Theatre Projects Closes Year with Two New Hires

	(l-r) Megan Ianero and Katie Bigler

As Theatre Projects nears the end of 2023, the 66-year-old company is celebrating two exciting hires: drafter Katie Bigler with the auditorium design team and business assistant Megan Ianero with the business operations team. Both Bigler and Ianero join the New York office, bringing valued perspectives from their diverse professional backgrounds.

"Katie's drama studies, architectural background, and passion for creating communal spaces make her a key addition to the design team," offers Hazem Al-Saheb, Theatre Projects associate and design team lead. "We are excited to have her and look forward to her future success with Theatre Projects."

Bigler comes to Theatre Projects from a career in architecture, but balances that with a background in, and ongoing love for, other art forms. Given the firm's unique position as a creative consultant to venues, architects, and artists, her fluency in space design, drama, photography, digital drafting, and hand-drawing position her perfectly for the role. Day-to-day, Bigler melds hands-on site support with behind-the-scenes software prowess, creating practical solutions for clients at all stages of the project lifecycle.

Of the new position, Bigler says, "I am very excited to join Theatre Projects! I look forward to merging my background in architecture with my love for theatre to create spaces that will foster intimate and captivating environments for audiences and performers over many years to come."

Before Theatre Projects, Bigler worked as a junior architect for Fontan Architecture, managing a wide range of projects, from renovations to zoning analyses. This work invited both a broad collaborative vision and a dedication to individual client needs. Prior to Fontan, she worked with Ferguson & Shamamian and FDS Architects, and she has been a certified LEED Green Associate since 2021.

With a strong knack for systems and logistics and an enthusiasm for live performance, Ianero is another excellent addition at Theatre Projects. She acts as the connective tissue for much of the company's operational work, maintaining situational awareness of all projects, from award to close-out. Across finance, operations, contracting, and more, her hands are supporting internal systems and keeping everything smooth off-stage.

"Megan is exactly what we were looking for in this new position," shares managing principal Daniel Ordower. "The role is about clarity and collaboration, and Megan embodies those ideas fully. Having stage and safety managed with a broad range of venues and producers, Megan knows how to keep people working together, efficiently, and toward a common goal."

Ianero comes to Theatre Projects from a career in professional stage management, COVID safety management, and other roles in the arts and entertainment sector. She has worked with organizations as varied as Roundabout Theatre, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, the Laura Pels Theatre, Orlando Shakes, the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, and Urbanite Theatre in Sarasota.

Ianero notes, "It has been a privilege to join this team of incredibly talented professionals and to discover how my stage management experience can inform my work at Theatre Projects."