Jack Hickey Steps Down as Artistic Director of Oak Park Festival Theatre

After more than 15 years with Oak Park Festival Theatre, Jack Hickey will be stepping down as Artistic Director on March 1, 2018. Jack has served as Artistic Director of the Company since 2004, where he has acted in or directed over 25 productions, and overseen the production of more than 40 shows. Jack will now serve as Artistic Director Emeritus.

"I am stepping aside, but I am not stepping away. I have been invited to serve as Artistic Director Emeritus, where I will continue to lend my support to this company, "Jack said. "It's been incredible serving this company for so many years and seeing the work we do have such an effect on the vibrancy of Oak Park. I'm proud of the successes of OPFT and excited to return to focusing on my personal goals as an actor and director." - Jack Hickey

Effective March 1, Artistic Associate Barbara Zahora will be stepping in as Interim Artistic Director where she will serve until December 31, 2019. In September of 2019, the Board of Directors will conduct a search that invites both internal and external candidates to apply.

Barbara Zahora has been working with the company since 2006 as an actor, and in 2017 directed Oak Park Festival Theater's critically acclaimed Macbeth. Barbara is a visiting assistant professor at Roosevelt University's Chicago College for the Performing Arts, and she has previously taught at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music and North Central College. She has spent the last eight years as Associate Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Project of Chicago, and is also a company member with ShawChicago.

"To try to measure the effect that Jack has had on this company is an impossible undertaking," Managing Director Jhenai Mootz said. "The company has grown and thrived in so many ways over the last decade and a half in no small part due to Jack's dedication to OPFT. I am also incredibly appreciative to Barbara for taking up the artistic mantle of the company. Jack and I both have an immense amount of respect for her as an artist and a leader, and know that she cares as deeply about this company as we do. With our current company growth, momentum and focus on strategic planning, this a strong time for the company to welcome change and a fresh approach - and we could not be more delighted that Barbara will be bringing that new voice into the room."

"I feel honored to be asked to be part of this important transition time for Oak Park Festival Theatre, " said Barbara Zahora. "With our current group of gifted Artistic Associates and dedicated Board members, we are beautifully poised to enter a new chapter of growth. We'll be taking a fresh look at our mission, setting new goals for ourselves artistically, and deciding how we'd best like to contribute to important conversations in our community and our world. I'm looking forward to more people discovering the jewel of a theatre we build in Austin Gardens during the summer, and to expanding our programming to reaching the community year-round."

Board President Anne Rooney notes, "Oak Park Festival Theatre is delighted that Jack will continue as Artistic Director Emeritus in this next stage of the theatre's evolution, and in recognition of his many contributions and leadership of the organization during the past fifteen years, we dedicate the 2018 season to him. At the same time, we also warmly welcome Barbara and anticipate a great season under her artistic guidance."

Oak Park Festival Theatre just closed its 2017 banner season, which was its most successful season in over 43 years. In 2018 Festival Theatre launches its 44thseason, presenting You Can't Take It with You, directed by Jason Gerace, and The African Company Presents Richard III, directed by Ron OJ Parson. More info at OakParkFestival.com

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