Albany Park’s Halcyon Theatre has appointed Arlicia McClain as the company’s next artistic director, effective immediately. McClain succeeds Tony Adams who stepped down in July after 14 years in the role.

“I am so excited that Arlicia will continue Halcyon’s mission into the future,” said Co-Founder Jenn Adams, who served as Interim Artistic Director and will remain on the Board of Directors. “She is passionate and committed to Halcyon’s mission, and driven to discovering how Halcyon can reflect the conversation that the Chicago theatre community is having now and in the future about Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion onstage and off.”

McClain is a Chicago native, who earned dual Bachelor degrees from Southern Illinois University. She is a performer, technician, stage manager, director and Chicago Public School educator.

“Diversity is not a term easily defined. It’s dictionary definition alone forces one to pause, think, reread and think again,” said McClain. “For years, Halcyon has been defining this term, telling stories that support its every evolving definition of diversity. I am honored to be the next person to partake in this journey.”