Audience Services: Brown Arts Institute Manager Expands Training Program

Visitors to Brown University’s Lindemann Performing Arts Center and other venues in the Perelman Arts District rely on a structured team to manage their experience from arrival to exit. Becca Kittredge, the audience services manager for the Brown Arts Institute (BAI), directs the staff responsible for ticketing, logistics, and event execution.

Kittredge supervises ushers, house managers, and other personnel who support dozens of performances, exhibitions, and events each year. Her role covers the operational backbone of the district’s cultural calendar, ensuring that technical and administrative needs are met before audiences take their seats.

A native of Cranston, Rhode Island, Kittredge began performing in theater at age 12. She earned a bachelor’s degree in acting and directing from the University of Rhode Island. Her professional path included customer service and box office positions, including a stint as an usher in New York City. She spent more than six years as audience services manager at Boston Lyric Opera before joining Brown.

Kittredge started her position at Brown in August 2023, two months before the opening of The Lindemann. She noted that the variety of events keeps the role dynamic. “We get to be part of so many unique and exciting events and experiences, and there’s always something new happening,” she said.

Beyond managing existing events, Kittredge leads ArtsCrew, a workforce training program launched by BAI in 2024. The initiative provides part-time roles for Brown students and local residents. These positions offer hands-on experience in artistic, administrative, and technical skills while filling operational needs in the box office, visitor services, and exhibition support.

The program aims to prepare the next generation of arts professionals. Kittredge trains and mentors participants in these entry-level roles. The structure allows students to gain practical industry experience while contributing to the daily operations of the arts district.

Kittredge’s background in theater operations informs her approach to both event management and staff development. She combines her experience in large-scale opera productions with the specific requirements of Brown’s academic and cultural environment. Her team handles the logistical details that allow audiences to focus on the performances and exhibitions.