Staff Spotlight: Ryan French, Managing Director
Posted on October 10, 2025
Behind every bit of magic that happens on stage, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to make it possible. This month, we’re shining our Staff Spotlight on Managing Director Ryan French, who leads the administrative and operational side of CTC. From shaping long-term strategy to celebrating those everyday moments of impact, Ryan shares insight into his role, his leadership philosophy, and what inspires him most about working at CTC.
CTC: What does your job involve?
RF: The short answer is: None of the artistic or production responsibilities that fall to the artistic director. In truth, the managing director leads the administrative operations for a theatre company. While this can vary by theatre, at CTC it includes finance, building operations, education, human resources, DEI, legal affairs, fundraising, marketing, and front of house. I also work closely with CTC’s Board of Directors, government entities, and community partners.
CTC: How do you balance the day-to-day responsibilities of running CTC with planning for the future?
RF: The key to successfully co-leading a theatre like CTC comes down to three things: 1) having a great partner in an artistic director like Rick; 2) building a team of smart and passionate staff; and 3) learning how to prioritize the most important and impactful things while still leaving room for some fun! With those pieces in place, it’s possible to tackle what’s in front of us today while charting a bold vision for tomorrow.
CTC: How would you describe your own vision for CTC, through this season and beyond?
RF: I start with an abundance mindset. I believe that we can do more with others than on our own. We’re looking to get more people involved with CTC, whether that’s audience members, families engaging in our Theatre Arts Training, or donors investing in our future. Together, we can make a long-term, sustainable impact. The future is bright for CTC, and I’m excited to be a part of this new chapter.
CTC: What is your favorite thing about your role?
RF: I can’t pick just one. I love the variety, the collaboration with others—both with staff and within the community—the big moments and the small ones, and of course, I love seeing the magic come together day after day. I’m very fortunate to work with such talented people and have a role that brings all of these elements together.
CTC: What do you love most about CTC?
RF: My favorite thing about my work at CTC goes back to the impact we have on young people’s lives. The most powerful measures of that, in my mind, are the individual stories I hear from parents or kids themselves. There is nothing like a school group’s collective “wow” when they enter the theatre, or walking out next to a family chattering about what they learned in summer camp that day. That’s really powerful, and real impact!