J. N. BARDI

The role of a theatre manager is pivotal in bridging the administrative and creative aspects of theatrical production. This study explores how theatre managers support the creative process by facilitating collaboration, ensuring resource allocation, and maintaining an environment conducive to artistic innovation. The research examines
key responsibilities, such as managing budgets, coordinating schedules, and liaising between creative teams and stakeholders, to highlight the ways in which these tasks contribute to the realization of artistic visions. By analyzing case studies and interviews with persons who have worked as a theatre manager and also who worked
with them in the educational theatre sector, the study identifies strategies that effective theatre managers employ to foster creativity, including proactive problem-solving, clear communication, and adaptive leadership. Additionally, the study investigates challenges theatre managers face, such as balancing financial constraints with artistic ambitions, mediating conflicts within creative teams, and navigating the unpredictability of live performances. The findings underscore the importance of a theatre manager’s ability to align organizational goals with artistic objectives, ensuring that logistical and financial considerations do not stifle creativity. This research concludes that theatre managers are not merely facilitators but active contributors to the creative process, as their leadership and support play a critical role in transforming artistic concepts into successful productions. By emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between management and artistry, the study aims to enhance understanding of the theatre manager’s role and its impact on the creative landscape of contemporary theatre.

This research examine the Challenges and Opportunities Facing Nigeria Theatre management in the 21st Century .The Nigerian theatre industry has a rich history, but in
recent years, it has faced numerous challenges that have hindered its growth and sustainability. The study utilized a survey-based approach with 50 respondents comprising theatre management students and practitioners from university of Benin. The data collection involved structured questionnaires focusing on their experiences, opinions, and observations regarding the challenges and opportunities in the Nigerian theatre industry. The finding reveals that inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, audience engagement and lack of government support are the challenges face in the theatre industry. However, the sector is not without its opportunities. Digital transformation, collaboration and partnerships, community based theatre and youth engagement can serve as catalysts for transforming Nigerian theatre into a globally competitive industry. The study concludes that with the right investment in infrastructure, training, and digital adaptation, Nigerian theatre management can thrive in the 21st century, contributing significantly to the nation’s cultural and economic development