MEET NEXT THEATRE'S NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR KEVIN HECKMAN!
by Jason Loewith on 7/29/2008 12:51:00 PM 

I am delighted - really, really delighted - to announce that the Next Theatre Board of Directors has selected Kevin Heckman to be the company's new Managing Director, beginning next week. Kevin's appointment concludes an 8-month search, and guarantees the return of my sanity.

Although I'm the public face of the theater that most of you know, the truth is that most theater institutions of any size are run by a dual-leadership paradigm: an Artistic Director guides the company's artistic vision, chooses the plays and the artistic personnel, and ensures the artistry's successful production. But a Managing Director (or Executive Director; they're both basically the same) ensures the institution's overall health by managing its finances, its fundraising efforts, its marketing, and full-time staff. For those of you in the "know", think of Barbara Gaines and Criss Henderson at Chicago Shakespeare, or Bob Falls and Roche Schulfer at the Goodman... in both those cases, the partnership is responsible for the company's reputation and good health, not just the Artistic Director.

So, welcome Kevin!

Kevin Heckman comes to Next Theatre from Stage Left Theatre, Chicago's like-minded storefront venue, where he has served for six seasons, initially as the Managing Director and most recently as the Producing Artistic Director. Under his leadership, Stage Left has grown significantly in areas of funding, Board membership, and infrastructure. As a theater artist, Heckman has received numerous accolades for directing, writing, performance and design, including a total of seven Joseph Jefferson Award nominations for productions he has helmed. Heckman is an associate artist at Chicago Dramatists and an ensemble member at Stage Left. He has taught acting at North Shore Academy in Highland Park, a school for at-risk youth, and is a contributing writer for PerformInk newspaper where he edited the first four editions of The Book: An Actor's Guide to Chicago. A 1992 graduate of Wesleyan University, Heckman received degrees in theatre and mathematics. He resides in Evanston with his wife Christine.

"The Board is excited by Kevin's commitment to Evanston and his deep understanding of the vibrant Chicago theatre scene. In line with our strategic plan for accelerated growth in upcoming seasons, Kevin's appointment will allow us to build on our solid foundation in Chicagoland and secure Next's place on the national stage," said Board President Judy Kemp.

Given his long experience at Stage Left – where he was passionate about the same kind of work we do - I know that Kevin is going to add immeasurably to this institution's growth. And as an Evanstonian, he's ready to fully integrate Next Theatre into the fabric of our community. If you've read my last few blog posts, you know how important that is!

Regarding his new appointment, Heckman said, "I am very excited to join Next at this critical point in its organizational life. I look forward to building on the strong foundation Jason has created, and helping to bring Next into the top tier of Chicago area theatres." Heckman begins fulltime work on August 5 - and not a moment too soon!

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