Managing the performing arts is driven by the mission to bring forth the best in the performers and truly contribute to the advancement of the art. Darren Keith Woods learned this from having spent a lot of time both onstage and backstage. Darren is currently the Artistic Director of Seagle Music Colony, the country’s oldest and most prestigious singing program, where he has held a few leadership posts since 1996. Before stepping into a managing role, however, Darren had a career as a tenor, singing for more than 20 years in both the US and Europe. He is a keen observer of people – a trait that he brought into observing companies, which led him to learn what separates good management from the rest. In this interview with Elizabeth Bachman, listen to his brilliant insights on bringing mission and management together plus some practical tips for aspiring singers looking to make a breach in today’s monolithic industry and still be able to put food on the table.