Board
Emilee Lales (She/Her)
has been a New Coordinates board member since 2011 and has served as President since 2016. By day, she works in project management at pharmaceutical advertising agency, AbelsonTaylor. By nights/weekends, she co-owns and runs the wedding and event company, A Perfect Pair. In her spare time, she sings in the a cappella group InVox, and serves as national Director of Awards for Delta Gamma Fraternity. Emilee holds a BA in Human Development from The University of Chicago.
Beth Kondrat (She/Her)
currently works in Marketing and Communication as an Event Manager at Accenture. She holds her BA and MBA from Loyola University Chicago. In addition to the New Coordinates, Beth also sits on the Team Determination committee for the American Cancer Society. When not planning her (or your) next travel adventure, Beth is staying up to date on her many subscribed podcasts, her fun workout classes (dancing and pom-poms, yeah!), and where to eat the best tacos in town.
As someone who sought out the stage from a very early age, Beth is really excited to support and be a part of storefront theater in Chicago. Her first show was "5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche" and she was hooked on the New Coordinates mission from the opening act. Please say hi at an upcoming show!
Chris Pelkey (He/Him)
is a Data Scientist in the finance department of a law firm. He has a dual BA from the University of Michigan in psychology and political science and a MSc in predictive analytics from Northwestern University.
Chris fell in love with the theater during his inaugural high school production wherein he wore a leather vest with a muscle shirt underneath. He looks forward to talking to you about math, pet dogs, the last podcast you listened to, and your favorite pizza toppings. He is excited to help grow storefront theater in Chicago.
Laura Stephenson (She/Her)
is the former Managing Director at The New Coordinates and has been fortunate enough to work as an actor with numerous theatres in Chicago, Oklahoma and Texas. Behind the scenes, she has also worked as a Casting Director and Company Manager in Chicago. She is a proud mom, animal enthusiast, and Star Wars nerd who enjoys new play development but has a soft spot for Shakespeare. She hopes to continue learning and growing in the wonderful Chicago community. www.laurastephenson.com
Kelsey Rohrer (She/Her)
is a product of the Midwest; Ohio born, Michigan raised, and has called Chicago home since 2010. An avid theatre lover, she was drawn to The New Coordinates after seeing her first production, The Bear Suit of Happiness, and is honored to be promoted from fan to Board Member in 2019. Outside of theatre, she is a voracious reader, amateur foodie, travel enthusiast, and armchair detective.
Be sure to say hello at the next show, and be ready to hear all about her dog - a three-legged pittie mix named Peggy.
Want to get involved?
Are you looking to become involved with an arts organization in Chicago? The New Colony is looking for arts advocates and young professionals to join our board of directors! As an advisory volunteer committee, the Board supports The New Colony in producing world-premiere live theatre and works together to increase audience awareness, fundraise, and celebrate artistic innovation.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Personal qualities of integrity and credibility, as well as a personal commitment to the growth of new work in Chicago
- A commitment to and understanding of The New Colony’s patrons and community, preferably based on experience
- Interest in the planning and execution of fundraising events
- Experience in not-for-profit development, art administration and/or finance is desirable
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support The New Colony’s mission
- Provide annual financial support through a quarterly contribution determined annually by the Board of Directors. Newly appointed members will submit their first year’s contribution in full, upon confirmation.
- Attend at least 75% of quarterly board meetings
- Actively participate in fundraising activities
EXPECTATIONS
- Attend at least one performance of each mainstage show
- Promote productions and bring potential donors and audience members
- Attend at least one Ensemble Company meeting per term
- Behave in a manner that reflects well on the mission, company and the board
- Respond to electronic communication in a timely fashion - Provide advisory expertise as needed