Clayton Lord Departs TBA
for Washington, D.C. by / Theatre Bay Area Staff

Today we announce the departure of director of communications and audience development Clayton Lord, who has accepted the position of vice president of local arts advancement for the national service and arts advocacy organization Americans for the Arts in Washington, D.C. Lord, who has been with Theatre Bay Area since 2007, will depart effective February 20.

“While we are of course sad to see Clay go, we look forward to seeing what sorts of great things await him on the national stage,” said Theatre Bay Area executive director Brad Erickson. “His programs, including the intrinsic impact research program and the Bay Area Arts and Culture Census, have become core components of our services to the field, and we look forward to continuing them in his stead.”

During his tenure at Theatre Bay Area, Lord spearheaded several initiatives that tackled major issue areas in the arts field, including impact measurement, diversity, strategy, advocacy, public goodwill, perception and the psychology of artsgoing. He was the editor and project manager for Theatre Bay Area’s first book-length research report, the landmark publication “Counting New Beans: Intrinsic Impact and the Value of Art.” In his new position, Lord will be responsible for developing and executing all Americans for the Arts programs and services that strengthen and validate local arts agencies and the many other individuals and organizations that advance arts, culture and artists at the local level.

 “I am deeply indebted to Brad and the whole staff of Theatre Bay Area, as well as to this incredibly vital theatre community, for their support and guidance these past five years,” said Lord. “I will be forever grateful for the opportunities Theatre Bay Area has afforded me, and look forward to new opportunities and challenges in working with local arts agencies and service organizations across the United States.”

The search for a new director of communications is ongoing, but should be completed within the month. Lord, who started as the coordinator of the Free Night of Theater program in 2007 and rose within the organization to oversee marketing, communications, audience development, research and advertising, will continue to serve in a consulting capacity to ensure a smooth transition.