Chicago Shakespeare has announced the hiring of Deborah Vandergift to the newly created position of General Manager. Joining the Theater’s leadership team, Vandergrift will “play an integral executive role helping to guide and manage the organization’s resources—and overseeing CST’s operational systems and human capital development initiatives and strategies.”

Vandergrift has over twenty-five years of experience managing in the performing arts. She has held leadership roles at some of the nation’s leading theaters, including Shakespeare Theatre Company (D.C.) and Hartford Stage, and has worked with a wide variety of artists, opera companies and dance groups throughout the United States and abroad. In addition to her organizational management experience, she has an extensive career in Production and Stage Management.

“As we embark on our 30th season and prepare to open The Yard, we are thrilled to welcome Deborah to Chicago Shakespeare” says Executive Director Criss Henderson. “Her experience and leadership will be an invaluable addition to our team as we develop and implement strategies that will keep our organization vital and healthy throughout the next thirty years.”