FWD Theatre Project Names New Artistic Director

Amber Mak, Founding Artistic Director of FWD Theatre Project, the not-for- profit arts organization dedicated to the Discovery, Development, and Delivery of the new American musical, is stepping down from her position to assume the role of New Works Development Director at Paramount Theatre in Aurora.

This accomplished director and choreographer has created an exciting incubator for new musicals, bringing together diverse voices in Chicago's rich theatrical community. Ms. Mak's leadership at FWD includes collaboration with Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil (Les Miserables and Miss Saigon) on the sold-out concert reading spectacle, La Revolution Franc?aise at Thalia Hall, and direction of the staged reading premiere of The Black & White Ball at City Winery Chicago. FWD's board is grateful for the inspiration and visionary talents Mak has brought to the company, and wishes her success in her latest creative endeavor. She will remain on the board of FWD Theatre Project, the company she founded, in an important advisory position.

Ms. Mak states, "I am excited for the future of FWD Theatre Project as it continues to be a leader in the conversation, positioning Chicago as a key breeding ground for new musicals. I know the organization is in great hands with Michael Gillis because of his incredible passion for discovering new pieces that have strong potential for a variety of producing organizations. FWD will continue to be an important part of my life as I remain on the board, and I will continue to help guide the direction and growth of this important organization."

Michael Gillis, a Chicago native and graduate of Northwestern University, steps into the Artistic Director position. He recently directed the company's second annual LaunchingFWD concert at City Winery and looks forward to carrying on the artistic vision of the company. After years of extensive experience as a leading man in both national and European touring productions (Phantom of the Opera, The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story), Mr. Gillis returned to Chicago in 2015. Since that time he has served as Executive Director of FWD in its inaugural season, cast the controversial play Unspeakable at the Broadway Playhouse, directed the world premiere reading of Pride and Prejudice - The Musical, performed in the concert of La Revolution Francaise, and taught at ChiArts and the Performers School.

Says Gillis, "Amber Mak has been a friend and colleague of mine for over a decade and I'm thrilled at the chance to continue her vision through FWD. Throughout my career in musical theatre, new work has been a passion of mine. Therefore, this opportunity to discover and develop new works that will engage and challenge our audiences is a dream come true. FWD has already built a family of caring, talented actors, creative writers, and generous supporters. It is my honor to continue to nurture this family in hopes of creating ever more opportunities for the diverse artistic community of Chicago."

FWD's newly appointed Executive Director is current board member, Kyle Dougan. Mr. Dougan holds a Masters in Musical Theatre Goldsmiths, University of London, as well as degrees in Musical Theatre and Theatre and Education from the University of Tulsa. Dougan brings his experience as a performer, director, and producer to his new position. He is currently on full time staff at Light Opera Works, and serves as a committee member for the National Alliance for Musical Theatre.

FWD congratulates both Michael and Kyle as they assume their newly appointed roles. As a board, we are proud of the impact this arts organization has made on the theatre community since its founding less than two years ago. We will continue in our original mission to Discover, Develop, and Deliver the new American musical, and to building a Festival of Works in Development for the future of original musicals and benefit of the City of Chicago.

FWD's next staged reading in their five-part series is the musical comedy, Neurosis, which will be presented Monday, February 29th at Uptown Underground, 4707 N. Broadway, at 7:30pm. Tickets may be purchased at http://uptownunderground.tix.com/Event.aspx?

For more information on FWD Theatre Project and its artists, please visit www.fwdtheatre.org.

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