Kathryn M. Lipuma joined Writers Theatre as Executive Director in 2007, where she serves as producer, overseeing all management, administration, and operations for the company.  She led the fundraising, planning and construction of Writers Theatre's new $34 million performing arts center, designed by internationally renowned architect Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects. Prior to Writers, Kate spent nine seasons as Executive Director at the Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre Company in New York. At Signature, she worked with and produced plays and programs from such acclaimed writers as Edward Albee, Lee Blessing, Horton Foote, Maria Irene Fornés, John Guare, Bill Irwin, Romulus Linney, Arthur Miller, Paula Vogel, August Wilson and Lanford Wilson. During her tenure, she helped create and launch Signature’s groundbreaking $15 Ticket Program. Prior to her time at Signature, she spent six years with Chicago’s Goodman Theatre. Kate currently is the President of the Producers’ Association of Chicago Area Theatres (PACT), an association of Chicago area theatres operating under the Chicago Area Theatre contract; is on the Board of Directors for Arts Alliance Illinois, the statewide advocacy coalition; and the Board of Directors and Past Chair of the League of Chicago Theatres, an alliance representing more than 200 Chicago-area theater companies and producers. She is also the Past Chair of the Board of Directors of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre. She is also the co-creator of DoNorth, an umbrella organization joining four cultural neighbors—Chicago Botanic Garden, Kohl Children’s Museum, Ravinia Festival and Writers Theatre—to attract new audiences to the cultural, environmental and community activities of Chicago’s North Shore. She was born and raised in the West Suburbs of Chicago and is a graduate of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

Braden Abraham joined Writers Theatre as Artistic Director in 2023. He comes to Writers from Seattle Rep, the largest resident theatre in the Pacific Northwest, where he advanced the organization as a director and producer, including the development and premiere of many new plays. He directed six world premieres for Seattle Rep and over 20 productions including: True West, Clybourne Park, Photograph 51, Ibsen in Chicago, Betrayal, Luna Gale, A View from the Bridge, A Great Wilderness, Breakin’ Hearts and Takin’ Names, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. 

Among his initiatives as Artistic Director, Braden committed Seattle Rep as one of the first partner theaters to bring the Public Theater’s model for the Public Works program across the country. Seattle Rep’s Public Works strengthens community connection through making ambitious productions of participatory theater. Braden also re-envisioned the New Play Program, commissioning and premiering plays by Anna Zeigler, Samuel D. Hunter, David Grimm, Justin Huertas, Samantha Silva, Cheryl L. West, and Karen Hartman, and supported the work of dozens of playwrights and directors through premieres and the Other Season development lab. Many projects developed through this program went on to acclaimed runs at Seattle Rep and around the country including Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s Come From Away, Cheryl L. West’s Shout Sister Shout!, Erica Schmidt’s Mac Beth, and Kate Hamill’s Pride and Prejudice.  Under his leadership, Seattle Rep was the only theater outside New York and London to present David Byrne’s Here Lies Love. Most recently, Braden initiated 20x30: Reimagine the Anthropocene, to commission twenty new plays by the year 2030, and New Directions, a unique commissioning program designed to support generative work from directors. 

Around the country, Braden has developed new work at Ojai, O’Neill, Denver Center, and Perseverance Theatre. He has been a guest artist at Stanford, Gonzaga, Seattle University, and the University of Idaho. He conceived and developed Way Stations, a series of interactive walking tours in Seattle for the Northwest New Works Festival at On the Boards and is the co-creator of Gordon Hempton: Let it Happen, an audio installation about the life and work of Emmy-Award winning sound ecologist Gordon Hempton. He is married to Cheyenne Casebier and the proud papa of Phoenix Faye Abraham.

Kelly Helgeson joined Writers Theatre in August 2022 where she serves as General Manager providing leadership support in key areas of the theatre's operations. Prior to WT, Kelly spent seven years at the Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for Performing Arts at Northwestern University as Associate Managing Director.

Víctor López has been with Writers Theatre since September 2021, and has been proudly serving as Company Manager since April of 2022. An actor themself, he takes a human-first approach to company management, believing that artists who are generously supported create the best art.

Maylene Peña, PHR (MAY-leen PE-nyuh), is a proud Latina and a Chicago native who grew up in the Humboldt Park neighborhood, and has over 15 years of experience with working with people. Her focus is on attracting, building, and sustaining relationships in her circle. Maylene prides herself on her ability to connect with individuals on many levels and aid them in the realization of their goals and aspirations.

As the Vice President and Senior Consultant, with The Walker Thomas Group, Maylene specializes in being a service provider for the Latinx community by helping ordinary people, small businesses, and property owners to organize and educate themselves for the future. As a People Operations Consultant, she is able to empower her clients using the best tools available, to catapult them into becoming the best version of themselves.

Over the years Maylene has worked in various industries as a subject matter expert in the field of Human Resources, Operations, Process Improvement, Training & Development, Organizational Design, and Facility Management. Maylene is certified as an OSHA Trainer, a PHR and is also certified as an Instructor through the ACA (Association of Credit and Collection Professionals).

Maylene is a mother and a wife and is passionate about social justice and  is happy to marry her love for people and her need to see them excel and finally live their customized version of the “American dream”. When she is not busy helping others, she is most likely to be found soaking in the sun, or spending the day outdoors simply enjoying nature.

Chris joined Writers Theatre in 2023 assisting Executive Director Kate Lipuma, Artistic Director Braden Abraham and managing the Writers Theatre Board of Trustees. Before joining Writers Theatre, Chris managed press relations and social media at Cathy Taylor Public Relations, working with esteemed clients such as A Red Orchid Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Court Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, The Second City, Northlight Theatre and Writers Theatre. Prior to his work in Chicago, he served as Director of Media Relations for The Journal of Business Venturing at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

Annie Lyonswright received her Bachelor's Degrees in Vocal Performance and Communications from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Lyonswright has been a dedicated fundraiser in the Chicago nonprofit space for the last 10 years, in positions at The Joffrey Ballet as their Director of Annual Giving as well as the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, as their Associate Director of Board Governance and Engagement. She has deep experience leading annual fund campaigns, board strategy and groundbreaking events at some of Chicago's most world renowned institutions. She is a passionate fundraising leader focused on collaborating with a diverse range of partners to ensure the promotion of exceptional organizations and their missions.

Since October 2022, Gwenyth has worked with the Advancement Team to create and produce unique event and travel experiences for WT's network of donors, trustees, and community partners, fostering deeper connections between the work on our stages and our most dedicated advocates. She also manages the annual WordPlay Gala, the organization's spring benefit, contributing 25% to the organization's annual fundraising goal. In addition, Gwenyth plays a key role in frontline fundraising, engaging donors through distinctive Writers Theatre experiences. Outside work, she enjoys supporting local theatre and the arts, practicing yoga, spending time with family, and volunteering with Chicago-based animal welfare organizations. Gwenyth is a 2022 graduate of Eastern Michigan University, where she earned a BA in Arts & Entertainment Management with a focus on nonprofit fundraising.

Previously a Specialist and Volunteer Champion at Apple Inc., where Phillip had the opportunity to organize volunteer events with local nonprofit organizations and manage monetary donations. Other professional experience includes equity research and financial analysis, as well as commodities and equity trading. Phillip has volunteered in several capacities over the course of his education and career and is passionate about community and culture.

Shay has been an integral part of the WT Staff since October 2021, starting in the Box Office and Front of House before stepping into the role of Box Office Manager from December 2022 to December 2024. Now serving as the Advancement Coordinator, Shay plays a key role in supporting our fundraising efforts and ensuring smooth financial and organizational operations. They’ve also embraced grant writing and have become more visible on the front lines, adding even more strength to the exceptional team they’re a part of. Outside of work, Shay thrives in the world of freelance theatre, enjoys cooking up new recipes, and can often be found relaxing with their cats and a cup of coffee. A proud graduate of SUNY Fredonia, Shay holds a BA in Theatre and a BS in Women & Gender Studies.

Bobby Kennedy is the Director of Artistic Development at Writers Theatre. In addition to his dramaturgy work at WT, his credits also include the world premieres of Give It All Back (SideShow Theatre Company), Body and Blood (The Gift Theatre), Ibsen is Dead (Interrobang Theatre Project) and The Peacock (Jackalope Theatre Company), as well as the midwest premiere of The Luck of the Irish (Next Theatre Company). Kennedy co-founded The Spontaneous Theater Project in Boston and has also worked with Huntington Theatre Company and New Repertory Theatre. He is an alumnus of Boston University.

Katie Galetti is the Artistic Producer and Casting Director at Writers Theatre in Glencoe and a member of CSA. She also serves as the Casting Consultant at Remy Bumppo Theatre in Chicago, and is a freelance casting director regionally. In addition to her casting work, Katie produces and directs events of multiple genres, including opera, digital, experiential, and film. She's worked with Little Cinema Digital, 13Exp, and HERE Arts & Culture Consulting as a producer, is the founder and Artistic Director of Janus Concert Series, and is a founding member of the Chicago Opera Collective. Outside of theater, Katie is a volunteer with Resilience Chicago as a Sexual Assault Crisis Advocate and a classically trained vocalist. More information can be found at www.katiegaletti.com.

Michael comes to Writers Theatre by way of many performing arts organizations over the past 20+ years. At Writers, he's responsible for strategic marketing, advertising, communications, branding, box office, creative direction and web development. He's held comparable senior positions for such organizations as Porchlight Music Theatre (Chicago), Kentucky Performing Arts, Shakespeare Theatre Company (DC), Type A Marketing (a Broadway marketing agency) and several Colorado-based culturals while helming M.A.P. Marketing Group - Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Boulder Philharmonic, Vail Arts Festival and Colorado Music Festival, among others. His work through M.A.P. earned 24 Pinnacle Awards from the International Festival and Events Association for excellence in marketing and media.

Tyler Lord is the Marketing & Data Manager at Writers Theatre, where he leverages strategic marketing expertise and data-driven insights to enhance audience engagement and organizational growth. He previously held roles at Harris Theater for Music and Dance and the Auditorium Theatre, gaining extensive experience in arts marketing and analytics. Tyler holds a BFA from Temple University, combining his background in the performing arts with a strong analytical approach. In addition to his work at Writers Theatre, he remains actively involved in Chicago’s theater community as a performer.

Born and raised on Chicago's Northwest and South sides, Laya (she/they) graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a Bachelors in Fine Arts. Since she has dedicated herself to uplifting the arts through her skillsets in SEO/SEM copywriting, graphic design, content strategy, and care-oriented community building and group facilitation.

Outside of their work in marketing, Laya is a filmmaker and a media critic/writer. In 2024, she was awarded the Emerging Critics Grant from Rotten Tomatoes and the Chicago Film Critics Association, and was selected as an OTV Fellow for their cohort of Intersectional Global Storytellers. They have shared a variety of visual and video-based work across Chicago and Berlin. Laya feels empowered by getting to collaborate with others and is deeply inspired by being in community with other thoughtful, creative, and spiritual people.

Cathy has been working with leading performing arts organizations since moving to Chicago in 1999 and opened CTPR in March 2007. She has a background in arts administration, arts marketing and theater and has a reputation as an expert communications specialist and media relations professional for the city’s best theaters.

Cathy spent more than five years at Steppenwolf Theatre Company as publicist and, ultimately, publicity and communications director. She was vice president of The Silverman Group for two years. Prior to moving to Chicago, Cathy worked at Indiana University, Bloomington, as director of audience development for the Department of Theatre and Drama and was responsible for all marketing, public relations and communications activities for the department’s three theatres, academic programs and alumni newsletter. She also spent time at Jazz at Lincoln Center in the Education Department where she worked with Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis on the first-ever Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition.

Cathy holds a B.A. in Theatre from The College of Wooster and an M.A. in Arts Administration from Indiana University, Bloomington. She is a former board member and cultural committee co-chair of the Chicago Chapter of the Indiana University Alumni Association and a founding board member of the IU Outdoor Adventure Alumni Association. She shares her Lincoln Square office with Kelsey, Samara and a rescue dog named Mattie.

Patrick Schley is the Associate Director of Ticketing Services at Writers Theatre, where he manages the box office team, the ticketing database, and patron services. Previously, he worked at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and helped the organization open their new home at the Bradley Symphony Center, a renovated 1930’s movie palace turned orchestra hall. Additionally, he spent six years at the Tessitura Network, the global leader for arts and cultural technology, helping arts organizations around the world better serve their audiences. Patrick is a native of Milwaukee and a proud former student and staff member at First Stage Theater Academy, the nation’s largest high-impact theatre training program for young people and families. He attended The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago.

Wren brings a strong background in audience engagement and ticketing operations. Before joining Writers, they were the Patron Services Coordinator at Grant Park Music Festival, and an Audience Services Associate at Steppenwolf Theatre from 2021–2024. Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Wren worked with several regional theatres, including Purple Rose Theatre Company and Wild Swan Theater, before moving to Chicago. Beyond box office operations, Wren has a background in directing and scenic painting, with a passion for ensemble-based and devised storytelling. Their Chicago directorial debut, Cock at Open Space Arts, exemplified their focus on intimate, physical theatre. With experience across multiple disciplines of theatre, Wren is dedicated to creating welcoming and engaging experiences for audiences and artists alike.

Kristin Hammargren is the Associate Director of Arts Engagement at Writers Theatre. Her work includes programming around mainstage productions, community partnerships, onsite education, theatre for young audience programs and the Show & Tell storytelling series. Kristin originally joined the company as a teaching artist in 2017. Outside of WT, she has worked as an educator with Filament Theatre, Victory Gardens, AdventureStage, the "Cherubs" program at Northwestern, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Montana Shakespeare in the Schools. For five years she served as the director of Yellowstone TheatreMakers in Bozeman, MT. As a performer, Kristin's credits include work with Steep Theatre, BoHo Theatre, Filament Theatre, Midsomer Flight, Opera Montana, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, Forward Theater, and Door Shakespeare.

Becca is an educator, theatre artist, and stage manager who facilitates arts programming and theatrical productions that celebrate community, embrace culture, and foster creativity for people of all ages. Outside of Writers Theatre, their professional teaching artistry and educational leadership includes work with Raven Theatre Company, Childsplay Theatre Company, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, and Emerald City Theatre among others. She is a proud Ensemble Member at Strawdog Theatre Company, Certified Yoga Instructor, and Creative Facilitator with Jewish Studio Project. www.beccaglevy.com

Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Kelly is a graduate of Lake Forest College with a degree in Theatre. She has worked in various Stage Management related positions at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Northlight Theatre, Victory Gardens Theater, and Remy Bumppo Theatre Company. Before coming to Writers, she was the Production Coordinator at Lookingglass Theatre Company.