Greg Kolack named TWS Artist-in-Residence

The Theatre of Western Springs (TWS) named Greg Kolack the Artist-in-Residence for the 2014-2015 season, the theatre’s 86th. This is a newly created position, a first for

“We are thrilled to have Greg as our Artist-in-Residence,” said Eddie Sugarman, executive artistic director at TWS. “He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and talent. Plus he’s worked very successfully with us in the past as the director of ‘Proof,’ ‘Black Comedy’ and ‘Sylvia,’ all of which won much praise.”

As TWS’s Artist-in-Residence, Kolack will direct both Forum productions: “Time Stands Still,” by Donald Marguiles, onstage Oct 2 -12, 2014; and “Becky’s New Car,” by Steven Dietz, onstage Feb. 12 – 22, 2015. He also will direct Mainstage 5, “Is He Dead?” by Mark Twain as adapted by David Ives, which runs from May 28 – June 7, 2015.

“I’m happy the theater has such confidence in me, and I’m looking forward to working more regularly with many of the TWS folks I have worked with over the past nine years,” Kolack said. “I am also pleased to be working with Eddie Sugarman who has a very similar outlook and working style as I do.”

A resident of Elmhurst, Kolack has been working professionally in Chicago for the past 38 years. He is the recipient of three Joseph Jefferson Citations and three After Dark Awards.

He directed the Midwest premiere of the critically acclaimed, “Columbinus,” at Raven Theatre, for which he received a Jeff Award for Outstanding Direction. In fact, the play received a total of five Jeff nominations including Outstanding Production and Ensemble. “Columbinus” was chosen by many critics as one of the best productions of 2008.

 Kolack also directed, “The Exonerated,” and the world premiere of “Misamerica,” at Raven Theatre. Other notable productions include “The Odd Couple” at Drury Lane Oakbrook; “The Laramie Project” and “The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later” at Redtwist Theatre; the Chicago premiere of Tim Robbins’s “Embedded” for Prop Theatre; and the world premieres of the critically acclaimed “All Through the Night” at Chicago Jewish Theatre and “Hitman” at Bailiwick Repertory.

Kolack was the co-artistic director of Circle Theatre in Forest Park for seven years, during which Circle received 20 Jeff Citations and 60 Jeff nominations. His most notable Circle directing credits include the world premiere of Rebecca Gilman’s, “The Crime of the Century,” which he also conceived, and “A Piece of my Heart.” Both received Jeff Citations for direction and outstanding production.

Other directing credits include productions at many theatres including Pegasus Players, Stage Left, Red Hen, Alchemy Theatre, Clock Tower Theatre, Shady Lane, Theatre Building Chicago, Dominican University, Interplay, Lewis University, Moraine Valley College, Ohio Northern University, Triton College and the acclaimed “Patient A” with Far West Productions. In addition, he has done numerous readings with Chicago Dramatists and Victory Gardens.

In addition, Kolack is the general manager for The Apollo Chorus of Chicago now in its 142nd season.

Subscriptions for the Theatre of Western Springs are available, and the public is warmly welcome to become patrons. A subscription to the five Mainstage plays ranges from $74 - $82. The 7-play series (Mainstage and Forum) is from $103 - $114.

“It’s the deal of the century,” Executive Artistic Director Eddie Sugarman said. “There’s even free parking, and free treats at intermission. We’re like a family at TWS, and we want you to join us for all the fun.”

Call the TWS box office at 708-246-3380 or visit the website at:  www.theatrewesternsprings.com/