Widely respected Chicago theater artist Sandy Shinner has announced she is stepping down as Producing Artistic Director of Shattered Globe Theatre. Shinner joined Shattered Globe as the company’s first Producing Artistic Director in 2013 and has steered the Ensemble’s artistic, production and institutional direction for 13 years. Her decision is far from a farewell, however, as she will remain a member of the SGT Ensemble and looks forward to continuing collaborating with the company as a director and advisor on future projects. In the meantime, the Shattered Globe board has retained Arts Progress to conduct a national search for Shinner’s replacement, with plans to announce a successor in spring 2026.

“Shattered Globe has been my artistic home for 13 years," said Shinner. "Collaborating with the multi-talented SGT Ensemble has been a highlight of my career. I’m extremely proud of everything we have accomplished together, including creating nearly 30 memorable productions, increasing salaries for artists, building a staff and relationships with new playwrights, directors, actors and designers, growing our unique Protégé training program, and launching SGT’s inaugural Global Playwrights Series, our new play development program.”
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?“While there never seems to be a perfect time for a transition, it’s time for a new artistic leader to address our complicated times with a bold vision and chart the Ensemble’s course for the next decade," Shinner added. “I am grateful to our donors, the foundations that have supported SGT’s goals, our Ensemble and board, and the devoted audiences who support our work. I look forward to continuing as an Ensemble member, enjoying the fellowship of the theater artists who have been so important in my life, pursuing new projects and welcoming a new artistic leader to SGT.”

“Under Sandy’s leadership, Shattered Globe is in a strong artistic position in Chicago’s theater community,” said SGT Board President Sara Mushlitz. “Sandy wasn’t afraid to take risks, such as our 2023 American premiere of London Road, a gamble that turned out to be one of the most acclaimed productions in SGT history. She was relentless in her pursuit of artistic excellence, recently marked by winning three consecutive Jeff Awards for Best Production, including for last year’s Lobby Hero, our top-selling show in 35 years. But Sandy’s biggest accomplishment has been diversifying the Ensemble so Shattered Globe could continue to grow and prosper, making it both multigenerational and a reflection of the city of Chicago.”