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Deana K.

Translating Creative Chaos into Operational Excellence

At the intersection of artistry and operations, I've spent my career building the bridge between creative vision and practical execution. With a robust background in musical theatre and entertainment, I excel in transforming complex ideas into seamless productions. My expertise spans stage management, event planning, and production management, ensuring every performance is a success. Beyond the stage, I bring strong leadership and analytical skills to nonprofit organizations, enhancing their operational efficiency. My diverse skill set includes therapeutic massage, legal writing, and public speaking, allowing me to adapt and thrive in various environments. Passionate about turning creative chaos into structured success, I am committed to delivering excellence in every project.
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Deana K.

Experience

May 2023 — Present
Crossroads Live

Crossroads Live

General Manager

  • Crisis Management | Strategic Planning | Problem-Solving
  • Oversee teams of 60+ across multiple productions, ensuring seamless operations and efficiency.
  • Negotiate union and non-union contracts for creatives and touring company members, ensuring compliance and equity.
  • Successfully transitioned a non-union production to full union status, navigating complex labor regulations.
  • Manage multimillion-dollar budgets, consistently delivering productions under budget without compromising quality.
  • Drive strategic financial and operational planning to optimize resources and streamline workflows.
Sep 2018 — Apr 2023
Base Entertainment

Base Entertainment

Vice President, Business Management

  • Financial Oversight | SVOG Filings | Insurance Management
  • Solely managed all financial aspects of a shuttered production during the pandemic while overseeing the development of a new theater.
  • Successfully opened four full productions within three months, ensuring financial and operational stability.
  • Reconciled two separate SVOG filings and managed a complex insurance claim, securing critical funding while maintaining compliance.
  • Maintained fiscal oversight during unprecedented challenges, ensuring continuity and financial accountability.
Dec 2016 — Sep 2018

Farrington Entertainment & Productions

Assistant General Manager and Company Manager, BAZ; a musical tour de force

  • Complex Negotiations | High-Stakes Management | Compliance
  • Effectively guided a union cast through a complex contract renegotiation, ensuring a fair resolution while maintaining team morale.
  • Partnered with the entertainment department at one of the largest independent casino resorts in Las Vegas to align operational and financial objectives.
Aug 2014 — Dec 2016
Steiner Leisure Limited

Steiner Leisure Limited

Licensed Massage Therapist

  • Personalized Therapeutic Care | Adaptability | Client Retention | Professional Development
  • Earned professional massage license while working full-time; gained hands-on experience at a prestigious spa on the Las Vegas Strip.
  • Applied training and practical experience to deliver specialized care for athletes, gymnasts, and dancers in theatrical productions.
  • Consistently exceeded both personal and company sales goals, ranking in the top 10% of earners.
  • Utilized strong customer service and sales skills to cultivate a loyal client base, driving business growth and enhancing client retention.
Sep 2011 — Mar 2014

Dodgers Properties

Assistant Company Manager, Jersey Boys Vegas

Dodgers Properties is a company.

  • Managed daily operations and logistics for the Jersey Boys production in Las Vegas.
  • Coordinated with cast and crew to ensure seamless performances.
  • Handled scheduling, budgeting, and administrative tasks to support the production team.
Sep 2010 — Jul 2014
Spiegelworld

Spiegelworld

House Manager, Absinthe / Associate Company Manager, Rose.Rabbit.Lie.

  • Non-Traditional Venue Management | Staff Training & Supervision | Crowd Management
  • ASSOCIATE COMPANY MANAGER (March 2014 – July 2014)
  • HOUSE MANAGER (September 2010 – September 2011)
  • Supervised and counseled a team of 250+ employees, including international performers, ground-marketing teams, and ushers.
  • Developed crisis management protocols and standard operating procedures for two immersive venues.
Feb 2009 — Jun 2010
DAVID A. STRAZ JR. CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

DAVID A. STRAZ JR. CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Company and Programming Manager

  • Strategic Planning | Team Leadership | ROI Optimization
  • Contributed to the pre-Broadway run of Wonderland; collaborating with Actor’s Equity to develop a specialty single-employer agreement; helping generate over $1 million in revenue and delivering the project under budget.
  • Promoted to Programming Manager post-project, driving revenue growth, expanding access to diverse programming, and optimizing operational performance.
Mar 2008 — Feb 2009

Alan Wasser Associates

Assistant Company Manager, A Chorus Line national tour

Alan Wasser Associates is a company.

  • Oversaw tour logistics and operations for A Chorus Line across multiple cities.
  • Facilitated communication between production staff and venue management.
  • Ensured compliance with union regulations and contractual obligations.
Oct 2007 — Jan 2008
Marion Theater

Marion Theater

Theatre Manager

Ocala theatre that shows first run movies. Also available for rental and special events. Located in historic downtown Ocala.

  • Managed daily operations of the Marion Theater, including staff supervision and customer service.
  • Developed marketing strategies to increase attendance and event bookings.
  • Coordinated special events and private rentals to maximize theater utilization.
Jun 2006 — Aug 2007

Charlotte Wilcox & Co

Assistant Company Manager, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels national tour

Charlotte Wilcox & Co is a company.

  • Coordinated logistics and travel arrangements for the national tour of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
  • Managed budgets and financial reporting for the tour.
  • Liaised with local venue managers to ensure smooth operations at each location.
Feb 2005 — Jun 2006

Max Merchandising, LLC

Retail Sales Associate/Manager

Max Merchandising is a full-service, boutique merchandising company specializing in Live Entertainment Events and Immersive Experiences.

  • Led retail sales operations for Broadway and touring productions, including Mamma Mia and Rent.
  • Developed and implemented merchandising strategies to enhance audience engagement.
  • Managed inventory and sales reporting for multiple productions.
Nov 2002 — Jun 2005

Actors'​ Equity Association

Business Representative

  • Collective Bargaining | Grievance Management | Stakeholder Liaison | Contract Enforcement
  • Oversaw theatrical showcase applications, ensuring full compliance with policies and enforcing contractual guidelines to safeguard integrity.
  • Analyzed bond, pension, and health payments, collaborating with Producers to identify and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
  • Liaised with Actors, Producers, and Committee/Council members, providing expert guidance on Code and Contract-related issues and fostering collaborative relationships.
  • Promoted to Business Representative within one year of employment for exceptional performance and contributions to company success.
Jun 2001 — Sep 2002
Clinique

Clinique

Sales Floor Associate

Clinique is a dermatologist-created cosmetic brand that manufactures and markets skin care, makeup, and fragrance products.

  • Boosted quarterly sales by 30%, earning top recognition for overall sales performance.
  • Managed inventory and ensured product availability to meet customer demand.
  • Provided expert skincare advice to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Mar 2001 — Sep 2004
Disney Theatrical Group

Disney Theatrical Group

Retail Sales Associate

DISNEY THEATRICAL GROUP (DTG) operates under the direction of Thomas Schumacher and is among the world’s most successful commercial theatre enterprises, bringing live entertainment events to a global annual audience of more than 19 million people in more than 50 countries.

  • Recognized five times with the "Get with the Program" award for outstanding performance.
  • Enhanced customer experience through effective communication and product knowledge.
  • Collaborated with vendors to optimize retail operations for touring productions.
May 2000 — Mar 2001
E! Entertainment Television

E! Entertainment Television

Rights & Clearances Coordinator

  • Music Publishing Rights | Usage Rights Compliance | Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Secured clearance for feature film clips, still images, network and cable television footage, and music publishing rights, ensuring full compliance with licensing agreements.
  • Managed and supervised a 24-member domestic and international network production team, overseeing the creative process to guarantee proper material usage and adherence to clearance protocols.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive training programs across multiple departments, enhancing staff proficiency in clearance policies, procedures, and industry best practices.
Oct 1997 — May 2000
Kimberly-Clark / Safeskin

Kimberly-Clark / Safeskin

Customer Service Rep

We're a tool for connecting followers to your entire online world — not just one feed.

  • Implemented upselling and cross-selling strategies to increase customer retention.
  • Utilized CRM software to manage customer interactions and improve service delivery.
  • Developed retention strategies that improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Sep 1997 — Apr 2000
Warner Bros. Entertainment

Warner Bros. Entertainment

Sales Associate

WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. broad-based entertainment company in the creation, production, distribution, licensing and marketing of all forms of entertainment.

  • Executed merchandising strategies to enhance product visibility and sales.
  • Engaged with customers to provide personalized service and product recommendations.
  • Contributed to revenue growth through effective sales techniques and customer engagement.
Nov 1995 — Aug 1997
Morgan Lewis

Morgan Lewis

Paralegal

We provide innovative and technically outstanding legal solutions, underpinned by an intimate understanding of our clients' businesses and the industries in which they operate.

  • Conducted case law analysis and assisted in trial preparation for complex legal cases.
  • Managed case files and documentation to support attorneys in litigation processes.
  • Developed case management strategies to streamline legal operations and improve efficiency.