Founded in 2018 by Denise Hoeflich and Ted James, Compass Theatre was created with the goal to optimize professional performance and leadership opportunities for the diverse array of array of artists in Chicago.
​
​
OUR VISION
By remaining non-ensemble based, Compass Theatre maximizes casting opportunities for Chicago based actors to work in a Professional Equity Setting.
Compass Theatre aims to launch or further careers in artistic leadership for the diverse community of artists in Chicago. We accomplish this by offering artistic leadership positions at Compass with designated term limits. Those who serve as artistic leaders at Compass gain invaluable collaborative working skills including season planning, fiscal responsibility and working with a Board of Directors at a Professional Equity Theatre. Those persons then take these skills and experiences and expand their careers, perhaps opening doors that were previously closed.
We are committed to only performing in smaller venues. This allows us to focus on its goal to optimize opportunities for others rather than growing for its own namesake.
​
Compass Theatre is committed to the standards and practices of Not In Our House. Learn more by visiting their website.
​
Board and Administration
​​CAITLIN BODY - Director
​​​​Caitlin Body is an Equity stage manager and Assistant Professor of Instruction at Northwestern University. Her stage credits include roles as primary stage manager for Compass Theatre, Porchlight Theater, Writers Theatre, Teatro Vista, Chicago Shakespeare, Collaboraction, Halcyon Theatre, Urban Theater Company, Chicago Musical Theatre Festival, as well as performing as assistant stage manager for Goodman Theatre, Actors Theatre, Court Theatre, and Idaho Shakespeare Festival. She is the founding member of Stage Managers of Color – Chicago.​​
​​​​​
JANE FORESTER - Director
Dr. Jane Forester is Medical Director of Allied Benefits Systems, Inc. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, a Master’s degree from The University of California, Berkeley and earned her Medical Degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
DENISE HOEFLICH - Director
Denise Hoeflich is a working actor and former Board President of Halcyon Theatre in Chicago. She currently serves on the grant committee for the Evergreen Invitational, in partnership with The Woman's Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Other philanthropic leadership roles have included positions with the Illinois Holocaust Museum, Soul of a Powerful Woman (Black Ensemble Theatre), Have Dreams (non-profit supporting programming for autistic children and young adults). She holds a BA from the University of Michigan and a JD from the New England School of law.
Ted James - Director
Ted James is an actor, writer, director and producer based in Chicago. His work has been seen on many Chicago stages and his screen work is seen frequently on NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, FOX and many other networks and cable channels. He is an ensemble member at Chicago's Artistic Home Theatre where he also holds the position of Creative Producer. Ted is a member of Actor's Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.
JULIE LEVINE - Secretary
Julie Levine received her BA from the University of Michigan and her MA in Social Work from the University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration. She is currently working with The Schuler Program, which sends first generation, low-income students to select private liberal arts colleges. Julie spent many years as a social worker in the Chicago Public School system and on the Auxiliary Board of Planned Parenthood, most recently as co-president.
​​​
LESA RIZZOLO - Treasurer
Lesa Rizzolo is the Owner of L.A. Rizzolo Architects. She received her B.S. in Architecture from the University of Illinois, and is Registered Architect in the States of Illinois and Wisconsin. .Other Board positions include Board of Directors of Halcyon Theatre Board and New Trier Fine Arts Board. Lesa has been involved, along with providing Pro Bono architectural work for Beacon Place (Waukegan), Lydia House (Chicago), and Sacred Heart Church (Winnetka).
​​​
FELICE ROSE - Director
Felice Rose is a Commercial Real Estate Attorney at Schiff Hardin LLP, an AmLaw 200 Law firm located in Chicago. She is a member of the Diversity Committee and chaired the Gender Diversity Subcommittee for seven years. Felice received her B.A., from University of Michigan and her J.D. from University of Illinois College of Law. Felice once played Rosie in “Bye Bye Birdie” in 7th Grade and thereafter, in the best interests of the audience, decided to support theater in a different way post production … She’s now an avid theater-goer.
​​
ROBERT SALAZAR - Director
Robert Salazar is a content creator based in Chicago. His 2020 portfolio includes writing jokes for the Onion, directing a sitcom for the US Government, and co-creating "Waltzer TV," a freewheeling variety show that "tours" the country showcasing artists from different cities + Chicago's own best acts. His past credits include video and writing work for p3 Mediaworks, Good Evening with Pat Whalen, and Family Bridges/Lazos de Famila, where Robert currently serves as the Senior Content Producer. Robert holds a BA in Theatre and Comparative American Studies from Oberlin College. As you might guess, he is proud to build on what that education got started.