Filament Theatre recently announced that founding Managing Director Christian Libonati will be stepping down from his position at the end of the summer. In his 13 years of leadership, he has helped to grow Filament from its beginnings as a scrappy itinerant company to a critical cultural anchor of Chicago’s Portage Park neighborhood. Filament’s board of directors has launched a national search for his successor, who will work alongside founding Artistic Director Julie Ritchey.
Christian is stepping down to make more time for his own artistic pursuits. “I am excited to make space for a leader with new strengths, new skills, and new vision. My work with Filament has been the greatest honor of my life, and I am so thankful to the artists, board members, audience members, foundations, institutions, and politicians that have made this work possible. Thank you.”
Christian’s hard work, collaborative spirit, drive to learn and improve, and warm hospitality to artists and audience have defined Filament’s culture.
“Christian is an extraordinary collaborator and leader whose impact on our company and community cannot be overstated,” shares Board President Jackie Intres. “It is a tribute to his dedication and skills that Filament is in a strong position to withstand and innovate during these unprecedented times in theatre. We are able to look forward to our next chapter as a theatre due to his legacy of tireless work and care. He will be missed.”
To learn more about Filament Theatre’s job search visit: www.filamenttheatre.org/work-with-us.
About Filament Theatre:
Filament Theatre is a midsized Chicago-based nonprofit theatre serving 0-12 year olds and their schools, families, and communities. Our mission is to create a more equitable society by celebrating and amplifying the perspectives and experiences of young people through the performing arts. Since 2014, we have made our home in Portage Park, on Chicago’s Northwest Side, where we serve a rapidly growing audience through performances, classes, and camps. Filament is known for its unconventional and experimental approach to Theatre for Young Audiences. Our work is community-based, multisensory, participatory, and blurs the lines between a theatre play and playing.
Filament was founded in 2007 and is led by Artistic Director Julie Ritchey and Managing Director Christian Libonati.
Filament Theatre’s programs are supported in part by The National Endowment for the Arts, The Illinois Arts Council Agency, The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, The Growing Tree Foundation, and hundreds of individual donors.
For additional information visit www.filamenttheatre.org.
