For immediate release November 30, 2011
Contact: David Dawson (317) 231-7000 david@executivemedia.com

Steven B. Libman, founder of The Libman Group, a consulting firm for arts management and leadership, has contributed his expertise in professional theater to the newly published Oxford Handbook of The American Musical (Oxford University Press).

The book offers new and cutting-edge essays on the most important and compelling issues and topics in the growing, interdisciplinary fields of musical theater and film-musical studies. For the chapter of the book on the intersection between art and commerce, called “Audiences,” Libman was interviewed by Steven Adler, Professor of Theater and Provost of the Earl Warren College of the University of California, San Diego.

Libman, drawing on his experience as the former managing director of the La Jolla Playhouse, discussed the advantages that producing musicals can have for not-for-profit theaters.

In part, he says, “We are devoted to the musical as a uniquely American art form and therefore, we have a long history with musicals. We produce them primarily because they are artistically very important and, secondarily, because they generate a significant amount of revenue and allow us to grow our subscription base.”

Libman, who was CEO and President of The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana, also noted the difficulties musical productions with commercial potential can pose for non-profit theaters because of the great number of added personnel needed and the involvement of outside producers.

The Libman Group brings together noted experts in management, strategic planning, marketing and development to advise performing arts organizations across the United States.