TWS Names Its Mainstage: The Lou And Nancy Schauer Auditorium

For decades, two tireless people – a husband and wife – gave incalculable gifts to the Theatre of Western Springs (TWS). Lou and Nancy Schauer have passed away, but their stamp is indelible in almost every facet of the 95-year-old theatre company.

On Friday, May 12, 2023, a gala reception honoring the late Lou and Nancy Schauer took place at TWS, 4384 Hampton Ave, Western Springs. The highlight of the evening was a toast and the announcement by Danny Parrott, chairman of the TWS Board of Governors, that the mainstage theatre is now named “The Lou and Nancy Schauer Auditorium.”

“More than 120 people – Schauer family members and theatre Active members - enjoyed live music, delicious food, and a 2011 video interview with Lou,” said event chairperson Ann Marie Hultgren, a TWS Active since 1986.

Harry Hultgren, a TWS Active since 1987, was the emcee of the evening. He presented background information on the Schauers’ many contributions to TWS. Lou and Nancy served in dozens of capacities through several decades. Long-term Riverside residents, they joined TWS in 1957, the same year they married.

Nancy, who passed away in 2003, was a professional designer who created luxurious kitchens and baths for residential and commercial spaces. At TWS, she designed 11 sets, costumes for 13 plays, and set painted on 17 crews. In addition, Nancy worked sound, construction, lighting design, and she was co-chairwoman with Lou for TWS’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Lou was just as active as Nancy. He acted in 16 plays and served four three-year terms on TWS’s Board of Governors. He was dedicated to the Children’s Theatre of Western Springs (CTWS) and served as its liaison to the adult theatre. He was on the Personnel committee, was Business Manager for six years, was a member of the Play Selection and Casting Committee for nine years, chair of the Director Search Committee, and the Capital Campaign chairman.

He co-designed lights for five shows, chaired focus groups for production areas, served on the Insurance Committee, By-Laws Review Committee, and the Endowment Committee. He was a Trustee of the TWS Foundation.

Lou was a United States Air Force officer, the Village Attorney for Western Springs, a member of the Board of Directors for the Chicago Opera Theatre, Chair of the West Suburban Mass Transit District, and he chaired various committees for the American Bar Association.

He was also very dedicated to the Brookfield Zoo. He was a trustee of the Chicago Zoological Society, becoming a Life Trustee in 2005. In addition, Lou worked successfully with the Australian government to set aside 850,000 acres as a wildlife habitat.

“Beyond all this was a generosity of spirit and of practicality,” Harry Hultgren said. “Lou was an absolute gentleman, a mentor who was encouraging, compassionate, and insightful. He had strong opinions, but he never discounted yours.”

In 1998, Lou was named an TWS Active Laureate, an award that recognizes “length of tenure, depth of dedication, and excellence of effort.” It is the theatre’s highest honor. A portrait of Lou graces the lobby of the auditorium along with his quote: “TWS is the touch of Mary Cattell (who founded TWS in 1929) who brought us together and endowed the special kinship that is the TWS family.”

Nancy most assuredly would have been named an Active Laureate but at the time of her passing, the honor did not yet exist.

“The naming of the auditorium is fitting for such an admirable couple,” said Eddie Sugarman, executive artistic director of TWS. “It is our thank you for Lou and Nancy’s incredible service and generosity.”

Founded in 1929 by Western Springs resident Mary Cattell, the Theatre of Western Springs created an immediate reputation for quality theatre in suburban Chicago. Employing a unique in-house casting system in which company members must work backstage as well as performing, the theatre has run continuously for more than 95 years.

For more information, visit https://theatreofwesternsprings.com/.