Ilesa Duncan

Casting has been announced for Chicagoan Nambi E. Kelley’s adaptation of Richard Wright’s powerful introspection on race and justice like never before. Native Son runs at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. in Rogers Park, from May 10 – June 30, 2024.

Lifeline Theatre's World Premiere KidSeries Production of Skunk and Badger features a talented cast. Adapted by Lifeline Ensemble Member, this production is based on the popular book.

Lifeline Theatre presents a retelling of Nambi E. Kelley's 'Native Son' adaptation, directed by Ilesa Duncan. Don't miss this powerful production from May 10 - June 30 in Chicago.

Pegasus Theatre Chicago has announced that the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has approved a grant in the amount of $30,000.00 for the organization. This grant will support the Pegasus’ Young Playwrights Festival, the oldest such festival in the United States. In total, the NEA will award 958 Grants for Arts Projects awards totaling more than $27.1 million that were announced as part of its first round of fiscal year 2024 grants. See photos from this year's festival.

Lifeline Theatre has announced that Elizabeth Rupp, recognized for her work in the arts administration sector, has been hired as the Managing Director. She joins the team in its mission of exploring, interpreting, and reimagining books and other literary works to create stories that move audiences beyond the margins of their own lives.

Pegasus Theatre Chicago is presenting the 37th Annual Young Playwrights Festival, now playing through January 27 at Chicago Dramatists. Check out the production photos here!

Lifeline Theatre presents 27th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival, a two-week festival of storytelling performances featuring Jonathan Pitts, Nestor Gomez, and more creative artists.

Pegasus Theatre Chicago has announced the authors and plays being presented at the 37th Annual Young Playwrights Festival, January 4 - 28, 2024 at Chicago Dramatists, 798 N. Aberdeen.

Lifeline Theatre is accepting submissions from BIPOC writers for a stage adaptation workshop.

Lifeline Theatre and Artistic Director ILesa Duncan announce the casting for the revival of ensemble member John Hildreth's adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's classic Cat's Cradle.

Lifeline Theatre has revealed its 2023-24 season of Big Stories, Up Close. It’s an exciting year of unforgettable stories brought to life, from beloved classics to modern titles.

Lifeline Theatre will welcome Addoris Davis as Production Manager and John Craig as Operations Manager, beginning in May 2023.  Reporting to Artistic Director Ilesa Duncan and working in partnership with the Operations Manager, Davis will be responsible for managing the overall production of all of Lifeline’s programming.  

Pegasus Theatre Chicago, currently presenting Gonna Be Somebody community outreach and post-performance events in support of Lifeline Theatre and Pegasus’ co- production of From the Mississippi Delta, by Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland and directed by ILesa Duncan, has announced a call for submissions for its 37th Annual Young Playwrights Festival, slated for January 2024 production.

​​​​​​​Pegasus Theatre Chicago has announced Gonna Be Somebody community outreach and post-performance events in support of Lifeline Theatre and Pegasus' co- production of From the Mississippi Delta, by Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland and directed by ILesa Duncan.

Over the next five months, Desi Moreno-Penson and Brandon Zang will work in tandem with members of Lifeline Theatre's artistic ensemble along with a small creative team of their choosing to develop their world premiere stage adaptations, culminating in a small-scale public presentation of their works in process in July 2023 (dates forthcoming).

Lifeline Theatre presents From the Mississippi Delta, based on the autobiography of and written by Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland.

Pegasus Theatre Chicago, now producing the 36th Annual Young Playwrights Festival through January 28, has announced that it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to receive a Grants for Arts Projects award of $20,000. This grant will support the Young Playwrights Festival.

See photos from Pegasus Theatre Chicago’s 36th Annual Young Playwrights Festival, playing through Saturday, Jan. 28 at Chicago Dramatists, 765 N. Aberdeen.

Pegasus Theatre Chicago is proud to announce the authors and plays being presented at the 36th Annual Young Playwrights Festival, Wednesday, Jan. 4 - Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at Chicago Dramatists, 765 N. Aberdeen.

Lifeline Theatre welcomes Paige Keedy as Production Manager, Nathan Crawford as Operations Manager/Accessibility Coordinator, and Merissa Stewart as Education Director, beginning in Summer 2022.  Reporting to Artistic Director Ilesa Duncan and working in partnership with the Operations Manager, Keedy will be responsible for managing the overall production of all of Lifeline's programming.