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Changes in store for Oak Park’s Circle Theatre
Jon Landvick officially assumed the title of head of Circle Theatre on Nov. 14. | Contributed photo
Updated: December 24, 2012 6:10AM
OAK PARK — With big changes on the horizon, it’s a bittersweet November for Oak Park-based Circle Theatre.
The artist-based performance company will ring in the new year with a new artistic director and a new home in Chicago.
Taking the place of former artistic director Kevin Bellie, Mundelein resident and three-year company member Jon Landvick officially assumed the title of head of Circle Theatre on Nov. 14. Bellie was artistic director for 26 years, and will remain involved with the theater as a director. Landvick shares what’s in store for the future of Circle Theatre as it celebrates its 27th season this fall.
Q: How long have you been involved in theater and performing arts?
A: I started acting when I was a teenager growing up in Crystal Lake. My first performance was in “Tommy” while I was in high school, and I’ve been involved in theater either on stage or behind the scenes ever since. I graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in music education and theater in 2003, and later became involved with Circle in 2009 when I was hired as a performer for the cast of “Kiss Me Kate.” I’ve been a member for the past three years.
Q: What are some of the changes ahead for Circle Theatre?
A: We’re moving to Chicago starting next year, where we’ll be performing out of three different theaters, instead of just the one here in Oak Park. We’ll be remounting “When the Rain Starts Falling” early next year, and all our shows will premiere in Chicago. We had a run of that performance this summer, and we’re taking that same cast and identical production and moving it out into the city.
Q: Why was it decided that Chicago would be a better fit for the Circle Theatre than Oak Park?
A: Oak Park has treated us so well, but we decided we needed some new blood and a new vision. We want to be a stronger part of Chicago by branching out to new talent and new actors.
Q: What are your job responsibilities as artistic director?
A: My role is to keep the artistic integrity of the company while overseeing all the productions as well as the financial side of the business.
Q: For those who haven’t been to a show, what can audience members expect to see at a Circle Theatre performance?
A: We try to stay on the edgier side of theater, but we love a good song and dance show, so we have some musicals and some straight performances.
Q: What do you do as a day job?
A: My background is in music education and theater. I used to teach music and choir in middle schools, but now I work in IT while teaching voice lessons on the side.
Q: What drives you?
A: Performing arts is 100 percent my passion. Being involved in theater has allowed me to feel like a part of the community and develop strong bonds with the people I work with. Expressing myself through music, dance and theater is my outlet. I would do it full-time, but it doesn’t pay the bills.
