I am delighted to introduce myself to you as Next Theatre's newly appointed Interim Artistic Director. We're entering Next's 30th Anniversary Season; it is a time for celebration! I've been an Artistic Associate here for the last five years and I've had the pleasure learning what a savvy and supportive audience you are. Alongside you, I've always looked to Next to take on challenging topics and plays like no other company around, and do it in a smart, sophisticated way. This is why I am committed to leading Next through this transitional time and ensuring this bold company you've supported is around to celebrate for another 30 years.
The Board of Directors here at Next has formed a search committee and begun the process for a new long-term hire in the Artistic Director role. My interim appointment will carry through January of 2011. The committee is aiming to announce our new hire within four months, and allow for a smooth transition between myself and the incoming Artistic Director.
To ensure the success of Next, the Board has also named Jim Davis as Producing Director. Jim has served Next as the Production Manager for the last four seasons, bringing plays to life in our space. We are working together to ensure the financial stability and professional quality of the theater. I encourage you to read more about the extensive and valuable experience Jim brings to this role here.
Our Managing Director Kevin Heckman has recently announced his departure. He voiced his continued support saying, "I have tons of faith that the board, Jenny and Jim will lead Next through these changes and I have offered to help in the transition in any way that I can. Next has been a fantastic place to call home. I look forward to joining them in the future as a patron and an artist."
Our 30th Anniversary Season
With the Board's support, I plan to announce a new line-up of plays for the 30th Anniversary Season. We are a Chicagoland company, and I want to honor that history of engagement with our community in our 30th year. Jim and I are working quickly to identify artists who will help us ring in this important year right for you, our Evanston and Chicagoland audiences. If you have already subscribed, of course your season tickets will be honored for the new line-up. As soon as the plays are squared away, we'll be sharing the compelling titles and playwrights you can expect to experience in our 2010-2011 Season.
Judy Kemp, our Board President, was instrumental in steering the process for the future of our company. She remarked, "A number of committed artists stepped up and voiced their interest in helping Next. I'm so grateful for the conversations I had with each of them. Their show of support has deeply informed this transition and Jenny and Jim's appointments. This has always been a launching ground for forward-thinking Chicago artists, and Jenny has already re-engaged our Artistic Associates and Board to ensure a successful 30th Anniversary Season in that tradition."
Stay in touch
I look forward to talking with you, our audiences, artists and supporters, during this time of transition. I hope you'll once again feel that Next is truly your theater. We are invested in the mission of Next Theatre to bring socially provocative, artistically adventurous works to the stage because we know you want to see them. Please reach out to me with your questions, thoughts, well-wishes, and concerns. Our door is open to you.
All my best,
Jenny Avery
Interim Artistic Director
(847) 475-1875 x14
jenny@nexttheatre.org
Next Theatre office
10am - 6pm weekdays
927 Noyes Street, room 108
Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Evanston IL 60201
