Paramount Theatre in Aurora announced today the appointment of Chicago theater artist Kara Davidson as Director of New Works and Associate Artistic Producer.
Davidson brings to Paramount’s artistic staff over 15 years of experience in various disciplines including playwriting, directing, acting, arts administration, teaching and theater management. Previously a company member at The House Theatre of Chicago, she has always had a special interest in devising new works for the stage.
“Creating meaningful art requires passion, patience, inspiration, collaboration, and compassion. As theater-makers, we help to shepherd our audiences as they explore the nuanced facets of a vast and changing world of human connection and discovery," said Davidson. “I am excited to be joining the team in support of Paramount’s efforts to enhance the development of New Work in both local and national spheres, and am honored to be part of such a passionate group of individuals who value the powerful magic of theater and a deep connection to the audience experience.”
Davidson holds an MFA in Writing for Stage and Screen from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a BA in Theatre Performance from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Most recently she was the producer of the NOW (New Omaha Works) Lab at the Omaha Playhouse. Her work as a playwright has been commissioned and produced in Chicago, Minneapolis, Nebraska, Indiana, Kansas, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Since 2015, she has taught workshops and performed both nationally and internationally with Manual Cinema, a company that utilizes puppetry, technology, and immersive sound to create theatrical cinematic experiences for audiences. Additionally, she has worked with Lookingglass Theatre Company, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, The Actors Theatre of Louisville, and Nebraska Repertory Theatre, among others. She also works as a motion capture performer in video games (Mortal Kombat 1, Mortal Kombat 11, Injustice 2, Call of Duty) and trains in aerial arts (lyra, trapeze, silks).
Davidson is passionate about creating accessible theater experiences. Previously, she has worked with neurodiverse artists as a teaching facilitator with A.B.L.E. Ensemble, which creates theater and film projects for, with, and by individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Kara brings a most impressive academic and professional, multi-disciplinary acumen to Paramount which is already galvanizing our creative development teams into next-level service to our community,” said Paramount Theatre Artistic Director Jim Corti. “Immersed in Chicago theater - The Lab, The House Theatre, Manual Cinema, nationally and internationally - Kara has 15-plus years of experience as a playwright, actor, director, arts administrator, theater manager and curator of new works. She has championed multi-generational and diverse groups, worked with the disability community, and is already a dynamic inspiration to all of us at Paramount Theatre.”
Davidson joins an artistic team including Corti and Trent Stork, who was recently promoted to Artistic Producer and Casting Director.
Trent Stork, Artistic Producer and Casting Director, Paramount Theatre
Stork won their first Jeff Award for Director-Musical-Large for Paramount’s Kinky Boots in 2022. They have since helmed Paramount’s productions last season of School of Rock, and Into the Woods with co-director Jim Corti.
Stork is currently preparing to direct Paramount’s Professional Regional Premiere of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, November 8, 2023-January 14, 2024. For tickets, subscriptions and information, visit paramountaurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or stop by the Paramount box office, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until show time on show days.
About Paramount Theatre
Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., is the center for performing arts in Aurora, the second largest city in Illinois. The beautiful, 1,843-seat theater, graced with a strong 1930s Art Deco influence and original Venetian décor, nationally known for its high-quality productions, superb acoustics and historic grandeur, has been downtown Aurora’s anchor attraction since 1931.
After launching its own Broadway Series in 2011, Paramount Theatre has rapidly grown to be the largest subscription house in the U.S. In 2022-23, more than 35,000 subscribers enjoyed Paramount’s critically acclaimed, Broadway-caliber productions, along with an array of internationally known comedians, musicians, dance troupes and family shows.
For over 50 years, the Joseph Jefferson Awards has recognized excellence in Chicago area theater. Last season, Paramount took home six Jeff Awards for Kinky Boots, including Best Musical-Large, Paramount’s fourth win in that category following Sweeney Todd (2017), West Side Story (2016) and Les Misérables (2015). Over the last 11 years, Paramount has been honored to earn 115 Jeff nominations and 27 wins.
Paramount Theatre is one of four live performance venues programmed and managed by the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA). Paramount’s “sister stage” is the 165-seat Copley Theatre, home to Paramount’s BOLD Series, across the street at North Island Center. ACCA also oversees RiverEdge Park, the city’s 6,000-seat outdoor summer concert venue, Stolp Island Theatre, an immersive space opening in 2024, and the Paramount School of the Arts.
Paramount Theatre continues to expand its artistic and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Tim Rater, President and CEO, Aurora Civic Center Authority; Jim Corti, Artistic Director, Paramount Theatre; a dedicated Board of Trustees and a devoted staff of live theater and music professionals.
For the latest updates, visit paramountaurora.com follow @paramountaurora on Facebook and Instagram, and Paramount Theatre on LinkedIn.