Eric Rosen on Reviving the Historic Cape Playhouse

Rick Koonce welcomes acclaimed theater leader Eric Rosen for an inspiring conversation about artistic leadership, resilience, and the enduring power of live theater. As Artistic Director of the historic Cape Playhouse, Eric shares how he is leading one of America's oldest summer theaters into a new era while preparing for its centennial celebration. He discusses the enormous challenge of producing Broadway-scale productions on an incredibly compressed schedule, rebuilding audiences after difficult years, and creating a theater experience that welcomes everyone.

Beyond the stage, Eric reflects on his remarkable career, his experiences as a gay man, husband, and father, and how childhood adversity shaped his compassionate approach to leadership. He also explores why theater remains one of the few places where people can genuinely connect, laugh, reflect, and experience community together.

Whether you're passionate about theater, leadership, or personal growth, this conversation offers valuable insights into building organizations that inspire people and stand the test of time.

In this episode:

• How Eric Rosen revived the historic Cape Playhouse
• The challenge of producing Broadway-caliber shows in days
• Why live theater creates irreplaceable human connection
• Leadership lessons rooted in empathy and inclusion
• How personal adversity helped shape Eric's artistic vision

More on Eric Rosen:

Eric Rosen is an acclaimed theater director, playwright, and artistic leader who has spent more than three decades shaping American regional theater. He currently serves as Artistic Director of the historic Cape Playhouse on Cape Cod, where he is leading the revival of America's oldest continuously operating professional summer theater through ambitious productions, artistic excellence, and a vision for its second century. 

Previously, Rosen co-founded Chicago's groundbreaking About Face Theatre, one of the nation's first theaters dedicated to LGBTQ+ voices, and later led Kansas City Repertory Theatre, helping establish it as a nationally recognized center for new work.

Throughout his career, Rosen has championed authentic storytelling, inclusive leadership, and the power of live theater to build community and inspire change. He lives with his husband, Broadway actor Claybourne Elder, and their son, Beau.

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