History
When we began Compass Creative Dramatics in the summer of 2012, we did so with the goal of providing programming that was accessible and affordable, allowing organizations and families to provide arts enrichment to their students despite funding cuts for activities across the board - and particularly, for programs in the arts.
We entered our first season of programming in June 2013, offering a week of summer camp in four locations. We wanted to focus not only on providing this programming in Chicago, but also on bringing our theatre camps back to the places where we had grown and learned as young actors. We therefore settled on offering two weeks of camp in the Chicago area, and one week in each of our hometowns: Bedford, Indiana, and Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Since beginning with four weeks of summer camps in three states in 2013, we have grown to offer dozens of summer camps, spring camps, and residencies across the country, from Florida to Kentucky to Michigan to Massachusetts, and have been recognized as a partner of the Chicago Park District and Waukegan Park District. We are so pleased to be able to share our passion for education and for theatre with families and organizations across the United States.
We entered our first season of programming in June 2013, offering a week of summer camp in four locations. We wanted to focus not only on providing this programming in Chicago, but also on bringing our theatre camps back to the places where we had grown and learned as young actors. We therefore settled on offering two weeks of camp in the Chicago area, and one week in each of our hometowns: Bedford, Indiana, and Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Since beginning with four weeks of summer camps in three states in 2013, we have grown to offer dozens of summer camps, spring camps, and residencies across the country, from Florida to Kentucky to Michigan to Massachusetts, and have been recognized as a partner of the Chicago Park District and Waukegan Park District. We are so pleased to be able to share our passion for education and for theatre with families and organizations across the United States.
Mission
Compass Creative Dramatics partners with school and community organizations to offer quirky, engaging theatre programming designed to provide arts enrichment and cultivate personal growth and character. We strive to provide these organizations an opportunity to enhance their current theatre education and life skills training as well as provide arts programming within schools and organizations with limited arts resources.
We encourage students to take creative risks and trust without self-judgment, stretching their creativity and bravery "muscles" as they develop social skills like teamwork, respect, and empathy through their exploration of theatre.
We encourage students to take creative risks and trust without self-judgment, stretching their creativity and bravery "muscles" as they develop social skills like teamwork, respect, and empathy through their exploration of theatre.
Founders
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Cassandra Quinn
Co-Founder Marketing & Sales Director Cassandra is a co-founder of Compass Creative Dramatics. Originally from Bedford, IN, she graduated from Huntington University with a BA in Theatre Performance and Sociology. Chicago credits include Space Wars: the Panto! at Piccolo Theatre, Devour with 20% Theatre and As You Like It with Spectralia Theatre. She has served as an actor, director, and educator for numerous educational theatres including Montana Shakespeare in the Schools, GreatWorks Touring Theatre Company, Imagination Theater, and CLIMB Theatre. Cassandra is currently serving as the Co-Chair of the Theatre for Young Audience Division of the Board of Directors for the Illinois Theatre Association and is a proud member of International Performing Arts for Youth. www.cassandraquinn.com |
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Cathlyn Melvin
Co-Founder Company Manager & Residency Coordinator Originally from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Cathlyn attended University of Wisconsin - Parkside in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where she received her BA in Theatre Arts while she tutored students, coached high school forensics and debate, and immersed herself in theatre! She has had the opportunity to work with many wonderful theatres in Chicago and Milwaukee, including three awesome kids' shows with GreatWorks Theatre Company and the Jeff-Nominated productions Hickorydickory with Chicago Dramatists and The Count of Monte Cristo with Lifeline Theatre. www.cathlynmelvin.com |
Administrative Staff
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Andrew Clancey
Program Associate Andrew has been an active performer in the Chicago area since August 2013, performing with Mercy Street Theatre, 20% Theatre Company Chicago, Chicago Fringe Festival, Citadel Theatre Company, and Oil Lamp Theater. Originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he received a B.A. in Theatre Arts and a B.A. in Cinema and Comparative Literature from the University of Iowa in 2011. He came to Chicago in search of more opportunities as a performer and to explore exciting new artistic endeavors, like teaching and engaging the community in the arts. |
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Jill Matel
Program Associate Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Jill has resided and worked in the Chicagoland area for over 20 years. Having studied dance and theatre at Barat College in Lake Forest, IL she currently choreographs and performs around Chicago and is the Managing Director and an educator with The All-Stars Theatre Company bringing Shakespeare to the classroom. |
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Macy Marie Hernandez
Workshop Instructor Macy Marie Hernandez received her BA in Theatre Arts and Communication Studies at Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. She has stage managed with Quad City Theatre Workshop and was Head Coach for United Township High School's Speech and Drama team. Credits include: Keely and Du with Oakton Community College, Hairspray with Up and Coming Theatre, Bat Boy The Musical with Quad City Theatre Workshop, and was Assistant Producer for Fresh Film's recent feature film, Traveling Without Moving. |
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Chad Bay
Art Director Chad has been living and working as a theatre artist in Chicago since graduating from the University of Wisconsin - Parkside, with a BA in Theatre Arts. Primarily an actor in school, Chad is totally stoked to be working with new mediums and old friends as Compass Creative Dramatics takes shape. He is a self-taught photographer and graphic designer, constantly seeking out new partnerships which help him further his craft and facilitate growth within Chicago's vibrant arts scene. When he's not working with CCD or other companies in the city, Chad can be found producing his own work through The Framework. |