Join Our Board of Directors!

Save to Favorites

MISSION: About Face Theatre advances LGBTQ+ equity through community building, education, and performance.

VISION: AFT envisions an affirming & equitable world in which all LGBTQ+ individuals are thriving & free from prejudice & discrimination.

VALUES:Collaboration * Care * Equity * Courage * Sustainability * Joy

The Pitch

Has a powerful story ever changed your perspective or understanding? We create theatre to open hearts and minds in powerful ways, and to move toward a better future. AFT board members can help amplify the most underrepresented voices in our LGBTQIA+ community, provide opportunities for professional artists, and create brave spaces for youth to explore creativity, leadership, and social change. This has been life changing and life saving for many.

Programs

Our programs include an annual Equity Mainstage Season (now performing at The Den, 1331 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago) and opportunities for new play development. AFT also has nationally acclaimed and award winning year-round Education Programs for youth ages 12-24, including: (a) free workshops and the development and performance of a fully staged original production supported by professional adult artists; (b) a skill and leadership develop program with paid positions to obtain NFP operational experience; (c) a touring performance and workshop program for schools and other institutions to guide conversations about gender, sexuality, intersecting identities, and to become a better ally and help support healthy relationships).

Could be a good fit for a board candidate who embodies the following

Please consider applying if: the mission sparks a passion to serve the LGBTQIA+ community; you believe in the power of theatre & community building to create positive change; & you will be a strong ambassador & trustworthy collaborator.

Desired Attributes: considerate & dependable; thoughtful & effective communicator in the tone & spirit of our values; actively committed to equity & anti-racism values; productively gives & receives meaningful feedback; focuses on key priorities; skilled in driving process from concept to action; willing to roll up sleeves if needed; respects staff leaders' expertise & capacities; takes initiative in contributing positively; avoids disruption & engagement outside the Board realm; actively considers the wellbeing of others & protects the company’s resources, including human resources; maintains a healthy perspective as a non-expert volunteer working in community.

Desired Skills: We are looking for the next board treasurer. Many other skills are desired: executive leadership; "friend-raising"/community building; fundraising; events; HR; legal; accounting; strategic planning; NFP arts, education or youth sectors.

Commitments of Time, Talent, and Treasure

As an arts organization, members are encouraged to find creative ways to leverage their time and talents to support AFT’s mission and strategic goals, and to connect AFT with resources, opportunities and communities. There is no defined financial requirement for a seat on the board, but members are expected to make an annual contribution that is personally significant, and the board’s total pledged gifts are reflected in the annual budget as contributed revenue.

Interested in Learning More?

Please E-mail: boardprospect@aboutfacetheatre.org to request a short application form, along with a note about why you are interested, and if you can, please share a summary of how your background speaks to the desired experience and attributes. Thank you for your interest!

Artistic Director:

• Megan Carney

Managing Director:

• Logan Jones

2023-24 Live Productions (at The Den Theatre):

• "Re/Generation Studio" (November 30-December 16, 2023)
• "The Brightest Thing in the World" (March 14-April 13, 2024)
• "Lavender Men" (May 9-June 8, 2024)

Founded:

• 1995 (youth theatre in 1999)

Cause Areas:

• Theatre/Arts/Humanities
• Youth/Education
• LGBTQIA+

Revenue Budget:

• $750,000

Employees:

• 8 (4 full-time, 4 part-time)

Board Members:

• 12 (5 openings)

(Non-Staff) Board & Committee Leaders:

• Ed Talideh (Chair, Treasurer)
• Lisa Bowden (Vice Chair)