Lookingglass Theatre Named New Leadership Team
The Chicago organization appointed co-artistic directors and an executive director to stabilize operations.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in People
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Lookingglass Theatre has appointed David Catlin and Ericka Ratcliff as co-artistic directors. The leadership team also includes new executive director Philip R. Smith and producing director David Schwimmer.
Why it matters
The theater aims to adapt its business model to ensure survival after struggling to maintain full production seasons in the post-pandemic era. Leadership is now focused on creating a sustainable path for the company’s original work.
Lookingglass Theatre intends to return to a four-show season schedule. This transition follows Kasey Foster's completed three-year term as artistic director.
The players
David Catlin
He is one of the newly appointed co-artistic directors at Lookingglass Theatre.
Ericka Ratcliff
She serves as a newly appointed co-artistic director for the Chicago organization.
Philip R. Smith
The new executive director previously held a position at Writers Theatre in Glencoe.
David Schwimmer
The actor and director has taken on the role of producing director for the theater.
Deann Bayless
She is the new board chair guiding the theater through this leadership transition.
The details
The theater plans to utilize co-productions with external partners to spread production risk while developing a sustainable model for original works. Additionally, the State of Illinois has provided a $2.5 million grant to improve the lobby, and the City of Chicago approved a new marquee for the building on Michigan Avenue.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: Announcement of the new leadership team.
February 2026: David Schwimmer expressed his commitment to the theater.
Market Landscape
The theater's transition follows a pattern set by the post-pandemic regional theater contraction, which forced many organizations to restructure their production schedules. This leadership change positions the company to better manage financial risk through strategic partnerships.
Patrons can expect a renewed focus on regular production schedules and facility upgrades, including a new marquee and lobby improvements at the Water Tower Pumping Station. These changes are intended to stabilize the theater experience for local attendees.
The takeaway
The theater is banking on a collaborative leadership structure and external co-productions to secure its financial future. This pivot highlights the necessity for mid-sized arts institutions to evolve their business models to maintain consistent seasonal programming.
Further reading
For more information on organizational shifts in the arts, visit the People section.
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