JR Sullivan (INTERIM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR) is a nationally recognized director, actor, producer, and writer. Prior to joining ITC, Sullivan was the Artistic Director of the acclaimed off-Broadway Pearl Theatre Company, which earned a Drama Desk Award under his tenure. Sullivan was also the founder and producing director of the lauded New American Theater in northern Illinois, and served as associate artistic director for Utah Shakespeare Festival from 2002-2009, where he continues as a visiting director.
In Chicago Sullivan has directed for Northlight Theatre, American Theatre Company, Turnaround, A Red Orchid Theatre, Live Bait Theatre, Prop Theatre, and the Onyx Theatre. His regional work includes the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Theatre X, Philadelphia’s Arden Theatre, the Studio Theatre in Washington DC, the Delaware Theatre Company, and the Resident Ensemble Players at the University of Delaware.
His adaptations (in collaboration with Joseph Hanreddy) of PRIDE AND PREJUDICEand SENSE AND SENSIBILITY have been produced at regional houses nationwide, including Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, the Oregon and Utah Shakespeare festivals, South Coast Repertory Theater, Round House Theatre, People’s Light & Theater Company, The Cincinnati Playhouse, and Connecticut Rep.
JR Sullivan c/o Irish Theatre of Chicago, 1530 S. State St. #801, Chicago 60605
IRISH THEATRE OF CHICAGO STAFF Technical Director - Matthew Isler Production Manager - Jen Bukovsky Financial Manager - Barbara Figgins Outreach Director - Carolyn Kruse
Martin Murray (ITC BOARD PRESIDENT) Marty has been a patron of The Irish Theatre of Chicago since 2010, joining the board of directors in 2013 and has been serving as President since 2018. Marty has worked for W.W. Grainger for over 14 years holding leadership roles of increasing responsibility. W.W. Grainger is a Fortune 500 industrial supply company with 25,000 team members worldwide, and a generous supporter of ITC. Currently, Marty leads an international business unit of 85 team members in the United States, Canada and Panama. The mission is to build a competitive advantage that ensures Grainger remains number one in a highly competitive marketplace. Marty proudly attended St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia and The National University of Ireland, Galway. Marty and his wife Renee live in Chicago’s Wildwood neighborhood with their son, Martin. The family enjoys traveling, exercising, sports, arts and entertainment.
Amie E. Markshas been a patron of Irish Theatre of Chicago since its inception in 1995, and on ITC's board for over a decade, with a previous tenure as Board President. One of Chicago Magazine‘s recognized 5-star wealth managers, Amie has 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and is an independent advisor and Registered Principal with Raymond James Financial Services. She is a graduate of Lake Forest College, with majors in Business / Economics and Studio Art.
The Honorable John Robert Blakey has been with Irish Theatre Of Chicago since its inception in 1995.A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Judge Blakey began life as an actor and has appeared in many productions including ITC’s CHEKHOV IN YALTA. In 2014 Judge Blakey was nominated by President Obama and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate, and currently sits on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Judge Blakey also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law for Notre Dame Law School.
Michael Cox has served on ITC's board since the company's inception in 1995, with previous tenures as Board President and Secretary. Cox currently leads global marketing and client services for software and technology provider Textura Corporation, and is a student mentor, advisor, and guest lecturer with the Carol and Larry Levy Institute for Entrepreneurial Practice at Northwestern University. Cox holds degrees in Marketing and Japanese from the University of Notre Dame, and a MBA from the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Michael Grant is a founding ensemble member of Irish Theatre of Chicago and served as its Artistic Director from 1995 to 2003, and again from 2009 to 2018. In addition to performing in ten ITC productions, Michael has also served as Producer and Production Stage Manager many times throughout the company's history. Michael is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame.