Staff Spotlight: Shana Adams

Shana Adams tells us about the most sentimental and memorable moments she experienced at the theater as the Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement.

CTD: Can you share a little about yourself and how you started working at the theater? 

SA: When I’m not at the theatre I’m usually spending time in my garden, hiking, traveling, or with family and friends. I’ve been singing since I was a toddler. Some of my favorite artists right now are Olivia Dean, Moonchild, Cleo Sol, and Leon Bridges.  I’m a native North Carolinian and was living in New Orleans, Louisiana pursuing a master’s in arts management before moving to Durham in early 2006. After working for 17 years in arts education and community engagement with the Durham Arts Council and Wortham Center for Performing Arts, I joined the Carolina Theatre as Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement in August of 2022. Little-known fact – back in the day, I was a part-time house manager at Carolina Theatre on evenings and weekends from 2011-2012. I really enjoyed meeting theater-goers and seeing some incredible shows.

CTD: What does a typical week look like for you and what do you like most about your job?

SA: A typical week starts out with reviewing the previous week’s programs and feedback, and then usually moves into planning, and outreach for upcoming performances and workshops. There’s a lot of coordination and communication with the Carolina Theatre team, artists, agents, schools, and partners. An exciting part of this role for me is planning programming and creating new programs. What I love most about this role is seeing students, teachers, and families enjoying the shows. It’s a great feeling to know that what we’re doing here is making an immediate impact on young people, and people of all ages. It’s inspiring to witness the power of the arts.

CTD: What are some of your most memorable moments of being at the theater?  

SA: Gosh, there are so many memorable moments and programs – from Malevo and Step Afrika, Dancing with the Carolina Stars, the Confronting Change 10th Anniversary Celebration and every Family Saturday Series show is fun to experience. One of my favorite recent memories was during an Arts Discovery Educational Series school show, “Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure,” in November. The show was all about demonstrating the science of pressure. David Epley, aka Doktor Kaboom, brought several students to the stage throughout the show to help him with various experiments…pressure balloons, static electricity, and more. All of the students were excited to be onstage, but one student was a little nervous. I remember that after he successfully helped with the experiment, he was so happy, you could see the pride in his smile. As he walked off the stage, one of his classmates met him and gave him a hug. It was the sweetest moment!

CTD: How have things changed around the theater and in Durham since you started working here? 

SA: The theater has continued to grow in every area. We have such a robust and talented group of people on staff here and an amazingly supportive CEO and board. Durham is also growing and changing. It’s been interesting to witness the changes in Durham since 2006. Downtown Durham used to be almost empty and now it’s the complete opposite. The arts are a big part of this growth.

CTD: What are some interesting and little-known facts about the theater you can share?   

SA: The Carolina Theatre has history exhibits on every level of the building, highlighting the theatre’s 99-year history in downtown Durham. We will soon premiere a documentary titled “Breaking the Booth.” It’s about the Civil Rights Movement in Durham and the youth protests that advocated for the desegregation of the Carolina Theatre.

CTD: What is your favorite show or film you saw at the theater?

SA: Hands down, Hugh Masekela, in 2013. I’ll never forget his performance!