From hands-on learning at Hartt to leading marketing at an award-winning regional theater, Katherine Plutniki ’22 is building a career at the intersection of creativity, business, and the performing arts.
For Plutniki, who graduated from Hartt as a performing arts management major, her meaningful career in the arts began with a desire to combine a well-rounded education with real-world industry experience. (With the launch of Hartt’s newly designed BA in music management program, this dynamic degree program is revamped to prepare graduates in the arts management and business fields, and also offers a minor in performing arts management for all Hartt and non-Hartt students). Today, she serves as director of marketing at TheaterWorks Hartford, an Obie Award-winning regional theater in downtown Hartford, where she helps connect audiences with the power of live performance.
Plutniki’s journey reflects the value of Hartt’s approach to arts management education: pairing classroom learning with hands-on experiences, professional connections, and mentorship from faculty who are invested in their students’ long-term success.
During her time at Hartt, Plutniki found an educational experience that prepared her for the realities of working in nonprofit arts management. Through relevant coursework, practical projects, and internship opportunities, she developed a broad understanding of what it takes to support and sustain an arts organization.
“I chose Hartt because I wanted a well-rounded education that would provide meaningful, hands-on experience in the arts industry,” Plutniki explains.
Hartt exceeded her expectations by connecting students with industry leaders and arts organizations early in their studies. These opportunities allowed her to apply what she learned in the classroom, build professional relationships, and gain firsthand insight into the field before graduation.
Equally important was the support she received from her professors. Plutniki recalls how faculty members were invested not only in her academic development but also in her career beyond Hartt. Their guidance helped her develop practical skills, explore professional opportunities, and gain confidence in her ability to navigate the arts industry.
“By the time I was ready to graduate, I already had a really great sense of what it was like to work in this industry and was able to accept a full-time position right outside of graduating,” she says.
Today, Plutniki applies that foundation to her role as director of marketing at TheaterWorks Hartford. Her work combines creative storytelling with strategic planning, helping the theater grow its audience, strengthen engagement, and generate revenue through ticket and subscription sales.
Katherine Plutniki ’22, Director of Marketing, TheaterWorks HartfordThe program at Hartt provided me with a well-rounded foundation in what it takes to run a nonprofit arts organization, from marketing and business administration to building relationships and working directly with artists in the industry.
She oversees integrated marketing initiatives, branding, public relations, and campaigns across web, print, digital, and social media platforms. She also manages content calendars, sales tracking, performance tools, media relations, and publicity efforts to support the theater’s goals and inform strategic decision-making.
The breadth of her responsibilities reflects the interdisciplinary nature of performing arts management. Success in the field requires more than a passion for the arts; it also calls for business acumen, communication skills, collaboration, and an understanding of how to build lasting relationships with audiences and industry professionals.
Plutniki credits Hartt with helping her develop that well-rounded perspective.
“The program at Hartt provided me with a well-rounded foundation in what it takes to run a nonprofit arts organization, from marketing and business administration to building relationships and working directly with artists in the industry,” she emphasizes.
As she continues to develop her career, Plutniki hopes to expand her experience in arts management and pursue new managerial opportunities across the music and performing arts industries.
Her professional journey demonstrates how experiential learning and faculty mentorship can help students move from academic study into meaningful careers. At Hartt, she gained an understanding of the field, practical experience, and the professional foundation to take the next step after graduation.
For prospective students considering Hartt, Plutniki encourages them to make the most of the opportunities available to them.
“Say yes to as many opportunities for leadership and growth that are available to you, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone,” she advises. “You were accepted into Hartt for a reason, and you can contribute so much to your undergraduate career if you’re open to it.”
For Plutniki, that willingness to learn, engage, and embrace new experiences helped turn her Hartt education into a career supporting the performing arts. Her story is a testament to the impact of an education that extends beyond the classroom and prepares students to contribute to the cultural organizations that bring communities together.