New Leadership Announced At 16th Street Theater

Marissa McKown has joined the leadership staff at North Berwyn Park District's 16th Street Theater as Managing Director, joining founding Artistic Director Ann Filmer. Marissa replaces outgoing Managing Director Maeli Goren who will be headed off to grad school at Yale to pursue an MFA in directing.

Before living in Japan for three years and then moving to Seattle, Marissa was Managing Director of Oak Park Festival Theatre as well as working for several years at Steppenwolf. She most recently worked at ACT in Seattle and before that Seattle Repertory.

McKown and Filmer met when they worked together in 2011 and 2012 on Tony Fitzpatrick's Stations Lost, both at Steppenwolf and at The Boiler in Brooklyn. Filmer declares, "Marissa dazzled our search committee. She will be instrumental in spearheading our planned growth, which includes moving into a new space and increased community programming."

"The North Berwyn Park District welcomes Marissa McKown into our family," states NBPD Executive Director Joseph Vallez. "Marissa is a great addition to our staff while we embark on a new building for theater and cultural programs."

Board President Joan Suchomel adds, "The 16th Street Theater, NFP Board is extremely grateful to Maeli for her hard work and for advancing the management practices of the theater, and we wish her all the best in her next venture. We are thrilled to welcome Marissa, who will build on Maeli's fine work in support of the mission and vision of 16th Street Theater."

McKown will be in charge of development and all fundraising activities, budgeting and finances, sponsorships, education and community outreach. She may be reached at marissa(at)16thstreettheater.org and (708) 795-6704.

"I'm delighted to kick-off being at 16th Street Theater by having a blast with our B.A.S.H. on July 7," affirms McKown. "What a wonderful way to launch into this new position: celebrating while strengthening 16th Street within, and surrounded by, our community. I can't wait."

16th Street which runs on a calendar year, is halfway through its Season Eleven 2018: Heroes. Its mission is to tell the stories of all in our community.

Marissa McKown is an interdisciplinary theater artist, educator, and administrator who hails from the Midwest. She believes in radical love and inclusion in all places, and filling hearts with art. She is delighted to return to Berwyn and greater Chicago-land after a nearly six-year hiatus in Japan and Seattle, WA.

McKown returns home to the Midwest after overseeing the box office at ACT Theatre in Seattle, WA. She has worked in ticketing, development, and marketing at ACT, Seattle Repertory Theatre, and Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Before moving to Japan, Marissa served as the Managing Director with Oak Park Festival Theatre. Over the years, she has worn many hats including as an independent producer of new work, most recently with the Seattle Fringe Festival. She has been a teaching artist with Free Street Theatre and CCAP, House Manager at The Mercury Theatre, Front of House at The Goodman Theatre, and Production Intern at Indiana Repertory Theatre.

McKown has worked artistically with Pony Word Theatre, 16th Street, Firecat, Strawdog, Jackalope, City Lit, Janus Theater, Columbia College Chicago's Theatre Department, and with former Wooster Group member Michael Stumm.

She was Jeff nominated for her co-adaptation of Gidget, which she also directed. McKown's other favorite directing projects include Hunky Dory, a play inspired by the David Bowie album of the same name, The Unauthorized Musical Biography of George Takei, and HAVOC! all written by Cavan Hallman. McKown received The Sarah Siddons Scholarship in her senior year at Columbia College Chicago (BFA, Theatrical Direction).

Marissa is a deeply curious artist and continues to learn, whenever she has the opportunity. Ongoing training includes learning with Siti Company, Plasticene Physical Theatre, Director's Lab Chicago, living in Japan, Yoga Teacher Certification, Japanese & ASL languages, and traveling & life. She lives to discuss recent artistic experiences, be an engaged citizen, ride her bicycle, play cards, and read.

She is overjoyed to join forces with 16th Street Theater.

16th Street Theater is a proud program of North Berwyn Park District.

The 16th Street Theater, NFP's Season Eleven: Heroes is supported in part by MacArthur Funds for Arts & Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, The Bayless Family Foundation, The Illinois Arts Council Agency, Goren Eye Associates, SC, The Saints, The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, Oak Park Area Arts Council, Republic Bank, American Veterans for Equal Rights, Culver's Restaurant, other local businesses, and by individuals like you.

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