History

When co-founders Cassandra and Cathlyn began Compass Creative Dramatics in the summer of 2012, they 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.

Compass Creative Dramatics entered its first season of programming in June 2013, offering a week of summer camp in four locations. Cathlyn and Cassandra were dedicated not only to providing this programming in Chicago, but also to bringing theatre experiences back to the places where they had grown and learned as young actors. They therefore settled on offering two weeks of camp in the Chicago area and one week in each of their hometowns: Bedford, Indiana (Cassandra), and Sheboygan, Wisconsin (Cathlyn).

Since beginning with four weeks of summer camps in three states in 2013, Compass Creative Dramatics has grown to offer dozens of theatre experience across the country each year, from Florida to Kentucky to Michigan to Texas to Maine and the states in between. 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.

Founders

Cassandra Quinn
Co-Founder
​Executive Director
She/her/hers (what's this?)​
​
​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
Cathlyn Melvin
Co-Founder
Artistic Director
​She/her/hers​ (what's this?)
​
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

Core Administrative Team

Andrew Clancey
Program Associate
He/him/his (what's this?)
​
Andrew holds a BA in Theatre Arts and a BA in Cinema and Comparative Literature from the University of Iowa, and came to Chicago in search of new artistic opportunities through teaching and community engagement. Since then, he has trained as an educator through the Compass Creative Dramatics Teaching Artist Training Program and has also worked as a teaching artist with Emerald City Children’s Theatre, as well as performing with 20% Theatre Company Chicago, Chicago Fringe Festival, Citadel Theatre Company,
​Oil Lamp Theater, and others.
Jill Matel
Program Associate
​She/her/hers (what's this?)
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​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. 
Dave Smith
Tour Supervisor
He/him/his (what's this?)

​Outside of his work with Compass Creative Dramatics, Dave is the resident actor for SociAbility, where he uses theatre to help children and adults on the autism spectrum. As an educator, and a TYA performer, Dave has toured with National Theatre for Children, Missoula Children's Theatre, and American Eagle Productions. During his spare time, Dave enjoys playing basketball, reading, and spending his days along the shores of
​Lake Michigan.
Chad Bay
​Art Director
He/him/his (what's this?)
​
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.