I am a Director/Producer/Playwright based in Chicago, IL, and the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of New Wave Theatre Company NFP. As a theatre artist, I work to deconstruct, analyze, and criticize social norms, structures, and issues that have led to systematic inequalities both within and outside marginalized communities. My career goals center around utilizing creativity, collaboration, and community to enrich the lives of those around me. I am very versatile in my skill set and able to utilize transferable skills such as grounded leadership, focused organization, and expansive creativity in positions outside of theatre. This includes applications in producing, design, administrative work, and human facing operations. I intend to use my 10 years of customer service experience and many years of creative experience in my future careers. I am graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I received a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Theatre Studies with a concentration in directing and playwriting, as well as a minor in LGBT/Queer Studies.

Jordan Ratliff

I am a Director/Producer/Playwright based in Chicago, IL, and the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of New Wave Theatre Company NFP. As a theatre artist, I work to deconstruct, analyze, and criticize social norms, structures, and issues that have led to systematic inequalities both within and outside marginalized communities. My career goals center around utilizing creativity, collaboration, and community to enrich the lives of those around me. I am very versatile in my skill set and able to utilize transferable skills such as grounded leadership, focused organization, and expansive creativity in positions outside of theatre. This includes applications in producing, design, administrative work, and human facing operations. I intend to use my 10 years of customer service experience and many years of creative experience in my future careers. I am graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I received a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Theatre Studies with a concentration in directing and playwriting, as well as a minor in LGBT/Queer Studies.

Available to hire

I am a Director/Producer/Playwright based in Chicago, IL, and the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of New Wave Theatre Company NFP. As a theatre artist, I work to deconstruct, analyze, and criticize social norms, structures, and issues that have led to systematic inequalities both within and outside marginalized communities.

My career goals center around utilizing creativity, collaboration, and community to enrich the lives of those around me. I am very versatile in my skill set and able to utilize transferable skills such as grounded leadership, focused organization, and expansive creativity in positions outside of theatre. This includes applications in producing, design, administrative work, and human facing operations. I intend to use my 10 years of customer service experience and many years of creative experience in my future careers.

I am graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I received a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Theatre Studies with a concentration in directing and playwriting, as well as a minor in LGBT/Queer Studies.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Patron Accounts Assistant at Des Plaines Public Library
August 1, 2021 - Present
Provides patron support for library accounts, circulation, programs, and self-service technologies; promotes library card sign-ups at schools and community events. Manages materials and transactions, including damaged or missing items, claims reports, community board organization, payments, donations, book sales, and accurate cash drawer reconciliation.
Freelance Graphic Designer
August 1, 2014 - Present
Designs compelling posters, promotional materials, and branding assets for theatre productions and public institutions, drawing on 10+ years of performing arts marketing experience to support programs, outreach, and internal communications. Collaborates with New Wave Theatre Company associates to translate creative concepts into cohesive, on-brand visual designs while meeting tight deadlines.
Artistic Director at New Wave Theatre Company
March 1, 2022 - Present
Established New Wave Theatre Company as a formal business entity, guiding foundational organizational structure and artistic development. Leads collaborative efforts with company members to craft a clear and compelling mission statement that reflects the company’s values and artistic vision. Oversees and facilitates the ongoing growth and strategic development of New Wave Theatre Company as an emerging arts organization within the Chicago theatre community.
Artistic Associate at Arkansas Repertory Theatre
November 1, 2023 - September 1, 2025
Coordinated and tracked actor submissions by developing organized spreadsheets, communicating with agents, and preparing detailed audition materials. Managed production calendars, facilitated production team offers, and coordinated scheduling and support for production meetings. Maintained multiple company email accounts and handled external communications to ensure timely and professional correspondence.
Audience Services Manager at Teatro Vista
May 1, 2023 - December 1, 2023
House-managed Teatro Vista productions (The Dream King and Bernarda!), ensuring smooth front-of-house operations, on-time curtains, and a high-quality patron experience through usher training and box office coordination. Produced nightly house reports; managed ticketing and donor data; and supported development, group sales, and external partnerships, including coordination with Steppenwolf Theatre.
Patron Services Associate at Chicago Magic Lounge
August 1, 2022 - May 1, 2023
Collaborated with team members to seat Chicago Magic Lounge patrons efficiently for signature shows. Served as library host by welcoming guests, introducing them to the Harry Blackstone Cabaret, and clearly outlining house guidelines. Maintained smooth patron flow in the front bar while monitoring capacity to ensure safety and guest comfort. Delivered consistently high-quality customer service to all patrons throughout their visit.
Assistant Audience Services Manager at Windy City Playhouse
September 1, 2021 - July 1, 2022
House-managed WCP productions (A Recipe for Disaster and Sons of Hollywood), overseeing front-of-house operations, patron experience, and nightly performance and bar reports. Processed third-party ticket sales in Total Info, managed daily will-call lists, and tracked VIP upgrades and patron dietary restrictions with accuracy.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Studies at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2021

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services