Lory Bowman joined downtown Milwaukee’s Marcus Performing Arts Center as director of marketing in 2021, following three decades in the performing arts industry, mainly in Toronto and St. Louis.
Her current role as VP of marketing and communications at MPAC had been a longtime dream for the Wisconsin native. When interviewing with potential colleges, Bowman was questioned about her choice of combining a music major and business minor. She explained that her ideal job would be, for example, overseeing marketing of the MPAC.
Thirty years later, Bowman’s dream came true when MPAC shifted its business model and sought additional marketing support. She was drawn to the position by MPAC’s commitment to racial equity, diversity and inclusion.
As marketing director of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis from 1997 to 2014, Bowman launched the organization’s first website and social media platforms, converted the box office to a fully computerized system, launched a new brand and oversaw diversity and inclusion efforts. She also restructured its subscription efforts, resulting in a 65% increase in new sales while maintaining historically high renewal rates year-over-year.
