House Theatre of Chicago Names Lanise Antoine Shelley Its New AD
Shelley takes over for founder Nathan Allen who stepped down last fall after 20 years as artistic director.
Shelley takes over for founder Nathan Allen who stepped down last fall after 20 years as artistic director.
An acclaimed director known for nurturing new work, she returns to a company that helped shape her, and that she in turn helped to shape.
He leaves behind an organization dedicated to nurturing new plays and playwrights; his replacement will be announced next month.
The company will move forward with an actor-led model intended to echo the production process of Shakespeare’s theatre.
Collette Appolito Laisure and Anita H. Cook, respectively, will step into the new roles.
Ortega-Murphy will succeed Maya Choldin, who stepped down in October 2020 to accept a position at Theatre Calgary.
Managing director Mark Folkes will step down in April, while Eboni Bell will be promoted to inclusion, engagement, and training director in February.
Linda Fortunato has been named associate artistic director, and will take over for Vinkler at the end of the 2021 season.
Katrinah Carol Lewis and Steve Perigard will share responsibilities for six months.
She will join the leadership team of Women of Color in the Arts.