Acknowledgements. About the Author. Introduction. Chapter 1: The Birth of a Vision. Chapter 2: Building Blocks of Arts Management.Chapter 3: The Art of Representation. Chapter 4: Expanding Venue Reach & Audiences. Chapter 5: Contracts. Chapter 6: Force Majeure & Creating New Futures. Chapter 7: 30 years in Motion. In Conclusion.
Biography
Laura Colby, President of Elsie Management (based in New York City), recipient of the 2016 Liz Silverstein NAPAMA Award, is the founder of Elsie Management. With over 30 years of experience in the performing arts, she has represented artists, spoken at leading institutions, and co-developed equity-focused workshops. In 2023, she created The Middle Woman, a 30-episode podcast guiding future arts leaders.
“Immersive, thoughtful, and practical—this book inspires as much as it instructs, illuminating the hidden forces that make live performance possible.”
Liz Maxwell, Associate Professor of Dance, Chapman University
“From profound life lessons to practical contract clauses, this book is essential reading for anyone seeking to build and sustain performing arts communities. With detailed and humane insights, it equips artsworkers with the tools to thrive.”Rebecca Lazier, Professor of the Practice, Princeton University
“This book pulls back the curtain on the essential roles that sustain the performing arts. Laura Colby reminds us that the work is not a series of transactions, but a shared effort built on trust, care, and collaboration, guiding the arts toward a lasting, connected future.”
Chad Herzog, Associate Vice President, Arizona Arts at the University of Arizona and Executive + Artistic Director of Arizona Arts Live
