David Schmitz

David Schmitz (General Manager, Steppenwolf Theatre Company) was hired at Steppenwolf in May of 2005 as the Director of Finance & Administration and was quickly promoted to the GM position in October of the same year. Prior to working at Steppenwolf, David was the General Manager at Lookingglass Theatre Company, the Business Manager at Adair Performance (a variety entertainment agency), and the Executive Artistic Director of the This Isn’t Brain Surgery Production Company (Greeley, CO). David is also an ensemble member of Stage Left Theatre Company and has directed numerous productions in and around Chicago.  Currently, David is serving as the Board President of 500 Clown and also serves on the board for the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce. David has served as a business practices, finance and hiring consultant for numerous of Chicago’s theatres including The House Theatre of Chicago, The Hypocrites, Stage Left Theatre and Free Street Productions, and developed and taught a Financial Boot Camp class for the ArtsWork Fund to benefit early career arts administrators.  David holds a BA in Theatre from the University of Northern Colorado, an MFA from the Theatre Conservatory at the Chicago College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University and a Certificate in Non Profit Management from Roosevelt University.