Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Cobb.
Hi Kristin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always been involved in the arts– as a young child I would put on neighborhood shows with all the kids and was Lady Macbeth in my 8th grade English class! I started doing community theatre at the Arts Center of Kershaw County throughout high school and had plans to move to NYC, but life took a different turn as I attended the University of South Carolina and studied broadcast journalism. I worked in radio and television for many years, got married and had a family and stayed in SC. About 20 years ago, I received a call from the executive director of the Arts Center. They were looking for a marketing director and knew that I had been heavily involved at the Center as a young adult and had a passion for the arts. I switched careers then and never looked back. Two years into my tenure at the Center, I had the opportunity to apply for the executive position. I was the internal candidate and was unsure about my experience, but really wanted to do the work, show my skills and make a difference. I was the executive director for 10 years before coming to Harbison Theatre. I learned the ropes at this remarkable organization and garnered lifelong lessons in leadership, community building, engagement and bringing joy to the workplace. I have served as the executive director for Harbison Theatre now for 8 years. I am having the time of my life. The theatre is a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility with the support of Midlands Technical College. We bring in large touring shows, serve as a community rental hub for many arts organizations and also host events for the college.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would say it’s been a smooth road outside of the COVID19 pandemic. That was a difficult time for all of us, but especially for trying to gather in a large setting. We had to think outside the box and of course keep the safety of our patrons and artists at the forefront. We hosted parking lot concerts and other outdoor events and stayed relevant for the local arts community. There are always some hiccups, but I have learned that meeting challenges with a positive attitude and a “find the middle ground” approach has served me well. I am also a fan of surrounding yourself with good people. I have an incredible staff, and we work together to make it all happen. Our hours are unconventional, so we have to be flexible and understanding of each other.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have worked as an executive director for an arts organization/theatre for the last 18 years. I previously worked as a producer and reporter for WOLO ABC25 and also in small market radio with KOOL 102.7. I have a proven track record of building relationships and finding the creative energy for forward progression.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think risk taught me something essential: a career built only on certainty slowly shrinks. In booking artists, as in any career, growth depends on trusting your instincts, accepting uncertainty, and understanding that failure is not the opposite of success—it’s part of it. Taking risks doesn’t mean being reckless; it means believing that your choices can shape something meaningful. Without those leaps, a theatre becomes just a building, and a career becomes just a routine.in all things in life, you have to take some risks.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.harbisontheatre.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corporatecobb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristin.w.cobb
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinwcobb/
