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10 Minutes with Dr. Shelton Land, executive director of the historic Douglass Theatre BY CLARENCE W. THOMAS, JR. Leadership can be defined as the ability to influence and guide followers. Shelton Land, Executive Director of the Douglass Theatre is working to do just that; and by doing so, stands to take the theater to higher heights. arlier this year The Friends of the Douglass Theatre Board of Directors announced Dr. Shelton Land as the historic theater's newest executive director. The Virginia native has over 15 years of leadership experience in the non-profit and performing arts fields that includes his company Land Mindz, Inc. – a theatrical training and mentorship platform for laymen with acting aspirations. Land holds degrees from Norfolk State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Walden University – where he earned a doctorate in Public Policy & Administration. Before joining the Douglass, he served as Vice President of Education with United Way of Central Georgia (UWCG) and was responsible for leading UWCG's eight new educational initiatives including Read United across 14 counties including Macon-Bibb. The Leadership Macon alumnus served as Artistic Director of the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival and has received various accolades for his leadership and service in the nonprofit and theater sectors. He expressed his thanks for the foundation laid by former Douglass Executive Director Gina Ward before her retirement last year following 21 years of service at the theater. Land continues seeking her guidance as he establishes himself as a formidable, noteworthy head of the house Charles Henry Douglass built. Macon Magazine spent some time with Land recently listening to his take on leadership, how he's applying it as the Douglass's latest leader, and his vision for the theater. M.M.- What's your personal definition of leadership, Dr. Land? And how have you applied it during your professional and personal life? S.L.- Leadership is a combination of liking people and being liked. You also must be a servant that's humble in your approach. Lastly, you let your work speak for itself. It's about your actions. As a leader I've learned to balance my emotions and logic. It's not about me but about what we can bring together for the good of those we serve. M.M.- What kind of leadership does the Douglass Theatre need in 2023? Are you that leader? S.L.- This theater needs someone in charge that can navigate its numerous moving parts. Someone that's an active listener with a commitment to mirroring the success and ways of its founder. I have an open-door policy and welcome thought partners with a team attitude, bringing all their vision and then using the best parts. Mr. Douglass was a people person and a great role model. I believe how we grow together is us working towards a common cause. M.M.- What's your vision for the Douglass under your leadership, and what will it take to get there? S.L.- It's rooted in collaborations like the upcoming Atlanta Black Theatre Festival and another one celebrating women with the Tubman Museum in the future. Taking the theater beyond the borders of Macon is essential to its continued success as a historic, hallowed hall where artists can be heard as we remain a place for a good show. The goal is for us to continue turning outward as we remain rooted. M.M.- What is your commitment as executive director and as a new leader, ensuring Macon's future is prosperous? S.L.- I'm committed to creating, connecting, and cultivating this theater as a premier venue and museum of history and culture. I have an unwavering commitment to this and foresee the Douglass as a viable, sacred place where solidarity of the community can be expressed through various voices proudly and with purpose. E 122 maconmagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2023