CHICAGO: Ted DeLong has joined TimeLine Theatre as its new managing director. DeLong began at the post in September, as part of a leadership team that includes executive director Mica Cole and artistic director PJ Powers. The theatre’s last managing director was Elizabeth K. Auman, whose title is now director of new home development.

“With a distinguished career spanning roles across the country, Ted brings a wealth of experience and a track record of effective leadership,” said Cole in a statement. “His experience will be a strong asset as TimeLine works toward our short- and longer-term goals.” 

He brings a decade of experience serving the Oregon Shakespeare Festival as general manager and artistic producer, leading contracting processes, capital facility planning and development, and a number of operational departments. More recently, he worked with Woolly Mammoth Theatre as their interim managing director.

In a Q&A shared by the theatre, DeLong said, “I really value working for organizations which exist beyond the profit motive, to bring art to their communities and possibly affect some lives along the way.” He also shared that his family is “thrilled to come back to the Midwest and to be a part of the best theatre city in America.”

Now in its 27th season, TimeLine Theatre strives to present stories inspired by history that connect with today’s social and political issues and prioritize education programs. A recipient of the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions, TimeLine’s budget is around $2.5 million.