Dudeck takes Dominion Energy Center helm

Article posted by Coliseum, April 7^th, 2025

Image: ASM Global

ASM Global has chosen Chris Dudeck as general manager of Richmond, Virginia’s, historic Dominion Energy Center.

ASM Global said Dudeck, a 25-year veteran in the entertainment and theater industry, has extensive expertise in production, venue management and theatrical operations.

Earlier in his career, Dudeck worked with major theme parks, such as Six Flags, Hershey Park, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and SeaWorld Orlando.

He went on to collaborate with regional theaters, touring shows and special-event companies, further expanding his knowledge of live entertainment. He also spent several years with Princess Cruises managing theaters, overseeing guest acts and coordinating resident production shows.

Dudeck gained experience revitalizing venues while working for the City of Clermont in Central Florida where he was responsible for converting a mega-church into a fully operational performing arts venue.

Most recently, he served as the assistant general manager of the Providence Performing Arts Center in Rhode Island where he collaborated with local arts groups and top-touring Broadway productions, comedians and performers.

In his role as general manager, Dudeck will oversee day-to-day operations at the 1,800-capacity venue, including the overall management, promotion and operation of the facility.

Responsibilities include purchasing, booking, marketing, finance, human resources, food and beverage, box office, advertising, production, maintenance, parking, security, emergency and crisis management, and more.

Los Angeles (US)-based ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management, delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners.

The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.

Bob Papke, regional vice president, ASM Global, said, “We are fortunate to have someone of Chris’ caliber to lead our team at the Dominion Energy Center.

“He has a wealth of experience in unique areas, from experiential entertainment to theater production and large-scale renovations, making him the ideal candidate for the lead position at the center. We are confident that with his guidance this historic venue will continue to thrive and succeed for years to come.”

Located in the heart of Virginia’s capital city and built in 1928, the cornerstone of the Dominion Energy Center is the fully renovated, historic Carpenter Theatre.

The venue also houses Dorothy Pauley Square, home to three new performance and education spaces, including the multipurpose Bob & Sally Mooney Hall for local performing artists; Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse, an intimate black-box style theater; and the Genworth BrightLights Education Center, with classrooms, rehearsal space and a state-of-the-art digital lab.

Home to the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, Richmond Ballet, Richmond Symphony and Virginia Opera performing arts organizations, the Dominion Energy Center also hosts performances by leading acts, such as Wanda Sykes, Little Feat and Shane Gillis.

The venue has also recently been recognized as one of the top 100 theaters worldwide by Pollstar in its “2024 Year End Report,” a top venue under 2,500 seats by Billboard in its “2024 Year End Report” and the No. 2 Performing Arts Theater in Virginia by Best of Virginia 2023-2025.

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