Chicago Shakespeare Bids Farewell to Alida Szabo

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announced today that after 20 years of service to the Theater, Director of Audience Development Alida Szabo will be stepping down from her role at the end of the year.

Ms. Szabo has led Chicago Shakespeare's integrated marketing, advertising, media relations, and promotional partnerships since 1998. Her tenure covered the theater's move to Navy Pier in 1999, and the historic growth that followed as the organization expanded its audience, its program, and its national and international reputation over the past two decades.

Artistic Director Barbara Gaines shared, "Alida gave her all to Chicago Shakespeare. We'll be forever grateful for her many contributions-and will miss her invincible spirit."

Prior to joining Chicago Shakespeare, Ms. Szabo was a consultant in program development, marketing, and media services for such clients as Walt Disney's Theatrical Division and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. She also served as a panelist and advisor for National Endowment for the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council, Chicago Cultural Center Foundation, and the Chicago Dance Coalition. She spent seven seasons at The Goodman Theatre, served two Chicago mayors, and was associated with several of Chicago's prominent off-loop theater groups, including MoMing Dance and Arts Center and St. Nicholas Theater Company. Ms. Szabo currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Morrison-Shearer Foundation, a position she has held since 1987.

"At every step of Chicago Shakespeare's development, Alida's passion, creativity and tireless advocacy contributed to elevate the Theater to new heights," said Executive Director Criss Henderson. "We have shared so many adventures over the last 20 years as Chicago Shakespeare expanded its service to audiences of all ages and from all walks of life. I join Barbara Gaines, the Board of Directors and our entire company in thanking Alida for her incredible contributions and wishing her well in her next endeavors."

Chicago Shakespeare has named Julie Stanton, the Theater's longtime Marketing Director as Ms. Szabo's successor. Henderson commented, "Strong leadership requires a strong successor, and we are thrilled that Julie will bring her many years of experience as a marketer and innovator to her new leadership role at Chicago Shakespeare."

Also announced was the promotion within the Marketing Department of Hannah Kennedy as Chicago Shakespeare's new Public Relations Director. In this role, Ms. Kennedy will serve as the organization's primary media contact.

ABOUT Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, Chicago Shakespeare has redefined what a great American Shakespeare theater can be-a company that defies theatrical category. This Regional Tony Award-winning theater's year-round season features as many as twenty productions and 650 performances-including plays, musicals, world premieres, family programming, and presentations from around the globe. Chicago Shakespeare is the city's leading producer of international work, and has toured its own productions across five continents. The Theater's nationally acclaimed arts in literacy programs support the work of teachers, and bring Shakespeare to life on stage for tens of thousands of students annually. Each summer, the company tours a free professional production to neighborhood parks across Chicago. In 2017 the Theater unveiled The Yard, which, together with the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater and the Thoma Theater Upstairs, positions Chicago Shakespeare as Chicago's most versatile performing arts center.

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