Paula Abreu discusses her comprehensive approach to cultural curation at the McCarter Theatre Center

Art Works Podcast

A conversation with Director of Presented Programming at the McCarter Theatre Center Paula Abreu halfway through her first season on the job! Abreu took over from her predecessor Bill Lockwood who ran the program for 60 (yes, 60) years. We discuss the balance between honoring his legacy and introducing her own vision, some history about the McCarter Theatre Center, its connection to Princeton University, and its unique role as a cultural powerhouse. (The McCarter Theater Center is known not just as one of the country’s leading regional theaters but also as a performing arts center presenting music, dance, spoken word and more) We talk about the process behind planning a season of presented programming, ensuring diversity in art forms, and the representation of different communities, how the two strands of programming at the McCarter coordinate to create a cohesive season, and the importance of partnerships on and off campus in enhancing cultural experiences and creating deeper connections. We also discuss Abreu’s journey from Brazil, experience as an industrial engineer, years of traveling and living around the world, on her masters’ degree in performing arts administration, subsequent work at NYC’s Summer Stage and the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival and how all these diverse experiences inform her approach to programming. She also shares her approach to taking calculated risks in selecting shows and artists and the challenge of planning for both the immediate and future seasons.