*Theatre Director Dee Hamilton to Leave Footlight Players * The Community Park District would like to announce that Director Dee Hamilton has accepted an incredible theatre opportunity in Florida.

For us, this announcement carries the widest mix of emotions. Since 2012, Dee’s work at the Community Park District has inspired a love of the arts in hundreds of children each year. Her passion, dedication, and experience helped the park district grow the annual participation in our youth theatre program from 20-30 children to well over 100. Her enthusiasm was contagious among adults as well, as she recruited and managed hundreds of parent, artistic, and tech volunteers throughout her tenure.

Dee’s tireless work in creating one of the best theatre programs in the Chicagoland area resulted in the park district earning the Illinois Association of Park District’s (IAPD) Helen Doria Arts in the Park Award in 2015. From incredible performances like Beauty and the Beast and Shrek to teaching smaller studies through programs like the Mystery Theatre and Summer Stock, Dee has truly helped develop a culture where children can explore creativity and artistic expression within our community.

Dee has worked closely with us to ensure that the professionals that step into her shoes will help carry on the incredible legacy of the Footlight Players and theatre programming in La Grange Park. We are finalizing a list of very talented candidates, and with Dee’s assistance, the new youth theatre team will be introduced next week. We would like to invite you to join us on Friday, September 27 from 4:30pm-6:30pm at the Recreation Center, 1501 Barnsdale Road, to celebrate Dee’s incredible contributions to our community and wish her the best as she embarks on her new adventure in nicer weather.

If you have any questions, please call Executive Director, Jessica Cannaday, CPRP at 708-354-4580.