Lookingglass Theatre has reorganized its leadership, naming David Catlin and Ericka Ratcliff as co-artistic directors and appointing David Schwimmer as producing director, while Philip R. Smith returns to become executive director. Catlin, a longtime ensemble member and a Northwestern University faculty member, and Ratcliff, most recently the literary manager at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, succeed Kasey Foster, who has completed a three-year term.<\/p>\n
Catlin called the shift \u00161an exciting new infusion of leadership,\u0017d noting the company was hit harder than most during the pandemic and has struggled to produce full seasons since. Together with Smith and Schwimmer, he emphasized a renewed push for a sustainable model for a theater that has focused on original work for decades. \u00161We have to adapt to survive,\u0017d Schwimmer said. Smith, a former artistic director whose work at Lookingglass extends back more than 40 years, said a palpable resurgence drew him back: \u00161 have realized,\u0017d he said, \u00161how important this theater is to Chicago.\u0017d<\/p>\n
Ratcliff and other new leaders, alongside new board president Marci Masur, said the intention is to return to a four-show season, the nonprofit\u0017s longstanding model. That likely will include one partnership on the order of the successful co-production of \u0016Kowalski\u0017d with Johnny Galecki and a group of New York producers. \u00161 think Lookingglass always thrives from collaborations,\u0017d Ratcliff said. Schwimmer, who told the Tribune in February he intended to \u0016double down\u0017d on his commitment to Lookingglass, said his producing director brief will include fundraising, marketing, board development, and seeking co-producers at the company\u0017s home on Michigan Avenue. He sees such alliances as a way to \u0016spread the risk of original work.\u0017d<\/p>\n
Board leadership has also been reinforced, with Deann Bayless becoming board chair. Lookingglass has enjoyed a long creative relationship with Bayless\u0017s husband, chef Rick Bayless. Masur described the new team as \u0016one of the best investments anyone could make in arts and culture\u0017d and added that \u0016Chicago has told us the city really has our backs.\u0017d A completed $2.5 million grant from the State of Illinois is earmarked to improve the lobby, and Chicago has granted approval for a new marquee at the company\u0017s Magnificent Mile base in the Water Tower Pumping Station. Schwimmer has also expressed a wish to act or direct in another Lookingglass show.<\/p>\n
Lookingglass became known for its highly visual style and for helping launch the careers of early ensemble members including Joy Gregory, Mary Zimmerman, Laura Eason, and Schwimmer. With the original ensemble\u0017s renewed involvement and a leadership slate now in place, the company signals an intent to restore its standing among Chicago and America\u0017s most innovative resident theaters.<\/p>\n