Sandy Shinner, who served more than 25 years as associate artistic director at Chicago’s Tony Award-winning Victory Gardens Theater, who created that company’s much-heralded IGNITION! Festival, and who has directed more than 100 productions over the course of her career, has been appointed the new, full-time producing artistic director of Shattered Globe Theatre.
Shinner, who steps into the newly-created post following work as a project consultant for Shattered Globe under a grant from the Field Foundation, will arrive in her job just as Roger Smart, who has served as Shattered Globe’s artistic director since 2010, leaves his position to teach at West Virginia University. Smart, one of Shattered Globe’s original members, will remain in the company’s ensemble.
These changes occur at the moment that Shattered Globe has a genuine hit on its hands — a zesty revival of Jerry Sterner’s play, “Other People’s Money,” which is running through Oct. 19 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, and has been directed by Dennis Zacek, Shinner’s long-time boss at victory Gardens.
In a prepared statement, Shinner said, “Shattered Globe Theatre defines the resilient spirit of Chicago: a strong work ethic and a unilateral acceptance of embracing risk. I am very excited to join this dynamic ensemble of veteran and emerging artists who are on the edge of resurgence. The enthusiasm of the generous donors and patrons I encountered during my consulting work for the theater assured me that Shattered Globe has a bright future built on a deep and meaningful 22 year award-winning history. In the last two months, six new dedicated community leaders have joined the Board and Advisory Board. This is a remarkable influx of resources and energy focused on moving the theater forward. Our current production of Other People’s Money, which is playing through October 19 at Theater Wit, is a great calling card for this talented ensemble, and the response from both critics and audiences has been terrific.”
Shinner continued: “In my role as producing artistic director, I will create new opportunities for the ensemble, develop strong support for Shattered Globe’s passionate productions and nurture the exciting Protégé training program. Together we will explore new initiatives in play development, follow through on the theater’s commitment to diversity and reach out as artists to embrace a role in civic life.”
Doug McDade, Shattered Glob’s managing director, note: “When the ensemble of Shattered Globe sought to re-establish ourselves in 2010 as a leader in Chicago theatre, it was our intention to identify someone with a deep understanding of ensemble and the Chicago theatrical community. We needed a candidate with experience in all levels of theatre: a strong background in administrative, audience, board and programming development, theatrical production, leadership and a commitment to ensemble, which is the heart of Shattered Globe and the identity of Chicago theatre at its finest. It is a challenge to find one person with all of these qualities. Our goal to return to our stage of prominence is realized in Sandy Shinner. Sandy brings years of experience to Shattered Globe in all areas of theatre, combined with a deep passion and commitment to playwrights, performers, ensemble and audience members alike. She understands the art in all of us and carries with her the determination, dedication and personality to succeed.”
