West Chicago Educator Named President of Illinois Theatre Association
Illinois Theatre Association Announces 2026 - 2027 Leadership and Statewide Priorities
CHICAGO, IL – The Illinois Theatre Association (ITA) welcomed its 2026–2027 Board of Directors and member-elected division representatives during its Annual Member Celebration. Mark Begovich, Drama Director and Teacher at West Chicago Community High School, was elected by ITA membership to serve as the organization's new president.
Begovich begins his term as ITA builds on a year of growth and continued commitment to supporting theatre throughout Illinois. Priorities for 2026 - 2027 include strengthening member connections, creating opportunities for collaboration, and ensuring that theatre-makers at every level can find a place to belong within ITA.
"I'm honored to serve as president of the Illinois Theatre Association and excited about the opportunities ahead. This year, we want to put an even greater focus on our members, strengthening the connections, resources, and opportunities that make our theatre community so special. Whether you work in youth, high school, college, community or professional theatre, there is a place for you in ITA. We are stronger when we come together, and I look forward to working with our board and members to build on the organization's successes and expand its impact throughout Illinois," explained Begovich.
ITA also welcomes six new board members: Tim Curtis, Jesse Lim, kClare McKellaston, Bridget Nowicki, Noah Record and Zoe Schmidt. Together with returning leadership, they will help advance ITA's mission of advocating for theatre and supporting artists, educators, organizations and audiences across Illinois.
New ITA board members as shown left to right, back row: Danny Yuska, High School Theatre Division Rep; Noah Record, Professional Theatre Division Rep; Brandon Lewis, Board Member at Large; kClare McKellaston, College/University TheatreDivision Rep; Bridget Nowicki, College/University TheatreDivision Rep; Kathy Missel, Board Member at Large
Middle row: Madison Taylor, Youth Theatre Division Rep; Zoe Banks, Youth Theatre Division Rep; Michelle Bayer, IHSTF Executive Director (2028); Jessica Lim, High School Theatre Division Rep; Tim Curtis, Community Theatre Division Rep.
Front row (seated): Mark Begovich, President; Judy Klingner, Immediate Past President; Christina Ordonez, Secretary; Wesley Skym, Second Vice-President.
Not pictured: Kevin Holly, First Vice-President; Dennis Anastasopoulos, Treasurer; Anthony Greer, IHSTF Executive Director (2027); Lauren Wells-Mann, ITA Director of Inclusion; Jimmy Calitri, Professional Theatre Division Rep; Karen Shuman, Community Theatre Division Rep
2026 - 2027 Illinois Theatre Association Board of Directors
Officers
- President – Mark Begovich
- Immediate Past President – Judy Klingner
- First Vice President – Kevin Holly
- Second Vice President – Wes Skym
- Secretary – Christina Ordonez
- Treasurer – Dennis Anastasopoulos
- Board Member at Large – Brandon Lewis
- Board Member at Large – Kathy Missel
Division Representatives
- College/University Theatre – kClare McKellaston and Bridget Nowicki
- Community Theatre – Tim Curtis and Karen Shuman
- High School Theatre – Jesse Lim and Danny Yuska
- Professional Theatre – Jimmy Calitri and Noah Record
- Youth Theatre – Madison Taylor and Zoe Schmidt
- IHSTF Executive Director 2027 – Anthony Greer
- IHSTF Executive Director 2028 – Michelle Bayer
- ITA Director of Inclusion – Lauren Wells-Mann
About the Illinois Theatre Association
The Illinois Theatre Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the essential role of theatre throughout Illinois. Through collaboration, education, engagement, and advocacy, ITA supports theatre artists, educators, organizations, and audiences at every level, from youth and high school theatre to college, community, and professional productions.
Committed to fostering an inclusive and thriving theatre community, ITA celebrates the power of theatre to inspire, connect, and illuminate our shared humanity.
For more information about the Illinois Theatre Association, visit www.illinoistheatre.org or call 773.804.8975.
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