Metropolis chooses theater veteran as new executive director

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre has appointed Tiffany Gates as its new executive director, officials with the downtown Arlington Heights venue announced Tuesday.

Gates, who’s served as interim executive director since May, has 20 years experience at Metropolis, including as education director. In her new role, she will serve as the operational leader of the theater, overseeing administration, finances, community engagement, donor development, marketing and audience experience.

“Together with the Board, I look forward to strengthening Metropolis as a regional leader in theatre and arts education as we expand outreach that inspires and connects future artists and audiences,” Gates said in Tuesday’s announcement.

Acting board President Jeff Hyslop said Gates was chosen after an extensive search that drew about 200 applicants

“She has been an integral part of Metropolis’s growth for the last 20 years and brings the vision, leadership, and dedication needed to guide Metropolis into its next era,” he said.

. I welcome Tiffany as our executive director and am excited to see the continued growth of this organization and its numerous, important functions within the community under her leadership.

In addition to her work leading the theater, Gates has been a performer, director, voice instructor and choreographer. Her performance highlights include appearances in New York at Lincoln Center and The Triad, regionally with Great Lakes Theater, Cain Park, Carousel Dinner Theatre, Beck Center for the Arts, Music Theater Works, Metropolis and Folks Operetta.

She holds a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from Ohio Northern University, studied at The Circle in the Square Theatre School and is a member of Actors’ Equity.