San Diego Repertory Theatre Appoints New Managing Director
San Diego Repertory Theatre (San Diego REP) announced Abigail Buell as the newly appointed managing director of San Diego’s downtown resident professional theatre, now in its 46th Season. Buell joins San Diego Repertory leadership after an extensive national search by M/Oppenheim Executive Search. She has spent the last 16 years as a theatrical and performing arts visionary, leader and devoted arts advocate in New York City. She has marketed hundreds of productions throughout her career, including leading multimillion dollar marketing campaigns for Broadway’s “To Kill A Mockingbird” starring Jeff Daniels, “King Lear” starring Glenda Jackson, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,” as well as “The Music Man” starring Hugh Jackman.
“San Diego Repertory Theatre’s mission really speaks to me both personally and as a leader in the national theatre community. San Diego REP is truly a rare jewel that not only has a progressive pursuit of celebrating diverse voices across our region, but is an organization that truly lives and breathes this both on and off-stage. I am a committed advocate for San Diego REP and seek to ensure that the incredible work we are producing is accessible and available to communities both within and beyond San Diego,” states Abigail Buell.
Artistic Director Sam Woodhouse shared “Finding a new partner to join me to lead San Diego REP as we step towards our 50th Anniversary Season was a big challenge for the search firm that we employed in the quest. Over 300 people in the American theatre were interviewed and consulted to find the ideal person for San Diego REP. I am so glad that we have found Abigail, who I believe embodies the vision, ambition, savvy and wide range of skills we need in our new managing director. I am thrilled she has joined our leadership team.”
Most recently, Buell was the head of marketing at RWS Entertainment Group, the largest provider of live entertainment for the hospitality, leisure and attractions, municipality, theatrical and corporate industries across North America. Her clients included: WarnerBros., Disney, NBCUniversal, Holland America Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Macy’s, Westfield, SeaWorld, Legoland, among others
She also led all audience efforts for the TV hit, “Inside the Actors Studio” for over seven years with guests that included George Clooney, Sean Combs, Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Steve Carrell, Amy Adams, Neil Patrick Harris, James Cameron among others.
Buell is a graduate of the Commercial Theatre Institute and holds a dual degree in Pre-Law and Advertising Management from Drake University as well as a Certificate in Urban Planning and Design from Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Buell and her fiancé, Michael are delighted to have relocated to San Diego with their dog, Lucy.
Category: Entertainment, Local News, Nonprofit, Theatre
