NYC’s Public Theater Creates New Position, Ups New Director For Joe’s Pub

AP Photo – Nona Hendryx
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Fairgrounds Racecourse, New Orleans, La.

Shanta Thake, the most recent director of Joe’s Pub, is starting a new position as senior director of artistic programs at The Public Theater, the larger venue housing Joe’s, effective in September. Alex Knowlton will take over as director for Joe’s Pub.

Thake’s new position will see her working much less with Joe’s, but she had many kind words for the venue.

“In my tenure at Joe’s Pub, it has been incredible to witness the growth of this special place, in terms of the reach and impact for both audiences and artists. Its status as a thriving independent non-profit music venue is rare in the fluctuating music industry,” Thake said in a statement. “Alex, who has been part of the Joe’s Pub team since 2009, has the experience, passion, and good taste that will push it even farther for years to come.”

Knowlton is currently the associate director of Joe’s.

“It’s an honor to be a part of the Joe’s Pub story,” Knowlton said in a statement. “I believe so strongly in our community of artists and the power of our stage as a platform for more than entertainment. I’m thrilled to build upon that legacy.”

The pub is named after The Public Theatre founder Joseph Papp, who opened the tavern in 1998.

Joe’s Pub (184-capacity) is scheduled to host Southern Avenue on Aug. 28 and is also celebrating its 20th anniversary with shows from Max Vernon and The Tiger Lillies;

Recent Boxoffice reports for Joe’s Pub include Kim Smith June 25, with 165 tickets moved for a $2,970 gross and Tori Scott June 23, with 133 tickets moved for a $3,325 gross.

The shows at Joe’s may not be the biggest moneymakers, but there sure are a lot of them, as we had record of 659 shows at the venue in 2017. Unsurprisingly, there are often multiple shows in one night, and they are frequently ticketed separately.