Jason Epperson Named Executive Director of Greenhouse Theater

The Greenhouse Theater Center, an historic complex of live performance venues in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood announced the hiring of Jason Epperson as it's first Executive Director. Epperson says the newly created role is meant to signify a new commitment to fundraising, services and programming. He hopes to elevate the facility to Chicago's premiere home for off-loop theater, and to redouble the mission to help performing arts companies flourish.

"There's a lot of work ahead of us. We have 4 great theaters, but the audience spaces are in need of attention. I want the people to feel like the Greenhouse is where Chicago theater belongs." The company has relied entirely on rental and concessions dollars in the past for operations and repair of the aging facility. "We forecast that we'll be in the black for the first time in our history this year, and we've already started a lot of behind-the-scenes repairs such as new HVAC and theatrical lighting equipment. Next is a growing list of cosmetic upgrades that we'll need to find the money for."

As part of the plan to raise capital, the Greenhouse has outfitted its first floor mainstage with an high definition digital cinema system, which it will use to present classic, art house and independent films when the theater is not being utilized for productions. The equipment boasts 4K resolution, 3D capabilities and Dolby True HD surround sound. Movie showings are slated to begin at the end of the summer, but the system is already available and being used for corporate presentations and private screenings.

Distinguished ensemble company AMERICAN BLUES THEATER has signed on as a new resident, producing their entire four show slate at the Greenhouse next season, including the 12th year of their hit live radio drama version of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Commercial producer MADKAP PRODUCTIONS has also signed on for three shows, and the Greenhouse continues it's long partnership with REMY BUMPPO, MPAACT, and ORGANIC theater companies for their next seasons.

Jason Epperson is a producer, manager, and designer for live performance. He has served as Producer/General Manager for the Mercury Theater for the last 10 years, where he oversaw productions of Freud's Last Session, Over the River and Through the Woods, Barnum, A Grand Night for Singing, The Christmas Schooner, A Twist of Water, and many more. Epperson was instrumental in the rebranding and remodeling of the commercial rental facility into Chicago's largest musical theater. He is also an award winning lighting designer and is on the full-time faculty in the theatre department at Columbia College Chicago.

AMERICAN BLUES THEATER's multi-generational and inter-disciplined ensemble & artistic affiliates comprise all aspects of theater, television and film. ABT is producers, writers, directors, actors, designers, educators and technicians. As of 2012, ABT members have individually received more than 115 Joseph Jefferson Awards celebrating excellence in Chicago theater, two Pulitzer Prize nominations, two Academy Award and nominations, three Golden Globe Awards and nominations, 12 Emmy Awards and nominations, six Writers' Guild Awards, 17 Black Theatre Alliance Awards and nominations, 21 After Dark Awards and multiple regional theater awards from New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and Florida. ABT is the second-oldest Equity Ensemble theater in Chicago, and their 36-member Ensemble has more than 418 combined years of collaboration on stage.

Founded in 2008, the GREENHOUSE THEATER CENTER is committed to maintaining a performing arts complex rich in Chicago theater tradition. Located in Chicago's prominent Lincoln Park neighborhood, it was the original home for such theater luminaries as the groundbreaking Body Politic Theater and the Tony Award winning Victory Gardens Theater. The Greenhouse is an "incubator" for small to mid-size theater companies, providing four stages, dressing rooms, rehearsal and office space. The Greenhouse Theater Center's residency program offers further benefits to resident theater companies by offering prime performance slots, rehearsal opportunities, supplementary marketing privileges, and fiscal savings in addition to the common benefits shared by all renters.

The Greenhouse Theater Center is located at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Visit greenhousetheater.org or call 773.404.7336 to purchase tickets or inquire about renting the facilities.

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