Laura Lee Everett

Bio:

Laura Lee Everett is an accomplished arts executive with more than two decades of experience in complex professional and training settings. A proven leader in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and access for all, she is committed to breaking down barriers within systemic structures in the arts and institutions. Driven by a passion for supporting artists in all modes of creation and storytelling, she is recognized for artistic excellence, the pursuit of new initiatives, and strengthening organizations. She has a demonstrated dedication to discovering, nurturing, and facilitating the development and careers of multidisciplinary creative artists.

As Executive Director for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) she oversees a $3+M budget facilitating member services and training for designers, technicians, and makers across all aspects of theater and performing arts. Everett leads programming and hosting the USITT annual Conference and Stage Expo offered professional development opportunities for over 5,000 attendees through 461 educational sessions, 10 hands-on labs, and 4 days of networking, career fairs, and community building. This year has built out 3 fully funded grant/award programs for theater designers and makers, along with the new USITT Pathways Mentorship program in partnership with HBCUs, offering the first Glerum Rigging Safety Training offered in Spanish, launching USITT Training Grounds in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, and creating the Accessibility Network for our members. 

At OPERA America, she produced the Opera America Songbook, created the programming series Onstage at the Opera Center, launched the IDEA Grants and IDEA Residencies for BIPOC creators, and developed the Opera Grants for Women Composers programs. She headed the Women’s Opera Network, which manages resources and leads programs addressing gender parity in the arts and women in leadership roles at U.S. opera companies. Everett facilitated artistic networks for technical/production, artist training, artistic administration, and new American works across the world of opera.

Everett’s prior experience includes a 10-year stint as head of the Maryland Opera Studio (University of Maryland) and 20-years as a stage and production manager specializing in opera/musical theatre and in this capacity has overseen productions and worked with many of the leading companies across the U.S.