ABOUT
OUR MISSION
Collaboraction builds knowledge, empathy, dialogue and action around oppression and inequity through live theatre, film and online interactive programs that leverage the power of storytelling and community to cultivate positive social change.
VISION
Our vision is to be a part of systemic changes where people have a strong personal commitment to each other's well-being and success.
OUR THEORY OF CHANGE
- Make theatre by the people and for the people.
- Tour the work across Chicago and bring people together.
- Make space for Crucial Conversations
- Spark Action
OUR IMPACT
Collaboraction incites social change through original devised theatre and community engagement that cultivates knowledge, dialogue and action around Chicago's most critical social issues.
EMPATHY
DIALOGUE
ACTION
“The last few years have opened my eyes even more to the fact that we still have a huge race problem in our country. The [Crucial] Conversation afterwards was wonderful and as a white woman, I felt like I needed to do a lot more listening than talking, so that's what I did.”
-Audience Member
As part of our process of art for social change, after every performance, we cultivate a Crucial Conversation amongst the audience to reflect and share the impact of the work on the individuals. The act of verbalizing and witnessing each others testimonies is a key element of our methodology to inspire personal transformation and action.
63% of audience members surveyed at Trial in the Delta said they ‘would be very likely to actively participate in their community’ and 31% said they ‘would be somewhat likely’
MEET THE TEAM
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Anthony Moseley (he/him)
Anthony has been the Artistic Director of Collaboraction since 1999, using theater as a tool of knowledge, empathy, dialogue and action. Through this work, Moseley has commissioned and collaborated with thousands of artists to build a more equitable future for Chicago through projects including Sketchbook Festival, Peacebook, Encounter and The Light youth theater festival. As a writer/director he created Crime Scene: a Chicago Anthology and its four sequels, This is Not a Cure For Cancer, Connected and A Blue Island in the Red Sea. In 2018, Collaboraction was honored with a Comcast/Ovation Stand for the Arts Award and an Otto Award for “ground-breaking political theater.”
Anthony has been the Artistic Director of Collaboraction since 1999, using theater as a tool of knowledge, empathy, dialogue and action. Through this work, Moseley has commissioned and collaborated with thousands of artists to build a more equitable future for Chicago through projects including Sketchbook Festival, Peacebook, Encounter and The Light youth theater festival. As a writer/director he created Crime Scene: a Chicago Anthology and its four sequels, This is Not a Cure For Cancer, Connected and A Blue Island in the Red Sea. In 2018, Collaboraction was honored with a Comcast/Ovation Stand for the Arts Award and an Otto Award for “ground-breaking political theater.”
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Saudia Davis (she/her)
Saudia s a multi-entrepreneur, producer, developer, creative entrepreneur, and creative strategist with over 25 years of experience in the creative sector focused on the business of entertainment. As a non-profit leader, the combination of her corporate background, passion for ideation, connectivity, problem solving and resource development enable her to generate measurable impact.
Saudia is applauded for a 1000 seat theatre development, Kehrein Center for the Arts, KCA in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, where she also created the vision for how the venue operates focused on community engagement. As a producer/ developer, she defines her business practice as Reel to Real, REEL Film/TV Development and REAL Estate Development. She creates places for artists to play on stage and in front of the camera.
Saudia s a multi-entrepreneur, producer, developer, creative entrepreneur, and creative strategist with over 25 years of experience in the creative sector focused on the business of entertainment. As a non-profit leader, the combination of her corporate background, passion for ideation, connectivity, problem solving and resource development enable her to generate measurable impact.
Saudia is applauded for a 1000 seat theatre development, Kehrein Center for the Arts, KCA in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, where she also created the vision for how the venue operates focused on community engagement. As a producer/ developer, she defines her business practice as Reel to Real, REEL Film/TV Development and REAL Estate Development. She creates places for artists to play on stage and in front of the camera.
PRODUCER
Carla Stillwell (she/her)
Carla has been an award-winning actor, playwright, producer, artistic director and teacher for three decades. Ms. Stillwell is a teaching artist with Victory Gardens Theatre and will be joining the Loyola University theatre department’s adjunct staff in Spring 2022. Ms. Stillwell has founded The Stillwell Institute for Contemporary Black Arts. This organization moves with a mission to recruit, develop and support contemporary Black artists and to teach art making in the Black community as a healing practice, a vehicle for social change and a viable career opportunity. Most recently, she has joined the staff of Collaboraction as the company's first full-time producer.
Carla has been an award-winning actor, playwright, producer, artistic director and teacher for three decades. Ms. Stillwell is a teaching artist with Victory Gardens Theatre and will be joining the Loyola University theatre department’s adjunct staff in Spring 2022. Ms. Stillwell has founded The Stillwell Institute for Contemporary Black Arts. This organization moves with a mission to recruit, develop and support contemporary Black artists and to teach art making in the Black community as a healing practice, a vehicle for social change and a viable career opportunity. Most recently, she has joined the staff of Collaboraction as the company's first full-time producer.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Elsa Hiltner (she/her)
Elsa is a Company Member of Collaboraction, costume designer, and international organizer on theatrical labor equity. Her essays include "A Call for Equal Support in Theatrical Design" (HowlRound, 2016 & Stage Directions, 2017), "Inequity by Design" (HowlRound, 2020), and "Pay Equity: What's in it for Theatre Companies?" (HowlRound, 2021). She has worked with Collaboraction since 2007 as a designer and deviser, and joined the staff in 2017. She co-created The Mars Assignment, a 2016 Collaboraction production on mental illness and stigma. Elsa is a co-founder of On Our Team, a Chicago-based organization working to build equity in theatrical design and was awarded the Michael Merritt Arts Advocacy Award in 2021.
Elsa is a Company Member of Collaboraction, costume designer, and international organizer on theatrical labor equity. Her essays include "A Call for Equal Support in Theatrical Design" (HowlRound, 2016 & Stage Directions, 2017), "Inequity by Design" (HowlRound, 2020), and "Pay Equity: What's in it for Theatre Companies?" (HowlRound, 2021). She has worked with Collaboraction since 2007 as a designer and deviser, and joined the staff in 2017. She co-created The Mars Assignment, a 2016 Collaboraction production on mental illness and stigma. Elsa is a co-founder of On Our Team, a Chicago-based organization working to build equity in theatrical design and was awarded the Michael Merritt Arts Advocacy Award in 2021.
PUBLIC RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE
Jay Kelly (he/him)
Jay is a Chicago PR specialist with more than 30 years of experience representing non-profit performing arts organizations including theaters, dance companies, music organizations and festivals. He has proudly represented Collaboraction since 2011. Other clients include Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA), Lucky Plush Productions, Manual Cinema, Paramount Theatre, Physical Theater Festival Chicago, Season of Concern, Teatro Vista, Theater Wit and TimeLine Theatre Company. He launched Jay Kelly PR in July 2017 after seven years as Vice President of Arts and Culture at a mid-sized PR firm. He also served three years as an adjunct marketing professor at The Theatre School at DePaul University in the performing arts management program. For more, visit jaykellypr.com.
Jay is a Chicago PR specialist with more than 30 years of experience representing non-profit performing arts organizations including theaters, dance companies, music organizations and festivals. He has proudly represented Collaboraction since 2011. Other clients include Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA), Lucky Plush Productions, Manual Cinema, Paramount Theatre, Physical Theater Festival Chicago, Season of Concern, Teatro Vista, Theater Wit and TimeLine Theatre Company. He launched Jay Kelly PR in July 2017 after seven years as Vice President of Arts and Culture at a mid-sized PR firm. He also served three years as an adjunct marketing professor at The Theatre School at DePaul University in the performing arts management program. For more, visit jaykellypr.com.
COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Willow James, (He/Him)
Willow is a Chicago-based theatre artist and freelance photographer with a passion for new works and empowering those from historically underserved communities. This passion has fueled his career as an actor, director and sound designer working with Windy City Playhouse, Stage Left Theatre, Perceptions Theatre and others. He serves as Producer and Resident Sound Designer at Artemisia Theatre and is a teaching artist with Pegasus Theatre. Keep up with him at willow-james.org
Willow is a Chicago-based theatre artist and freelance photographer with a passion for new works and empowering those from historically underserved communities. This passion has fueled his career as an actor, director and sound designer working with Windy City Playhouse, Stage Left Theatre, Perceptions Theatre and others. He serves as Producer and Resident Sound Designer at Artemisia Theatre and is a teaching artist with Pegasus Theatre. Keep up with him at willow-james.org
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Pricilla Torres (she/her)
Pricilla is an actor and producer based in Chicagoland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from UW-Stevens Point and minored in Communication with an emphasis in media, which included film history, screenwriting, and video production. She has worked for Northlight Theatre as a teaching artist apprentice and Oakton Community College as a Production Assistant. Other organizations worked with include First Folio, Misalliance Repertory Theatre, and The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol. As a proud mixed race woman, she is passionate about BIPOC representation, supporting BIPOC artists, and being a part of spaces that encourage storytelling by the voices of the unheard.
Pricilla is an actor and producer based in Chicagoland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from UW-Stevens Point and minored in Communication with an emphasis in media, which included film history, screenwriting, and video production. She has worked for Northlight Theatre as a teaching artist apprentice and Oakton Community College as a Production Assistant. Other organizations worked with include First Folio, Misalliance Repertory Theatre, and The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol. As a proud mixed race woman, she is passionate about BIPOC representation, supporting BIPOC artists, and being a part of spaces that encourage storytelling by the voices of the unheard.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Anthony Moseley (he/him)
Anthony has been the Artistic Director of Collaboraction since 1999, using theater as a tool of knowledge, empathy, dialogue and action. Through this work, Moseley has commissioned and collaborated with thousands of artists to build a more equitable future for Chicago through projects including Sketchbook Festival, Peacebook, Encounter and The Light youth theater festival. As a writer/director he created Crime Scene: a Chicago Anthology and its four sequels, This is Not a Cure For Cancer, Connected and A Blue Island in the Red Sea. In 2018, Collaboraction was honored with a Comcast/Ovation Stand for the Arts Award and an Otto Award for “ground-breaking political theater.”
Anthony has been the Artistic Director of Collaboraction since 1999, using theater as a tool of knowledge, empathy, dialogue and action. Through this work, Moseley has commissioned and collaborated with thousands of artists to build a more equitable future for Chicago through projects including Sketchbook Festival, Peacebook, Encounter and The Light youth theater festival. As a writer/director he created Crime Scene: a Chicago Anthology and its four sequels, This is Not a Cure For Cancer, Connected and A Blue Island in the Red Sea. In 2018, Collaboraction was honored with a Comcast/Ovation Stand for the Arts Award and an Otto Award for “ground-breaking political theater.”
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Saudia Davis (she/her)
Saudia s a multi-entrepreneur, producer, developer, creative entrepreneur, and creative strategist with over 25 years of experience in the creative sector focused on the business of entertainment. As a non-profit leader, the combination of her corporate background, passion for ideation, connectivity, problem solving and resource development enable her to generate measurable impact.
Saudia is applauded for a 1000 seat theatre development, Kehrein Center for the Arts, KCA in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, where she also created the vision for how the venue operates focused on community engagement. As a producer/ developer, she defines her business practice as Reel to Real, REEL Film/TV Development and REAL Estate Development. She creates places for artists to play on stage and in front of the camera.
Saudia s a multi-entrepreneur, producer, developer, creative entrepreneur, and creative strategist with over 25 years of experience in the creative sector focused on the business of entertainment. As a non-profit leader, the combination of her corporate background, passion for ideation, connectivity, problem solving and resource development enable her to generate measurable impact.
Saudia is applauded for a 1000 seat theatre development, Kehrein Center for the Arts, KCA in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, where she also created the vision for how the venue operates focused on community engagement. As a producer/ developer, she defines her business practice as Reel to Real, REEL Film/TV Development and REAL Estate Development. She creates places for artists to play on stage and in front of the camera.
PRODUCER
Carla Stillwell (she/her)
Carla has been an award-winning actor, playwright, producer, artistic director and teacher for three decades. Ms. Stillwell is a teaching artist with Victory Gardens Theatre and will be joining the Loyola University theatre department’s adjunct staff in Spring 2022. Ms. Stillwell has founded The Stillwell Institute for Contemporary Black Arts. This organization moves with a mission to recruit, develop and support contemporary Black artists and to teach art making in the Black community as a healing practice, a vehicle for social change and a viable career opportunity. Most recently, she has joined the staff of Collaboraction as the company's first full-time producer.
Carla has been an award-winning actor, playwright, producer, artistic director and teacher for three decades. Ms. Stillwell is a teaching artist with Victory Gardens Theatre and will be joining the Loyola University theatre department’s adjunct staff in Spring 2022. Ms. Stillwell has founded The Stillwell Institute for Contemporary Black Arts. This organization moves with a mission to recruit, develop and support contemporary Black artists and to teach art making in the Black community as a healing practice, a vehicle for social change and a viable career opportunity. Most recently, she has joined the staff of Collaboraction as the company's first full-time producer.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Elsa Hiltner (she/her)
Elsa is a Company Member of Collaboraction, costume designer, and international organizer on theatrical labor equity. Her essays include "A Call for Equal Support in Theatrical Design" (HowlRound, 2016 & Stage Directions, 2017), "Inequity by Design" (HowlRound, 2020), and "Pay Equity: What's in it for Theatre Companies?" (HowlRound, 2021). She has worked with Collaboraction since 2007 as a designer and deviser, and joined the staff in 2017. She co-created The Mars Assignment, a 2016 Collaboraction production on mental illness and stigma. Elsa is a co-founder of On Our Team, a Chicago-based organization working to build equity in theatrical design and was awarded the Michael Merritt Arts Advocacy Award in 2021.
Elsa is a Company Member of Collaboraction, costume designer, and international organizer on theatrical labor equity. Her essays include "A Call for Equal Support in Theatrical Design" (HowlRound, 2016 & Stage Directions, 2017), "Inequity by Design" (HowlRound, 2020), and "Pay Equity: What's in it for Theatre Companies?" (HowlRound, 2021). She has worked with Collaboraction since 2007 as a designer and deviser, and joined the staff in 2017. She co-created The Mars Assignment, a 2016 Collaboraction production on mental illness and stigma. Elsa is a co-founder of On Our Team, a Chicago-based organization working to build equity in theatrical design and was awarded the Michael Merritt Arts Advocacy Award in 2021.
PUBLIC RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE
Jay Kelly (he/him)
Jay is a Chicago PR specialist with more than 30 years of experience representing non-profit performing arts organizations including theaters, dance companies, music organizations and festivals. He has proudly represented Collaboraction since 2011. Other clients include Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA), Lucky Plush Productions, Manual Cinema, Paramount Theatre, Physical Theater Festival Chicago, Season of Concern, Teatro Vista, Theater Wit and TimeLine Theatre Company. He launched Jay Kelly PR in July 2017 after seven years as Vice President of Arts and Culture at a mid-sized PR firm. He also served three years as an adjunct marketing professor at The Theatre School at DePaul University in the performing arts management program. For more, visit jaykellypr.com.
Jay is a Chicago PR specialist with more than 30 years of experience representing non-profit performing arts organizations including theaters, dance companies, music organizations and festivals. He has proudly represented Collaboraction since 2011. Other clients include Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA), Lucky Plush Productions, Manual Cinema, Paramount Theatre, Physical Theater Festival Chicago, Season of Concern, Teatro Vista, Theater Wit and TimeLine Theatre Company. He launched Jay Kelly PR in July 2017 after seven years as Vice President of Arts and Culture at a mid-sized PR firm. He also served three years as an adjunct marketing professor at The Theatre School at DePaul University in the performing arts management program. For more, visit jaykellypr.com.
COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Willow James, (He/Him)
Willow is a Chicago-based theatre artist and freelance photographer with a passion for new works and empowering those from historically underserved communities. This passion has fueled his career as an actor, director and sound designer working with Windy City Playhouse, Stage Left Theatre, Perceptions Theatre and others. He serves as Producer and Resident Sound Designer at Artemisia Theatre and is a teaching artist with Pegasus Theatre. Keep up with him at willow-james.org
Willow is a Chicago-based theatre artist and freelance photographer with a passion for new works and empowering those from historically underserved communities. This passion has fueled his career as an actor, director and sound designer working with Windy City Playhouse, Stage Left Theatre, Perceptions Theatre and others. He serves as Producer and Resident Sound Designer at Artemisia Theatre and is a teaching artist with Pegasus Theatre. Keep up with him at willow-james.org
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Pricilla Torres (she/her)
Pricilla is an actor and producer based in Chicagoland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from UW-Stevens Point and minored in Communication with an emphasis in media, which included film history, screenwriting, and video production. She has worked for Northlight Theatre as a teaching artist apprentice and Oakton Community College as a Production Assistant. Other organizations worked with include First Folio, Misalliance Repertory Theatre, and The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol. As a proud mixed race woman, she is passionate about BIPOC representation, supporting BIPOC artists, and being a part of spaces that encourage storytelling by the voices of the unheard.
Pricilla is an actor and producer based in Chicagoland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from UW-Stevens Point and minored in Communication with an emphasis in media, which included film history, screenwriting, and video production. She has worked for Northlight Theatre as a teaching artist apprentice and Oakton Community College as a Production Assistant. Other organizations worked with include First Folio, Misalliance Repertory Theatre, and The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol. As a proud mixed race woman, she is passionate about BIPOC representation, supporting BIPOC artists, and being a part of spaces that encourage storytelling by the voices of the unheard.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Anthony Moseley (he/him)
Anthony has been the Artistic Director of Collaboraction since 1999, using theater as a tool of knowledge, empathy, dialogue and action. Through this work, Moseley has commissioned and collaborated with thousands of artists to build a more equitable future for Chicago through projects including Sketchbook Festival, Peacebook, Encounter and The Light youth theater festival. As a writer/director he created Crime Scene: a Chicago Anthology and its four sequels, This is Not a Cure For Cancer, Connected and A Blue Island in the Red Sea. In 2018, Collaboraction was honored with a Comcast/Ovation Stand for the Arts Award and an Otto Award for “ground-breaking political theater.”
Anthony has been the Artistic Director of Collaboraction since 1999, using theater as a tool of knowledge, empathy, dialogue and action. Through this work, Moseley has commissioned and collaborated with thousands of artists to build a more equitable future for Chicago through projects including Sketchbook Festival, Peacebook, Encounter and The Light youth theater festival. As a writer/director he created Crime Scene: a Chicago Anthology and its four sequels, This is Not a Cure For Cancer, Connected and A Blue Island in the Red Sea. In 2018, Collaboraction was honored with a Comcast/Ovation Stand for the Arts Award and an Otto Award for “ground-breaking political theater.”
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Saudia Davis (she/her)
Saudia s a multi-entrepreneur, producer, developer, creative entrepreneur, and creative strategist with over 25 years of experience in the creative sector focused on the business of entertainment. As a non-profit leader, the combination of her corporate background, passion for ideation, connectivity, problem solving and resource development enable her to generate measurable impact.
Saudia is applauded for a 1000 seat theatre development, Kehrein Center for the Arts, KCA in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, where she also created the vision for how the venue operates focused on community engagement. As a producer/ developer, she defines her business practice as Reel to Real, REEL Film/TV Development and REAL Estate Development. She creates places for artists to play on stage and in front of the camera.
Saudia s a multi-entrepreneur, producer, developer, creative entrepreneur, and creative strategist with over 25 years of experience in the creative sector focused on the business of entertainment. As a non-profit leader, the combination of her corporate background, passion for ideation, connectivity, problem solving and resource development enable her to generate measurable impact.
Saudia is applauded for a 1000 seat theatre development, Kehrein Center for the Arts, KCA in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, where she also created the vision for how the venue operates focused on community engagement. As a producer/ developer, she defines her business practice as Reel to Real, REEL Film/TV Development and REAL Estate Development. She creates places for artists to play on stage and in front of the camera.
PRODUCER
Carla Stillwell (she/her)
Carla has been an award-winning actor, playwright, producer, artistic director and teacher for three decades. Ms. Stillwell is a teaching artist with Victory Gardens Theatre and will be joining the Loyola University theatre department’s adjunct staff in Spring 2022. Ms. Stillwell has founded The Stillwell Institute for Contemporary Black Arts. This organization moves with a mission to recruit, develop and support contemporary Black artists and to teach art making in the Black community as a healing practice, a vehicle for social change and a viable career opportunity. Most recently, she has joined the staff of Collaboraction as the company's first full-time producer.
Carla has been an award-winning actor, playwright, producer, artistic director and teacher for three decades. Ms. Stillwell is a teaching artist with Victory Gardens Theatre and will be joining the Loyola University theatre department’s adjunct staff in Spring 2022. Ms. Stillwell has founded The Stillwell Institute for Contemporary Black Arts. This organization moves with a mission to recruit, develop and support contemporary Black artists and to teach art making in the Black community as a healing practice, a vehicle for social change and a viable career opportunity. Most recently, she has joined the staff of Collaboraction as the company's first full-time producer.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Elsa Hiltner (she/her)
Elsa is a Company Member of Collaboraction, costume designer, and international organizer on theatrical labor equity. Her essays include "A Call for Equal Support in Theatrical Design" (HowlRound, 2016 & Stage Directions, 2017), "Inequity by Design" (HowlRound, 2020), and "Pay Equity: What's in it for Theatre Companies?" (HowlRound, 2021). She has worked with Collaboraction since 2007 as a designer and deviser, and joined the staff in 2017. She co-created The Mars Assignment, a 2016 Collaboraction production on mental illness and stigma. Elsa is a co-founder of On Our Team, a Chicago-based organization working to build equity in theatrical design and was awarded the Michael Merritt Arts Advocacy Award in 2021.
Elsa is a Company Member of Collaboraction, costume designer, and international organizer on theatrical labor equity. Her essays include "A Call for Equal Support in Theatrical Design" (HowlRound, 2016 & Stage Directions, 2017), "Inequity by Design" (HowlRound, 2020), and "Pay Equity: What's in it for Theatre Companies?" (HowlRound, 2021). She has worked with Collaboraction since 2007 as a designer and deviser, and joined the staff in 2017. She co-created The Mars Assignment, a 2016 Collaboraction production on mental illness and stigma. Elsa is a co-founder of On Our Team, a Chicago-based organization working to build equity in theatrical design and was awarded the Michael Merritt Arts Advocacy Award in 2021.
PUBLIC RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE
Jay Kelly (he/him)
Jay is a Chicago PR specialist with more than 30 years of experience representing non-profit performing arts organizations including theaters, dance companies, music organizations and festivals. He has proudly represented Collaboraction since 2011. Other clients include Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA), Lucky Plush Productions, Manual Cinema, Paramount Theatre, Physical Theater Festival Chicago, Season of Concern, Teatro Vista, Theater Wit and TimeLine Theatre Company. He launched Jay Kelly PR in July 2017 after seven years as Vice President of Arts and Culture at a mid-sized PR firm. He also served three years as an adjunct marketing professor at The Theatre School at DePaul University in the performing arts management program. For more, visit jaykellypr.com.
Jay is a Chicago PR specialist with more than 30 years of experience representing non-profit performing arts organizations including theaters, dance companies, music organizations and festivals. He has proudly represented Collaboraction since 2011. Other clients include Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA), Lucky Plush Productions, Manual Cinema, Paramount Theatre, Physical Theater Festival Chicago, Season of Concern, Teatro Vista, Theater Wit and TimeLine Theatre Company. He launched Jay Kelly PR in July 2017 after seven years as Vice President of Arts and Culture at a mid-sized PR firm. He also served three years as an adjunct marketing professor at The Theatre School at DePaul University in the performing arts management program. For more, visit jaykellypr.com.
COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Willow James, (He/Him)
Willow is a Chicago-based theatre artist and freelance photographer with a passion for new works and empowering those from historically underserved communities. This passion has fueled his career as an actor, director and sound designer working with Windy City Playhouse, Stage Left Theatre, Perceptions Theatre and others. He serves as Producer and Resident Sound Designer at Artemisia Theatre and is a teaching artist with Pegasus Theatre. Keep up with him at willow-james.org
Willow is a Chicago-based theatre artist and freelance photographer with a passion for new works and empowering those from historically underserved communities. This passion has fueled his career as an actor, director and sound designer working with Windy City Playhouse, Stage Left Theatre, Perceptions Theatre and others. He serves as Producer and Resident Sound Designer at Artemisia Theatre and is a teaching artist with Pegasus Theatre. Keep up with him at willow-james.org
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Pricilla Torres (she/her)
Pricilla is an actor and producer based in Chicagoland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from UW-Stevens Point and minored in Communication with an emphasis in media, which included film history, screenwriting, and video production. She has worked for Northlight Theatre as a teaching artist apprentice and Oakton Community College as a Production Assistant. Other organizations worked with include First Folio, Misalliance Repertory Theatre, and The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol. As a proud mixed race woman, she is passionate about BIPOC representation, supporting BIPOC artists, and being a part of spaces that encourage storytelling by the voices of the unheard.
Pricilla is an actor and producer based in Chicagoland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from UW-Stevens Point and minored in Communication with an emphasis in media, which included film history, screenwriting, and video production. She has worked for Northlight Theatre as a teaching artist apprentice and Oakton Community College as a Production Assistant. Other organizations worked with include First Folio, Misalliance Repertory Theatre, and The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol. As a proud mixed race woman, she is passionate about BIPOC representation, supporting BIPOC artists, and being a part of spaces that encourage storytelling by the voices of the unheard.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Anthony Moseley (he/him)
Anthony has been the Artistic Director of Collaboraction since 1999, using theater as a tool of knowledge, empathy, dialogue and action. Through this work, Moseley has commissioned and collaborated with thousands of artists to build a more equitable future for Chicago through projects including Sketchbook Festival, Peacebook, Encounter and The Light youth theater festival. As a writer/director he created Crime Scene: a Chicago Anthology and its four sequels, This is Not a Cure For Cancer, Connected and A Blue Island in the Red Sea. In 2018, Collaboraction was honored with a Comcast/Ovation Stand for the Arts Award and an Otto Award for “ground-breaking political theater.”
Anthony has been the Artistic Director of Collaboraction since 1999, using theater as a tool of knowledge, empathy, dialogue and action. Through this work, Moseley has commissioned and collaborated with thousands of artists to build a more equitable future for Chicago through projects including Sketchbook Festival, Peacebook, Encounter and The Light youth theater festival. As a writer/director he created Crime Scene: a Chicago Anthology and its four sequels, This is Not a Cure For Cancer, Connected and A Blue Island in the Red Sea. In 2018, Collaboraction was honored with a Comcast/Ovation Stand for the Arts Award and an Otto Award for “ground-breaking political theater.”
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Saudia Davis (she/her)
Saudia s a multi-entrepreneur, producer, developer, creative entrepreneur, and creative strategist with over 25 years of experience in the creative sector focused on the business of entertainment. As a non-profit leader, the combination of her corporate background, passion for ideation, connectivity, problem solving and resource development enable her to generate measurable impact.
Saudia is applauded for a 1000 seat theatre development, Kehrein Center for the Arts, KCA in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, where she also created the vision for how the venue operates focused on community engagement. As a producer/ developer, she defines her business practice as Reel to Real, REEL Film/TV Development and REAL Estate Development. She creates places for artists to play on stage and in front of the camera.
Saudia s a multi-entrepreneur, producer, developer, creative entrepreneur, and creative strategist with over 25 years of experience in the creative sector focused on the business of entertainment. As a non-profit leader, the combination of her corporate background, passion for ideation, connectivity, problem solving and resource development enable her to generate measurable impact.
Saudia is applauded for a 1000 seat theatre development, Kehrein Center for the Arts, KCA in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, where she also created the vision for how the venue operates focused on community engagement. As a producer/ developer, she defines her business practice as Reel to Real, REEL Film/TV Development and REAL Estate Development. She creates places for artists to play on stage and in front of the camera.
PRODUCER
Carla Stillwell (she/her)
Carla has been an award-winning actor, playwright, producer, artistic director and teacher for three decades. Ms. Stillwell is a teaching artist with Victory Gardens Theatre and will be joining the Loyola University theatre department’s adjunct staff in Spring 2022. Ms. Stillwell has founded The Stillwell Institute for Contemporary Black Arts. This organization moves with a mission to recruit, develop and support contemporary Black artists and to teach art making in the Black community as a healing practice, a vehicle for social change and a viable career opportunity. Most recently, she has joined the staff of Collaboraction as the company's first full-time producer.
Carla has been an award-winning actor, playwright, producer, artistic director and teacher for three decades. Ms. Stillwell is a teaching artist with Victory Gardens Theatre and will be joining the Loyola University theatre department’s adjunct staff in Spring 2022. Ms. Stillwell has founded The Stillwell Institute for Contemporary Black Arts. This organization moves with a mission to recruit, develop and support contemporary Black artists and to teach art making in the Black community as a healing practice, a vehicle for social change and a viable career opportunity. Most recently, she has joined the staff of Collaboraction as the company's first full-time producer.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Elsa Hiltner (she/her)
Elsa is a Company Member of Collaboraction, costume designer, and international organizer on theatrical labor equity. Her essays include "A Call for Equal Support in Theatrical Design" (HowlRound, 2016 & Stage Directions, 2017), "Inequity by Design" (HowlRound, 2020), and "Pay Equity: What's in it for Theatre Companies?" (HowlRound, 2021). She has worked with Collaboraction since 2007 as a designer and deviser, and joined the staff in 2017. She co-created The Mars Assignment, a 2016 Collaboraction production on mental illness and stigma. Elsa is a co-founder of On Our Team, a Chicago-based organization working to build equity in theatrical design and was awarded the Michael Merritt Arts Advocacy Award in 2021.
Elsa is a Company Member of Collaboraction, costume designer, and international organizer on theatrical labor equity. Her essays include "A Call for Equal Support in Theatrical Design" (HowlRound, 2016 & Stage Directions, 2017), "Inequity by Design" (HowlRound, 2020), and "Pay Equity: What's in it for Theatre Companies?" (HowlRound, 2021). She has worked with Collaboraction since 2007 as a designer and deviser, and joined the staff in 2017. She co-created The Mars Assignment, a 2016 Collaboraction production on mental illness and stigma. Elsa is a co-founder of On Our Team, a Chicago-based organization working to build equity in theatrical design and was awarded the Michael Merritt Arts Advocacy Award in 2021.
PUBLIC RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE
Jay Kelly (he/him)
Jay is a Chicago PR specialist with more than 30 years of experience representing non-profit performing arts organizations including theaters, dance companies, music organizations and festivals. He has proudly represented Collaboraction since 2011. Other clients include Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA), Lucky Plush Productions, Manual Cinema, Paramount Theatre, Physical Theater Festival Chicago, Season of Concern, Teatro Vista, Theater Wit and TimeLine Theatre Company. He launched Jay Kelly PR in July 2017 after seven years as Vice President of Arts and Culture at a mid-sized PR firm. He also served three years as an adjunct marketing professor at The Theatre School at DePaul University in the performing arts management program. For more, visit jaykellypr.com.
Jay is a Chicago PR specialist with more than 30 years of experience representing non-profit performing arts organizations including theaters, dance companies, music organizations and festivals. He has proudly represented Collaboraction since 2011. Other clients include Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA), Lucky Plush Productions, Manual Cinema, Paramount Theatre, Physical Theater Festival Chicago, Season of Concern, Teatro Vista, Theater Wit and TimeLine Theatre Company. He launched Jay Kelly PR in July 2017 after seven years as Vice President of Arts and Culture at a mid-sized PR firm. He also served three years as an adjunct marketing professor at The Theatre School at DePaul University in the performing arts management program. For more, visit jaykellypr.com.
COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Willow James, (He/Him)
Willow is a Chicago-based theatre artist and freelance photographer with a passion for new works and empowering those from historically underserved communities. This passion has fueled his career as an actor, director and sound designer working with Windy City Playhouse, Stage Left Theatre, Perceptions Theatre and others. He serves as Producer and Resident Sound Designer at Artemisia Theatre and is a teaching artist with Pegasus Theatre. Keep up with him at willow-james.org
Willow is a Chicago-based theatre artist and freelance photographer with a passion for new works and empowering those from historically underserved communities. This passion has fueled his career as an actor, director and sound designer working with Windy City Playhouse, Stage Left Theatre, Perceptions Theatre and others. He serves as Producer and Resident Sound Designer at Artemisia Theatre and is a teaching artist with Pegasus Theatre. Keep up with him at willow-james.org
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Pricilla Torres (she/her)
Pricilla is an actor and producer based in Chicagoland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from UW-Stevens Point and minored in Communication with an emphasis in media, which included film history, screenwriting, and video production. She has worked for Northlight Theatre as a teaching artist apprentice and Oakton Community College as a Production Assistant. Other organizations worked with include First Folio, Misalliance Repertory Theatre, and The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol. As a proud mixed race woman, she is passionate about BIPOC representation, supporting BIPOC artists, and being a part of spaces that encourage storytelling by the voices of the unheard.
Pricilla is an actor and producer based in Chicagoland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from UW-Stevens Point and minored in Communication with an emphasis in media, which included film history, screenwriting, and video production. She has worked for Northlight Theatre as a teaching artist apprentice and Oakton Community College as a Production Assistant. Other organizations worked with include First Folio, Misalliance Repertory Theatre, and The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol. As a proud mixed race woman, she is passionate about BIPOC representation, supporting BIPOC artists, and being a part of spaces that encourage storytelling by the voices of the unheard.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Anthony Moseley (he/him)
Anthony has been the Artistic Director of Collaboraction since 1999, using theater as a tool of knowledge, empathy, dialogue and action. Through this work, Moseley has commissioned and collaborated with thousands of artists to build a more equitable future for Chicago through projects including Sketchbook Festival, Peacebook, Encounter and The Light youth theater festival. As a writer/director he created Crime Scene: a Chicago Anthology and its four sequels, This is Not a Cure For Cancer, Connected and A Blue Island in the Red Sea. In 2018, Collaboraction was honored with a Comcast/Ovation Stand for the Arts Award and an Otto Award for “ground-breaking political theater.”
Anthony has been the Artistic Director of Collaboraction since 1999, using theater as a tool of knowledge, empathy, dialogue and action. Through this work, Moseley has commissioned and collaborated with thousands of artists to build a more equitable future for Chicago through projects including Sketchbook Festival, Peacebook, Encounter and The Light youth theater festival. As a writer/director he created Crime Scene: a Chicago Anthology and its four sequels, This is Not a Cure For Cancer, Connected and A Blue Island in the Red Sea. In 2018, Collaboraction was honored with a Comcast/Ovation Stand for the Arts Award and an Otto Award for “ground-breaking political theater.”
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Saudia Davis (she/her)
Saudia s a multi-entrepreneur, producer, developer, creative entrepreneur, and creative strategist with over 25 years of experience in the creative sector focused on the business of entertainment. As a non-profit leader, the combination of her corporate background, passion for ideation, connectivity, problem solving and resource development enable her to generate measurable impact.
Saudia is applauded for a 1000 seat theatre development, Kehrein Center for the Arts, KCA in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, where she also created the vision for how the venue operates focused on community engagement. As a producer/ developer, she defines her business practice as Reel to Real, REEL Film/TV Development and REAL Estate Development. She creates places for artists to play on stage and in front of the camera.
Saudia s a multi-entrepreneur, producer, developer, creative entrepreneur, and creative strategist with over 25 years of experience in the creative sector focused on the business of entertainment. As a non-profit leader, the combination of her corporate background, passion for ideation, connectivity, problem solving and resource development enable her to generate measurable impact.
Saudia is applauded for a 1000 seat theatre development, Kehrein Center for the Arts, KCA in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, where she also created the vision for how the venue operates focused on community engagement. As a producer/ developer, she defines her business practice as Reel to Real, REEL Film/TV Development and REAL Estate Development. She creates places for artists to play on stage and in front of the camera.
PRODUCER
Carla Stillwell (she/her)
Carla has been an award-winning actor, playwright, producer, artistic director and teacher for three decades. Ms. Stillwell is a teaching artist with Victory Gardens Theatre and will be joining the Loyola University theatre department’s adjunct staff in Spring 2022. Ms. Stillwell has founded The Stillwell Institute for Contemporary Black Arts. This organization moves with a mission to recruit, develop and support contemporary Black artists and to teach art making in the Black community as a healing practice, a vehicle for social change and a viable career opportunity. Most recently, she has joined the staff of Collaboraction as the company's first full-time producer.
Carla has been an award-winning actor, playwright, producer, artistic director and teacher for three decades. Ms. Stillwell is a teaching artist with Victory Gardens Theatre and will be joining the Loyola University theatre department’s adjunct staff in Spring 2022. Ms. Stillwell has founded The Stillwell Institute for Contemporary Black Arts. This organization moves with a mission to recruit, develop and support contemporary Black artists and to teach art making in the Black community as a healing practice, a vehicle for social change and a viable career opportunity. Most recently, she has joined the staff of Collaboraction as the company's first full-time producer.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Elsa Hiltner (she/her)
Elsa is a Company Member of Collaboraction, costume designer, and international organizer on theatrical labor equity. Her essays include "A Call for Equal Support in Theatrical Design" (HowlRound, 2016 & Stage Directions, 2017), "Inequity by Design" (HowlRound, 2020), and "Pay Equity: What's in it for Theatre Companies?" (HowlRound, 2021). She has worked with Collaboraction since 2007 as a designer and deviser, and joined the staff in 2017. She co-created The Mars Assignment, a 2016 Collaboraction production on mental illness and stigma. Elsa is a co-founder of On Our Team, a Chicago-based organization working to build equity in theatrical design and was awarded the Michael Merritt Arts Advocacy Award in 2021.
Elsa is a Company Member of Collaboraction, costume designer, and international organizer on theatrical labor equity. Her essays include "A Call for Equal Support in Theatrical Design" (HowlRound, 2016 & Stage Directions, 2017), "Inequity by Design" (HowlRound, 2020), and "Pay Equity: What's in it for Theatre Companies?" (HowlRound, 2021). She has worked with Collaboraction since 2007 as a designer and deviser, and joined the staff in 2017. She co-created The Mars Assignment, a 2016 Collaboraction production on mental illness and stigma. Elsa is a co-founder of On Our Team, a Chicago-based organization working to build equity in theatrical design and was awarded the Michael Merritt Arts Advocacy Award in 2021.
PUBLIC RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE
Jay Kelly (he/him)
Jay is a Chicago PR specialist with more than 30 years of experience representing non-profit performing arts organizations including theaters, dance companies, music organizations and festivals. He has proudly represented Collaboraction since 2011. Other clients include Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA), Lucky Plush Productions, Manual Cinema, Paramount Theatre, Physical Theater Festival Chicago, Season of Concern, Teatro Vista, Theater Wit and TimeLine Theatre Company. He launched Jay Kelly PR in July 2017 after seven years as Vice President of Arts and Culture at a mid-sized PR firm. He also served three years as an adjunct marketing professor at The Theatre School at DePaul University in the performing arts management program. For more, visit jaykellypr.com.
Jay is a Chicago PR specialist with more than 30 years of experience representing non-profit performing arts organizations including theaters, dance companies, music organizations and festivals. He has proudly represented Collaboraction since 2011. Other clients include Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA), Lucky Plush Productions, Manual Cinema, Paramount Theatre, Physical Theater Festival Chicago, Season of Concern, Teatro Vista, Theater Wit and TimeLine Theatre Company. He launched Jay Kelly PR in July 2017 after seven years as Vice President of Arts and Culture at a mid-sized PR firm. He also served three years as an adjunct marketing professor at The Theatre School at DePaul University in the performing arts management program. For more, visit jaykellypr.com.
COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Willow James, (He/Him)
Willow is a Chicago-based theatre artist and freelance photographer with a passion for new works and empowering those from historically underserved communities. This passion has fueled his career as an actor, director and sound designer working with Windy City Playhouse, Stage Left Theatre, Perceptions Theatre and others. He serves as Producer and Resident Sound Designer at Artemisia Theatre and is a teaching artist with Pegasus Theatre. Keep up with him at willow-james.org
Willow is a Chicago-based theatre artist and freelance photographer with a passion for new works and empowering those from historically underserved communities. This passion has fueled his career as an actor, director and sound designer working with Windy City Playhouse, Stage Left Theatre, Perceptions Theatre and others. He serves as Producer and Resident Sound Designer at Artemisia Theatre and is a teaching artist with Pegasus Theatre. Keep up with him at willow-james.org
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Pricilla Torres (she/her)
Pricilla is an actor and producer based in Chicagoland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from UW-Stevens Point and minored in Communication with an emphasis in media, which included film history, screenwriting, and video production. She has worked for Northlight Theatre as a teaching artist apprentice and Oakton Community College as a Production Assistant. Other organizations worked with include First Folio, Misalliance Repertory Theatre, and The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol. As a proud mixed race woman, she is passionate about BIPOC representation, supporting BIPOC artists, and being a part of spaces that encourage storytelling by the voices of the unheard.
Pricilla is an actor and producer based in Chicagoland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from UW-Stevens Point and minored in Communication with an emphasis in media, which included film history, screenwriting, and video production. She has worked for Northlight Theatre as a teaching artist apprentice and Oakton Community College as a Production Assistant. Other organizations worked with include First Folio, Misalliance Repertory Theatre, and The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol. As a proud mixed race woman, she is passionate about BIPOC representation, supporting BIPOC artists, and being a part of spaces that encourage storytelling by the voices of the unheard.
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