Madison Smith
Chicago
Summary
Director, Producer and Playwright recognized for championing New Work development. Teaching artist well versed in creating lesson plans appropriate for classes at all levels, well-versed in a variety of performance methodologies. Utilizes strategic planning and creative vision to develop and execute compelling artistic programs. Knowledge of team collaboration and leadership to achieve successful and impactful productions.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Founding Artistic Director
Death & Pretzels
04.2014 - 10.2020
- Produced and Directed thirteen productions, 11 of which were Chicago or World Premieres
- Developed D&P's reputation as a New Works focused company and collaborated with playwrights all over the United States and Canada on productions
- Opened Nox Arca, a black-box theater venue of which D&P became the resident company
- Offered Nox Arca as a tiered rental package to other theater companies in Chicago with the goal of providing the most affordable rental in the city, thus creating a more inclusive environment for greater artistic expression by artists who may not otherwise be able to afford to produce work
- Directed day-to-day business operations and made strategic decisions to further organizational goals and fiscal objectives.
- Championed diversity and inclusion efforts within the organization, promoting an inclusive atmosphere both onstage and offstage
- Scheduled seasonal theater productions and engaged actors and stage personnel on seasonal contracts as well as maintained a staff of five permanent team members
- Auditioned, selected and coached actors to execute high-quality performances and enhance production value.
- Increased audience attendance through engaging marketing campaigns that showcased the artistic talent of the ensemble
- Proactively addressed and resolved conflicts within the team, maintaining a harmonious work environment conducive to artistic excellence
Director
Freelance
09.2012 - Current
- Cultivated and maintained positive working relationships with various professionals in the community, including actors, producers, writers, designers and technicians
- Directed productions for a wide variety of theaters, including Community, Store Front and Equity companies
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability
- Collaborated with and lead teams through entire production process as a director or director/playwright
- Developed a reputation as a leader in the development of New Works and directed several Chicago or World Premiere productions
- Established a culture of continuous collaboration by fostering open communication channels and empowering team members to voice their ideas
- Worked regularly with young performers in various educational settings, including circus school and private audition coaching
Teaching Artist
Le Petit Theatre Du Vieux Carre
06.2024 - Current
- Taught classes on Musical Theatre and Advanced Scene Study through the Le Petit Youth Conservatory program
- Planned lessons on exploration of theatrical exercises with a Public Sharing or performance at the class completion to showcase skills learned
- Strengthened critical thinking skills by guiding students through the process of analyzing complex concepts within historical contexts or cultural perspectives.
- Promoted creativity by offering constructive feedback on student artwork, encouraging experimentation and growth in artistic expression.
- Developed and implemented engaging lessons for students in grades 1st through 12th.
Performing Arts Teacher
Raphael Village
07.2023 - Current
- Collaborated with colleagues to plan interdisciplinary units, fostering a well-rounded education in the performing arts.
- Developed a lesson plan of material meant to engaged students with special needs and developmental delays to help them practice social skills and boost confidence
- Managed rehearsal schedules and production timelines, ensuring timely completion of performances without compromising artistic integrity.
- Provided constructive feedback during auditions and rehearsals, guiding students toward improved performance outcomes.
- Enhanced student performance by employing differentiated instruction techniques tailored to individual learning styles.
- Organized successful Community-wide performances, showcasing student talent and fostering a sense of community pride.
- Boosted students'' creative expression through engaging and innovative theater exercises and activities.
Instructor, Theatre
University of New Orleans
08.2022 - Current
- Developed lesson plans based on methodology from Stanislavsky, Meisner, Adler, Viewpoints and Suzuki based on the University's pedological plan of study for students at the undergraduate level
- Exposed students to diverse content to build perspective in drama pedagogy
- Engaged students in in-person, lab style and lecture classes while providing curated supplemental course material to students in their online learning platform, Canvas
- Evaluated student assessments to identify areas of growth and improvement, through in-class performances, testing and in-depth essay writing
- Promoted a positive learning environment by helping to establish each class section as an ensemble, encouraging them to build peer to peer relationships and work collaboratively on performance assignments
- Held in-person and virtual office hours for students currently enrolled in my courses, or for former students seeking additional assistance
Drama Teacher
Actors Gymnasium
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Devised and drafted multiple Youth Circuses to be performed during the Actors Gymnasium summer circus camp
- Directed casts of 30+ children aged 6 to 16
- Encouraged students to perform well and learn from failure.
- Modeled creative acting styles and techniques encompassing varied history genres and performance techniques.
- Improved students' communication skills through targeted public speaking exercises and constructive feedback.
- Implemented diverse teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities among students.
Office Manager
Zeidman & Carpenter
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Point of contact between Cook County Courts system and Zeidman & Carpenter
- Drafting and e-filing of legal documents (wills, court orders, contracts, etc.) using firm templates
- Research on case law to assist attorneys in crafting case arguments
- Calendar Management
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
Office Manager - Part Time
Groundwork Designs
01.2021 - 06.2021
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
- Coordinated office events and meetings, ensuring timely execution and optimal scheduling for all participants.
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient filing systems and organizational strategies.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for cost savings while maintaining high-quality services.
- Facilitated positive work environment, addressing employee concerns promptly and fostering culture of mutual respect.
- Managed scheduling and coordination of all office meetings to ensure smooth operations and minimal conflicts.
Office Manager
Jeff Sciortino Photography
06.2019 - 03.2020
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
- Conducted regular inventory assessments of office supplies, ordering necessary items proactively to prevent stock shortages.
- Coordinated office events and meetings, ensuring timely execution and optimal scheduling for all participants.
Office Manager
Amerigo
11.2018 - 05.2019
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Coordinated office events and meetings, ensuring timely execution and optimal scheduling for all participants.
Administrative Manager
Rising Medical Solutions
10.2016 - 11.2018
- Provided exceptional administrative support for executive-level staff, ensuring that their needs were met promptly and accurately in order to facilitate smooth daily operations.
- Maintained accurate record-keeping systems to ensure easy access to critical information for decision-making purposes.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
- Managed sensitive information discreetly, ensuring proper storage and disposal practices were followed at all times to maintain confidentiality compliance standards.
- Managed complex calendars, coordinating meetings and appointments to maximize executive availability and effectiveness.
- Greeted visitors, employees and clients politely and professionally for excellent reception service.
Education
MFA Directing For Film And Theatre
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA05-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre, Directing And Management
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska, NE05-2012
Skills
- Theatre direction
- Production management
- New works development
- Budget management
- Community engagement
- Creative collaboration
- Lesson planning
- Performance coaching
- Curriculum implementation
- Event planning
Timeline
Teaching Artist
Le Petit Theatre Du Vieux Carre
06.2024 - Current
Performing Arts Teacher
Raphael Village
07.2023 - Current
Instructor, Theatre
University of New Orleans
08.2022 - Current
Drama Teacher
Actors Gymnasium
06.2022 - 08.2022
Office Manager
Zeidman & Carpenter
09.2021 - 05.2022
Office Manager - Part Time
Groundwork Designs
01.2021 - 06.2021
Office Manager
Jeff Sciortino Photography
06.2019 - 03.2020
Office Manager
Amerigo
11.2018 - 05.2019
Administrative Manager
Rising Medical Solutions
10.2016 - 11.2018
Founding Artistic Director
Death & Pretzels
04.2014 - 10.2020
Director
Freelance
09.2012 - Current
MFA Directing For Film And Theatre
University of New Orleans
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre, Directing And Management
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
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