Meet 2024 Arts Management alumnus Samba Pathak, now Administration and Operations Manager at Theater Alliance and a freelance stage manager in the DMV. With a passion for theater and a background in marketing, production, and community engagement, he seamlessly blends creativity with strategic management. Through his work, he ensures the success of productions while fostering meaningful artistic experiences. Read on to learn how Samba is making an impact in theater and arts management
Q: When did you graduate and what is your current position?
A: I graduated from the Arts Management Program at George Mason University in Spring 2024. Following graduation, I am currently the Administration and Operations Manager of Theater Alliance and a freelance stage manager in the DMV.
Q: Why did you decide to study arts management and how did the program help you with your first job?
A: I’ve been interested in Arts Management since high school through involvement in my theater department. While in the department, I served as the first student Chief of Marketing and Publicity, where I started to get determined in rebuilding the website, social media profiles, and fostering relationships between different theater departments across the county. After being able to work on that for three years, I knew I wanted something in this arts admin realm as my career. I began my undergraduate degree at Mason studying Theatre and honing my craft as a stage manager where I was able to participate in the Bachelors-Accelerated Masters (BAM) pathway and stay for one additional year to execute my MA in Arts Management as well.
Q: What projects, research, or work are you involved with in your current role(s)?
A: In my current role at Theater Alliance, I am directly and indirectly involved with oversight of company operations from the day-to-day revolving around production, marketing, advancement, finance, and HR capacities.
Q: What does a typical day of work look like for you?
A: A typical day as an arts manager is a blend of strategic planning, logistical coordination, and creative problem-solving. My work often includes keeping track of our company calendar, managing show budgets, coordinating with/contracting artists and staff, and overseeing some community engagement and rental efforts. Depending on the day, I might be in meetings with stakeholders, reviewing production needs, working on marketing initiatives, or troubleshooting last-minute challenges in a production. It’s a dynamic role that requires adaptability and a deep understanding of both the artistic and operational sides of an organization.
Q: What keeps you passionate about the arts and arts management?
A: The transformative power of storytelling is what keeps me passionate. Theater can challenge perspectives, spark conversations, and build community. As an arts manager, I love being a facilitator—helping artists bring their vision to life while ensuring audiences have meaningful experiences. The collaborative nature of theater, combined with its potential to address social issues, makes the work deeply fulfilling.
Q: Did you always grow up surrounded by the arts?
A: Yes, in many ways, the arts were always present in my life. I grew up watching Bollywood movies, where music, dance, and storytelling blended seamlessly to create larger-than-life narratives. My house was constantly filled with music—whether it was the sounds of my parents playing classic songs or other cultural influences that shaped my appreciation for rhythm and melody. While I didn’t initially see myself working in the arts, I later realized that creativity is woven into every field. My time in public health taught me that the arts can be transposed into any space—they are not confined to theaters or galleries. In my work with students and clinics, I saw how storytelling, communication, and creative problem-solving played a vital role in patient care, education, and advocacy. That realization solidified my belief that the arts are not just for entertainment but are a powerful tool for connection, healing, and change.
Q: What is something you wish you had known when you first started the program?
A: I wish I had known how important flexibility and resilience are in this field. Arts management requires a balance of structure and adaptability—plans can change quickly due to funding shifts, artistic needs, or unforeseen circumstances. I also think that it’s important to remember that the arts are a business, but it has a special touch where its impact can soar and requires that resiliency in order to keep the business out of the red. Learning to navigate uncertainty with confidence and creativity is key. I also wish I had recognized sooner the importance of building strong relationships; collaboration is at the heart of arts management, and having a network of supportive colleagues makes all the difference.
Q: What do you tell people an “Arts Manager” does?
A: I usually say that an arts manager is the bridge between the creativity and logistical mind. We make sure that artists can focus on their craft while handling the behind-the-scenes work—budgets, schedules, marketing, audience engagement, fundraising, and operations. Essentially, we bring the vision to life by ensuring the resources and support systems are in place for artistic success. That’s operations in a nutshell!