McCarter Theatre Center selects Princeton resident Martin Miller to serve as new executive director  

Martin Miller
Martin Miller. Photo courtesy of McCarter Theatre Center, Roy Matusek photographer.

McCarter Theatre Center representatives announced Wednesday that Martin Miller, who led the Obie Award-winning TheatreSquared in Fayetteville, Arkansas through a major transformation over more than a decade, has been named executive director of McCarter.

Miller joins McCarter from one of America’s leading organizations for debuting new theatrical work and will draw on his experience growing an organization into a major powerhouse. Miller is a Princeton resident. His wife, Elizabeth Margulis, is a professor at Princeton University and his three children attend the Princeton Public Schools.  

“McCarter is one of the great American arts centers and Princeton is a special place,” Miller said. “It’s a singular privilege to partner with Sarah Rasmussen, the board, the talented staff, and most importantly, with this community to help launch its exciting next stage. You can feel the energy and excitement for what’s possible when you walk in the door. Here, there’s an incredible legacy to build on—and immeasurable potential for growth.” 

In thirteen years as executive director and producer at TheatreSquared, Miller led the company’s growth from three plays on a start-up budget to more than 400 performances and $7.5 million in revenue each year. He produced 135 plays and new play workshops and led fundraising, design, and construction for the company’s two-venue, permanent home, winner of six national and international architectural awards. He directly raised $44 million for the company, while working with teams to expand audiences more than twentyfold. 

“The building blocks of leading a vibrant theater company are crafting ambitious strategic plans and delivering on them; building audiences and keeping and expanding them; raising funds and spending them wisely —all to support the creation of ever-more exciting artistic work,” said W. Rochelle Calhoun, president of McCarter Theatre Center’s Board of Trustees, who also chaired the company’s search committee. “Martin has proven his ability to do all this and more. We are thrilled to add his deep experience to our leadership team.” 

Miller will report to the McCarter board of directors and work closely with McCarter Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen, who will continue to oversee all aspects of artistic direction, Miller, who begins his tenure as executive director on Sept. 7, will help envision and execute McCarter’s strategic plan; guide finances, fundraising, and business strategy; build audiences while opening new avenues to access; forge and strengthen relationships across the Princeton community and throughout the region; advance the company’s core commitments to equity and inclusion; and serve as a tireless supporter and mentor to the staff.

“I’m excited to partner with Martin as we thoughtfully connect with audiences and grow this beloved institution. We share a commitment to world-class artistry that sparks the imagination and creates a center for conversation, community and belonging,” said Rasmussen. “We are thrilled to align Martin’s track record of getting big ideas off the ground with McCarter’s strategic plans – including our signature collaborations with Princeton University and community partners.” 

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Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.