STAFF

Elayne LeTraunik is a native Chicagoan and has been involved in the Chicago theatre scene since the 1970s. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with honors in History and Theatre, she continued her acting studies at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England.

Elayne has worked extensively as an actress and a producer and starred in the Chicago premieres of “Nuts” and “Extremities.” She also appeared in “Beyond Therapy, " featuring Skipp Sudduth and Carmen Roman. She currently works extensively in commercials and independent productions. As a producer, she oversaw several award-winning and critically acclaimed productions, including the Chicago premiere of “A Dybbuk” and a revival of “Class Enemy.”

Elayne was the auditions columnist for “Performink” newspaper for 15 years and was the founder and Artistic Director of Red Hen Productions and Chicago Jewish Theatre.

Elayne was also a prolific writer, a weekly columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, and a contributor to Plays and Players Magazine in London.

Elayne works as a freelance grant writer and PR person for several small theater and arts companies in Chicago. More information about her can be found at elayneletraunik.weebly.com.

She was the Associate Artistic Director of Genesis Theatrical Productions but now acts as a consultant, script reader, and grants writer. She has taken courses in grant writing from the Foundation Center and the Fundraising Authority.

She is also in the process of developing Open Space Arts, a new performing arts company highlighting the issues facing the Gay community and the Jewish community. She is a member of Actors' Equity. After a sojourn in Texas, she returned to Chicago, where she continues to pursue her other passion- acting in films and videos. She is represented exclusively by Big Mouth Talent.

David Zak is the Director of Pride Film Fest, an Open Space Arts program. His award-winning works over 40 years as a theater director ranged from the musical ANIMAL FARM to JERRY SPRINGER THE OPERA to THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER. He recently directed THE KRAMER PROJECT at Center on Halsted and MASSAGE THERAPY and SUNSETS for OSA. He was awarded six Joseph Jefferson Awards for his work as a writer and director. He was elected to the City of Chicago's Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame. He produced Dan Pal's award-winning short film Counting for Pride Films and Plays.