Chicago’s Collaboraction Theatre Company Announces New Leadership Team

Chicago’s Collaboraction Theatre Company recently announced a new executive leadership team on YouTube, signifying a pivotal time for the organization as it launches a $1.5 million capital campaign and prepares to open its own theater space, a “House of Belonging”, at the Kimball Arts Center in Chicago’s Humboldt Park community.

Darlene Jackson, Collaboraction’s Board President since 2020, will join full-time as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. Jackson, most recently a Creative Industry Liaison at Columbia College Chicago, is a respected cultural programs producer, proven business leader and DEI expert. She is also known internationally as DJ Lady D – breaking glass ceilings for women in electronic music since she began DJing in Chicago’s house music scene more than two decades ago.

Beverly Dines, part-time Interim Managing Director since April 2024, will now join the company full-time as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer. She comes to Collaboraction after serving as Senior Director of Business Operations and People at Aeropay. Dines is a seasoned corporate professional in operational management and budget management. 

Anthony Moseley, one of the original founders of Collaboraction in 1996, and Artistic Director since 1999, will assume the role of Chief Programming Officer and Artistic Director. “As I approach my 25th season as Artistic Director, I am ecstatic to be joined by Darlene and Beverly as we manifest a new Collaboraction in our new home at the Kimball Arts Center,” said Moseley. “Darlene brings 20 years of experience as a community organizer, cultural programs producer, creative consultant, and, most recently, Board President of Collaboraction. Beverly brings over 10 years of progressive operational management, leadership experience and budget oversight. Darlene and Beverly are amazing fits and critical additions to our leadership team at this exciting moment as we prepare for our new space and capital campaign.” 

Earlier in the year, Collaboraction announced that it was building a new home (“House of Belonging”) inside the Kimball Arts Center. The “House of Belonging” will feature a 99-seat flexible studio theater and a 50-seat cabaret with a cafe/bar. The 4,000-square foot space will also serve as a community hub presenting live theater, spoken word, music, dance, films, workshops and special events

Collaboraction is a 27-year-old, ethno-diverse non-profit arts organization dedicated to changing the map and removing barriers in the live theater industry. The company uses its proprietary KEDA methodology – Knowledge, Empathy, Dialogue and Action – across all platforms, including live theater, film, radio and online interactive programs, to spark changes in attitudes and behavior that manifest social change.

For additional information on the Collaboration Theatre Company or its new leadership team, please visit collaboraction.org.