Joel Friend

Joel Friend has extensive experience in sales and corporate relations, with a focus on the performing arts industry. Joel served as the Director of Corporate Giving & Sponsorship at Paramount Theatre, where they developed and executed strategic plans to increase philanthropic support. Joel also held the role of Director of Sales & Corporate Relations at Paramount Theatre. Prior to that, Joel worked as the Group Sales Manager at Lyric Opera of Chicago and Noble Fool Theatricals/Fox Valley Repertory, where they cultivated new group resources and marketed tickets to group audiences. Joel also worked as the Sales and Booking Coordinator at Upstage Productions, where they developed a marketing plan and acquired new group reservations. Joel's experience also includes working as a Catering Sales Manager at Doubletree Hotel Arlington Heights and as a Group Sales Director at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre.

Joel Friend's education history begins in 1993 when they enrolled at Drake University. Joel attended the university for four years and graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor's degree in Theatre & Speech Communications. In 1996, they also participated in a program called the National Theater Institute at The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, although it is not specified whether they obtained a degree or field of study from this program. Additionally, Joel attended The Conservatory at The Second City Training Center, although the dates and details of this experience are not provided.