CHICAGORaven Theatre celebrates 30 years of Off-Loop theatre at "OPA!" On Friday, April 19, Raven's annual benefit is held in Greek Town at The Parthenon, 310 S. Halsted St.
Also, Kelli Strickland has been named Raven Theatre's new executive director. Strickland assumes her position in June, shortly after completing the Devos Fellowship in Executive Arts Leadership at the Kennedy Center. The highly prestigious Devos Fellowship accepts 10 arts leaders each year to take part in an immersive program in arts management strategy designed to prepare mid-career arts managers for executive positions in today's complex arts environment. Hosted at the nation's cultural center and one of the largest and most dynamic performing arts institutions, the Fellowship offers a structured blend of academic training, hands-on work experience, independent and collective learning opportunities, and personalized mentoring.
Strickland is an openly lesbian actress and director with extensive experience in theater. She also starred in the feature film Hannah Free, shot in Chicago in 2008.
"Raven's Board is very pleased to announce this appointment," said Raven Board President, Carol Zsolnay. "This is a new position for us and is a sign of the organization's commitment to moving the theatre forward by expanding both capacity and programming. Kelli brings leadership, expertise and creativity along with a deep connection with Raven. It's hard to find the administrative skill set and the passion for both theatre and arts education, all in one person. We are so fortunate to have that in Kelli and we look forward to working with her."
Strickland remarks, "This is a dynamic time for Raven the ensemble has recently been expanded, new artistic collaborations are being formed, they've just completed a strategic planning process, this year is a big birthday for the theatre. And I believe there is a momentum to this energy that the board, staff, ensemble and Mike and Jo hope to harness for the purposes of organizational growth and continued long-term success. I am proud and excited to come back to Raven in this role."
Prior to her time at the Kennedy Center, Kelli served as Raven's Director of Education and was on faculty at Loyola University in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. She has a twenty year career in Chicago theatre as an actress, an educator, a writer and an arts administrator.
The benefit April 19 includes selected scenes from past, current and future seasons performed by Raven's award-winning ensemble along with a silent auction and raffle. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and tickets are $100 each. Free valet parking is available. For reservations or additional information, call 773-338-2177 or visit raventheatre.com . Proceeds support Raven Theatre and their community's children through the Take Flight youth outreach program.