- Kennedy Center. “Visiting each city provided me with experiences that were unique to each location. All those that hosted, opened their venues and imparted knowledge, provided me with invaluable experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my career. I leave the program feeling inspired and honored by the depth and thoughtfulness of the program.” said Sánchez-Best.
Seattle Theatre Group also participated in hosting fellow Dacquiri Baptiste, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Orpheum Theater Group in Memphis Tenn., for the inaugural BIPOC Executive Leadership in the Arts Program.