DEBORAH A. GAUDET
Wethersfield,CT
Summary
Innovative curator with extensive experience in film and theater programming, leading initiatives that enhance audience participation and community relationships. Proven ability to manage comprehensive artistic programs while ensuring financial sustainability and artistic integrity.
Overview
1988
1988
years of professional experience
Work History
Curator of Film and Theater
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Hartford, CT
2004 - 2022
- Collaborated with curatorial and education staff and community artists to develop and implement a comprehensive artistic and rental program of theater, including film screenings, live performances, exhibition programs, and community access.
- Facilitated collaboration with artists and scholars to design innovative programs to enhance community engagement.
- Introduced films and lead post-film discussions.
- Created a program of filmmaker and actor events, including John Sayles, John Waters, Treat Williams, Polly Bergen, Walt Stillman, Bob Balaban, and Tony Bill.
- Cultivated relationships and raised over $1 million to enrich theater programs and initiatives.
- Responsible for financial oversight of the theater, working in tandem with colleagues to fundraise and market the theater and its programs to ensure sustainability.
- Managed theater staff including audio-visual services for the museum, ticket takers, concession staff, and projectionists.
- Led the Community Engagement Initiative from July 2008 to July 2009, conducted a series of "ChatBack" sessions to collect data from diverse groups in the Hartford community.
Managing Director of Theater and Film
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Hartford, CT
1993 - 2004
- Managed day-to-day operations of the renovated 284-seat historic museum theater.
- Developed program of film, family, and exhibition-related theater events, enhancing community engagement.
- Launched "Film Buff/Film Star" membership, fostering loyalty and sustained interest in film offerings.
- Implemented a profitable rental program for the theater.
- Conceived and implemented the First Thursday event, establishing a city-wide cultural initiative.
Museum Services Manager
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Hartford, CT
1989 - 1993
- Executed and managed all internal and external events at the museum.
- Organized master calendar of events to ensure smooth scheduling.
- Acted as liaison to women's committee, significantly enhancing inter-organizational relationships.
- Professionalized department operations while doubling revenue within four years.
Assistant General Manager
The Nantucket Inn
Nantucket, Massachusetts
01.1986 - 01.1988
- Assisted the General Manager in operating a 100-room luxury resort hotel.
- Wrote and instituted policies and procedures.
- Directly supervised the front office, reservation department, housekeeping, pool and fitness areas.
- Aided in the completion of budgets and cost management.
- Improved hotel rating by 75%
Front Office Manager
Sheraton at Hamilton Heights
West Hartford, Connecticut
1982 - 1986
- Managed and administered all phases of the front office operations, including room reservations, check-in/out procedures, occupancy forecasting, and budgeting at a new conference center.
- Coordinated and organized all incoming classes and reservations, while maximizing occupancy.
- Consistently ensured a timely, efficient, and cost-effective department, while providing a positive guest experience.
Assistant Front Office Manager
Holiday Inn
Hartford, Connecticut
1981 - 1982
- Assisted the Front Office Manager at a 359-room full service hotel.
- Supervised the front office staff, as well as the reservation department and telephone operators.
- Improved guest relations and increased hotel rating by 30%.
- Hired as a front desk clerk and promoted twice leading to the Assistant Front Office Manager position.
Junior Accountant
O'Connell, CPA
Scarsdale, New York
1980 - 1981
- Organized client lists and files.
- Managed various accounts by completing bank reconciliations and by preparing financial statements.
Front Desk Clerk
Eskimo Inn
Inuvik, Canada
1979 - 1980
- Responsible for checking guests in and out of the inn, while operating the telephone switchboard and recording reservations.
Education
B.A. - Psychology and Languages
Mount Allison University
Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada05-1979
Graduate Studies
Wesleyan University
MiddletownSkills
- Film and theater programming
- Financial oversight
- Event planning
- Fundraising
- Contract negotiation
- Strategic planning
- Networking and collaboration
- Public speaking
- Creative thinking
- Problem solving
- Community engagement
Affiliations
- Attendee at international film festivals from 1997 to 2020 including the Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, FebioFest (Prague, Czech Republic), San Sebastian International Film Festival (Spain), Thessaloniki International Film Festival (Greece), and Palm Springs International Film Festival
- Lecturer/guest speaker including St. Joseph University, Eastern Connecticut State University, New Britain Museum of Art, RealArtWays, various libraries, and the Mystic Arts Center, 1992 - 2019
- Panel moderator for the Blackhouse Foundation at the Sundance Film Festival, 2011
- CT Association of Theater Owners; Board Member, 2001 - 2011
- Facilitator for the Adult Learning Program (sponsored by University of Connecticut), 1999 - 2003
- Prudence Crandall Center, New Britain, CT: Current Honorary Trustee; President of the Board of Trustees, 2000 - 2003; Vice President of the Board of Trustees, 1997 - 2000
- Member of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters, 1997 - 2005
- One State Street Toastmasters; Current CTM and Vice President of Membership, 1996-97
- Guest panelist for the annual CT Commission on the Arts 1996 Film Competition
- Member of International Museum Theater Alliance, 1994 - 1997; Conference attendee, 1994
- Steering Committee Member, Celebration '91 and '94 (AIDS Fundraiser), Hartford, Connecticut
Accomplishments
- Community and Audience Award from Colleagues, 2019
- UNICO Award for Excellence, 2009
- Appreciation Award, Hartford Black and Latino Film Festival
Timeline
Assistant General Manager
The Nantucket Inn
01.1986 - 01.1988
Curator of Film and Theater
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
2004 - 2022
Managing Director of Theater and Film
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
1993 - 2004
Museum Services Manager
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
1989 - 1993
Front Office Manager
Sheraton at Hamilton Heights
1982 - 1986
Assistant Front Office Manager
Holiday Inn
1981 - 1982
Junior Accountant
O'Connell, CPA
1980 - 1981
Front Desk Clerk
Eskimo Inn
1979 - 1980
B.A. - Psychology and Languages
Mount Allison University
Graduate Studies
Wesleyan University