Executive Artistic Director

Chris is the Executive Artistic Director and head producer of Glendenning Theatre Company. Since founding GTC in 2025, he has overseen the company’s artistic vision, production, administration, and operations, guiding the organization from concept toward a full season of programming.

Under his leadership, Glendenning Theatre Company launched a trial season with multiple cabaret-style performances, with a full inaugural season planned for 2026-2027 as the company builds toward a sustainable, artist-driven model.

Chris’s professional background spans artistic leadership, nonprofit administration, and community-focused theatre making. He currently serves as the Manager of Executive Operations and Board Affairs at Writers Theatre, working on organizational strategy and internal operations at one of the country’s leading regional theatres. Chris received a BA in Directing from Indiana University Bloomington.

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). 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

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!