STAGE 773 Announces Staff, Including Former Theatre Building Chicago Staffers

Brian Posen, Artistic Director of STAGE 773 (formerly known as Lukaba Productions), has announced the STAGE 773 staff.

"This is a group of passionate, knowledgeable and hard-Working Theatre professionals. I am ecstatic to find collaborators who share a commitment to making STAGE 773 a success in every possible way," said Posen.

Megan Flanagan will join STAGE 773 as Executive Director. Flanagan has an MBA (Non-Profit Management) from Roosevelt University and widespread experience in the Chicago arts community; she has served as Marketing Manager for the Auditorium Theatre since 2005 and has worked for the Chicago Theatre (with the Chicago Association for the Performing Arts) and for several off-loop companies. She has a long history with Lukaba Productions/STAGE 773, handling marketing for the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival and other company projects, and more recently has served on the board of directors.

"I am thrilled for the opportunity to partner with Brian [Posen] and STAGE 773's very supportive board as we jump into the next chapter in the company's development," said Flanagan.

Jill Valentine is already in place as Director of Operations. Valentine has been with the company for 6 years, overseeing Lukaba operations, the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival and the Cupid Players productions. Valentine handled most of the logistical details of the transition of 1225 W. Belmont Avenue from Theatre Building Chicago to STAGE 773 and is already adding new renters to the upcoming performance schedule.

Brian Peterlin, who has served as technical director for Chicago SketchFest and the Cupid Players for several years, joins the company full time as Director of Facilities. With 10 years experience as an IT director, Peterlin will be putting in place technological upgrades that will benefit STAGE 773's staff, patrons and renters. He will also assist clients with their production technical needs and oversee building maintenance.

Posen also announced that STAGE 773 has hired the Theatre Building Chicago box office staff, lead by Customer Service Director Jack Short.

"Jack and his team are not only great at ticket sales, they are also warm and welcoming to our patrons at the box office and on the phone. We are excited that they will be joining the STAGE 773 family," said Posen.

Posen further states, "I know you will find the strength and spirit of our staff to be stellar. They are committed to STAGE 773's mission of collaborating with and supporting the work of fellow Chicago artists. Plans are also in place to upgrade the venue and produce more of our own work. We all recognize the important place that this building holds for local artists, and feel that the best way to honor that is to keep this theater an active, vital part of Chicago's cultural community,"

Laura Michaud, STAGE 773 board chair, expressed her excitement for the new team."The combination of Brian Posen and Megan Flanagan will be unstoppable at reaching our goals. When you add the incredible support staff, we know we have a winning formula. Chicago, watch out!"

"Porchlight Music Theatre looks forward its new relationship with everyone at STAGE 773. We want to contribute in any way possible to ideas and plans that keep this venue a vibrant and energetic destination for the Chicago theatrical community," said Porchlight Music Theatre Managing Director Jonathan Heuring, a frequent theatre renter.

"We are happy to welcome STAGE 773 to our neighborhood and look forward to working with Brian, Megan and the rest of the team on the creation of a Belmont Avenue Theatre District and other projects," said Alderman Scott Waguespack.

The STAGE 773 staff will soon finalize upcoming programming plans, which will be announced by August and will include the 10th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, January 6-16, 2011.

About STAGE 773
STAGE 773 (formerly Lukaba Productions) acts to embody the vibrant spirit of Chicago off-loop theatre by: celebrating the creative process, supporting the work of actors, directors, writers, composers and designers; nurturing the artist, offering material, technical, organizational and emotional support; honoring the audience, presenting accessible, affordable, exceptional entertainment. STAGE 773, a three-theater venue, is located at 1225 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657.

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