Arts Executive & Entrepreneur Shane Peterman

Arts Executive & Entrepreneur Shane PetermanArts Executive & Entrepreneur Shane PetermanArts Executive & Entrepreneur Shane Peterman

Arts Executive & Entrepreneur Shane Peterman

Arts Executive & Entrepreneur Shane PetermanArts Executive & Entrepreneur Shane PetermanArts Executive & Entrepreneur Shane Peterman
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    • Home
    • Consulting
    • Coaching and Mentorship
    • Producing
    • Leadership Retreats
    • About Shane
  • Home
  • Consulting
  • Coaching and Mentorship
  • Producing
  • Leadership Retreats
  • About Shane

Experience . Intuition . Leadership

Experience . Intuition . Leadership Experience . Intuition . Leadership Experience . Intuition . Leadership

Strategic consulting and coaching for theatres, business and arts leaders, and emerging

artists navigating change.

Experience . Intuition . Leadership

Experience . Intuition . Leadership Experience . Intuition . Leadership Experience . Intuition . Leadership

Strategic consulting and coaching for theatres, business and arts leaders, and emerging

artists navigating change.

PROFESSIONAL LIFE UPDATE!

Shane Peterman hired as new CEO of Augusta Players and Imperial Theatre

The Augusta Players and The Imperial Theatre are pleased to announce the appointment ofShane Peterman as Chief Executive Officer. Peterman will lead the organizations as they continue working toward a proposed merger and a shared future for the performing arts in Augusta. 


Peterman brings nearly 30 years of experience in commercial and nonprofit performing arts, including executive leadership, producing, arts education, organizational growth, revenue development, and community engagement. He most recently served as Producing Artistic Director of WaterTower Theatre in Addison, Texas, where he helped guide the organization through financial recovery, audience growth, and renewed stability during one of the most transformational periods in the company’s history. In addition to his nonprofit leadership experience, Peterman has also worked in commercial theatre development and producing in both the United States and United Kingdom. 


His appointment follows a national joint search process involving board leadership, search committee members, staff, and community stakeholders. Throughout the process, Peterman stood out for his financial discipline, artistic understanding, steady leadership, and clear commitment to relationship building. 


“Shane brings the rare combination of artistic understanding, business discipline, warmth, and vision that this moment requires,” said M. Amy Patton, Interim CEO of The Augusta Players and Search Committee Co Chair. “He understands that strong organizations are built through trust, transparency, relationships, and mission. We believe Shane is the right leader to help guide this next chapter.” 


“We are excited to welcome Shane to Augusta’s Arts Community. He brings exceptional talent and energy that will invigorate the Imperial Theatre, the Augusta Players, and the entire downtown theatre district,” said Chip Matson, Board Chair of the Imperial Theatre. 


Peterman’s background includes leadership of performing arts organizations, theatrical producing and presenting, donor and corporate support, arts education, and organizational transition. His experience aligns closely with the needs of both organizations as they work to strengthen financial sustainability, artistic excellence, education, outreach, and community impact. 


“I’m deeply honored by the trust both organizations have placed in me during such an important and exciting moment in their histories,” said Peterman. “The Augusta Players and The Imperial Theatre together represent a nearly 200 year legacy of artistic excellence, civic engagement, and community impact. I look forward to working alongside the boards, staff, artists, patrons, donors, and the greater Augusta community as we help shape a strong and sustainable future for the performing arts together.” 


Peterman is expected to begin his role on June 15, 2026. 

The Augusta Players

The Imperial Theatre

The Imperial Theatre

The Augusta Players is an award-winning non-profit community theatre organization dedicated to presenting the highest quality theatrical productions. Serving the City of Augusta and its surrounding counties, our mission is to foster creative expression by providing a medium for local actors, musicians, dancers, directors, designers, and technicians to explore their talents and sharpen their skills. Central to our focus is the purpose of creating an artistic environment that attracts and excites diverse members of the community to draw new audience members, participants and volunteers, through the art of quality theatre. Through MainStage productions, community outreach, and special programming for children and youth, we exist to enrich the cultural lives of our populace and teach theatre performance skills to any and all volunteers. We are committed to providing a positive outlet for cultural and artistic expression to all those who wish to entertain or be entertained.The Augusta Players has been Augusta’s premier theatre company since 1945. As the oldest and certainly among the finest performing arts groups in Augusta, the Augusta Players has become a cultural fixture in the community. Over the years, the organization has experienced remarkable growth in the size and quality of its productions. The MainStage productions have become more lavish and spectacular, providing our community with the opportunity to enjoy Broadway caliber productions on Augusta’s Imperial Theatre stage. Our continued growth has been due in no small part to members of our community who believe that quality performing arts are an essential part of our community.The Augusta Players’ programming provides an environment where all citizens can create, experience and appreciate theatre as well as create the cultural infrastructure that allows the community of Augusta to flourish.

The Imperial Theatre

The Imperial Theatre

The Imperial Theatre

The Imperial Theatre in Augusta, Georgia opened in 1918 as a vaudeville showcase. Among the earliest recorded appearances was the visit of Charlie Chaplin, who appeared at the theatre on April 16, 1918, selling Liberty war bonds. As the downtown area declined in the 1980’s, so did the theatre which closed in 1981. In 1985, it was recognized for its architectural significance and reopened as a performing arts venue with the help of local performing arts groups such as The Colton Ballet and the Augusta Players.” Today, the Imperial Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and the only operating historic theatre in Augusta. It is noted in the National Register as critical to the character of the Broad Street Historic District. 

Statement from the WaterTower Theatre Board of Directors

Dear Friends and Patrons of WaterTower Theatre,

We’re writing to share news of a leadership transition at WaterTower Theatre. After seven dedicated years of service, Producing Artistic Director Shane Peterman is leaving to take on a new leadership role in the arts and entertainment industry. The organization is expected to make their formal announcement on June 1.


Over the past seven years, Mr. Peterman has been a steady and creative force at the heart of WaterTower Theatre. Under his leadership, the company produced ambitious work, grew its community relationships, and navigated one of the most challenging periods in the history of regional theatre – not just in Texas but throughout the country. We are proud of what has been accomplished together, and we are grateful for his commitment, vision, and artistry. We wish him every success in this next chapter!


Effective June 1, 2026, JC Schuster will serve as Interim Producing Artistic Director. A Dallas native with over 20 years of Broadway and other entertainment experience, Mr. Schuster has served as WaterTower Theatre’s Associate Producing Artistic Director for over a year. He has been an integral part of the leadership of this organization, and the board has full confidence in his ability to guide the company through this transition.


Thank you for your ongoing support. Our patrons, sponsors, staff, artists, and the Town of Addison make our mission possible. 


We look forward to sharing more about the path ahead and seeing you at the theatre.

Please join us at the final performance of the fantastic Always…Patsy Cline on Sunday, May 31, and stay after the curtain closes to raise a glass in appreciation of Shane!


With gratitude,

The Board of Directors, WaterTower Theatre

Personal note from Shane

After seven unforgettable years leading WaterTower Theatre, I tendered my resignation in early May as I prepare to step into an exciting new CEO role within the arts and entertainment industry, while continuing my producing and consulting work.


What a remarkable journey this has been. This theatre has been part of my heart, and I poured myself fully into the work, the people, and the mission we shared together.


I’m deeply grateful to the staff, board members, patrons, donors, artists, friends, and the Town of Addison for believing in my leadership and in the power of professional theatre through some truly extraordinary years. I also stand ready to support the new Interim Producing Artistic Director, JC Schuster, as he helps lead the institution into its next chapter.


Together, we helped bring WaterTower back from the brink and guide the organization through one of the most transformational periods in its history, persevering through the pandemic, rebuilding audiences, and continuing to produce meaningful professional theatre for North Texas. I believe WTT’s best days are ahead!


There will be more exciting news to share very soon, but today I’m simply feeling thankful, humbled, and energized for my new chapter.


With gratitude, my friends and loved ones…onward.

Shane

High-level counsel for artists and leaders navigating responsibility, transitions, and visibility.

I believe people and institutions thrive when strategy, values, and lived reality align. My work is grounded in long-term thinking, discretion, and sustainable decision-making—especially during times of change. My specialization is financial stabilization, season planning, leadership dynamics, and career clarity.


For nearly 30 years, I’ve worked in entertainment as an artist, entrepreneur, and executive. As an artist, leader, and father, my work is shaped by lived experience, creativity, and resilience—building collaborative pathways that create shared value while striving to live with abundance, humility, and gratitude.


My guiding principle is simple: lead through love. This philosophy shapes how I lead companies, support artists, and coach individuals and organizations with an artistic spirit. I help turn vision into action through thoughtful strategy, mindful awareness, and practical tools for growth and fulfillment. The results speak for themselves.


Nothing happens by accident. When we learn to partner with what we’re given, meaningful work—and meaningful lives—take shape. 


I believe a problem is not simply something to solve, but a message to understand—often pointing directly to the opportunity for sustainable solutions.

A man in a black blazer smiles while seated in a purple theater seat.

Clarity for your organization and for yourself.

My approach is shaped by careful listening and practical, on-the-ground experience. It is conversational, rigorous, and rooted in decades of learned wisdom-not theory. While each engagement is tailored, the way I support people and organizations follows a consistent philosophy: thoughtful assessment, honest dialogue, and practical forward motion.


-Discreet


-Time-bound and purpose-driven


-Designed to support clarity, solutions and independence.

Artistic and Managing Directors

I work as a confidential strategic partner to artistic and managing directors balancing vision, finances, and governance. This often includes pressure-testing season plans, supporting financial decision-making, navigating board dynamics, and serving as a trusted sounding board during moments of transition or fatigue—always with the aim of helping leaders think clearly and lead sustainably.

Board Members

I help board members gain a clear, shared understanding of artistic, financial, and organizational realities. My work supports productive governance, leadership evaluation or transition, and constructive dialogue during moments of change, with a focus on alignment between ambition, capacity, and stewardship.

Producers

I work with producers developing new work or navigating scale across nonprofit and commercial contexts. This includes strategic positioning of projects, assessing readiness and risk, supporting partnerships, and advising on U.S.–U.K. development pathways—grounded in practical experience and forward momentum.

Artists and Cultural Leaders

For artists and cultural leaders stepping into greater visibility or responsibility, I offer senior executive-level guidance focused on clarity, leadership presence, and decision-making. This work supports career direction, institutional navigation, and thoughtful action during moments of growth or uncertainty.

Individuals seeking guidance

I also work one-on-one coaching  individuals—including students seeking clarity around college and career decisions—who want a discreet, experienced sounding board during professional or personal transitions. These conversations  are practical and reflective, grounded in lived leadership experience, and designed to bring clarity—not prescriptions—at moments when perspective matters most.

Much of my work, particularly with individuals, is confidential. I am often engaged quietly, during moments when clarity and discretion matter most.  

I believe leadership in the arts is both public and deeply personally. Whether guiding an institution or supporting an individual, my role is to help people think clearly, act decisively, and move forward with integrity. 


*All consulting, coaching, and commercial producing work is performed solely through Peterman Entertainment and Peterman Productions and is independent of any other professional affiliations.

Contact me

Consulting and Coaching with Shane Peterman

GeorgeShanePete@mac.com

Appointments

Appointments arranged individually based on availability. Our work together can be done in person or by zoom.

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Consulting and Coaching with Shane Peterman

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Photo credit(s): Shane Peterman, Shanna Lockwood, Tiffany Campbell, David Singer, Deborah Lopez

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