Why did we start the theatre?
The genre of Jewish theatre is a vibrant performing arts experience with a rich and long standing international history. "For me, it is an extension or outgrowth of what I had been doing informally for several years in the Jewish community," says Audrey Heller, Producing Artistic Director.
With a deep commitment to both Jewish culture and the theatre, the formation of a Jewish theatre company seemed a natural thing to do. So in 2005, the Jewish Theatre of Bloomington (JTB) proudly took its place as the only one of its kind located in Indiana, co-founded by Audrey Heller.
Indiana's Only Jewish Theatre
OUR MISSION
The Jewish Theatre of Bloomington is deeply committed to both Jewish culture and the theatre. It is our intent to produce works that arise from or reflect the Jewish experience, but that also focus on universal issues of the human condition that are accessible to a diverse audience. Our aim is to bring together an audience of Jews and non-Jews to explore aspects of Jewish life in a modern world.
OUR ORIGIN
The genre of Jewish theatre is a vibrant performing arts experience with a rich and long standing international history. "For me, it is an extension or outgrowth of what I had been doing informally for several years in the Jewish community," says Audrey Heller, Producing Artistic Director.
With a deep commitment to both Jewish culture and the theatre, the formation of a Jewish theatre company seemed a natural thing to do. So in 2005, the Jewish Theatre of Bloomington (JTB) proudly took its place as the only one of its kind located in Indiana, co-founded by Audrey Heller.
Our Team
Audrey Heller
Producing Artistic Director
Audrey is a Clinical Assistant Professor Emerita in The IU Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences. Audrey studied theatre at Columbia University and took directing courses at Cal State Long Beach and IU. She has directed for Diversity Theatre, a social issues theatre company. She was Producing Artistic Director for Diversity Theatre and co-coordinator for MOSAIC, an annual diversity film festival.
Darrell Ann Stone
Artistic Advisor
Darrell Ann Stone is the former Co-Artistic Director of JTB, currently serving as Artistic Advisor and a member of the JTB Board of Directors. Darrell has a B.S. degree in Theatre from Northeastern University and MSW degree in Social Work from IU. She currently works full time as Director of IU Student Advocates Office, is a free-lance actor and director, as well as voice-over talent for ratio/tv commercials.
Svetla Vladeva
Managing Director
Svetla was born in Bulgaria and came to the US in 1997. Svetla graduated from the Academy of Music, Fine Arts and Dance in Bulgaria where she majored in music education, accordion, and piano. She has performed internationally, nationally, and at local venues such as the Lotus World Arts Festival. Svetla managed the University Club of IU for over twelve years before taking on her role with the Jewish Theatre.
Kathleen McConahay
Administrative Assistant
Kathleen began working for the Jewish Theatre in 2011 as their Administrative Assistant. She is also the Administrative Assistant for the Hoosier Hills Estate Planning Council. In 1989, Kathleen opened a small business called Flags Over Indiana and continues to operate it. Currently her favorite role is as grandma to two granddaughters.
Board of Directors
Malcolm Abrams
Deb Allmayer
Danielle Bruce
Ramsay Harik
Ray Hedin
Audrey Heller
Iris Kiesling
Harlan Lewis
Judith Rose ~ (Advisory)
Anne Steigerwald ~ Secretary
Darrell Ann Stone ~ President
Stan Wasserman ~ Treasurer
Linda Whikehart ~ Vice President
Svetla Vladeva, Ex Officio