"Mark Cuddy served Cleveland Play House as its Interim Artistic Director and simultaneously, when requested, as Interim Managing Director, during a 1 1/2 year period of significant leadership transition and re-emergence from the COVID-19 experience.  Mark was in residence and provided executive and experienced guidance with extraordinary loyalty and dedication, even extending his tenure to meet the needs of Cleveland Play House." https://www.theaterleader.com/s/Resolution_Cuddy.pdf

“Stepping into the role of artistic director is essentially being thrown into a sea of unknowns. I had so many questions that only another artistic director could answer. Enter Mark Cuddy. Not only does his background make him a remarkable resource, he's also a terrific and generous thought-partner. He helped me identify the steps needed to build an infrastructure, hire a staff, and formulate a five-year plan. He also gave me solid advice for building a strong relationship with my board of directors. The first few months were quite lonely, and I am grateful I had Mark to talk to and for the much needed gut-checks.”

“Being an artistic leader can be an intensely lonely endeavor. Discovering Mark Cuddy’s Theatre Leader gave me the support to navigate stormy seas and more importantly, provided the wisdom to avoid the roughest of waters. Mark has worked with me in multiple stages of my personal and professional journey and I continue to look to him as my bellwether. Mark was instrumental in coaching me through a number of search processes. His hands-on mentorship was absolutely essential from prepping for the initial interview to negotiating a contract and ultimately accepting a new position.”

“Mark was recommended to me by others in a new generation of incoming theater leaders - and I'm so glad that I took their advice! Mark is an invaluable (and fun!) conversation partner for interview analysis and preparation, as well as discernment of next steps.

Whatever you are doing - but especially if you are applying for positions or in the early stages of leadership - don't feel like you have to do it alone. These jobs are challenging and isolating at times. Mark can help.”

“As a first time Artistic Director, it's vital to have professional consultation and guidance as you navigate the world of leading a non-profit organization. Mark Cuddy's experience and wealth of knowledge provided me with a solid foundation so I could begin my career with confidence. As I finish year two as an Artistic Director, I know that a large part of my success is owed to my time with Mark.”

"As a first time Artistic Director, Mark Cuddy's mentorship was necessary and nourishing!  My particular challenge was taking over a theatre company for which I worked as a Company Member for almost 20 years.  Leading a staff and artists who were once peers posed unexpected challenges and Mark was there every step of the way.  His experience, demeanor and wisdom make the Theater Leader program a necessity for anyone in arts management, especially first timers."

"It is very difficult for small to mid sized nonprofit arts organizations to find affordable, knowledgeable and impactful consultants. Mark Cuddy is exactly that. His wealth of experience, knowledge and obvious passion for what he does make him a pleasure to work with. Simply put, Mark knows his stuff and any arts leader would benefit from time with him."

“Leading a theatre is hard work and, very often, isolating work. Over the years, I’ve found the best way to tackle tough issues is to seek help from my peers who have faced similar challenges to mine. No one is working alone in this field although it sometimes feels like you are. I can’t think of a better solution than Theatre Leader to help us all or a better person to facilitate it than my friend, Mark Cuddy.”

"Perspective is everything…and Mark brings plenty!  His breadth of experience and down-to-earth approach make him the perfect resource for board leaders and executives alike."

“What a great idea! Mentoring and educating theater management. And Mark Cuddy is perfect for this service. Like Prospero, he has managed to conjure up the spirits of success for theaters from Boise to Boston. Theater companies across the country should recognize and take advantage of his knowledge and experience. It will only make them better at what they do.”

"Mark Cuddy has been a great resource to me in my role as Artistic Director over the years, He combines extensive knowledge and intelligence with a thoughtful, helpful nature to provide common sense, generous support for not-for-profit leadership. Smaller organizations like Capital Rep have limited resources and are often located in communities that lack expertise, especially in the arts. There's a great need for the kind of experienced, affordable know-how that Mark offers to foster growth and change."

“In a time where there seems to be more questions than answers about where the art form of theatre is headed and what the audiences of today demand of us, resources such as Theater Leader are extremely important to gain necessary perspective, insight and context to be successful. In my 23 years of knowing and working with Mark I know he has the temperament and experience to help leaders distill and see more clearly the issues at hand so that thoughtful solutions and strategies can emerge.”

"Mark Cuddy has decades of experience in leading and co-leading theatre companies around the country. As an institutional leader, particularly in a smaller community, there are not many people one can turn to locally for advice. When I partnered with him at Geva Theatre Center, I always knew Mark was there for me to discuss ideas, share insight, offer wisdom, and provide perspective. He was an incredible resource and leadership partner."

"Due to Mark’s broad experiences as CEO, artistic director, actor, writer, and trustee, he’s able to advise on a wide variety of topics at both the macro and micro levels. Theater Leader is like a CEO’s wise and trusted friend!"