Shane Peterman
Shane Peterman, a native Texan, has worked extensively in show business for over 25 years as a chief executive, entrepreneur, artistic director, executive producer, associate producer, casting director, director and performer. He’s been involved in hundreds of productions. He comes from a long family line of entrepreneur's and business owners and opened his first business in 2003 following a successful performance career. Through a true passion for the arts and non profit organization's, he has successfully served multiple organizations. He currently leads Addison’s highly acclaimed professional theatre, WaterTower Theatre in North Dallas as the Producing Artistic Director. When Shane first took the helm, WaterTower Theatre turned around a six-figure deficit and near bankruptcy into a surplus for the company in just two quarters by rebuilding the company and its team. In his first season, WaterTower garnished numerous Dallas/Fort Worth regional theatre awards. Shane recently led the pre-Broadway World Premiere Musical, GOIN’ HOLLYWOOD penned by David Krane and Stephen Cole. This was the third pre-Broadway premier of his producing career thus far. There are currently several more projects in development.
During the COVID pandemic WaterTower Theatre became one of the first in the country to switch to filmed theatrical productions for video on demand beginning with Doug Wright’s TONY Award Winning production of I AM MY OWN WIFE. Many successful filmed productions followed including original world premiere works. In the summer of 2021, WaterTower again pioneered efforts by becoming one the first in the DFW area to re-open with an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association by presenting an indoor play.
Previously, Shane was Producer for Lyric Stage. He was instrumental in its relocating to Dallas’ historic Majestic Theatre and in programming several award winning seasons. He has been involved in dozens of world premiere productions, including commercial theatre projects as a producer through his company Peterman Entertainment Inc (est. 2003). Along with his wife Erica, Shane founded Arise Acting Studio (est. 2009, currently franchising), a studio for young professionals with multiple locations with a new CEO hired in 2024. As a director, Shane has directed dozens of productions with favorable reviews. As an actor, Shane has performed many leading roles across North America and Europe including in New York City. As a solo vocalist, he has appeared with leading orchestra's around the world in various venues including Carnegie Hall in New York City, The Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas and Bass Hall in Fort Worth. Shane has also worked in the film and television industry and has studied in both the U.S. and the U.K. with leading industry professionals including renowned acting teacher Fred Kareman. Shane has been a member of Actors’ Equity Association since 1997.
A leadership coaching mentee of Alan Seale, Shane has applied Alan’s Transformational Presence approach to his multiple businesses for well over two decades. He attributes much of his success to the tools and skills he has acquired along his journey as a businessman, artist and entrepreneur. As a mentor, Shane has helped dozens of leaders find their way as fellow business owners in the arts and upper level positions in the arts industry and beyond. He continues to serve as coach, consult and mentor to leaders, artists and executives using this transformational approach.
As a person and theatremaker with a disability, Shane takes pride in championing efforts for inclusion for all - especially those with their own unique challenges. As a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, he proudly volunteers his time with Texas Scottish Rite Hospital of Dallas where he was a patient with his own physical challenge as a child.
Shane currently lives in Trophy Club, Texas with his wife and two children.
