Meet Mark
A seasoned Director and Choreographer, Mark Albin is a Chicago-raised theatrical artist and the former co-founder and Artistic Director of Art 4 regional theatre based in South Bend, IN. Mark led the creation of 17 successful musical productions, generating over 500 jobs, and cultivated a thriving artist community amidst a global pandemic. In 2024 Mark worked in Dallas, TX as the Interim General Manager for Bishop Arts Theatre Center and the Interim Education & Outreach Director for Theatre Arlington. In late 2024, Mark returned to Chicago to work alongside Pritzker Director, Madeleine Grynsztejn at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.
Before the Bend
Prior to his tenure in South Bend, Mark served as the Executive Director of Breaking Ground Theatre and held the position of Artistic Director for the Performing Arts Program in Franklin Park, IL. Mark's directorial prowess has been recognized with awards, including an IHSA acknowledgment for his outstanding production of The Little Prince. He has also honed his craft through assistant directing roles alongside industry luminary Tyrone Phillips, Artistic Director of Definition Theatre Company, and M. Halberstam, former Artistic Director of Writers Theatre.
Mark's career spans across Equity stages, including notable performances in Mercury Theater's A Christmas Schooner (Jeff nominated), Chicago's Pinkalicious: The Musical, and originating the role of Tadd in Ryan Scott Oliver's The Frog Prince Continued. Throughout his journey, Mark has collaborated with esteemed artists such as Cyndi Lauper, Sutton Foster, Roxane Gay, Mary Zimmerman, Ryan Scott Oliver, Adam Gwon, and Phillipa Soo.
Artist Statement
Creating an inclusive and equitable rehearsal room is fundamental to fostering a collaborative and dynamic creative environment, and it begins with the individuals leading the room. I firmly believe that ten brains are better than one. As an artist, I reject the notion of a “right way” and a “wrong way” to approach creative work. Instead, I see things through the lens of “interesting” and “more interesting.” This philosophy allows space for exploration, innovation, and risk-taking, which are vital components of any creative process.
As a director, I make it a priority to foster an environment where actors and collaborators feel empowered to contribute their ideas. I am always willing to give a suggestion a try, and I deeply value working with actors who are enthusiastic about bringing their perspectives to the table. My approach centers on ensuring that every individual in the room feels heard, respected, and valued, no matter their background, experience, or perspective.
To cultivate this kind of space, I actively encourage open dialogue and make it a point to create a rehearsal room that prioritizes listening and mutual respect. When challenging or vulnerable topics arise, I lean into those moments rather than shying away. I recognize these moments as the fruits of creating a safe environment where people feel confident enough to bring their full selves into the room. It takes courage to initiate those conversations, and I honor that bravery every single time.
Ultimately, empowerment comes from knowing that your voice matters. I strive to create a rehearsal room where everyone feels confident to speak up and share their ideas without fear of judgment or dismissal. By harnessing the collective creativity of the group, we can create work that is not only artistically fulfilling but also deeply authentic and inclusive.
