Donor Stories - Court Theatre

Donors Make a Difference: Tom & Barbara Weil and Gary & Sharon Kovener

As members of the Producers’ Circle, Court’s premier giving society, the Weils and Koveners enjoy exclusive members-only events at Court Theatre.

Stephen J. Albert Living Legacy

As Court’s Executive Director from 2010 until 2017, Stephen J. Albert presided over a robust period of growth, establishing the Center for Classic Theatre, strengthening Court’s ties to the community, and cultivating a much closer alliance with the University of Chicago. His influence and leadership ushered in new initiatives, world premiere productions, and increased programming to engage Court’s audiences and neighbors.

Donor Stories: Jack Halpern

On January 31, 2018, Court Theatre lost a friend and supporter, Professor Jack Halpern. Jack served as a member of the Court Theatre Board of Trustees from 1988 until his death. Court is humbled to carry on Jack’s and Helen’s legacy of passion for the arts.

Subscriber Spotlight: Helen Barrett

If you’ve been to a Court Theatre Spotlight Reading Series event, chances are you’ve probably seen Helen Barrett. A retired Chicago Police detective, Helen has been a Court subscriber for over two decades. She’s also attended all but one of Court’s Spotlight Readings. Court is grateful for Helen’s longstanding commitment as a subscriber, and for her passionate support of the Spotlight Reading Series.

Nicholas Rudall Endowed Fund

Court Theatre and its Trustees are honoring Founding Artistic Director Nicholas Rudall. The Nicholas Rudall Endowed Fund will support the production of classical theatre at Court Theatre and ensure that Nick’s legacy will become a permanent part of your future, and Court Theatre’s future.

Donors Make a Difference: Jon Will and the Betty Lou Smith Fund at The Chicago Community Trust

Betty Lou and James Victor Smith, both longtime residents of Chicago, understood and appreciated the importance of education. Now, Jon Will, the executor of Betty Lou Smith’s estate, honors her legacy by continuing her support for arts education.

Donors Make a Difference: Judy Chernick

Judy Chernick’s relationship with Court dates back to the days when the company performed in Hutchinson Court on the University of Chicago campus. A season ticket subscriber since the early 1970s, Judy has been a donor for just as long, finding the connection between being a supporter and an audience member a natural fit.

Donors Make A Difference: Chip Bamberger & Martha Van Haitsma

Chip Bamberger and Martha Van Haitsma, Producers’ Circle members and long-time subscribers, are firm believers in the transformative power of arts in education. In addition to their three decades as loyal subscribers, Chip and Martha are also generous patrons to Court. Their most recent gift will fund an innovative collaboration between Court and the Ancona School in Hyde Park/Kenwood.

Donors Make a Difference: Marilyn and David Vitale

In September, the artistic director position at Court was named the Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director in appreciation of the Vitales’ significant donation to Court Theatre.

Donors Make a Difference: Neil Ross and Lynn Hauser

Court Theatre is proud to have the longtime support of Neil Ross and Lynn Hauser, friends and strong advocates of the theatre. Since 2010, Neil and Lynn have been consistent patrons of Court.