Brendan Pelsue (Playwright, he/him) is making his Shattered Globe debut. Past Chicago area credits include productions of Wellesley Girl at Compass Theatre and North Central College. Other credits include Hagoromo at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, A Tale of Two Cities at The Alliance, Don Juan at Westport Country Playhouse, and Read to Me at Portland Stage. He has been a MacDowell Fellow, a Château de la Napoule artist in residence, and the John C. Grace Memorial Playwright in Residence at Green College, University of British Columbia. Originally from Newburyport, MA, he received his BA from Brown University and his MFA from Yale School of Drama. He teaches at Rutgers University. brendanpelsue.com

Mikael Burke (Director, he/him/anything respectful) is a Black, queer director, deviser, and educator based in Chicago. A Princess Grace Award-winner in Theatre (2017) and Jeff Award-winning director (2024), his recent credits include Milo Imagines the World by Christian Magby, Christian Albright and Terry Guest (rolling world premiere: Chicago Children’s Theatre and Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis), King James by Rajiv Joseph (Forward Theatre, Madison), Oak by Terry Guest (Urbanite Theatre, World Premiere), Othello by William Shakespeare (Theatreworks Colorado Springs), Short Shakes! Romeo & Juliet (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), Notes from the Field by Anna Deveare Smith (TimeLine Theatre, Chicago Premiere), The Salvagers by Harrison David Rivers (Yale Repertory Theatre, World Premiere), Tambo & Bones by Dave Harris (Refracted Theatre Company, Chicago Premiere, winner of eight Jeff Awards), Blues for an Alabama Sky by Pearl Cleage (Remy Bumppo Theatre Company), Clyde’s by Lynn Nottage (Theaterworks Hartford), and The Magnolia Ballet by Terry Guest (About Face Theatre, Chicago Premiere, winner of two Jeff Awards). Burke has also been recognized with a Black Theatre Alliance Award for Directing (2022), and as one of Newcity Magazine’s 50 Players of Chicago in 2023 and 2025. Burke is an artistic associate at Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, as well as at About Face Theatre, where he previously served as associate artistic director. He’s also an adjunct faculty member at DePaul University and Roosevelt University, and a member of SDC. Burke earned his MFA in Directing from The Theatre School at DePaul University. mklburke.com

Eleanor Kahn (Co-Scenic Designer, she/her) has worked extensively as an international theatrical designer, as well as an experiential, immersive, event and community-focused artist and designer. Career highlights include: scenic design for Iron & Wine on the national Outside Problems tour; creative director + designer for an immersive lobby activation at the Harris Theater for English National Ballet’s production of CREATURE; designer for a 2019 installation in Millennium Park as well as two live events at J.Pritzker Pavilion; and details designer for Hebru Brantley’s Nevermore Park. Scenic design highlights include: The Fly Honey Show (2018-present); FORTS! Build Your Own Adventure (co-creator + designer); Milo Imagines the World (Chicago Childrens’ Theatre); Notes from the Field (Timeline Theatre); Hairy Ape (Oracle Productions); and NOVA which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, . Eleanor has an MFA in Scenic Design from Boston University. Her full portfolio can be viewed at www.eleanorkahn.com. Kahn is a proud member of USA 829

Milo Bue (Co-Scenic Designer, he/him) is excited to be joining Shattered Globe on this production. Select design credits include An Act of God (Paramount Theatre), Hello Dolly, James and the Giant Peach, The Magic School Bus (Marriott Theatre), Seven Guitars (Cit Lit Theatre), The Revolutionists, Indecent, Frida Libre and Working (Northwestern University), Into the Woods (The Rev Theatre Company), The Moors (A Red Orchid), Spamilton (Forbidden Broadway), and Pinocchio (Neverbird/Chicago Children Theatre). Select associate/assistant design credits include Frozen (Paramount Theatre), The King’s Speech (Tour), The Prince of Egypt (Dominion Theatre London) and has assisted on productions at Steppenwolf Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater and many others.

Kotryna Hilko (Costume Designer) is a Chicago based costume and set designer. Recent credits include Peter and the Starcatcher (Paramount Theatre), The Cave, In Quietness, Revolution, The Killing Game, The Room, and The Haven Place (A Red Orchid Theatre), Cygnus (The Gift Theatre), Dear Elizabeth and Love Song (Remy Bumppo Theatre Company), Lifespan of a Fact (TimeLine Theater Company), Tambo and Bones (Refracted Theatre Company, Jeff nominated), How Blood Go (Congo Square Theatre), and Caroline, or Change (Firebrand Theatre). She recently received her MFA from Northwestern University’s Stage Design program and is proud to be an Associate Artist with Remy Bumppo Theatre Company. For more information, visit kotrynahilko.com

Eric Watkins** (Lighting Designer, he/him) is a lighting designer for theatre, opera, and dance who has been based in Chicago for more than a decade. In that time he has designed for many theatres including: Raven, Chicago Children’s, Timeline, Chicago Shakespeare, Steep, Rivendell, Remy Bumppo, About Face, First Floor, Definition, Northlight, Jackalope, The Gift, and Lifeline among others. Recent highlights include Tambo and Bones at Refracted Theatre Company (for which he won a Jeff Award for best lighting), Ironbound at Raven, and A Slow Air at Steep. Outside Chicago, Eric works across the country in both regional theatre and grand opera with select recent / upcoming engagements at Opera San Jose, Minnesota Opera, Mercury Chamber Orchestra (Houston), Theatreworks (Colorado Springs), and Peninsula Players. He received his MFA from Boston University and is a proud member of USA 829 - the theatrical design union. ericwatkinsdesign.com

Ab Rieve (Props Designer, they/them) is a theatrical designer, practitioner, and illustrator from Maryland now based in Chicago. They received their BA from Columbia College Chicago with a double major in Illustration and Theatre Design and Technology in 2023. Recent credits include 'Tell Me on a Sunday' at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre (props design), 'Legally Blonde' (props design and run crew), 'Carousel' (props design), and 'Guys and Dolls' at Music Theater Works (wardrobe). Upcoming works include 'Time is a Color and the Color is Blue' at Avalanche Theatre (scenic design) and '6 Men Dressed Like Joseph Stalin' at A Red Orchid Theatre (props design). https://www.arievedesign.com/

Christopher Kriz** (Original Music and Sound Design, he/him) is an award-winning composer and sound designer based in Chicago. Previous Shattered Globe designs include Lobby Hero, Jump, London Road, and many others. A winner of 6 Joseph Jefferson Awards, Kriz has designed for companies in Chicago including Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf, Northlight, Court, Chicago Shakespeare, Paramount, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Timeline, Victory Gardens, Writers, Remy Bumppo, and many others.  Regional design credits: Seattle Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Repertory, Indiana Repertory, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Nebraska Repertory, Peninsula Players, TheatreSquared, American Stage, Montana Shakespeare, Michigan Shakespeare Festival, and others.  Kriz is a proud member of United Scenic Artists 829. To hear more of his work, visit www.christopherkriz.com

Maya Vinice Prentiss (Violence & Intimacy Choreographer) is an SAFD Certified Actor-Combatant, Fight Choreographer, and Dialect Coach. Acting credits include: CHICAGO: Clyde’s, How to Catch Creation, School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play (Goodman Theatre); Comedy of Errors, Romeo and Juliet, (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); Marie Antoinette and the Magical Negroes (The Story Theatre) Eclipsed (Pegasus Theatre Company); An Octoroon, An Educated Guess (Definition Theatre Company).REGIONAL: School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play (TheatreSquared); As You Like It, Pride and Prejudice(Illinois Shakespeare Festival); Q Brothers Christmas Carol FILM: Jade, Nya Does Nothing, PLENUM TELEVISION: The Chi (Showtime), Donut Boyz (Pilot) FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY: Steppenwolf Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Timeline Theatre, Babes with Blades Theatre Co., Definition Theatre, Raven Theatre, Remy Bumppo, The Story Theatre, The Impostors Theatre. INTIMACY DIRECTION: Steppenwolf Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Raven Theatre, Remy Bumppo, Pegasus Theatre, DIALECT COACHING: Steppenwolf Theatre, Goodman Theatre, The House Theatre. EDUCATION: BFA in Drama, Spelman College; MFA in Acting, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. AWARDS: Jeff Award- Best Fight Choreography (Ethiopianamerica), Best Ensemble (Marie Antoinette)

Joel Willison (Asst. Director, he/him) As a Chinese American raised in Kampala, Uganda, Joel is focused on accessibility to stories and the stage. In his role as Artistic Director for Pocket Theatrics, Joel focuses on the intersection between the internet and live theatre. As a producer, he focuses on new work development—curating a space for early-career artists to understand their craft and collaborate in community. He is the founder of inc. and Direct Address, co-founder of Freshly Brewed, company member of Theatre L’acadie and Playground, and was selected for Directors Haven 6 in 2023. Recent credits include Theatre L’acadie, Refracted Theatre, Definition Theatre, The Runaways Lab Theater, Haven, Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble, and Stage Left Theatre. Joelwillison.com

Jean E. Compton* (Stage Manager, she/her) Jean is a stage manager, collaborator and new works booster whose Chicago credits include A Lie of the Mind (Raven), Dear Elizabeth, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Galileo’s Daughter, Anna in the Tropics, and Passage (Remy Bumppo), The Brightest Thing in the World (About Face), Paradise Square (Pre-Broadway), Thirst (Strawdog), The Death of Gaia Divine (Momentary), 3:35PM, Candide, and Mudpie 2018 (Mudlark), You for Me for You (Sideshow), Lizzie (Firebrand), Shining Lives (Northlight), and The Miscellany, All-One! The Dr. Bronner’s Play, and Spirits to Enforce (Passage Theatre). Her regional credits include Into the Breeches! (Cleveland Play House), Birthday Candles, Cannabis Passover, Proximity, Indecent, Blood at the Root, Commedia, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, An Octoroon, and Into the Breeches! (Chautauqua Theater Company), Venus in Fur and The Whale (Rep Stage), and seasons at Two River Theater and Cleveland Play House. She is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University, an Associate Artist with Remy Bumppo, and a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. www.jeanecompton.com

Erik Tylkowski (Production Manager they/them) has worked for over a decade in Chicago theaters as a lighting designer, production manager, and technical director, working with theater companies like Hell in a Handbag, Rough House Theater Co, and Mudlark Theater. They can be found year-round as Director of Production at Theo Ubique. Erik is excited to work with Shattered Globe and they are very proud of everyone's hard work on this production.

Emily Nicholas (Asst. Stage Manager, she/her) is an early-career stage manager based in Chicago, IL. This is her first show in the city! Regional credits: The Stranger, Million Dollar Quartet, I Ought To Be In Pictures (Peninsula Players Theatre), Macbeth (Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre). Recent educational credits: The Moors, Elf (Millikin University). Emily graduated from Millikin University in May 2024 with a BFA in Stage Management and Arts Administration. She wants to thank her family, friends, and mentors for supporting her journey into the professional field!

Ellie Fey (Lead Electrician, she/her) is a 23 year old Chicago based lighting designer and electrician. She graduated from The Theatre School at DePaul University in 2023 with a BFA in lighting design. Ellie’s design credits Lobby Hero (Shattered Globe Theater), Tell Me on a Sunday (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theater), The Lifespan of a Fact (Oil Lamp Theater), By the Way, Meet Vera Stark (The Artistic Home), The Cottage (Citadel Theatre), Fizz and Ginger (Chicago Fringe Opera), Hindsight (KOR Productions), Prelude to a Kiss (Theater Above the Law), and Witch (The Artistic Home), for which she received a Non-Equity Jeff Award nomination. In the coming months, she will be designing MedeaMedeaMedea at Theatre Evolve, and Turn of the Screw at The Music School at DePaul University. You can check out her portfolio at www.elliemfeydesigns.com.

Sandy Shinner+ (Producing Artistic Director, she/her) joined Shattered Globe Theatre in October 2013 as the theatre’s first Producing Artistic Director. Her SGT directing credits include Deborah Zoe Laufer’s Be Here Now, Will Snider’s How to Use a Knife, Scott McPherson’s Marvin’s Room, and Sally Nemeth’s Mill Fire. The former Associate Artistic Director of Victory Gardens Theater, she created the nationally known IGNITION! Festival, served as co-director of the Access Project, and, with former Artistic Director Dennis Zacek and former Managing Director Marcelle McVay, accepted the 2001 Regional Theater Tony Award on behalf of Victory Gardens. She has directed over 85 plays at theaters including Victory Gardens, Remy Bumppo, American Blues, the University of Virginia, Actors Theater of Louisville’s Humana Festival, Steppenwolf’s First Look Repertory of New Work, New York’s 78th Street Theater Lab, and the Sacramento Theater Company, among others. Her production of Trying by Joanna McClelland Glass transferred to New York, and her direction was nominated for the Joe A. Callaway Award. Shinner received the 2013 Kathryn V. Lamkey Spirit Award from the Equal Employment Opportunity Committee of Actors’ Equity Association for her commitment to diversity and non-traditional casting. She has been recognized as one of “50 Top Players” by Newcity and a “Chicagoan of the Year” by the Chicago Tribune. She is an adjunct professor at DePaul’s Theatre School, and an Ambassador for the National New Play Network.

AmBer D. Montgomery+ (Associate Artistic Director, she/her) is an emerging director, educator and multi-disciplinary artist from Detroit, Michigan. She has created a career centered around amplifying the voices of Chicago youth and creating work that stands on the legacy of black theater makers before her. Originally trained as an actor, her transition to directing in Chicago has including her associate and assistant directing credits for many major productions including School Girls or the African Mean Girls Play (Goodman Theatre), Sheepdog (Shattered Globe Theatre), LINDIWE (Steppenwolf Theatre), Too Heavy for Your Pocket (TimeLine Theatre), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Writers Theatre), Measure for Measure (American Players Theater) and First Love is the Revolution (Steep Theatre). Her other director’s credits include: *upcoming: Snow Queen (The House Theater), Countess Dracula (Otherworld Theater) and hippolytos (Story Theater New Play Festival). She was awarded 2020 FAIR Assistantship at Oregon Shakespeare Festival, 2018 Fellowship at Steppenwolf Theater in their Department of Education/SYA and an internship at Penumbra Theater’s Summer Institute: Pedagogies for Social Change. She has attended training programs at the Globe Theater in London and LISPA (Now Arthaus Berlin). Amber holds a BFA in Acting from the University of Minnesota Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program.

Nate Santana*+^ (Artistic Producer, he/him)  joined the company as an Ensemble Member in 2018. For three years, he taught and directed the Protege Program at SGT as well as produced and oversaw the inaugural Global Playwriting Series (GPS), which received over 150 submissions in its first year. Theatre credits include Marvin’s Room (Shattered Globe); Ironbound (Raven Theatre); The Thanksgiving Play (Steppenwolf); Legend of Georgia McBride, Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley (Northlight); Frankenstein, Sense and Sensibility (Indiana Repertory Theatre); SS! Romeo and Juliet, SS! Twelfth Night (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Balm in Gilead, Golden Boy (Griffin Theatre); The Abuelas, White Tie Ball, Momma’s Boyz (Teatro Vista); The Rainmaker (BoHo Theatre); References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot (Phoenix Theatre Indianapolis) and What Happened When, Slipping (the side project). Television credits include Chicago Med, Chicago PD, Suits and The Exorcist. Santana is also an Ensemble Member with Teatro Vista. He studied at the School at Steppenwolf, The Moscow Art Theatre, and received his BA from Valparaiso University.

Lesley Swanson (General Manager, she/her) brings over 12 years of experience in Arts Management and Arts Education. Swanson has planned and executed productions in the non-profit sector for television, theater, and orchestra. She has also directed schools of dance, drama, and music. Swanson earned a MM in flute performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and a BM from Grand Valley State University. She owns a private studio in the City of Chicago where she teaches flute students of all ages. Active in Chicago’s new music scene, her dynamic flute playing can be heard with the Chicago Composers Orchestra. Swanson has proven herself to be a powerful advocate for women’s rights. As an arts leader, she is committed to continuing education. She recently completed Enrich Chicago’s training Building a Culture of Anti-Racism.

Julia Farrell Diefenbach (Director of Marketing and Community Engagement, she/her) is the Managing and Marketing Director for Artemisia Theatre, Chicago's feminist theatre. She previously served as the Director of Marketing and Social Media for Haven Chicago and as the Associate Artistic Director of The Halogen Company, an award-winning immersive theatre company in Los Angeles. A graduate of Columbia College of Chicago with a degree in directing and a minor in stage combat, Julia has collaborated with numerous Chicago theatres including: Collaboraction, Broken Nose Theatre, Citadel Theatre, and Firebrand Theatre. Certified as an Intimacy Captain by the ICC, she also freelances as a director and dramaturg, bringing her expertise to a variety of theatrical projects. juliafarrell.net