I think the idea is that: non-developers have a hard time interviewing for developers. We use such an odd skillset that it's hard for other people to test it.

I think the idea is that: non-developers have a hard time interviewing for developers. We use such an odd skillset that it's hard for other people to test it. So, in place of a good interview process & testing, they require a lot of years of experience. They'll probably get a below-average coder with a lot of experience. Which is a decent & low-risk option for them. After all, they're just managing a theatre website.