Lifeline Theatre Welcomes New Development Director

Lifeline Theatre welcomes Josh LeVasseur as Development Director, starting April 6, 2015. In this fulltime, on-site position, LeVasseur will implement and oversee the entire development strategy for Lifeline Theatre, reporting directly to Artistic Director Dorothy Milne and Managing Director Allison Cain. Lifeline's previous Development Director, Alex Kyger, recently departed the theatre to join the Seattle Opera as Institutional Giving Manager, leaving Lifeline in a strong position of contributed income. Under the leadership of Cain and Milne, LeVasseur will begin work to secure funding for the ensemble's upcoming 2015-16 season. Meanwhile, Lifeline Theatre's 2014-15 season concludes with the world premiere MainStage musical production "Soon I Will Be Invincible" (running May 29-July 19, 2015) and the world premiere KidSeries production "The One and Only Ivan" (now extended through May 17, 2015).

LeVasseur comes to Lifeline from the political world, where he worked for the past two cycles in campaign fundraising. LeVasseur is a 2011 graduate of the University of Michigan (BA-Political Science). While in school, he interned in Lansing for the office of Rep. Kate Segal, as well as in Washington at the Embassy of Israel where he participated in the 2010 visit of Prime Minister Netanyahu. After graduating, he joined the 2012 campaign of Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA). While there, LeVasseur organized numerous fundraising events in and around the Southern California district, and recruited volunteers for one of the most closely watched campaigns in the country. After a brief stint in Chicago, during which he pursued classes at iO and Second City, LeVasseur returned home to Michigan to join the gubernatorial campaign of Mark Schauer. In Michigan, he organized the implementation of a statewide mail solicitation program along with working with the candidate in maintaining donor relationships.

"I'm excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the Lifeline team. Not-for-profit theaters are the incubators of America's greatest playwrights and performers, and I look forward to supporting and growing upon Lifeline's proud history," LeVasseur said. "I've been fortunate to take on a lifetime of opportunities and adventures so far, and I look forward to this next great chapter with Lifeline Theatre. From California to Chicago, I love working with donors and patrons who share my passions, and finding that common ground that helps us grow and plan for the long term."

In addition to Cain and Milne, Lifeline Theatre is led by a group of 27 Artistic Ensemble members, including Aly Renee Amidei, Patrick Blashill, Christina Calvit, Heather Currie, Victoria DeIorio, Amanda Delheimer Dimond, Alan Donahue, Kevin D. Gawley, Peter Greenberg, James E. Grote, Chris Hainsworth, John Hildreth, Paul S. Holmquist, Elise Kauzlaric, Robert Kauzlaric, Frances Limoncelli, Amanda Link, Katie McLean Hainsworth, Shole Milos, Sandy Snyder Pietz, Suzanne Plunkett, Maren Robinson, Phil Timberlake, Jenifer Tyler, Christopher M. Walsh, and Elizabeth Powell Wislar.

Now in its 32nd season, Lifeline Theatre is driven by a passion for story. Our ensemble process supports writers in the development of literary adaptations and new work, and our theatrical and educational programs foster a lifelong engagement with literature and the arts. A cultural anchor of Rogers Park, we are committed to deepening our connection to an ever-growing family of artists and audiences, both near and far. Lifeline Theatre - Big Stories, Up Close.

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