CHICAGO: Carson Grace Becker has stepped down from her role as Chicago Dramatists (CD) artistic director, effective Aug. 31. The board and staff have no immediate plan to name an interim leader.
“During her time as artistic director, Carson achieved much and guided the organization to its place as a significant part of the vibrant theatre scene in Chicago and beyond,” said CD board chair Debra Gilbert Rosenberg in a statement. “Everyone who is part of CD has benefited from Carson’s compassionate and inspired leadership, especially during and coming out of the pandemic.”
Becker joined CD in 2019 and was instrumental to reviving the company following the death of its founder, Russ Tutterow, in 2015. She invited veteran and alumni CD artists to return, while also welcoming in a brand new host of artists, enhancing CD’s diversity and inter-generationality. She also brought back the Network Playwrights program and expanded CD’s programming with programs such as the Art of Healing festival during National Health Awareness Month in May and BIPOC new play festival, Out The Box.
“The move will allow me to focus on my own writing, my passion for arts education, and climate change theatre projects,” said Becker in a statement.
Becker has also been named a CD resident playwright, effective Sept. 1. The Resident Playwrights Program at CD is a select group of invited dramatists who have dedicated their careers to writing for the stage and screen.
Chicago Dramatists is an organization dedicated to developing and supporting dramatic writers at every stage of their evolution. As of 2022, the theatre had a budget of approximately $300,000.
