Metropolis Theatre announces new Artistic Director.

Arlington Heights, Ill., April 4, 2023 – After a nationwide search, Metropolis’ Board of Directors announces
acclaimed theatre artist Brendan Ragan as the company’s new Artistic Director. Ragan is the founding Co-
Artistic Director of the award-winning Urbanite Theatre, a Florida-based company known regionally for
producing bold, inventive new works.

Interim Artistic Director Robbie Simpson, who has been at Metropolis since directing Cabaret in September,
will collaborate in this transition before his return to New York City.

Metropolis Board President Stephen Daday says of the transition, “We are embarking on a new day for
Metropolis. We conducted a nationwide search in conjunction with the DeVos Institute of Arts Management at
the University of Maryland and received resumes from an enormous number of applicants. Brendan brings a
wealth of compassion, empathy, passion, and high-quality production value to Metropolis. I believe donors,
subscribers, patrons, staff, and the talented artists who grace our stage will be very excited for what is to come.”

ABOUT METROPOLIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
Metropolis Theatre and School of the Performing Arts offer inspirational live entertainment, imaginative arts education, and impactful community partnerships within Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs, delivering artistic excellence, shared multi-generational connections, and inclusive experiences that engage our community.

Located in downtown Arlington Heights, IL, Metropolis is one of Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs’ leading venues for quality entertainment ranging from a Main Stage subscription series to rock, country, comedy, and cabaret concerts. The complex has a 329-seat theater, four classrooms, and thirteen music studios. Metropolis School of Performing Arts serves over 2,500 students annually through group classes, individual lessons, and seasonal performance camps. Each year, our Stories in Action (Theatre for Young Audiences) gives more than 18,000 students an exciting theatre-going experience to enhance their school curriculum. In addition, our Community Engagement programs bring the arts to individuals with unique and different needs and seniors.

Metropolis is located at 111 W. Campbell Street in downtown Arlington Heights. Street parking is available. Free parking is available in the public garage behind the theater. For more information about Metropolis and a listing of upcoming performances, go to MetropolisArts.com.

All proceeds benefit Metropolis’ theatrical arts and education programs. Metropolis is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.