Executive Artistic Director

Chris founded GTC in 2025 and currently serves as the Executive Artistic Director (EAD). A director, educator, and arts administrator, Chris has a long record of developing artists, ensembles, and productions. He received a BA in Directing from Indiana University, and started his career in Chicago as a publicist and art administrator.

Chris brings vision, dedication, and leadership to GTC’s next chapter. The EAD will be the driving force in shaping the organization’s programming, sharpening its artistic identity, cultivating donor and community relationships, and establishing the values and culture of the organization.

Company Management Apprentice

Madison is a passionate, Chicago-based artist who is currently serving as GTC’s Company Management Apprentice! She is currently in her third year at The Theatre School at DePaul University where she is pursuing a BFA in Theatre Management with a triple minor in Event Planning, Event Management and Operations, and PR & Advertising. She is originally from Palos Verdes Estates, California where her love for theater began! She has past theater credits in performing, technical, administration, and creative teams making her a well rounded member of the Chicago Artistic Community!

Creative Production Apprentice

Kyle M. Stafford is part of the next generation of American theatremakers. He served as the Founder/Artistic Director of Act One Project - Orange County’s independent student-led theatre initiative (2021-2024). Act One Project created a multitude of world premiere plays, cabarets, and musicals during its time; opening its doors to 50+ young creatives to explore within their theatrical outlet. Kyle is a Theatre Management student at The Theatre School at DePaul University, where we serves as the Artistic Director for The Theatre School’s Musical Theatre Players. He’s also the Director of Marketing for the Prototypes New-Work Festival and has worked with Chicago’s International Voices Project and Lazy Susan Theatre Co. Kyle is an alumnus of the Acting and Musical Theatre conservatories at the Orange County School of the Arts, and is set to graduate with his BFA in Theatre Management from DePaul University in 2027