CHICAGO: Raven Theatre has named Sarah Slight to be their interim artistic director as the theatre searches for a replacement for artistic director Cody Estle, who announced his departure last month.  

“I am thrilled to serve Raven Theatre as interim artistic director,” said Slight in a statement. “Thank you to Cody Estle for all he has done for Raven over the last decade. I am truly honored the board of directors have put their trust in me to continue the theatre’s great work while they look toward the future.” 

“We are very pleased that Sarah is available and willing to step in as our interim artistic director,” said Raven board president Stephen Johnson in a statement. “She brings solid theatrical experience to the role. Her presence will ensure continuing high-quality productions for our patrons and a supportive environment for the artists whose work is essential to these productions.” 

Slight is a Chicago-based dramaturg, literary manager, and producer. Prior to working with Raven Theatre, she served as the associate artistic director at American Theater Company, artistic programs manager at Northlight Theatre, literary associate at Williamstown Theatre Festival, and literary manager at Red Eye Theatre. Credits include The Luckiest (Raven Theatre), The Gradient (St. Louis Rep), The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley (Northlight Theatre), and several more.

Alongside Jess McLeod, Slight is the co-adapter of a condensed version of The Project(s) by PJ Paparelli and Joshua Jaeger, which toured through Chicago Public Schools and housing conferences in 2017. Slight holds an MFA from Columbia University and a B.S. from the University of Evansville. 

Raven Theatre’s mission is to tell the stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. The theatre has been a cultural cornerstone on the north side of Chicago for 39 years and counting. As of 2021, the theatre’s budget was approximately $404,000.