MOUNT CARROLL, IL -- Timber Lake Playhouse, the professional summer theatre in Mount Carroll, has appointed Dan Danielowski of Byron, Illinois as Executive Director. Mr. Danielowski began in December, joining Artistic Director James Beaudry in leading the company into its 54th season.
Danielowski received his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls, majoring in Communications with a theatre emphasis and a Masters in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University. He has an extensive theatre background and over twenty years of administrative and nonprofit experience.
"After a thorough international search, we feel fortunate to welcome such an outstanding leader to our organization," said Robin Wilhelms Saar, Timber Lake Playhouse Board President. "Dan's commitment and enthusiasm is matched only by his experience developing impactful organizations. His expertise comes at a key moment for Timber Lake Playhouse as we move our organization forward and continue our recent strong growth and artistic excellence. We could not be more pleased to have Dan as our new Executive Director."
Beaudry said of the appointment, "I'm very excited that Dan has joined the company, bringing his experience in both non-profit management and theatre operations to TLP. As we continue to grow and find new ways to make the experience of TLP better for our audience, I know Dan will help drive us forward. I couldn't be happier."
Danielowski and Beaudry are working on several initiatives already. These include plans to improve facilities for the 50 artists who live and work on the theatre's campus each year, broader opportunities for volunteers to be involved with the playhouse, and specific attention to improvements in audience services. A new paid apprentice program for teens who plan to pursue the theatre arts is in also in the works.
"I'm excited to join the management team at TLP," remarks Dan. "I am dedicated to the arts and Timber Lake Playhouse because we provide a key role in supporting and developing opportunities for beginning artists and cultural enrichment that enhances our region's quality of life."
Timber Lake Playhouse's 2015 season will feature both familiar talent and new faces. Beaudry will direct and choreograph a new musical, Big Fish, based on the novel and acclaimed Tim Burton film. Longtime TLP favorites Karl Hamilton and Elizabeth Haley star in that show. Legendary Chicago director, Chuck Smith, returns for his 14th consecutive year to direct The Big Meal, a bold new play about family by Dan Le Franc.
Joining the company for the first time is Stephen Schellhardt, who will direct the acclaimed hit comedy, Greater Tuna. A performer, director and three-time Joseph Jefferson Award nominee from Chicago, Stephen has performed and directed around the world, and currently works at Writers Theatre in Glencoe.
Peter Pan will be directed and choreographed by Zachary L. Gray, who was a resident performer at TLP in 2008. Gray has spent the last six years performing, choreographing and directing around Chicago. He was most recently seen in La Cage Aux Folles at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.
Gray will also choreograph the season opener, Hairspray, which is directed by Lili-Anne Brown. Brown has staged numerous hits at TLP including Sweet Charity, Cabaret andThe 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She is the artistic director of Bailiwick Chicago, and won the 2014 Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Direction of a Musical forDessa Rose.
The 2015 season concludes with Roger Miller's musical celebration of Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn, Big River. Courtney Crouse returns to stage this hit show. Beaudry will provide choreography.
For advance group sales or to purchase subscriptions, visit www.timberlakeplayhouse.org, call the box office at 815-244-2035, or visit the company at 8216 Black Oak Rd. in Mount Carroll. Individual tickets go on sale in May.
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