Sean Elias is an award-winning director and visionary arts leader who has led record-breaking growth and transformative change at every institution he has helmed. As Executive Director of The DC Arts Center, he secured the funding and led the organization’s first-ever full facility renovation, overseeing the project from concept to completion within just his second year. Additionally, Sean modernized and digitized all operations, established new revenue streams, significantly increased contributed revenue, and spearheaded a bold institutional rebrand—positioning DCAC for a new era of impact. As Artistic Director of Iron Crow Theatre, Baltimore’s award-winning professional queer theatre, he has overseen the company’s most explosive period of expansion, directing the highest-selling and highest-grossing play and musical in its history while elevating the theatre’s national profile. Previously, he founded and chaired the internationally recognized Performing Arts Department at the Jemicy School, directing multiple award-winning productions, including internationally acclaimed performances at the International Thespian Festival. A sought-after arts leader and advocate, Sean has served on the Maryland State Arts Council’s Review Board and the LGBTQ Cultural Advisory Board of Visit Baltimore. His work as a director and performer spans Off-Broadway, national tours, and regional theatre, earning him recognition as a Tony Award-nominated educator, and award-winning artist. Sean holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre Performance from The University of the Arts and an M.A. in Theatre Education from Emerson College.