Goodman Theatre has announced Jo Cattell as the recipient of the 2017/2018 Michael Maggio Directing Fellowship, an honor reserved for early-career Chicago-based directors. Cattell will gain access to the artistic process at the Goodman, including the opportunity to assist on a Goodman production.

“Exposure is part of an artist’s process, so it is thrilling to be gifted a year submerged in the expertise of the Goodman’s creative and production teams, and I eagerly anticipate the many ways in which my work will be, consequently lifted,” said Cattell. “My artistry is taking me on adventures exploring different theatrical forms and how that impacts both the space we share and storytelling. Now, more than ever, it is imperative for us to create space for people to come together and share experience.”

Cattell is currently creating AN EPIC TALE OF SCALE for Chicago Children’s Theatre with Goodman Artistic Associate Henry Wishcamper, for a performance later this year. She is part of the LightPoets, whose immersive show HEARTCORPS: RIDERS OF THE STORYBOARD premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and is currently in development for a full production. Recent credits include associate director for SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE  (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), TUMBAO (Steppenwolf) and DON CHIPOTLE: ORIGIN a pilot webisode. Cattell has worked with numerous theater and television companies, including the BBC, Sky Television, Cirque du Soleil, CHICAGO the musical (West End, Korean/Japanese tour), CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG (West End), STOMP OUT LOUD (Las Vegas), Pentabus Theatre, Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater, Route 66, Origin Theatre, Leviathan Lab and Culture Project. Cattell was awarded the 3Arts Award in 2016.

The fellowship was established in 2002 to honor the memory of Goodman Associate Artistic Director Michael Maggio (1951 – 2000) who directed 22 productions at the Goodman and more than 60 nationwide.