Sarah K. Chaplin a 22-year veteran of arts administration and leadership, begins her role as the seventh President and Chief Executive Officer of the historic State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick, NJ. Chaplin comes to the State Theatre from The National Theatre Corporation in Washington, DC, where she served for three-and-a-half years as the Executive Director.
“We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the State Theatre family,” said Scott Fergang, Chair of the State Theatre New Jersey Board of Trustees. “Sarah has a true passion for the arts and with her dedication and proven record as an arts manager, she is an exemplary leader to help guide the State Theatre into this exciting new chapter.”
As State Theatre President and CEO, Sarah Chaplin will set the artistic vision of the theater; create and direct strategic plans; oversee day-to-day operations; and continue to strengthen the financial position of the organization through fundraising, sales, investments, and ancillary revenue streams. She will also lead board development, along with the executive and nominating committees. Chaplin will work closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure that the State Theatre remains a vibrant institution for the benefit of the people of Middlesex County and the entire region. (continue below video)
“I am honored to lead this wonderful, historic institution and I look forward to working with the dedicated staff, board, and many partners across the state to help further the State Theatre’s mission of serving New Jersey’s diverse population as a vibrant performing arts center in the cultural heart of New Brunswick,” said Chaplin.
Since 2015, Chaplin has served as the Executive Director of The National Theatre Corporation in Washington, DC. In her role at The National Theatre, Chaplin worked on the revitalization of the historic venue through strategic planning, brand identity, and capital improvements. During her tenure, Chaplin increased income by 40%, which included the first major grants from the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities in the organization’s history. Through strong financial management focused on revenue generation and expense control, the organization finished FY17 with an operating surplus for the first time in almost a decade. Chaplin also led capital improvement projects which included a $1.5M replacement of the theater’s rope-and-sandbag rigging system during the summer of 2017.
