Joe Gfaller, Managing Director

Joe Gfaller joined Clear Space Theatre Company as Managing Director in late 2023.

Since his tenure began, Clear Space has seen consistent growth in philanthropic support and audience engagement. Both subscribership and net gala revenues have grown three-fold; performance schedules have been expanded to accommodate increased demand after a consistent string of sold out productions; and new relationships with grant makers have expanded program activities in the Arts Institute – all resulting in Clear Space’s operating budget growing from $1.2M to $2.3M during that timeframe.

A seasoned performing arts professional, Joe has held leadership positions, as well as roles in marketing, development, and community engagement with such varied organizations as the Alliance Theater, the American Repertory Theater, Opera Theater of Saint Louis, 7 Stages, and Metro Theater Company. As a consultant, he has worked with the National Blues Museum, the documentary Flint: The Poisoning of an American City, the Utah Symphony, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. He has taught arts management in Webster University’s MFA arts leadership program and has taught acting at Berry College. His resume as a stage director includes over two dozen productions, including regional premieres by Caryl Churchill, David Mamet, Peter Sinn Nachtreib, and Addae Moon. He has served on boards and in other volunteer leadership roles for the Gateway Men’s Chorus, Doorways, 7 Stages, Opera America, Theatre Communications Group, and the Harvard Club of St. Louis, and he writes the monthly arts column in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth. He was a member of the Longwood Foundation’s Catalysts Together program in 2024-25, the Leadership St. Louis Class of 2013, and the LEAD Atlanta Class of 2006, and he graduated with honors from Harvard University. He is proud to call Rehoboth Beach home and hopes you enjoy your experience when you come to Clear Space!