Samantha Squeri and Her Pivotal Role at Universal Theatrical Group: A Driving Force Behind Global Theatre Production and Finance

In the dynamic world of live theatre, the blend of creative vision and solid financial management is essential for success. One of the most influential figures exemplifying this combination today is Samantha Squeri, Director of Theatre Production and Finance at Universal Theatrical Group (UTG). UTG, a division of Universal Pictures under NBCUniversal, stands as a powerhouse in adapting some of the world’s most beloved cinematic stories into spectacular theatrical productions across Broadway, the West End, and international tours. Samantha Squeri’s expertise and leadership have been integral in navigating the financial complexities and operational demands of UTG’s global productions, making her a key figure in the modern theatre industry.

Who is Samantha Squeri?

Samantha Squeri is a theatre producer, director, and finance professional with a deep passion and extensive experience in the arts. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a focus on Finance and Film, Television, and Theatre from the University of Notre Dame. Over the years, she has developed a multifaceted career that bridges creative theatre production and financial stewardship. Currently, she serves as the Director of Theatre Production and Finance at Universal Theatrical Group, where she leads global financial forecasting, production operations, and strategic planning for some of the most high-profile theatre projects.

Beyond her role at UTG, Samantha is also actively involved in producing theatre independently through Squeri Theatrical Productions. She contributes to the broader theatre community by serving on the Board of Directors for Theatre of NOTE, a respected nonprofit theatre company in Los Angeles. Her commitment extends to mental health advocacy within the entertainment industry as part of the Behind the Scenes’ Mental Health Initiative.

Universal Theatrical Group: A Brief Overview

Universal Theatrical Group is the live theatre arm of Universal Pictures, specializing in transforming the studio’s extensive film library into captivating stage productions. UTG’s portfolio boasts internationally acclaimed shows like Wicked, Death Becomes Her, and The Prince of Egypt, among many others. Operating on Broadway, West End, and primary touring circuits, UTG handles the complex financial and operational elements needed to manage productions across multiple countries.

With an annual revenue estimated at around $300 million and operating cash flows near $70 million, UTG’s business demands expert oversight in budgeting, forecasting, compliance, contract management, and cross-functional coordination. Samantha Squeri’s leadership in these areas has been critical to UTG’s continued success and expansion.

Samantha Squeri’s Role at Universal Theatrical Group

Leadership in Financial and Production Operations

Since April 2022, Samantha has held the role of Director of Theatre Production and Finance at UTG, based in New York City. She oversees the company’s financial and operational processes, including:

• Financial Forecasting and Reporting: Managing detailed forecasting models and reports that track performance across six international productions.
• Production Operations: Coordinating contract management and ensuring compliance with Universal policies, government regulations, and union requirements.
• Strategic Planning: Advising leadership with financial scenarios and strategies to double operating cash flow over the next five years.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Working with legal, business affairs, health and safety, human resources, labor relations, cybersecurity, and other internal teams to maintain smooth production workflows.

Her stewardship has been essential in managing globally successful productions such as Wicked (on Broadway, U.S. tours, London, UK tours, and Australia) and Death Becomes Her on Broadway.

Past Roles Leading Up to Her Current Position

Before her current role, Samantha worked in various finance positions within Universal Theatrical Group and NBCUniversal. Her progression from Senior Financial Analyst to Manager of Production Finance provided her with a strong foundation in budgeting, financial analysis, forecasting, and industry-specific regulations.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Samantha played a pivotal role modeling financial scenarios to manage production shutdowns and reopenings, estimating insurance claims, and coordinating health protocols—demonstrating resilience and strategic thinking under pressure.

Samantha’s Impact Beyond UTG: Theatre Production and Community Involvement

While excelling at Universal Theatrical Group, Samantha also maintains an active creative and producing career through her company, Squeri Theatrical Productions. Her producing credits include notable works such as A Doll’s House, The Secret Garden, The Kite Runner, and SUFFS, a musical highlighting the women’s suffrage movement.

Her multi-disciplinary theatre experience is extensive—ranging from stage management, costume and prop design, to box office and house management—showcasing a deep understanding of theatre operations from the ground up. This hands-on experience enriches her financial leadership by grounding it in the realities of creative production.

Samantha’s commitment to community is also demonstrated by her board membership at Theatre of NOTE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering new theatrical works and supporting artists in Los Angeles. Additionally, her role on the steering committee for the Behind the Scenes Mental Health Initiative highlights her dedication to improving mental health resources for professionals throughout the entertainment industry.

Why Samantha Squeri is Essential to UTG’s Success

Bridging Creativity and Finance

Samantha’s unique combination of financial acumen and theatrical creativity allows her to lead UTG through the complexities of producing high-budget, globally dispersed shows. Her ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse teams—ranging from creatives and producers to legal and labor relations—ensures that productions remain financially viable while meeting artistic goals.

Strategic Vision for Growth

Under Samantha’s guidance, UTG is pursuing ambitious growth targets, including expanding international tours and developing over 20 new titles. Her strategic financial modeling provides the company with a clear roadmap to increase profitability, streamline operations, and adapt to industry changes.

Crisis Management Expertise

The theatre industry faces many unpredictable challenges, as seen during the pandemic. Samantha’s proactive management of financial risks and operational adjustments helped UTG navigate closures and reopenings smoothly, safeguarding the company’s interests and those of its productions.

Also Read> Cleves Delp: A Visionary Leader in Wealth Management and Financial Services

Conclusion

Samantha Squeri embodies the evolving role of theatre leadership in the 21st century—one that demands a balance of financial expertise, operational savvy, and a passion for storytelling. At Universal Theatrical Group, she is a vital force driving the organization’s global theatre productions to new heights of success and sustainability. Her influence extends beyond numbers and spreadsheets, impacting the artistic and human elements of theatre production worldwide.

Her journey and ongoing contributions underscore the importance of multifaceted leadership in today’s entertainment landscape, making her a role model for theatre professionals and an essential figure in the future of live stage entertainment.