Reflecting on the Experience ..."I picked up invaluable listening and communication skills from my improvisation training … The group ensemble work forced me to listen and respond to what was going on around me, and to think beyond the obvious."
- Katrina Mueller
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"The knowledge and advanced capacity to serve others that employees gain ... enables an organization to innovate and create new ways to serve the growing demands of our communities. As a result of my fellowship, I see a wealth of possibilities for improving and redefining our services, and I am excited about partnering with our board and staff in bringing our organization to an entirely new level."
- Katrina Mueller, General Manager, Chandler Center for the Arts
Fellow Biography
Katrina Mueller has been with the Chandler Center for the Arts since 1988, serving as its manager since 1998. The center presents performing and visual art programs year-round and was recently named the Outstanding Organization for the 2005 Governor's Arts Award "Community" category.
Along with managing daily operations, Ms. Mueller oversees a staff of 30 and more than 200 volunteers. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in arts management from Northern Arizona University.
Field Notes
During her fellowship, Ms. Mueller attended an eight-day Non-Profit Leadership Institute at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., visited nine museums and theaters, and met with senior staff of the Kennedy Center, National Theatre and Ford's Theatre to learn about best practices in arts management. She also attended Second City Theatre's Intensive Improvisational Theatre Workshop in Chicago. Finally, she met with several Tucson-based arts organizations to learn about best practices in arts education, reaching Hispanic audiences and marketing.
"The Georgetown University program profoundly expanded my perspective on leadership and renewed my passion for nonprofit service. The program put me in the company of some of the brightest leaders of today's nonprofit America, all of whom are driven by a common mission to improve the well-being of others.
"The Second City program was incredibly difficult, and I was somewhat overwhelmed during the class given the fast-paced nature and intensity of the improvisational work we were required to do. However, after going through such a demanding process, I now find it much easier to speak in front of a group.
"We also sent staff to national conferences and seminars in theatre technology, ticketing and public art project management as well as to interpersonal communication seminars. Staff morale and interpersonal communications improved because of the seminars that several staff members attended."
Contact Information
Katrina Mueller
General Manager
Chandler Center for the Arts
480.782.2683
info@chandlercenter.org
www.chandlercenter.org