Brown's New Arts District Relying on New Leadership for Audience Experience

Becca Kittredge serves as the audience services manager for the Brown Arts Institute, a position that places her in charge of ticketing, event logistics, and the staff who manage venues across Brown University's Perelman Arts District. She joined the university in August 2023, two months before the opening of The Lindemann Performing Arts Center. Since assuming the role, she has supervised the operations for dozens of performances, exhibitions, and events held each year.

Kittredge's background in the performing arts began in Cranston, Rhode Island, where she first engaged with theater at age 12. She earned a bachelor's degree in theater from the University of Rhode Island, focusing on acting and directing. Following her graduation, she worked in various customer service and box office positions, including a period of ushering work in New York City. She then spent more than six years as the audience services manager at Boston Lyric Opera before returning to the Rhode Island area to take the position at Brown.

The role requires coordination among ushers, house managers, and other staff members who ensure that visitors have a smooth experience at university venues. Kittredge noted that the variety of programming keeps the job dynamic. “We get to be part of so many unique and exciting events and experiences, and there’s always something new happening,” she said.

In addition to managing daily operations, Kittredge leads the mentorship component of ArtsCrew, a workforce training program launched by the Brown Arts Institute in 2024. The initiative provides part-time positions for Brown students and local residents. Participants work in roles such as box office support, visitor services, and exhibition support. The program is designed to give trainees hands-on experience in artistic, administrative, and technical skills while filling staffing needs for the institute.

The Perelman Arts District has become a central hub for cultural activity on campus and in the surrounding communities. Kittredge stated that a primary goal of her team is to ensure that patrons from these diverse backgrounds feel comfortable in the spaces. She described the work as a natural fit for her career, citing her long-standing interest in the behind-the-scenes creative process.

The institute continues to expand its programming and staffing models. With the Lindemann venue now fully operational, the team is focused on maintaining service standards for upcoming seasons. Kittredge remains responsible for training new staff and managing the logistics for each event scheduled through the district's calendar.