ABOUT

Thérèse LaGamma has programmed live arts at an array of leading American cultural institutions for over two decades.  Most recently she served as the 2026 Lead Programmer for the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in downtown New Haven, Connecticut. Leading into that project she served as Director of Public Programs at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Prior to her leadership role at the Kennedy Center, she oversaw programming for The Music Hall, in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts where she pioneered the development of the performing arts division.  On an ongoing basis, she is charged with bringing marquee talent to Payomet Performing Arts Center, a nonprofit on the Cape Cod National Seashore.

In her role as a presenter, she has prioritized engaging a broad community by identifying innovative ways to reach new audiences while simultaneously being responsive to the needs of established local patrons. She has continuously developed programming that encompasses popular voices recognized for their excellence, leading artists as well as innovative up and coming talent in music, theater, comedy, dance, and literary disciplines. For over two decades she has built extensive networks of agents, presenters, and colleagues that she works with to identify creative content that generates enthusiasm and inspires audiences.

Thérèse grew up living and traveling abroad throughout West Africa and Italy. She previously served as board member for Folk Alliance International and has been a member of the Association of Performing Arts Professionals and the New England Arts Presenters Consortia.