As a company that explores personal and theatrical roots, the question of “where we came from” is a difficult one for the Filament Theatre Ensemble.  It could be said that none of us would be where we are without the commedia troupes of the sixteenth century or the folks with guitars sharing stories and songs around campfires on the Appalachian trails.  But we’re guessing that’s not quite what you meant…

The Filament Theatre Ensemble was unofficially founded in 2006 when then-Northwestern students Mark Barna, Julie Ritchey, Christian Libonati and Reggie Gowland collaborated on a production of A Muse in Love, an original adaptation of Shakespeare love scenes performed outdoors on the Lake Michigan lakefront.  The four decided to make their collaboration official and  (joined by a fifth founding member, Rebecca Kling) we incorporated as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit company in spring of 2007.

Since then, we have produced five tours, five world premiers, three musicals,  and a workshop, and a staged reading.  The ensemble has retained four of the five original founders, and has expanded to include an exciting conglomeration of multi-talented artists from all backgrounds and experiences.  We are learning new things every day, and look forward to having you along on this journey!