WISHING THE BEST TO OUR DEPARTING MANAGING DIRECTOR
First Folio is sad to announce that Managing Director Kate Danziger will be stepping down in August so that she can devote more time to raising her two young sons. Over the years, Kate has filled numerous roles at First Folio, including that of resident stage manager. However, it has been in the position of Managing Director for the last four-and-a-half years where Kate has made her biggest impact. Kate’s tenure with First Folio has been an essential part of helping First Folio navigate the difficult transition time following the passing of Founding Artistic Director Alison C. Vesely, as well as guiding the company through the financial difficulties that came with the pandemic. Thanks to Kate’s hard work, First Folio remains a vibrant and important part of the Chicago theater community and is positioned to return to producing live theater this fall from a stable footing.
"I'm very grateful for my time at First Folio and honored to have been Managing Director. I look forward to staying a part of the First Folio Family as an Artistic Associate," said Kate.
FIRST FOLIO WELCOMES OUR NEW GENERAL MANAGER!
Stepping in to take over many of Kate’s duties will be Addoris Davis, who will be filling the newly created role of General Manager. Adi is a recent transplant to the Chicago area. Originally from Alaska, she has worked as a stage manager for Cyrano’s Theatre Company, Anchorage Community Theatre, Alaska Fine Arts Academy, Pier One Theatre, and the University of Alaska in Anchorage. Adi also was a member of the campaign staff for Alaska’s Democratic Senate candidate Al Gross in the 2020 election. Addoris holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Technical Theatre from the University of Alaska.
Addoris was chosen after a nationwide search conducted by Executive Director David Rice and the departing Managing Director Kate Danziger.
“Adi not only has the skills we were looking for in this position, but also is the kind of person who will fit into First Folio’s mission and culture and help First Folio continue to thrive,” said David Rice.
"I'm overjoyed to join the wonderful team at First Folio," said Addoris. "This past year and a half while theater has been dark has been difficult, I think, for all theater folk, and I'm especially excited to get back to doing what I love: helping facilitate the creation of wonderful theater shows. I'm looking forward to working with First Folio's fantastic group of designers, actors, and crew for our upcoming production of The Jigsaw Bride, and the other shows in the 2021-22 season."
Thank you to our Board, patrons, and community for supporting us through this search process, as well as this past year. We look forward to the future as we continue to move ahead.
