Executive Director
COURTNEY BECKAlonzo King LINES Ballet is pleased to announce the appointment of Courtney Beck as our new Executive Director, effective May 15, 2023. Beck brings extensive experience in leadership, programming, education, strategic planning, artistic and organizational partnerships, and fundraising to the organization.
Beck most recently served as Executive Director at Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale (PBO), where she increased the organization’s budget and expanded their repertoire, programming, and reach. In her new role with LINES Ballet, Beck will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations—including fundraising, marketing, programming, and education initiatives—and will work closely with Artistic Director Alonzo King to continue to push the boundaries of contemporary dance performance and education.
“We’re thrilled Courtney is becoming part of the LINES Ballet family,” said Harry Schoening, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “She’s a great fit for us. She brings nearly a decade’s worth of experience leading another superb performing arts nonprofit, where her skills and energy were instrumental in the growth and success of the organization. Her expertise in creating efficient systems and engaging audiences make her the perfect person to lead LINES Ballet—with its world-class creative excellence, strong board, and seasoned staff—into its exciting next chapter.”
With her strong background in the arts and proven track record of successful leadership, Beck is well-positioned to guide LINES Ballet as we continue to innovate and inspire through the art of contemporary dance.
“What Alonzo King has created with LINES over the past 41 years extends well beyond the art form of dance. It’s too easy to say he’s one of the greatest choreographers of all time, and he is, because what he shapes is a collective conversation about humanity, and his exquisite dancers bring forward those questions in their movement and expression. As an organization, I’m simply honored to have the opportunity work with Alonzo, as well as his co-founder Robert Rosenwasser and the entire board and staff as we work toward delivering to communities near and far all that LINES represents. There are extraordinary programs in the Bay Area, and the company tours extensively, and the overarching vision for LINES grounded in an overarching belief that education is at the center. I couldn’t be more excited to join the organizational at such an important time.”
—Courtney Beck, Executive Director
About Courtney Beck
Courtney Beck has served in leadership roles at Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale (PBO) since 2007 and has led the organization as its Executive Director (ED) for eight years. Prior to her role as chief executive, she held the positions of Associate Executive Director, and Director of Development & Campaigns. In her time as ED, Ms. Beck grew the organization substantially—expanding the operating budget from $3 million to over $6 million, significantly growing the ensemble’s repertoire, programming, and reach through touring, commissioning, and immersive education programs.
Long before ‘alternative programming’ became popular and necessary in the orchestra world, Beck created longstanding alternative formats, including SESSIONS and Jews & Music. She completed the organization’s first ever $5 million capital campaign in 2009; an $8 million comprehensive campaign in 2016; and raised $13 toward million the organization’s latest comprehensive initiative to support innovation—including operatic and interdisciplinary productions, new concert formats, commissions, education, annual operating support, and endowment.
She is credited with redefining what historical performance can be in a 21st century patron environment. She has forged partnerships with the American Modern Opera Company, Dunedin Consort, Anthony Roth Costanzo, and Davóne Tines, among others and is deeply proud that PBO was the very first orchestra in the Bay Area to commission Caroline Shaw to compose multiple works as part of its New Music for Old Instruments. During the pandemic, Ms. Beck oversaw the production of more than 100 virtual programs.
