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Community Theatre

Divisional Events and Meetings


To contact the Community Theatre representatives and/or join the Committee, please email communitytheatre@illinoistheatre.org.

Division Representatives


Karen Shuman

Expires 2027


Karen Shuman has been performing, directing, choreographing and teaching for the past 30 years. She holds a B.A. from Brandeis University and an M.A. in Theater from Northwestern University. She is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory and studied with Byrne Piven (Piven Theater). Karen was one of the first Spielberg Fellows and a scholarship member of ATJT (San Francisco). Karen has dance training in Ballet, Jazz, Afro-Caribbean/Afro-Cuban Folk, Modern, and Hip-Hop. She studied and/or performed at the Edna Manley School of Visual and Performing Arts (Jamaica), Gus Giordano, and was a scholarship student at Joel Hall. Karen served as the Artistic Director/Executive Producer of the Miss Illinois Scholarship Pageant for a decade. Karen has taught Theater and Communication in higher education for 25 years, and sixteen of them have been at McHenry County College, where she currently teaches. She is excited and honored to be a member of the ITA Board.



Laura Palti

Expires 2026

Laura Palti serves as the Executive Director of Debut Theatre, where she leads the organization’s mission to inspire, educate, and engage audiences through the power of live performance. With a strong background in administration and community engagement, Laura is dedicated to supporting both emerging and established artists while ensuring theater remains accessible to all.

Before joining Debut Theatre, Laura held leadership roles in property management at Neder Capital, where she focused on building collaborative partnerships, expanding community outreach, and strengthening organizational growth. She is especially passionate about nurturing young talent and fostering a vibrant arts community that reflects diverse voices and stories.

Under her leadership, Debut Theatre continues to grow as a creative hub, offering innovative productions and programs that connect audiences of all ages. Laura believes deeply in theater’s ability to spark dialogue, strengthen communities, and celebrate the shared human experience.



Upcoming events

  • ITA Professional Theatre Opportunities: Interviews, Auditions and Networking

    • 03/07/2026
    • 9:00 AM
    • 03/07/2027
    • 2:00 PM
    • Wirtz Center Chicago
    Register


    Saturday, March 7, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
    Northwestern University’s Wirtz Center Chicago

    710 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611

    The Illinois Theatre Association (ITA) proudly announces the launch of its revamped Professional Theatre Opportunities (PTO) Program, a first-of-its-kind event designed to transform how theatre artists and hiring companies connect.

    ***UPDATE***

    Traditionally, this event was a one-day, in-person event held in Illinois. But now, we are extending the benefit of participating for a full year in a new digital format.

    Participants will be invited to submit their headshot, bio and resume/CV along with a link to their videos, website and/or portfolio. Hiring companies will be able to gain access to this library of theatre talent for a full year as the need arises.

    Throughout the year, the Professional Theatre Representatives of Illinois Theatre Association will share other mentorship and educational opportunities to create a vibrant environment for collaboration and professional growth.

    With the PTO Conference, the Illinois Theatre Association reaffirms its commitment to networking, creativity and professional excellence. By bridging the gap between artists and employers, ITA is helping shape a more connected and sustainable future for theatre in Illinois and beyond.

    The kick-off of this new program will take place March 7th, 2025. Schedule a video prep session and secure a FREE video recording at the Northwestern University Wirtz Center Chicago from 9 am – 1 pm. All registrants will receive a Feedback Session about your submission package throughout the day and there will be a VIRTUAL Master Class led by Jimmy Calitri: Audition Techniques and How to Approach Feedback.  The Professional Theatre Opportunities Program creates a powerful new platform where theatre professionals and employers can meet face-to-face, collaborate and discover fresh talent across all disciplines.

    Participants will enjoy interactive networking sessions, live interviews, and one-on-one meetings — creating a vibrant environment for collaboration and professional growth.

    SPECIAL OFFERING: PTO is now offering VIRTUAL, personalized 1:1 feedback sessions for all participants. Protolight will be on hand to tape applicants who want a new video. If you want to attend in person, you can receive your feedback prior to your taping. The deadline to register for an in-person video recording is 2/20/2026.

    Feedback will be given by the following Professionals:

    Jimmy Calitri - Professional Theatre Division Rep (Auditions)

    Noah Record - Professional Theatre Division Rep (Tech/Lighting/Design)

    Brandon Wardell - College Theatre Division Rep (Resumes/Portfolios)

    What to Expect Over the Year

    • Dedicated events and opportunities for actors, choreographers, designers, directors, musicians, music directors, stage managers, and technicians
    • Interactive networking and one-on-one meetings with hiring companies
    • Auditions and interviews designed to highlight your best work
    • A collaborative, energizing environment built for professional growth and creative exchange

    Registration Details

    • $20 – Individuals auditioning or interviewing
    • $100 – Professional theatres or companies seeking talent
    • Registration deadline: February 20, 2026 to book a video recording session on March 7, 2026.

    Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

    For questions, contact professionaltheatre@illinoistheatre.org.

    Audition/Interview Information  Information for Professional Hiring Companies

    Show details

  • ITA 2026 Come Together Community Theatre Festival

    • 11/07/2026
    • 11/08/2026
    • Morton College Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, 3801 S Central Ave, Cicero, IL 60804
    Register

     

    Come Together: The Heartbeat of Community Theatre in Illinois

     

    There is something uniquely powerful about community theatre. It’s more than a stage and it’s more than lights and lines. It’s a gathering place. It’s where strangers become castmates, where castmates become friends and friends become family. This year’s theme for Illinois’ bi-annual community theatre festival, Come Together, beautifully captures the essence of what community theatre has always been, and continues to be, across Illinois.

     

    In towns big and small across our state, community theatres serve as creative homes. They welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels. That spirit of inclusion is what makes community theatre so special. It doesn’t just invite participation; it depends on it.

     

    Come Together celebrates the collaborative art that is the essence of community theatre. Your theatre can participate in our biannual play competition with a chance to represent our state and our region at the American Association of Community Theatre’s AACTFest in June of 2027. You’ll be able to network with other theatre makers and celebrate the very essence of community theatre.

     

    Come Together will be Nov. 7th and 8th at Morton College (time TBD).

    For more information contact communitytheatre@illinoistheatre.org.


    Show details

Past Event Recordings


Thanks to the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) for awarding ITA with a "Certificate of Appreciation" after the 2023 Illinois State Community Theatre Festival! 


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