The original Subtext Studio was founded by Artistic Director Omar Vicente Fernandez with other UIC students in 2021 to provide opportunities to young emerging artists so that they may gain valuable professional experience by producing theater.

Fernandez, a Mexican American artist, had been active in professional theater since his teens, working with 16th Street Theater (Berwyn, IL) in various capacities for nearly a decade, most recently as a staff member in 2022. 

 

Jean and Omar met in 2022 while working at 16th Street Theatre NFP, and in December of 2022, Omar brought Jean into Subtext Studio Theatre as Managing Director and combining the missions of Dragonfly Theatre Company and Subtext Studio. 

 

Jean Gottlieb brings more than thirty years of experience in Chicago Theater to Subtext Studio Theatre Company. Jean has been Artistic Director of Footsteps Theatre in Chicago, New World Repertory Theater in Downers Grove, Dragonfly Theatre Company and 16th Street Theater NFP. She is a Director and Playwright with more than 35 production credits.

 

Omar and Jean merged the identities of Dragonfly Theatre Company and Subtext Studio to create an artistic home for both emerging and seasoned artists and designers.

 

“The theater world is in the midst of a political and ideological reckoning, and the opportunity to reform the landscape of American Theater is upon us. Subtext Studios believes the newest generation of artists can lead the way, if given the opportunity.”  Omar Vicente Fernandez

 

Subtext Studio Theater Company endeavors to create a sacred space for the creation of new theatrical works, providing a safe home to the artists and following a production model that honors and promotes equity, diversity and inclusion on all levels.  

 

“We combined the best parts of our companies: the inclusiveness and ambition of Subtext Studio and the resources and producing capacity of Dragonfly Theatre. Survival of theater requires the merging of resources, and we look forward to forming mutually beneficial associations with neighboring theaters.”  Jean Gottlieb

 

“Subtext Studio will provide an open atmosphere for creation and expression, a space where an artist is free to learn and grow - blossoming as the play blossoms - through hard work and devotion to the art form. Every great piece of art is brought to life by people who recognize not what something is, but what something could be. Let us be those people - let us find those people.” Omar Vicente Fernandez