The arts have always played a major role in Andrea Baker’s life. Whether she was participating in dance and theater throughout her childhood or just living life in a more creative and exploratory fashion, Andrea has continually felt drawn to the arts industry. While she was very comfortable in her previous job, Andrea felt a ‘shift’ when the pandemic happened - especially with having 2 young children at the time. She was ready to come back to the arts, and she found her (now) current position as the Development and Community Outreach Manager for the Maryland Ensemble Theater (MET) in Frederick.

Andrea focuses a great deal on community partnerships and working with people in the community. She loves the variety of change that happens in life and tends to adapt pretty easily, but she tends to be tough on herself - especially as a leader. Self-compassion has been the biggest lesson Andrea has learned on her leadership journey so far. She is learning to focus more on what is going well and amplify those ‘bright spots’ along the way, while also leaning into her team members’ strengths.

It’s important to be prepared and deliberate when it comes to the vision you have for your life. Andrea believes that a skill can be built anytime, but your choices and actions ultimately show who you are. If you’re passionate about the arts or just want to learn more about the industry, you won’t want to miss Andrea’s fascinating story and all of the work she is doing in the arts!

About Andrea Baker:

Andrea Baker is the Development and Community Outreach Manager for the MET, which stands for Maryland Ensemble Theater in Frederick. She is devoted to her work, and has always been passionate about the arts. Andrea is also a member of the LFC class of 2023, and is truly a good human to know.

www.marylandensemble.org

Episode Timestamps:

• How the arts have played a major role throughout Andrea’s career and life  {01:20}
• The impact of the pandemic on the arts industry {03:16}
• Andrea’s role as the Development and Community Outreach Manager for the MET {06:22}
• The unique South and Saints project {07:00}
• What the process looks like for choosing shows that are put on at the MET {08:30}
• Leading in the arts and what it’s like compared to other industries {10:10}
• The biggest leadership lesson Andrea has learned on her journey {11:50}
• Andrea’s mindset when it comes to her vision and the work she is doing {15:30}
• What people should know about the MET {18:10}

“I know that if I'm being hard on myself, then that's going to reflect in the rest of my team. I really need to take that time and just recognize what I am doing right, what I'm doing well, and focus on that really bright spot. I want to focus on those things that are going well, and just amplify them even more.”

Connect with Rachel Harrison:

https://traumaspecialistsofmd.com/

https://www.frederickchamber.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trauma_specialist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064008974101&mibextid=LQQJ4d

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796/