A longtime leader in the music and nonprofit arts world, Mr. LaBelle has served as STG's Executive Director since 2001, helping guide the organization's work to create meaningful arts experiences, engage diverse communities, and preserve Seattle's historic theatres.

Mr. LaBelle's path to arts leadership began with his own love of music. He grew up in Southern California and earned a degree in World Art & Culture from UCLA. He then worked at the William Morris Agency in Los Angeles, starting in the mailroom before moving into the Music Division and working on concert bookings. As a musician himself, Mr. LaBelle also spent years touring and recording, primarily with artists T-Bone Burnett and Sam Phillips. He moved to Seattle in 1996 and joined STG that same year, beginning on the programming team and booking performances for the Paramount and Moore Theatres.

Today, Mr. LaBelle leads an organization that plays a major role in Seattle's cultural community. STG presents music, Broadway, dance, comedy, theatre, and other live performances while also providing education and community programs and caring for some of Seattle's most historic performance spaces. Central to its mission is the idea of being "The People's Theatre" — a place where people from different backgrounds and communities feel welcomed and represented.

Mr. LaBelle's leadership also extends beyond STG. He serves as Board Chair of Inspire Washington and President of the Board of the Performing Arts Venues Alliance, connecting his work in Seattle to broader advocacy for artists, cultural organizations, and performing arts venues.

On this episode of Curtains Up, Mr. LaBelle joins us to talk about his journey from musician to arts leader, the importance of arts advocacy, and what it takes to make the performing arts accessible and meaningful to an entire community. We also explore the responsibility of preserving historic theatres while preparing them for the next generation, the importance of representation in the arts, and his advice for students and young people who want to become more involved in arts leadership and advocacy.