Joyce A. Moffatt

Published 9:41 am Tuesday, February 4, 2025

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Landrum—Joyce A. Moffatt, a celebrated General Manager and Executive in the performing arts world whose career spanned more than 50 years, died on January 26, 2025, at her home in Landrum, S.C. She was 89.

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Ms. Moffatt attended the University of Michigan, earning a BA in Literature and MA in Theatre. After her early work with regional companies, she arrived in New York in the early l960s, working first as the Subscription Manager for the APA Phoenix Theatre, then Director of Ticket Sales for City Center of Music and Drama, Inc., the umbrella for both New York City Opera and New York City Ballet.

She honed her management skills with the San Antonio Symphony, then returned to New York City to take on the General Management of the newly created 55th Street Dance Theater Foundation, Inc., whose constituents included the American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Joffrey Ballet and the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, all performing at the City Center Theater. Soon thereafter, she was recruited to become the General Manager of ABT, under the Artistic Directorship of Lucia Chase and Oliver Smith, followed by Mikhail Baryshnikov. She produced the 40th Anniversary gala celebration of the company and worked with Live From Lincoln Center to produce several televised performances of ABT from the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House. 

Ms. Moffatt took a brief foray into the commercial world, becoming the Vice President of Production for Radio City Music Hall before heading west to take the position of Executive Director with San Francisco Ballet, followed by her tenure as Managing Director of Houston Ballet.

In 1995, she settled in Chicago for what was intended as a short-term engagement as the General Manager of the newly formed Music and Dance Theater Chicago, Inc. Eight years later, and after project managing construction of a new performing arts theater for twelve constituent companies, the Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater opened in 2003 to great acclaim.

Throughout her non-stop career, Ms. Moffatt served on the Boards of Directors of several foundations and community and educational organizations, including, most recently, Thermal Belt Outreach, Tryon Fine Arts Center, St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation and the Design and Review Committee in Landrum, S.C. 

In 2005, she retired to Landrum, S.C., where she lived with her long-time close friend, Beth Romney, until her death. She is survived by her sister, Joan Gunning; nephews, David and Michael Gunning; and nieces, Janet Saleno, Ann Denny and Carol Gunning.  

At her request, there will be no service.  

Donations in her memory can be made to your favorite arts organization, P3, or any animal charity of your choice.

An online guest register is available at mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com

 

McFarland Funeral Chapel

Tryon