April MacLean
Entrepreneur | Choreographer | Speaker
Wondry
Partnering with creative productions to build extraordinary teams and deliver unforgettable experiences.
Speaking
A business strategist who helps organizations translate creative magic into measurable value.
I've been teaching and choreographing for almost twenty years now and am the creator of Common Ground; a unique workshop for contemporary dancers that blends the five pillars of dance into one dynamic, signature experience. Learn more here.Working with dancers to bring new stories to life is my favorite thing in the world. Below are a few projects I'm proud of.
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What's Going On
Bright Legacy
Rise
April is a business strategist and choreographer who helps organizations translate creative magic into measurable value.After moving through 22 foster homes as a teen, she built a thriving brick and mortar that redefined community engagement in the arts.She went on to launch Wondry, a consultancy that works with cultural institutions and creative teams to protect magic in the execution of ambitious experiences.
Drawing from her unique background in both creative production and business operations, April brings an unusual perspective to the relationship between metrics and wonder. Her work blends strategic insights with embodied demonstrations, creating memorable experiences that challenge audiences to rethink how we engage with the world.
Reach out to hello(at)aprilmaclean(dot)com or fill out the form below.For consultancy inquiries, click here.For the Common Ground dance community, click here.
A personal note from April
I believe the most powerful speaking engagements happen when there's a genuine match between a speaker and an event. That's why I personally handle all speaking requests, working directly with organizers to ensure my message and approach will create real value for your audience.My signature talk, "The ROI of Wonder," explores how organizations can protect creative magic while delivering measurable results.Drawing from my background as both a choreographer and business strategist, I bring a unique perspective to the relationship between metrics and wonder and weave kinesthetic magic into talks.I look forward to learning about your event and exploring how we might work together.
SIGNATURE TALK
THE ROI OF WONDER: TRANSLATING MAGIC INTO METRICS
What makes the difference between a good experience and an unforgettable one? Between efficient service and lasting loyalty? Between meeting metrics and exceeding expectations? Those who understand this understand how to create real magic.In this dynamic keynote, audiences discover how to identify, protect, and measure the elements that transform ordinary business interactions into extraordinary experiences. Through strategic frameworks, real-world case studies, and unique embodied demonstrations, I show organizations how to:>> Transform mechanical execution into memorable moments
>> Measure magic without diminishing it
>> Build systems that protect wonder at scale
>> Create conditions where innovation thrives
>> Deliver measurable results while maintaining creative integrityThe talk combines business strategy with creative insight, demonstrating how organizations can achieve their metrics while enhancing rather than sacrificing their magic. Drawing from both success stories and cautionary tales, I provide actionable frameworks that help teams bridge the gap between creative vision and operational excellence.Perfect for:>> Experience Design Conferences
>> Innovation Summits
>> Cultural Institution Events
>> Customer Experience Forums
>> Business Strategy Gatherings
A Unique Perspective
My journey to understanding the delicate balance between outcomes and creativity began in an unlikely place -sleeping in my car. After moving through 22 foster homes, emancipating at 17 and living in my car, I was saved by the creative community. I fell in love with dance and creative production and started my journey into entrepreneurship, working to bridge the gap between creativity and strategy.
My first brick and mortar, Infuse, is where I spent 11 years learning firsthand how to protect distinctive quality while delivering consistent results.This experience led to founding Wondry, a consultancy where I help cultural institutions and creative teams maintain their unique value through periods of growth and systematization. Working with organizations from immersive theater companies to Fortune 500 brands has given me deep insight into how businesses can measure excellence without diminishing it.
It's about bridging the gap between promise and delivery.
My unusual path - from foster care to creative entrepreneurship to business strategy - has given me a unique lens on how organizations can protect what makes them special while scaling what makes them successful.From facilitating Google Venture Design Sprints to mentoring with Techstars to directing immersive shows, everything I do is about the intersection of creative magic and remarkable business strategy.
FORMAT & CUSTOMIZATION
My signature keynote is designed to deliver maximum impact in 60-75 minutes, but can be adapted for:45-minute keynote sessions
30-minute featured talks
20-minute spotlight presentationsEach version maintains the core message and key demonstrations while adjusting depth and detail to match your time constraints. While the content remains consistent, I work with organizers to emphasize aspects most relevant to their specific audience and event goals.The talk includes unique embodied demonstrations that bring concepts to life, making it particularly impactful in live settings. Whether your event is centered on customer experience, creative production, or business strategy, I'll ensure the presentation resonates with your specific audience.
INVESTMENT
My speaking fee is $8,500 plus travel expenses from Boston, MA.This includes:>> Personal consultation to understand your event goals
>> Custom adaptation of content to your time frame
>> Pre-event coordination for optimal impact
>> The keynote presentation
>> Permission to record for internal useI believe in building genuine connections with event organizers and audiences. While I'm represented exclusively by myself, this allows me to be highly responsive and personally invested in the success of your event.
For international events or unique circumstances, please reach out to discuss specific requirements.Your event name and date
Location
Expected audience size and type
Length of speaking slot
Any specific questions or requirements
GET IN TOUCHTo start the conversation, please fill out the form below.I aim to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.