Dawn Helsing to Exit Chicago's Court Theatre
By Kenneth Jones
08 Jan 2009
Court Theatre of Chicago announced Jan. 8 that Dawn Helsing has resigned her position as executive director, effective Jan. 30. Court Theatre and its board of trustees will create a search committee for Helsing's successor.
During Helsing's tenure, Court Theatre, the professional theatre in residence at the University of Chicago, "enjoyed great artistic and financial growth and success, capped by this season's Caroline, or Change, the most successful production in Court's history."
Under Helsing's leadership, Court's budget grew from $2.5 to $3.2 million and achieved a balanced budget each year, "allowing for significant investments in its infrastructure and artistic staff."
In announcing her resignation, Helsing stated, "I am proud to have served Court Theatre and to have been a part of the University community, and am especially proud to be leaving Court in a position of strength and vitality. It has been a pleasure to work with such a dedicated staff and board, who deserve much credit for Court's success. I have great admiration for Charlie Newell's artistry and look forward to following Court's continued prosperity in the years to come."
Helsing joined the University in 2005, coming from Baltimore, where she served as director of development at Center Stage. She currently serves as a member of the executive committee of the League of Resident Theaters and the board of the League of Chicago Theaters, chairing its nominating committee. She has served on grant review panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Massachusetts Cultural Commission.
"Dawn has been a most devoted, caring, and fabulous executive director for Court Theatre," Court's artistic director, Charles Newell, commented. "In her time here, all aspects of the organization have risen to the next level of achievement. But what I especially admire is her passion for the art. It is that passion that makes her such a great colleague. I wish her all the very best as she embarks on her new journey; we will miss her."
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To purchase single tickets for The Wild Duck or to receive more information about Court Theatre, call the Court Theatre box office at (773) 753-4472, or visit www.CourtTheatre.org.
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