Illinois Theatre Association - Board of Directors

Board of Directors

If you are interested in learning more about serving as a member of the Board, or would like to be considered for a future nomination, please read the "Board Job Descriptions" and "Expectations of an ITA Board Member" to the bottom left, and fill out a Board Interest Form.

President
Judy Klingner
expires 2026

Judy Klingner retired from 34 years of teaching, directing, and choreographing from William Fremd High School in 2019. She currently freelances as the Musical Director at Palatine High School and as the Spring Play Director at Maine West High School. Judy is a lifetime member of the Illinois Theatre Association, serving on the ITA Board of Directors for fifteen years. She has been an Associate Director for the IHSTF Planning Committee in several capacities and was the Executive Director in 2021 and 2022. She was part of the production staff for the All-State Show 5 times: Director 2010, Choreographer 2002, and Associate Producer for Auditions and Casting 2012, 2009, and 2008. Judy was the 2022 Ann Thurman Mentorship Award winner. In 2019, she received an award for her Extraordinary Contributions to the Illinois High School Theatre Festival.

President-Emeritus
Carmel DeStefano
expires 2026

“Carm” was born and raised in Niagara Falls, NY and moved to Chicago after graduating from SUNY College at Buffalo to attend the Goodman school of Drama. She fell into teaching theatre at the high school level by doing a favor for one of her professors and stayed with it for over thirty years, first at the Academy of the Sacred Heart and later at Reavis High School. During her early years as the Head Drama Coach at Reavis, she was able to expand the drama students’ theatrical experiences through a variety of productions, competitions, theatre festivals, workshops, professional performances, and leadership training. Although drama was only an extra-curricular, Reavis students did it all. While teaching, her involvement with the ITA was primarily as a committee member for the IHSTF where she served in many capacities, including promotions, auditions, workshops, as All-State director and Executive Director of Festival 2016. After retiring from teaching, Carm has served on the ITA Board of Directors as Second Vice-president, President-elect, and President.

First Vice President
Mark Begovich
expires 2025

Mark Begovich is a lifetime member of the organization. He is the Drama Director and Teacher at West Chicago Community High School. He has been a dedicated volunteer and champion of the ITA for over 20 years. He is excited to help the ITA grow and move forward as we come through the Covid-19 crisis. Mark firmly believes that the ITA is a vital necessity for all Illinois Theatre Artists.

Second Vice-President
Lisa Gifford
expires 2026

I was a theatre and studio art major. I focused on lighting design and directing when I wasn't acting. I have been in education for 16 years and have moved from classroom teaching to building and district administration. I am looking to support others with the skills I have gained in education.

I have varied experiences in the theatre and teaching the arts. I would like to support some change to graduation requirements so students have the ability to engage with the arts.

I am a huge arts supporter and theatre is my biggest passion. I think serving on the board is a great way to give back to others and continue to encourage the growth of the arts.

Treasurer
Dennis Anastasopoulos
expires 2024

Dennis graduated from Saint Xavier University with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Education from Olivet Nazarene University as well as in Theatre Directing from Roosevelt University. He recently concluded his 19th year of teaching and has spent the last 17 years of his career at Reavis High School in Burbank IL. There, he served as the technical director for the first 10 years followed by Head Theatre Coach the last 7 years, working on a number of productions. In addition to his role as treasurer, Dennis has served the IHSTF and the ITA as All-State Liason, Director of Technology (3 years) and Box Office Manager(2years). In 2016, Dennis Anastasopoulos had the extreme honor of directing the All-State production of Rent.

Secretary
Christina Ordonez
expires 2026

Christina Ordonez has worked at Hoffman Estates High School in District 211 since 2002, starting as an English Teacher and Reading Specialist and moving in 2011 to the role of Technology and Media Department Chair. In addition to her primary positions, she is the Auditorium Manager, Variety Show producer, Fall Play director, Madrigal staging and production director, Musical technical director, and Spring Play assistant director. She is a life-time member of ITA and has served on the IHSTF Planning Committee since 2020. As a new educator coordinator and staff development lead, Christina enjoys mentoring and supporting her colleagues. She finds her passion in removing barriers to educational opportunities for both students and staff.

Board Member at Large
Kathy Missel
expires 2024

Kathy resides in Streator and enjoys serving the Illinois Theatre Association as the board of directors secretary. She previously served the ITA as a community theatre division representative. After retiring as the general manager of WCMY/WRKS Radio in Ottawa, Illinois at the end of 2019, Kathy was ready to participate in and see more theatre - that is, before COVID turned our arts world upside down. After her theatre plans were dashed in 2020, 2021 found her participating in four shows and directing another, as well as being a happy audience member whenever and wherever possible. Kathy is active in a number of theatre groups in the central Illinois area and currently serves on the board of directors for Festival 56 in Princeton, Illinois. A proponent of strategic planning for community theatres, Kathy has presented workshops on strategic planning at the ITA's bi-annual community theatre festival and has facilitated strategic planning sessions for numerous Illinois theatres, including the ITA board.

Board Member At Large
Jimmy Calitri
expires 2026

Jimmy (Director/ Actor) holds an A.D. in Studio Art and Design, a B.A. in Theater Performance, a B.A. in Art History and Design, and an M.F.A. in Performance in Society from Rhode Island College. He is a former adjunct faculty member and theatre director in the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the Community College of Rhode Island Theatre Departments. Jimmy served as the Director of Theatre Arts at the Narragansett Public School System in Rhode Island for 10 years where he directed The Wiz which was awarded the ’Moss Hart’ award for ’Best Youth Production’ in New England in 2018. Jimmy currently holds the position of Associate Professor of Theater (Acting, Musical Theatre, and Directing) at Providence College. Jimmy is the Artistic Director at Festival 56 in Princeton, Illinois.