Christopher R.

Director of Operations at Innovation Arts & Entertainment

Greater Chicago Area

About

Management professional with experience in live entertainment and restaurant industries.

Experience

  • Production Manager at Holland America Line
    Aug 2018 - Jan 2019 · 6 mos

  • General Manager at Carver Theater
    Aug 2016 - Mar 2017 · 8 mos

    Directed all aspects of operations. Raised venue profile and brand visibility, optimized beverage operations and oversaw renovation of an upscale internal club.

  • General Manager at Mayne Stage/Act One Pub
    Apr 2010 - Apr 2012 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    Opened multi-use facility including a 400-seat entertainment room and 100-seat restaurant Managed, recruited and trained staff of 45 people Developed and implemented all aspects of box office operations Facilitated more then 700 successful events including promotions, productions and rental events Produced sold-out, financially successful National acts including names such as John Mayall, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Leon Russell, Marc Maron and Maria Bamford Optimized food and beverage operations through menu refinement and ingredient sourcing and reduced COS ratios Increased per-head revenue through implementation of aggressive front-of-house sales techniques and customer service standards Implemented liquor inventory control systems reducing bar shrinkage

  • Owner/Operator at Lakeshore Theater
    Sep 2002 - Apr 2010 · 7 yrs 8 mos

    Successfully capitalized company, raising more than $1 million with the objective of renovating an abandoned 350-seat single-screen movie theater to serve as a live entertainment facility Developed and executed entire project from conception through implementation, overseeing build-out of venue including installation of stage, sound & lighting, dressing rooms, box office systems, bar operations and interior design Produced over 2,000 events of National and local artists including plays, musicals, concerts, rental events and comedy events achieving more than $2 million in gross annual revenue Developed programming strategy of presenting artistically driven comedy including dozens of National and developing acts including Robin Williams, Dave Attell, Jim Jefferies, Reggie Watts, Doug Benson, Caroline Rhea, John Oliver, Hannibal Burress, Maria Bamford, Marc Maron and Patrice O’Neal Built loyal audience through grassroots marketing techniques with more than 45,000 contacts on mailing list Named “Best Place to See Comedy” by Chicago Magazine in 2008

  • General Manager at Over the Tavern LLC
    Jun 2000 - Sep 2002 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    Responsible for all aspects of operation of ongoing, open-ended AEA production of hit show Successfully managed cast of 12, understudies and ongoing replacements