Native Charlottean will Shape the Artistic and Cultural Scene at Queens

Laura Kratt, a seasoned arts administrator with more than 30 years of experience, has been named executive director of the Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement at Queens University of Charlotte effective July 18. Laura Kratt inside of the lobby of the Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement.

A native Charlottean, Kratt is no stranger to the Queens University of Charlotte campus.

“I first learned to love the arts growing up in Charlotte around the corner from Queens,” she said. “I went on to pursue a career in arts administration, half of which has been spent on university campuses and the other half at historic theatres. What they all had in common was the pursuit of artistic excellence as well as a grassroots and longstanding commitment to engagement within the community.”

Kratt comes to Queens after serving as the first executive director of the Appalachian Theatre in Boone, North Carolina where she led the $8 million renovation and grand reopening in 2019. Prior to her tenure at the Appalachian, Kratt served as director of cultural events for Wingate University. She has also held senior leadership roles managing two National Historic Landmark theatres, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in New York and The Springer Opera House in Georgia.

“Laura’s background reflects a strong commitment to using the arts as a vehicle for connection and community in every place she has served,” said Jennifer Eriksen, vice president for advancement at Queens. “Her passion and leadership will certainly propel the Gambrell Center to new heights.”

Classically trained in piano and voice, Kratt is a graduate of Wake Forest University with a bachelor of arts degree in history and a minor in music. She pursued a master’s degree studies in arts management from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and studied piano tuning technology at Central Piedmont Community College

“My hope is that the Gambrell Center fully realized would allow the arts to support Queens University’s mission to create future-ready citizens by providing transformational experiences in theatre, music, dance, visual arts, literature, and more,” Kratt explained. “My first priority is to listen. To listen and learn how we, together, might make a Gambrell Center that is intentional, engaging, and a dynamic force for the campus and community.”