Erasing The Distance Proudly Announces Heather Bodie As New Artistic Director

Erasing the Distance is proud to share that Heather Bodie has accepted the position of Artistic Director.

Bodie was holding the Interim Artistic Director position since February, and prior to holding the Interim Artistic Director position, Bodie was Associate Artistic Director, overseeing the Custom Programs of Erasing the Distance. Her talent and effort in all of these roles has resulted in Erasing the Distance performances around the country.

"The mission of Erasing the Distance is near and dear to my heart," says Bodie. "I've seen our work have real impact on so many people and I'm excited to expand our reach. My experience with Erasing the Distance continues to drive me to create documentary theatre focused on issues of mental health. These performances start necessary conversations and help people realize they are not alone."

Bodie has been working with Erasing the Distance since November 2013. She has directed many Erasing the Distance public productions including Breathe With Me, My Other Full-Time Job, Veterans Voices, The Forgiveness Project, and Through My Daughter's Eyes. She has also directed many Erasing the Distance custom productions, as well as working with theater companies around the city of Chicago.

Bodie graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Theatre Arts and Music. She is the Co-Founder and former Associate Artistic Director of The Fine Print Theatre Company. Since 2007, she has been engaged in the development process of over 40 new plays in Chicago.

"We are thrilled to have Heather as our Artistic Director," says Executive Director Diana Clegg. "She has continually shared her talents, knowledge, and energy with Erasing the Distance over the past five years in many different capacities. Her skills have truly grown the organization and we look forward to her being our artistic leader for years to come."

Erasing the Distance is a non-profit arts organization based in Chicago that uses the power of performance to disarm stigma, spark dialogue, educate, and promote healing surrounding issues of mental health.

About Erasing the Distance

Founded in 2005, Erasing the Distance uses the power of performance to disarm stigma, spark dialogue, educate, and promote healing surrounding issues of mental health. Erasing the Distance collects true stories from people whose lives have been impacted by mental health issues. We sculpt the stories into theatrical pieces for the stage, which are then performed by professional actors. Every performance is followed by a moderated, interactive dialogue with the audience that addresses the themes they have just seen.

Erasing the Distance is artistically led by Heather Bodie. Bodie is the Artistic Director and has been working with Erasing the Distance since 2013. Since the organization was founded in 2005 by Brighid O'Shaughnessy, Erasing the Distance has reached over 65,000 audience members through public performances, custom programs and training and education programs. For more information about us, please visit www.erasingthedistance.org.

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