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  • July 2019 (Revised November 2022)
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Backstage at Boston Ballet

By: David G. Fubini, Ryan Raffaelli, Begum Agca Okutgen and Julia Kelley
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:24
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Abstract

This case asks students to consider how to prioritize goals when placed in a new leadership role. In August 2014, Meredith “Max” Hodges became the youngest Executive Director (ED) in the Boston Ballet’s 51-year history. In her first year, she was able to claim several early wins, including key adjustments to ticket pricing, new hires, and updated marketing and box office data analysis. But at beginning of her second year, Hodges received disheartening news—a developer had purchased one of Boston Ballet's school locations and was planning to terminate Boston Ballet's lease. Hodges already had several major projects planned, including a major website overhaul and a revamped performance schedule. However, without a new school location, Boston Ballet's revenue would take a hit. Given Boston Ballet's limited resources and the urgency of the terminated school lease, how should Hodges reprioritize her plans for the upcoming year?

Keywords

Organizational Behavior; Managing Change; Strategy Execution; Priorities; Arts; Buildings and Facilities; Decision Making; Theater Entertainment; Leadership; Business or Company Management; Mission and Purpose; Organizational Change and Adaptation; Strategic Planning; Problems and Challenges; Nonprofit Organizations; Strategy; Marketing; Price; Fine Arts Industry; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; Education Industry; United States; North America; Massachusetts; Boston; New England; Northeastern United States

Citation

Fubini, David G., Ryan Raffaelli, Begum Agca Okutgen, and Julia Kelley. "Backstage at Boston Ballet." Harvard Business School Case 420-005, July 2019. (Revised November 2022.)
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About The Authors

David G. Fubini

Organizational Behavior
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Ryan L. Raffaelli

Organizational Behavior
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Related Work

    • July 2019 (Revised November 2022)
    • Faculty Research

    Backstage at Boston Ballet

    By: David G. Fubini, Ryan Raffaelli, Begum Agca Okutgen and Julia Kelley
Related Work
  • Backstage at Boston Ballet By: David G. Fubini, Ryan Raffaelli, Begum Agca Okutgen and Julia Kelley
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