Pictured: Marissa McKown 

Berwyn’s 16th Street Theater has announced Marissa McKown as its new managing director, replacing Maeli Goren who is pursuing an MFA in directing at Yale.

McKown returns to Chicago — where she was Managing Director of Oak Park Festival Theatre and worked for several years at Steppenwolf — after living in Japan for three years, then moving to Seattle, where she worked at ACT and Seattle Repertory. Originally from Indiana, she is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and administrator with a BFA in directing from Columbia College Chicago.

McKown and 16th Street Artistic Director Ann Filmer met when they worked together in 2011 and 2012 on Tony Fitzpatrick’s STATIONS LOST, both at Steppenwolf and at The Boiler in Brooklyn. Filmer says that “Marissa dazzled our search committee. She will be instrumental in spearheading our planned growth, which includes moving into a new space and increased community programming.” Board President Joan Suchomel added: “The 16th Street Theater, NFP Board is extremely grateful to Maeli for her hard work and for advancing the management practices of the theater, and we wish her all the best in her next venture. We are thrilled to welcome Marissa, who will build on Maeli’s fine work in support of the mission and vision of 16th Street Theater.”

McKown will be in charge of development and fundraising activities, budgeting and finances, sponsorships, education and community outreach. “I’m delighted to kick-off being at 16th Street Theater by having a blast with our B.A.S.H. on July 7,” she said. “What a wonderful way to launch into this new position: celebrating while strengthening 16th Street within, and surrounded by, our community. I can’t wait.”

For more information on 16th Street Theater visit 16thstreettheater.org.