TimeLine Theatre Company
(TimeLine) has selected Mica Cole as Executive Director, following an executive search process led by Arts Consulting Group (ACG). She began her tenure on May 16, 2022.
A robust arts administrator, producer, and changemaker, Cole brings more than 15 years of experience to TimeLine. She served for eight seasons as Repertory Producer at Oregon Shakespeare Festiva (OSF), where she produced nearly 60 productions including 18 world-premieres, 20 Shakespeare plays, nine musicals, nine adaptations and three Broadway-bound productions. Additionally, she spearheaded initiative to build a national audience by sending 11 OSF productions to partner institutions across the country. Prior to OSF and back in her native Chicago, Cole was Executive Director of Free Street Theater and Director of Education and Engagement at Writers Theatre; at both organizations she played a pivotal role in driving audience engagement and developing new audiences, alike.
At the intersection of art and activism, Cole worked as national consultant with artEquity, providing cultural institutions, organizations, and individuals with her executive coaching and strategic planning services. She is a founding member of the Black Theatre Commons and holds a bachelor of fine arts from The Theatre School at DePaul University.
In making the announcement, Board President John Sterling said, “She fits our ‘wish list’ criteria for a new Executive Director like a key fits its lock. We have elevated our organization in a myriad of ways adding Mica to our leadership. I cannot wait to watch and experience what is in store for TimeLine’s next chapter.”
PJ Powers, TimeLine’s Artistic Director added, “I can’t wait for the full TimeLine community to get to experience how inspiring Mica is, and I’m elated to work alongside her for the exciting work ahead. Mica’s depth of experience will advance our ability to grow, help guide TimeLine into its new home in Uptown, expand our position as artistic and civic leaders, as well as further TimeLine’s commitment to being an antiracist, equitable, and inclusive organization.”
“I am honored and excited to serve alongside PJ and the entire TimeLine company during this most auspicious moment – as the work onstage is thriving and the company is cementing its commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and access with a new home in one of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods,” said Cole. “I’m deeply inspired by that commitment and by the theatre’s thoughtful and ongoing reflection on what it means to embody the values of antiracism. I look forward to building upon TimeLine’s 25-year legacy of fiscal responsibility, thoughtful stewardship and to the deepening of its mission and continued expansion of programming and community engagement.”
“Congratulations to the search committee, board, company, and staff of TimeLine on the announcement of Mica Cole as the new Executive Director,” said ACG Vice President Jenna Deja. “With her passion for thoughtful work and multidisciplinary theatre, we will watch excitedly as Cole steers TimeLine into a new, inclusive age.”
June 2022