Marissa Lynn Jones, Executive Director

Bio

Marissa Lynn Jones is the Executive Director of The League of Chicago Theatres, a non-profit organization serving over two hundred (200) theatres across the Chicagoland area. She believes and is dedicated to the power of storytelling to transform the narrative that shapes humanity. Since joining the League she has led advocacy efforts garnering a $2M tax credit for non-profit theatres to obtain general operating support from the state, instituted the organizations new Hot Tix model expanding access to discounted tickets for audiences, increased membership access for new and emerging theatres, produced the League’s first career fair, and a record breaking Chicago Theatre Week, partnered with Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and Choose Chicago for a mayoral declaration of fall as officially theatre season in the city, developed the Spotlight Ticket Initiative to highlight industry workers, developed the Backstage Champion grant award in partnership with Broadway in Chicago to support unsung heroes in the theatrical community, and partnered with Theatre Communications Group (TCG) to bring the national theatre conference to Chicago in 2024 serving as conference co-chair.

Prior to joining the League of Chicago Theatres, Marissa was the Associate Managing Director and IDEAA Director at Goodman Theatre, where she managed the implementation of Goodman’s strategic plan around Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Access, and Anti-Racism and helped artists share diverse stories on and off stage around the city of Chicago. During her tenure at Goodman, she led several projects, including the Chicago August Wilson Festival, Goodman Theatre’s first Black Theatre Summit, the Chicago Accessibility Summit in partnership with the Chicago Community Trust and served on the Joyce Foundation’s Spotlight Grant Committee. Through her personal mission, she spearheaded Goodman’s Black Words Matter Celebration and curated Goodman’s first sensory-friendly and touch tour performances.

Marissa serves on the League of Resident Theatres EDI and Mentorship Committee and held previous positions at Collaboraction Theatre, Broadway in Chicago, and American Theatre Company. She graduated from Drake University with a BFA in Theatre Acting and BSBA in International Business. Marissa was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, IL in the Woodlawn neighborhood and currently resides in Bronzeville with her husband Jay who she signs up for every show possible.