Meghan Pressman

Center Theatre Group is an arts organization that programs the Mark Taper Forum and the Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles and the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. Managing Director/CEO Meghan Pressman joined Center Theatre Group in 2019 and has worked professionally in theatre for more than 20 years. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in theatre management from Yale School of Drama and a Master of Business Administration from Yale School of Management.

What led you to pursue this career?

I grew up in theatre. My mother, Debbie, was a professional actress in New York and has taught theatre to hundreds of students. I was in an off-off-Broadway production in grade school and have been hooked ever since. I am grateful for the opportunity to support great artists in connecting to the audience and the community.

In what ways do you stand out?

As the largest not-for-profit theatre company outside New York City, Center Theatre Group is committed to ensuring that every Angeleno can see themselves on stage and feel welcome. We produce and present 10 to 20 groundbreaking productions each year and invite thousands of local students to the theatre for free.

What is your current passion project?

In October we are creating a new production of the musical American Idiot in collaboration with Deaf West Theatre. I love bringing this show back to life at the same time as the 20th anniversary of the Green Day album it is based on. Incorporating deaf performers into the production really changes and deepens the story in thrilling ways. 

How can we support other women?

Mentorship! Women can help promote each other’s professional development and source career opportunities. Don’t just wait for people to seek you out as a mentor. Look for talent and approach women you work with to see how you can help progress their interests. 

Tell us about your family.

My husband, Josh, and I live with our two kids, Cairo, 12, and Moxie, 9, in Los Feliz. My mom is with us for about half the year. We love exploring the world, including Namibia, Scotland, Turks and Caicos, and Flagstaff this past year.

Photographed by Jeffrey Fiterman