Pictured: Shade Murray

A Red Orchid Theatre has announced the appointment of Ensemble Member Shade Murray as the company’s Associate Artistic Director. Murray’s appointment marks the first Associate Artistic Directorship in the company’s history. A Red Orchid also welcomed new Development Director Amanda Runge and Audience Services Manager David Marden.

“As we launch into our 25th Anniversary Season, there is no denying that A Red Orchid Theatre is in a period of great growth,” comments Managing Director Abigail Madden. “We believe that 25 years is a special thing to celebrate and we want this upcoming season to reflect not only how far we have come, but who we are now as an organization. For us, part of that growth means working to build a strong foundation so the art can continue to thrive. We are thrilled to have new members of the administrative team on board who will contribute to this season and many more to come.”

Shade Murray has directed several world premieres at A Red Orchid, including Brett Neveu’s Pilgrim’s Progress and Ike Holter’s Sender. He has also directed at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, The House Theater, Steep Theater, Second City, and Writers Theater, and is a theater instructor with various Chicago institutions.

Amanda Runge has a decade of experience working in individual gifts and volunteer management at The Rotary Foundation and ShelterBox USA. She is a 22-year veteran opera singer who has performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago and throughout Europe.

David Marden joins the staff of A Red Orchid after serving in the box office and front-of-house teams for Interlochen Center for the Arts, The Second City, and the Ball State University Department of Theatre and Dance.