Goodman Theatre veteran Kraft will assume in her new role effective September 2005. She is currently development director at Chicago's Goodman.

Lookingglass also announced the election of Kevin Rochford, the senior vice president of Northern Trust Global Investment, to the position of board president-elect to succeed Todd Leland and assume leadership in September.

Kraft said in a statement, "I have long admired Lookingglass' commitment to original work, developed through the close collaboration of the ensemble. Their move two years ago to the Water Works building was not only a milestone event for the company, but also signaled the addition of an important new downtown cultural resource. Both as a performance venue and a site for their extensive education and community programs, Lookingglass is uniquely positioned to interact with an audience in a very original way, as part of their quest to 'redefine the limits of the theatrical experience.' I am excited and honored to be joining them at this important juncture as they continue to expand their programming and attract new audiences."

Kraft brings almost 20 years experience in the arts to her new role with Lookingglass. She joined the Goodman Theatre staff in 1993. As director of development for the Goodman, Kraft led a department that raised funds for an annual campaign with a goal of more than $5 million, and oversaw the completion of the theatre's successful capital campaign raising $34 million in gifts and pledges. She also cultivated recruitment and acclimation of many of the high-profile members on the company's current board.

Previously, Kraft served in development and marketing positions with the Arts & Business Council, Northlight Theatre, and the Chicago Dance Coalition. Joining Rochford in Lookingglass board leadership are Leigh Bienen, Richard Ditton and Lisa Green as vice presidents, Richard Bromley as secretary, with Bart Eilts remaining treasurer.

Lookingglass "is home to a multi-disciplined group of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is boldly physical, aurally compelling, and visually breath-taking," according to the company. "Lookingglass has staged 39 world premieres in 17 seasons at 22 venues across Chicago and garnered 36 Joseph Jefferson Awards and Citations. Its work has toured to New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, Princeton, Hartford, St. Louis, Canada and Australia."

For more information visit the company's website at www.lookingglasstheatre.org.