New Executive Leadership Takes The Reins At BoHo Theatre

BoHo Theatre, now in its 12th season, announced today the appointment of BoHo company member Meg Love as the company’s new Executive Director. Love has been part of the company since 2012, serving as producer, production manager, and stage manager prior to accepting the new position.

Love assumes the Executive Director position from Kaela Altman, who held the position since 2012. Altman oversaw a period of exciting growth at BoHo, helping to expand the company’s board of directors and staff. She also spearheaded a partnership with the Arts & Business Council of Chicago resulting in a multi-faceted five-year strategic plan. Under her executive leadership, the company produced such hits as Pygmalion (co-produced with Stage Left Theatre), Hauptmann, Veronica's Room, Parade, Ordinary Days, and Dogfight, and was recognized with 26 Jeff Award nominations. Altman will remain a company member with BoHo.

“Kaela’s contributions to this company over the past several years have been, in short, remarkable,” Artistic Director Peter Sullivan says. “She has worked tirelessly to promote company growth through fundraising and personnel, and has continually nurtured a safe and collaborative creative atmosphere. I am proud and honored to have worked alongside her.”

“Kaela is leaving some very large shoes to fill,” Love confides. “And while I am both extremely excited and a bit scared to assume this incredibly important position, I know that I will succeed. I am inheriting a very healthy company. She has fostered an active board of passionate individuals, she has molded an organized company and a near-seamless production process, and we are the most financially stable we have ever been as an organization.”

Over the years, Altman and Love have worked closely together at BoHo. “Meg has technically been a part of the BoHo family longer than Peter Sullivan and I combined,” Altman says. “Her institutional knowledge as well as her stage management expertise will be an asset as BoHo works to advance into the future. She knows what's worked and what hasn't, and she carries within her a strong representation of the founding mission and vision.”

“Meg brings an immense amount of knowledge, talent, patience and drive to help continue our forward momentum,” Sullivan says. “I have yet to meet someone that isn’t a fan of her both personally and professionally, and I am excited to take the next step in growth with her as Executive Director.”

Meg Love has worked with BoHo for a total of eight years, including four years as a company member. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Stage Management from the Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University. Before coming to BoHo, she was the Production Stage Manager at the Okoboji Summer Theatre for four years and worked with The Old Globe in San Diego on the Broadway-bound production of Chita Rivera: A Dancer's Life. She has also worked with the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis as Production Assistant and Season Planning Associate, as well as stage managing for the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus and Noble Fool Theatricals.

BoHo Theatre’s 2016 season continues with Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice, directed by company member Charles Riffenburg, opening at the Heartland Studio May 12th, and Next To Normal, directed by Theatre at the Center Artistic Director Linda Fortunato, opening at Theater Wit August 20th.

New Executive Director Meg Love on Leadership and Friendship

In the spring of 2012, I attended my first BoHo company meeting. I had already worked for BoHo for four years and had finally agreed to join the company as Production Coordinator. At that time, I had no idea how much my life was about to change.

There was someone else joining the company the same day as me. Her name was Kaela. I was told that she was a board member who was becoming a company member in order to take over for Peter Blair as Executive Director. We bonded that night on the Robels' porch while the company inside voted on our membership status – both of us the new kids – both of us anticipating our upcoming adventures.

The first of these was Floyd Collins. I was the Stage Manager. Kaela was assisting Peter Blair as Producer in preparation of assuming his position in a matter of weeks. They say that those who experience a crisis together bond quickly. Even with the passing of time, I still believe it fair to call Floyd Collins' tech a crisis. It was the largest undertaking we had ever mounted at BoHo. There were dozens of sound cues to be crafted, including live echoes, a massive set to construct (and then repair when an actor fell through the stage), a multitude of costumes and props in a narrow dressing room, a pit anchored by a keyboard running on a computer program that kept crashing, and hundreds of light cues (which were still being added for the first time, live, as the show was happening, on preview night with the Wall Street Journal in the house). It was indeed a crisis-- the result of which was an absolutely beautiful piece that was critically acclaimed and a very personal, proud moment in my time as a stage manager, proving that the work is worth it!

While it has now become a blur, I fondly remember how quickly Kaela and I bonded during that week. I remember her intimating how very excited and nervous she was to take on the position of Executive Director and occasionally exclaiming that there were things that she simply “didn’t know how to do.” “But I do,” I said, “and you have me.” And since that day where we vowed to be there for each other almost like two kids at camp promising to be best friends forever. I have been lucky enough to have the most special relationship I could ever expect to have with a supervisor, a colleague and a friend.

It became very apparent over the years that there was, in actuality, nothing she “didn’t know how to do,” only that which she had not done yet.

Kaela is fierce. She is a passionate leader. She advocates for our company like no one I’ve seen. She supports our members and artists alike.

The position of Executive Director is not easy. It’s actually really, really hard-– and also pretty thankless. You’re relied upon to make business decisions in a creative world. Those decisions aren’t always popular-– and can often be met with friction. You’re relied upon to keep all the balls in the air. Way more balls than anyone in the company can fathom. To quantify all the ongoing projects Kaela was juggling at any given time would be a never ending list of licensing, accounting, party planning, providing therapy, and worrying about toilet paper. The varying scope of required talent is unreasonable. It’s like being a mother. Everyone needs you and no one knows exactly how you make the magic happen.

Despite all these factors, Kaela charged bravely forward with intelligence, grace and humor. Through these years she has become a best friend and an absolutely indispensable mentor. I have learned volumes from working by her side.

She is leaving some very large shoes to fill. And while I am both extremely excited and a bit scared to assume this incredibly important position, I know that I will succeed. I am inheriting a very healthy company. We have an active board of passionate individuals-– fostered by Kaela. We have an organized company and a near seamless production process-– implemented by Kaela. And we are the most financially stable we have ever been as a company-– stewarded by the unstoppable collaboration of Ryan Guhde and (you guessed it) Kaela.

So, thank you, Kaela. I will miss you dearly as a leader, but I am comforted to know that you have secured our future through your years of service. Your faith in me as your successor means so much and I will do my best to always do you and this company proud.

But, for me, the most important takeaway is that I have found a lifelong friend. And while this part of our adventure is coming to a close, I know that we have so much more to come!

Thank you – for being our leader – and for being my friend.

-Meg Love, Executive Director

Read the press release about our Executive Director transition

From the Desk of the Executive Director - Kaela Altman - May 2014

Hello and Welcome to May

MYTHS & HYMNS

On Tuesday, May 6, BoHo Theatre officially kicked off rehearsals for our summer production of MYTHS & HYMNS by Adam Guettel. Representing the Bohemian Pillar of Freedom, this song cycle tells the story of a young couple, recently married and with very different outlooks on the world. When they find they must grapple with the sudden changes in their lives, the young man finds meaning in his accomplishments, while the young woman sees the world through her Christian faith. Together, they must confront their own strengths and limitations.

BoHo Theatre is no stranger to Adam Guettel's work, having produced Jeff nominated FLOYD COLLINS in 2012. We cordially invite you to join us June 13-July 13 at the Heartland Studio for this challenging and original work unlike any version you have ever seen.

Buy Tickets

ARTS & BUSINESS COUNCIL -
BUSINESS VOLUNTEERS FOR THE ARTS

On Friday, May 16, BoHo wrapped up our Strategic Planning Initiative as part of A&BC - Business Volunteers for the Arts program. Our dedicated team of volunteer consultants donated a total of 236.75 hours to guiding our project. As a result, the project is valued at $28,410.00 in pro bono consulting received.

Personally, I found the entire process to be a fun and engaging team building exercise, and one that helped BoHo's board and company members come together to successfully plan the future of our organization.

Special thanks to Katie Kurcz of the Arts & Business Council of Chicago and of course BVA's: Sara Coffou, Maggie Baranski, Amanda Daniels, and Kate Sheey. Thank you for your guidance, your insight, your friendship, and most of all your commitment to helping BoHo grow to our next level!

2015 SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT

BoHo's Artistic Advisory Committee has been hard at work the past 5 months carefully reading and selecting scripts for our 11th Season. The wait is officially over! The season is decided...

But I can't tell you just yet!

You'll have to wait for our Season Reveal Party scheduled for later this summer. While you wait, though, I encourage you to venture a guess on what BoHo's next feat will be!

From the Desk of the Executive Director - April 2014

CONGRATULATIONS to all the 2014 Jeff Nominees. Your hard work and passionate commitment to Chicago Theatre is one of Chicago's biggest treasures. I am so proud to work with you, and so happy to be a part of such an extraordinary community of artists.

Welcome to April - Welcome to Spring

After surviving a record-setting winter in Chicago, I am so relieved to finally celebrate Spring. BoHo Theatre Company Members have been a flutter with activity! Sean Thomas has just recently closed Sandalwood with Tympanic Theatre while our fabulous Casting Associate, Stephanie Sullivan has been hard at work with Fox Valley Rep working on Cheaper By The Dozen. Greg Foster, who recently garnered a Jeff Nomination for his role in Spamalot, is also  heading towards his opening of Kokandy Production's Assassins, playing Charles Guiteau. Meanwhile,and our own Peter Robel will be starting rehearsals for our summer musical of Myths & Hymns in just a few short weeks.

Announcement: BoHo Theatre Welcomes New Company Member 

Eleanor Katz

I'm pleased to announce that BoHo recently on-boarded a new company member. Many of you may remember Eleanor Katz from her role as Anna Hauptmann in our production of Hauptmann in 2013. Eli will be working along side our Space Coordinator, Greg Foster, to assist our renters at the Heartland Studio. Look for Eli around the city - she'll be seen with the Signal Ensemble Theatre in the premier of The Next Thing, "a new musical spanning six years, five movies, four deals, three significant others, two Oscars, and one combustible relationship".
We are so happy to welcome Eli on board!

Arts & Business Council - Business Volunteers for the Arts

As you may recall, last Fall BoHo partnered with the Arts & Business Council - Chicago to participate in their Business Volunteers for the Arts program (BVA). The company and board has worked diligently alongside our fantastic BVA's to craft a three year strategic plan. As part of this initiative, we have identified and explored how to help on-board new faces to help us with this ambitious plan. Keep your eyes on our website for information on open positions, and how to get involved.

Upcoming Events:

Myths & Hymns
June 13 – July 13, 2014
presented at Heartland Studio
Directed by Peter Robel
Music Direction by Nick Sula

Parade
Oct 18 – Nov 16, 2014
presented at Theater Wit
Directed by Linda Fortunado
Music Direction by Matthew Deitchmann
(look for information on auditions in the coming weeks!)

2015 Season Reveal Party - Coming Summer, 2014!

Being Bohemian: Peter Blair

BoHo Theatre Company Member Peter Blair, on what it means to be bohemian:

I couldn't be more proud that BoHo is celebrating our 10th season. It is a landmark for any arts organization, and I won't stop marveling at how the company has grown, matured and constantly improved. As Executive Director from 2010-2012 I was honored to lead this company, and now I'm equally honored to be led.

For me, being Bohemian isn't a feeling. It's being one in a group of people. I'm less Bohemian than I am a Bohemian, and what I cherish about BoHo is the other Bohemians. We're eclectic and creative, open-minded and focused, diverse and just a bit rough around the edges.

Company members come and go as fate, family and circumstance dictate, but this group of people is never less than immensely honest, creative, surprising and dedicated. I've witnessed incredible acts of generosity and kindness. I've witnessed feats of endurance and patience. I've celebrated and suffered with this group. I love to see our company, board, affiliates and other fans of BoHo come together to pitch in as needed. Nothing is too tedious, dirty, or impossible for this group to give back to BoHo because BoHo has given them so much. In my case, BoHo gave me experience and friends. No other company our size produces the number of shows that BoHo does, but it doesn't feel like work when you really like the ones you're working with.

Here's to 10 more years of creating diverse and exciting theatre with people we love and admire. Cheers, Bohemians!

Throughout BoHo Theatre's milestone 10th Season, BoHo company members will be revealing what being "bohemian" means to them. What does Bohemianism and BoHo Theatre mean to you? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook!

From the Desk of the Executive Director: February, 2014

Welcome to February:
On Saturday, February 15, BoHo Theatre proudly opened the second show of our Landmark 10th Season: AMADEUS, directed by our Artistic Director, Peter Marston Sullivan. The show opened to a sold out house and so far it’s been very well received. The cast, production team, company, and board then met up at Cooper's, located across the street from Stage 773 for an after-party to celebrate this phenomenal opening event. 

Producing at Stage 773 has been a wonderful experience thus far. Their welcoming lobby and concession stand has been an outstanding place for our guests to meet, mingle, and share their BoHo experience before, during, and after the show.

Have you seen AMADEUS? Consider sharing your thoughts with us in the comments section below. We’d love to hear your feedback about the performance.

AMADEUS runs through March 16 at Stage 773. Get your tickets today!





Welcome New Company Member: Molly Layton.

Molly came on board as a pilot company member and immediately jumped into her new position as BoHo's newest Casting Coordinator. She, alongside our Casting Associate Stephanie Sullivan, supervised the casting process for both AMADEUS and our upcoming production of MYTHS AND HYMNS. Later this year, Molly will join our production team for MYTHS AND HYMNS as a Production Assistant and will support our efforts to bring this extraordinary musical from inception to performance. 

Please join me in welcoming Molly to our family!

BoHo Is Now Hiring

BoHo is currently accepting directing proposals for our final production of the 10th season: PARADE. Please visit our ad on OffStageJobs.com for more information. Be sure to submit soon! The deadline is fast approaching.

Additionally, BoHo is currently seeking a Scenic Designer/Technical Director for MYTHS & HYMNS. Interested persons should contact us directly. Please include a copy of your resume and a link to your online portfolio (if applicable). We will follow up with an interview in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for more updates!

From the Desk of the Executive Director: Welcome to New Faces

Welcome to November, er…rather, halfway through November. I’m hoping that as the cold air rushes in, and we prepare to kick off the holiday season, our loyal Bohemians are finding themselves toasty warm and enjoying all the wonderful holiday shows and installations that the City of Chicago has to offer.

We certainly have a lot to be thankful for this year.

CAST LIST ANNOUNCED FOR AMADEUS:

Up Next for BoHo Theatre will be Amadeus by Peter Shaffer. This dramatic masterpiece tells the story of genius, jealousy, and lies, and captures the story of Antonio Salieri as he explores his tempestuous rivalry with the boorish but brilliant Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. BoHo is pleased to welcome home several familiar faces, as well as welcome new friends to our artistic family.

Directed by Peter Marston Sullivan
Produced by Kaela Altman
Set Designer: Patrick Ham
Costume Designer: Theresa Ham
Lighting Designer: Megan Turnquist

Salieri.........................................	Steve O'Connell (BoHo Artistic Affiliate)
Mozart.........................................	Chris Ballou
Constanze.........................................	Amanda Jane Long
Joseph II.........................................	David Tibble (BoHo Company Member)
Rosenberg.........................................	Scott Danielson
Strack.........................................	Russell Alan Rowe
Van Swieten........................................	Sean Thomas (BoHo Company Member)
Venticelli 1, u/s Mozart...........................	Jeff Kurysz
Venticelli 2.........................................	Sasha Kraichnan
Ensemble, u/s Venticelli 1.................	Patrick Byrnes
Ensemble.........................................	Chelsea Taylor
Ensemble.........................................	Kaitlin Henderson
Ensemble.........................................	Jim Heatherly

Look for updates on the production, design team, and cast in the coming weeks! Tickets are on sale now through STAGE 773. We look forward to seeing you in February.

BOHO WELCOMES NEW COMPANY MEMBER:

DAVID TIBBLE

This month, the BoHo Company welcomed a brand new Company Member, David Tibble. David certainly isn’t a new face to BoHo, having appeared in multiple shows including Dirty Blonde, Floyd Collins, and will appear in the February, 2013 production of Amadeus. Throughout his pilot period, he tackled house managing with enthusiasm and was quick to give our guests the five-star treatment each time he greeted them. Additionally, David has joined the team of BoHo’s who will be participating in our Strategic Planning Initiative, our joint venture with the Arts & Business Council of Chicago.  Keep your eyes peeled for David throughout the rest of the season and beyond!

BOHO WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBER:

DIANA WENDT

Diana Wendt joined the BoHo Board of Directors this month and brings with her a dynamic background in writing, public relations, and marketing. Diana was a frequent patron of BoHo this past season, having seen Pygmalion, Hauptmann, and Kiss of the Spider Woman and decided to reach out and officially join our leadership team. We look forward to introducing everyone to Diana as we work to get her up and running in her new role.

A TIME TO GIVE THANKS

It’s important that I stop for a moment and just say a simple thank you to our Community for all the love and support they have given us this past year. 2013 has been a magical year: We produced four fantastic shows, including our first partnership with STAGE LEFT THEATRE; we celebrated 14 Joseph Jefferson nominations, and most recently received 15 BroadwayWorld Chicago nominations.

We hope we can count on the support of our community to cast their votes for BoHo.

We have added two new Company Members, two new Board Members, and a whole host of Artistic Affiliates. It’s with a truly grateful heart that I say to our Company, our Board, and our Affiliates who all work tremendously hard throughout the year to support our mission:

THANK YOU

Wishing you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving.