SOC Announces Industry Panels for Fall 2026
This fall, Season of Concern’s Outreach Committee will once again offer a series of FREE theatre industry panel discussions, open to everyone, especially for early career professionals and artists new to Chicago!
- Monday, September 28 Resources for Chicago Theatre Artists—Demystifying Local Organizations
(There will also be a flu vaccine clinic on this date; sign-up at linktr.ee/seasonofconcern) - Monday, October 26 Planning a Career in Chicago Theatre— Navigating Your Professional Journey
- Monday, November 16 Take Care of Yourself and Each Other—From Budgeting to Mental Wellness
5:45 PM – Pizza!
6:00 PM – Moderated Discussion with Panelists
6:45 PM – Q & A
7:15 PM – Networking
Goodman Theatre in ‘The Alice’ Education Center
170 N. Dearborn, Chicago IL 60601
How to sign up: Workshops are FREE but capacity is limited! RSVP for the date(s) you wish to attend at linktr.ee/seasonofconcern.
I. Resources for Chicago Artists—Demystifying Local Organizations
Are you a Chicago-based theater artist? Learn about the variety of local resources available to help you—financial aid, grants, legal advice, networking, well-being and more! Come for the pizza and walk away knowing more about the services and opportunities provided by organizations represented!
Columbia College Chicago: Brian Shaw (Moderator)
Brian Shaw is a Professor in the School of Theater and Dance at Columbia College Chicago, where he is coordinator of the Acting program. He has an active practice as an actor and director in a wide range of performance modes, working in traditional scripted drama, devised work, film and television, dance, and public spectacle. He has been active in building partnerships and securing resources both as a faculty member and as an artist. Brian is the Board Liaison of the Sarah Siddons Artistic Council.
Actors’ Equity Association: Dr. Danee Conley
Dr. Danee Conley, a former practicing dramaturg, educator, and cultural consultant, is now the Director for Diversity and Inclusion at Actors’ Equity Association. As a resource to members, staff, employers, and the industry writ large, Danee and her department are committed to building an ecosystem of care and justice, with particular focus on creating culturally conscious workplaces in the theater industry.
Arts Alliance Illinois: Sasha Ongtengco
Sasha Ongtengco, she/her, is the Creative Workforce Program Director and Creative Worker Resources Navigator at Arts Alliance Illinois where she works to expand advocacy and resources for artists, creative workers, and small creative businesses. She brings extensive experience in workforce development, program design, and public/private partnerships to strengthen artist advocates through Arts Alliance’s creative worker policy efforts and research.
Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago: Luther Goins
In 1990, after working extensively in Cincinnati, Ohio, Luther re-located to Chicago and held positions at Northlight Theatre, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in Evanston, and Chicago Theatre Company. In 2002, Luther accepted a position with the Chicago office of Actors’ Equity Association, where he worked for 14 years before retiring in 2016. Since retirement, he has worked as a consultant with ShawChicago Theatre Company, Congo Square Theatre Company, and Music Theater Works Porchlight Music Theatre, Canamac Productions, Silk Road Rising, Victory Gardens Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, and Grippo Stage Company. Luther also held the honor of being the first African American Board Chair for Season of Concern. Most recently, he was the Executive Director for the Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago.
Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE): Laura P. Trejo
Laura P. Trejo is an arts advocate with over a decade of experience in the arts, working in nonprofit, philanthropy, and government. She currently serves as Program Director, Cultural Resources for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for the City of Chicago. In this role, Laura supports individual artists, arts nonprofits, and creative businesses through professional development, navigating city resources and shaping advocacy efforts that make Chicago a better place to work in the arts. Laura holds dual degrees in Studio Art and Art History from the University of California, Irvine, and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Entertainment Community Fund: Rodney Matthews
Rodney Matthews has served as a Career Counselor for the Entertainment Community Fund in its Chicago office since January 2023. In his role, he supports performing arts and entertainment professionals as they navigate career development and job search processes. Additionally, as a part of his role, he supports the Career Transition for Dancers Program (CTFD), a program of The Career Center. Rodney especially enjoys helping individuals explore and identify their career goals and suitable employment opportunities. Prior to joining The Career Center, Rodney worked in talent acquisition, recruitment, and career services at universities across the Midwest. He completed his undergraduate degree in Housing Studies and a Master of Education degree in Human Resource Development, both from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and holds a professional certification as a Certified Master of Career Services from the National Career Development Association (NCDA).
Illinois Arts Council: Susan Dickson
Susan has been a Program Director for the IAC since 2007, where over the years she was assigned to direct the following discipline areas: Arts-in-Education, Dance, Ethnic & Folk Arts, Literature, Master/Apprentice, Media, Presenters, and Theatre. With the IAC’s re-organization and elimination of discipline-based programs, Susan now oversees grants for the Eastern region of Illinois and the Chicago Metro 3 area. Prior to working for the Illinois Arts Council, Susan served as the Managing Director of the Joel Hall Dancers Center, a Chicago-based jazz dance company and training center, managed a small family-owned business that produced American freshwater caviar products, and served as the director of the Individual Artists Program for the Ohio Arts Council for over a decade.
Jeff Impact Fellowship: Brittany Chhutani
The Fellowship was established in 2023 as a grant award program to help inspire early to mid-career artists of color in the Greater Chicagoland area. The Fellowship is intended for the professional, academic, and/or personal development of candidates in the theater community. Eligible recipients are early to mid-career artists of color who reside in or are based in Chicago or a Chicago suburb and have been involved in Chicago theater for at least one year as actors, directors, stage managers, designers, theater technicians, cabaret artists, playwrights, music directors, theater composers, theater musicians, and/or improvisational performers.
Lawyers for the Creative Arts: Elsa Hiltner
Elsa is director of programs at Lawyers for the Creative Arts, a pro bono legal service organization for the arts in Illinois. She began her career as a freelance theatre artist and costume designer, and has worked in various capacities at nonprofit theatre companies including in shop management, marketing, and as director of development. These experiences as an arts worker deeply inform her work as an arts advocate, organizer, and activist for pay equity. She has a national reputation as an arts advocate, based on her essays, talks, and the tools and resources she has built for arts organizations.
League of Chicago Theaters: Tony Bondoc
Tony Bondoc is an arts and culture administrator from the Texas-Mexico border focused on the intersections of arts and culture, community engagement, education, and government policy. He is currently the Director of Programming for the League of Chicago Theatres where he designs the League’s programs and coordinates resources for over 200 member theatres across Chicago. Tony graduated from DePaul University, with a Master of Fine Arts in Arts Leadership and Graduate Certificates in Metropolitan Planning & Development, and Emergency Management Administration. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Theater from Texas A&M International University. Previous positions include work with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, The Neo-Futurists Theater, and Amplify Leadership Advisors.
Sarah Siddons Society: Daryl Brooks
The Society funds scholarships to outstanding theatre students, enabling them to further their education at Northwestern University, DePaul University, Columbia College Chicago, Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and Northern Illinois University. Recently, the Society expanded on its mission to further support the professional growth of the next generation of Chicago area theatre artists by offering Professional Development Grants, providing emerging artists financial assistance to assist in their professional development.
Season of Concern: Christopher Pazdernik
Founded in 1987, SOC is dedicated to providing financial assistance to all Chicagoland theater practitioners impacted by illness, injury or circumstance. SOC provides short-term emergency financial aid to theater workers through both The Biscotto-Miller Fund and The Malcolm Ewen Emergency Fund. Season of Concern relies on fundraising and donations to complete its mission, and to date has distributed more than $4 million to those in need.
II. Planning a Career in Chicago—Navigating Your Professional Journey
A panel of industry leaders will help you make the leap, providing information on the following topics: auditions, headshot/resumes, agents/casting directors, unions, survival jobs, where to look for non-acting work in the theatre, and more! This topic will have two panels for attendees to choose from, Panel A or Panel B:
- Panel A: Hear from actors, talent agents, directors and casting directors!
Lauren Port (Moderator) joined the Goodman as Casting Director in August 2019 after eleven years casting in NYC, where she worked on many Goodman productions over the years, including Father Comes Home from the Wars, Parts 1, 2 and 3, Uncle Vanya, The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, Disgraced and Sweet Bird of Youth. Broadway highlights: Junk; Meteor Shower; A Doll’s House Part 2; The Front Page; It’s Only a Play; Disgraced; Fish in the Dark; The Trip to Bountiful; Grace; Death of a Salesman; Seminar; Stick Fly; Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo; Lend Me a Tenor and Fences. Television/Film includes: New Amsterdam (NBC); American Odyssey (NBC) and Steel Magnolias (Sony for Lifetime). Lauren is a six-time Artios Award winner, a recipient of the 40th Annual Media Access Awards and a proud member of the Casting Society of America.
Heidi Kettenring is a multiple award winning Chicago based performer. She has performed in over 100 productions in Chicagoland and around the country. Select credits in Chicago include Nessa in Wicked (Broadway In Chicago), Dolly in Hello, Dolly! (Marriott Theatre), Eulalie Shin in The Music Man (Goodman Theatre) and Harper in Angels In America (Court Theatre). National Tours: A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical (Ellie/Rose) and Disney’s Beauty And The Beast. Film/television: “Man Of Steel”, “Chicago Fire” and “Cupid”. Heidi is a concert performer nationwide and is married to actor David Girolmo.
AJ Links is a 2x Emmy Winning Casting Director for her contribution to the Chicago Casting of FX’s THE BEAR. She is also a three-time Artios Award Winner for her work on THE BEAR, HBO’s LOVECRAFT COUNTRY and Aaron Sorkin’s THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7. AJ owns her own casting agency: AJ Links Casting where she casts commercials, industrials, music videos, and feature films. She also serves as Casting Director for Jackalope Theatre Company and Definition Theatre Company. She is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University and is a member of The Casting Society of America. alexisjadelinks.com
Catherine Miller is a Chicago-based multi-hyphenate artist, working as a casting director, dramaturg, director, gender consultant and creator of the substack “From Behind the Table”. They currently cast for Raven Theatre, Shattered Globe and About Face Theatre, where they are also an Artistic Associate, in addition to freelance casting work. Catherine has a BFA in Dramaturgy/Criticism from The Theatre School at DePaul. frombehindthetable.substack.com
Ron OJ Parson hails from Buffalo, New York and is a graduate of The University of Michigan’s professional theatre program. He is a resident artist at the Tony Award-winning Court Theatre, former co-founder and artistic director of Onyx Theatre. Ron has also worked with the Black Theatre Ensemble, Congo Square Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Writers Theatre, Victory Gardens, Teatro Vista, Chicago Dramatists, Urban Theatre Company, Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago Theatre Company, City Lit Theatre, Northlight Theatre, and ETA Creative Arts as well as theatres across the country. Ron is a proud member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA, and SDC. Ron has received a 3Arts Make a Wave Grant, the Zelda Finchandler Award, University of Chicago Diversity Award, many Jeff and Black Theatre Alliance Awards, the LA NAACP award, is a Joyce Foundation grantee, and was named Chicagoan of the Year for Theater by the Chicago Tribune.
Sam Samuelson is a theatre professional whose career spans Broadway, national and international tours, regional theatre, producing, and talent representation. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), Sam began his career as an actor before expanding his work as a producer, theatre owner, and advocate for artists. He owned the historic Wilmette Theatre, produced numerous concerts and live events, and currently serves as Director of Stewart Talent Chicago and Atlanta and co-owner of Stewart Talent Los Angeles.
- Panel B: Hear from Artistic Directors, stage managers, freelance designers, and more!
Christopher Chase Carter (Moderator) is a director and choreographer known for his multidisciplinary expertise and collaborative leadership. As former Artistic Director of Mercury Theater Chicago and Venus Cabaret Theater, he led the company to record-breaking Jeff Award nominations, earning recognition for his direction of Big River and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert as well as Young Frankenstein, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, and Jersey Boys (Regional Premiere). Carter also served as Associate Director for Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s productions of Sunny Afternoon (also UK Tour), Brokeback Mountain and Play On! Currently the Associate Director for Royal Caribbean entertainment Broadway series, Carter is a champion of new work and diverse voices, has received numerous awards and founded scholarships supporting emerging artists, all while continuing to create innovative and impactful theater.
Jonathan Berry is the Executive Artistic Director of Raven Theatre Company. He is excited to be back in Chicago, after three years of serving as Artistic Director of The Penobscot Theatre Company in Bangor, Maine. He is a proud ensemble member of both Steep Theatre and Griffin Theatre and a former Artistic Producer at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Over 30 years in Chicago, he has directed over 150 Chicago productions with companies including Steppenwolf, Goodman, Steep, Shattered Globe, American Blues, The Gift, and many others. He pursued his MFA in directing from Northwestern University. He has taught acting, directing, and viewpoints at many local colleges and universities and served as the director for the ensemble training program The School at Steppenwolf.
Maggie Fullilove-Nugent is currently the Director of Production atTimeLine Theatre. She has been working as a production manager, designer, and technician in Chicago for two decades. Her home theatres include TimeLine Theatre, The Ruffians, The Neo-Futurists, Playmakers Laboratory Theatre, The Hypocrites, Theo Ubique, Akvavit Theatre, and North Park University. Maggie’s true passion is inspiring students and young professionals in the theatre industry and has taught at dozens of schools including North Park University, The Theatre School at DePaul, and Columbia College. In 2017, Maggie became a leader of the Chicago Green Theatre Alliance, a group of artists that encourages, educates, and motivates the performing arts community to adopt more environmentally friendly practices throughout the industry. Her current goal is to help guide the Chicago Theatre Community to safer, more sustainable, and equitable practices for all practitioners. She believes that sharing resources and transparency are the keys to our success as an industry.
Kristi J. Martens was the Production Stage Manager at Mercury Theater Chicago for over 10 years. Other credits include work at Black Ensemble, Rivendell, American Blues, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Northlight Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Goodman Theatre, The Royal George Theater, Drury Lane Evergreen Park, Drury Lane Water Tower, Fox Valley Repertory, Oak Park Festival Theater and regional theatres across the country. A proud Equity member for over 32 years, Kristi started stage managing with children’s theater.
Lonnae Hickman is a graduate of DePaul University with a double major in Theatre Arts (BFA) and American Studies. Currently she’s working on a “Immersive Design Entertainment Certification” through Purdue University. She’s honed her skills in prop design and artisan techniques, puppetry, and writing. She currently works at Chicago Children’s Theatre as their full time Props Supervisor. She also works as a freelance prop designer with companies such as Albany Park Theatre Project on Port of Entry, Theo Ubique, Timeline Theatre with Broadway in Chicago, Northlight Theatre, Teatro Vista and many more.
Willow James is a Chicago-based arts leader, DJ, and multidisciplinary artist working across sound design, composition, and photography. An award-winning sound designer, his recent credits include Windfall (Steppenwolf Theatre), English (Indiana Repertory Theatre), Black Cypress Bayou (Definition Theatre), The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (Goodman Theatre), among others. Beyond his artistic practices, Willow is deeply engaged in arts leadership and education. He serves as Civic Engagement Director at Definition Theatre (where he is also an ensemble member), is a teaching artist with Court Theatre, and Adjunct Faculty at DePaul University– where he supports the next generation of artists and storytellers.
Sydney Lynne is a Chicago-based production designer and civic artist. Initially emerging as a theatrical designer, her work has been seen at regional theaters, universities, organizations, and sensory-friendly spaces across the country. Her exploration of live arts environments stems from an extensive award-winning career in theatrical scenic design, featuring over 100 different projects in over 15 different cities. Additional credits include projects at WHIM Chicago, Cabinet of Curiosities, the Graham Foundation, the Chicago Park District’s cultural asset mapping projects, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Navy Pier, and Broadway in Chicago. A graduate of Northwestern University, Lynne has received recognition from the Jeff Awards, the Black Theater Alliance, Artadia, and the Chicago Reader, among others.
III. Take Care of Yourself and Each Other—From Budgeting to Mental Wellness
A long career in the arts requires planning ahead and taking care of yourself. This panel will explore all the ways you can set yourself up for success and well-being, including resources for mental health consultation and support, daily mental wellness practices, developing resilience, budgeting recommendations for current and future you, tips for filing taxes, credit card pitfalls and other practical advice for theatre workers!
Tom Pearl (Moderator) currently serves as General Manager at Steppenwolf Theatre Company where has worked for the past 12 years. Before that he served as Production Manager at both Berkeley Repertory Theater and Baltimore Center Stage. He has a broad range of experience facilitating the artistic process, building production teams, organizing transfers, managing logistics, and thinking strategically about physical plants, construction/renovation, and capital improvements.
Jack Disselhorst is a licensed social worker and psychotherapist, as well as an actor and acting instructor in Chicago. He works as a therapist in private practice in Uptown, and teaches Meisner technique and Viewpoints at Green Shirt Studio in North Center.
Jared Evans is a Community Manager in Chicago for Community & Business Development. He is a local ambassador for Chase whose job is to build and nurture relationships with key community leaders, nonprofit partners, and small businesses at the neighborhood level. Jared hosts financial health workshops, facilitates non-profit partnerships, and offers community programming. Through these partnerships he is bringing interactive workshops, tools and resources to help boost financial literacy and confidence in under-served communities. With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Jared has held several positions, including Licensed Banker and Branch Manager. Prior to this role, Jared served as the Senior Branch Manager at the University of Chicago, Citibank Branch. He is currently a member of the Black Organization for Leadership Development (BOLD).
Juhie Faheem is a clinical psychotherapist who got her Master’s in Psychology at Chicago’s Roosevelt University and has extensive experience working with families, couples, and individuals, particularly in the areas of trauma, anxiety, and depression. Her holistic approach integrates psychology, biology, and physiology to craft personalized treatment plans that meet clients where they are. In addition to her clinical work, she serves on the boards of Muslim Mental Health and the Will County Mental Health Board. You may also have seen her in Love Is Blind season 2 on Netflix!
Laura T. Fisher is an award-winning Chicago based actor who has worked at most Chicago theatres including Goodman, Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare, Court, Northlight and Victory Gardens. In 2014, she partnered with Chicago actor Lori Myers to form Not In Our House as the Coordinator of the Chicago Theatre Standards, a voluntary tool for self-governance that prioritizes prevention and response for unsafe and unethical situations. In her NIOH role, Laura has travelled extensively throughout the US to introduce the CTS, helped theatre communities, companies and universities adopt the Standards, and travelled to Seoul, South Korea to help adapt the document, where the Korean Theatre Standards are now in use in every theatre in South Korea. Not In Our House has won multiple awards, including the Michael Maggio Arts Advocacy Award and has been recognized by the UN Global Women’s Initiative. The Chicago Theatre Standards is a budget-neutral, voluntary, free share document available at NIOH.org. You can learn more about Laura at LauraTFisher.com
Larry Little has a theatrical career that has spanned thirty-five years and more than 100 productions, first as an actor/singer/dancer, then as a director and producer. Along the way he became a Certified Public Accountant and owned The A.C.T. Group, a licensed CPA firm for 18 years, providing tax and accounting services to nonprofits and small businesses and their owners. Now, Larry is the Lead Producer at CPA Theatricals and LCG Entertainment, LLC, the companies he founded to provide musical theatre for under-served populations.
Jonathan Wilcoxen is a social worker who studied music therapy at Western Illinois University and then worked in mental health settings and studied macro social work at Texas State University and worked for the State of Wisconsin focusing on systems and policy. In his current role as the Associate Director of Crisis and Support Operations at NAMI Chicago, he blends his work in mental health and systems as he supports and leads NAMI Chicago’s Helpline. The Helpline’s goal is to listen without judgment, provide emotional support, support people in crisis, help connect individuals to mental health resources, and help create action plans to help individuals utilize resources throughout Chicago and Cook County.