Karen’s departure marks the next step in a strategic plan to embolden the company's artistic and education programs, expanding resources to serve all of Chicago's children under Artistic Director Jacqueline Stone and Managing Director Annie Rezac.
“I know this Board and Executive Staff believe as deeply as I do in ECT’s mission,” Karen says. “From the stage to the classroom, we have the honor of being an arts organization that gets to truly change lives. This outstanding group of people will continue activating a remarkable theater community for Chicago’s children.”
Karen and her husband Alyn Cardarelli began ECT in 1996 with a desire to energize children’s theater. They believed that the medium needed to include young audience members and welcome their imaginations. Over two decades later, ECT still produces shows that respect the dignity and creativity of children. During this time, Karen cultivated strategic partnerships with organizations like Broadway In Chicago, KPMG-Family for Literacy, and Chicago Public Schools. She led a capital project resulting in Emerald City’s Little Theatre (the nation’s first theater for the very young) and helped ECT embark on its ambitious community outreach programs such as the One Fund, which has provided a free book and a free play to thousands of CPS children.
A stellar team will continue this high level of achievement as the organization embraces collective leadership, a refreshed model that speaks to the collaboration, play, and inventiveness ECT holds dear. In this spirit, ECT is excited to move into their 24th season of belonging. It begins with Corduroy, running at the Broadway Playhouse November 9, 2019 through January 5, 2020, with a special benefit performance on November 24 for community members especially invested in ECT’s mission.
About Emerald City Theatre:
Emerald City Theatre (ECT) is a nonprofit that activates space for children in Chicago’s storied theater scene. Throughout the year, ECT collaborates with children 0 – 15-years-old through three pillars of work: artistic, education, and community engagement.
Our artistic programming is the bedrock of the company’s mission, using theatrical productions to engage children as they celebrate diversity and play. Onstage, ECT offers inviting and interactive art that welcomes Chicago’s children, creating lifelong artists and patrons.
There isn’t an off-season at ECT. Through its yearly camps, classes, and residencies, the organization provides kiddos with ample opportunities to build courage, heart, and smarts. And, when they aren’t running lines and choreography with their students, ECT’s professional teaching artists and education staff are often at rehearsals for their own productions, returning to classrooms with unparalleled passion and expertise.
ECT’s signature community engagement program, One Fund, supports increased literacy among Chicago’s children by providing a free play and free companion book to under-resourced Chicago Public Schools students. During its 2019-2020 season, the company will continue this outreach with its world premiere of The Name Jar at the Athenaeum Main Stage Theater.
ECT's lead supporters include the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, KPMG, Illinois Arts Council, the Bayless Family Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events. For more information, please visit EmeraldCityTheatre.com.