The European non-profit model differs from the American model in many ways: non-profits are funded from different sources, general directors and executives report to different authorities and are assigned by different authorities, tax exemption works in different ways and administration education differs in its concepts. All of these matters affect the decision-making process, general strategy and repertory (artistic) policy.  Irina will talk about the Russian theatrical system (based on the example of the Bolshoi theater and Moscow Art Theater) and compare it to the US theatrical system (based on the example of the Metropolitan Opera and the American Repertory Theater). She will also cover her experience of starting a for-profit agency in New York serving to a non-profit mission.

Speaker’s bio: Irina Paradnaya is a freelance producer and entrepreneur currently based in Moscow. She started her way as manager of operations in the American Studio of the Moscow Art Theater, which was organizing exchange programs of American acting students from various institutions. She was the executive producer of the Bolshoi Theater of Russia and during her tenure she produced 20 performances, a Grand Re-Opening of the Historical Stage after Renovation and organized several tours of the theater. She then spent several years in New York obtaining a Master Degree in NYU and operating her producing agency that provided consulting and administrative services to non-profit organizations.