About

Chris Ristau

What's your name and what's your claim to fame?
I’m Chris Ristau, Executive Director of The Park Theater Foundation in Glens Falls. My “claim to fame” is helping transform a historic downtown theater into one of the region’s most active cultural hubs.

What's your bailiwick? (your specialty)?
Bringing people together through live music and events. I specialize in producing concerts, building community partnerships, and making the arts accessible to as many people as possible.

Is there something you think the public might not know about what you do that you wish they did?
Most people see the fun part — the concerts and the applause — but behind the scenes it’s a lot of logistics: booking artists, managing budgets, coordinating volunteers, and sometimes even setting up chairs. It takes a small army to make a show feel effortless.

What's the biggest, baddest, most awesome thing you've accomplished in your business so far?
Launching and growing our Summer Series and Adirondack Americana Festival. We’ve brought nationally touring artists to Warren County and drawn crowds of 600+ people — the largest in our history — all while keeping events affordable and community-focused.

What's a little-known fact about you that might surprise us?
I started in the arts not as a manager, but as a performer. That perspective still guides me in making sure artists feel welcomed and supported.

Can you give us a quick rundown of your business while we're stuck in this super slow elevator? (Your "Elevator Pitch")
The Park Theater Foundation is a nonprofit presenting 75+ concerts and events every year in Glens Falls and beyond. From jazz and comedy to Americana and local showcases, we connect nationally touring talent with our community, while keeping ticket prices accessible. We’re here to make sure live performance thrives in upstate New York.

www.ParkTheaterGF.com