Debra J'Anthony is the Executive Director of the Academy of Music Theatre, a historic non-profit performing arts center in Northampton, MA. The Academy of Music, the first municipally owned theater in the nation, offers diverse programming for its audience members in dance, music, theater, spoken word, and independent film.

In her role as executive director, Debra has commissioned and premiered new theatrical work, created the Valley Voices Story Slam, and initiated Women’s Work, a program committed to staging plays written by women. The Academy is listed on the State Register of Historic Places and during Debra’s tenure, had received the Massachusetts Preservation and Restoration Award for renovations to the auditorium.

Before joining the Academy of Music Theatre, she served as the executive director of the Shea Community Theater in Turners Falls, MA for sixteen years. During her tenure there, she was awarded the Community Theater Association Back Stage Award and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Senate Official Citation.

Debra is a published poet, and is a current board member of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce and the Hampshire Regional Tourism Council. She has served as a consultant to numerous start-up performing arts organizations in the region. Debra is a member of the Paradise City Cultural District Committee, the national planning committee for SWAN (Support Women Artists Now) Day, Association of Performing Arts Professionals, and New England Presenters.