Cha Cha Cha Changes....

The theatre is a protean art. Moving restlessly, endlessly, it mirrors the life of the people who create this constantly evolving art form. In our Northlight family, change is occurring again as my professional partner Phil Santora heads to the West Coast to become Managing Director of TheatreWorks of Palo Alto, Ca.  Chicago winters have claimed another victim!

I would like to congratulate Phil Santora on his new job at TheatreWorks, which is a large, well-respected theatre with a budget nearly twice that of Northlight's.  This is a terrific career opportunity for him, and though we are saddened to see him leave Northlight, I'm sure it is the right move for him.

Over the last four years, Phil has contributed much to the growth of our administrative structure, while focusing strongly on our developmental efforts. Additionally, he brought a level of sophistication to our budgeting and planning that will serve as a foundation for our future.

Though Phil is leaving us, our goals remain the same: to continue to produce the highest quality theatre, featuring new work and refreshed classics, and to maintain our collaboration with the finest artists in the country, starting with those who call Chicago home.  We are truly an indigenous theatre, reflecting the culture of Chicago and yet resonating nationally.  The growing national awareness of Northlight doubtless helped bring Phil the focus he so deserves, and that makes us all very proud.

I am eager to move on to the next phase of our development as an institution here at Northlight.  I am confident that, with the addition of a dynamic Managerial partner who believes in our mission and supports my artistic vision, we will achieve the goals that Phil had identified and was on track to accomplish.

Change is healthy and always provides opportunity.  I believe it will for Phil and I know it will for Northlight.

We wish him all the best in the future and look forward to continuing our relationship with him as a valued colleague in the national theatre community.

More Anon,
Beej