DEB ACKER (1953-2022)
Longtime Chicago Shakespeare Theater Stage Manager Deborah Jean Acker (Deb), born in Sheboygan WI, lately of Oak Park IL, 69, died from multiple health complications on July 6, 2023 at Swedish Covenant Hospital, Chicago - surrounded by family and friends.
Deb was the longtime production stage manager for Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, with a career tenure stretched that back to the theater’s Ruth Page years. In 1979, Deb is even credited as Lighting Designer on Steppenwolf Theatre’s “Waiting For Lefty” featuring virtually the entire original ensemble, staged in the now-infamous Church Basement in Highland Park IL. Chicago Shakespeare Theatre said about Deb’s passing, “We are heartbroken at the loss of Deb Acker, our beloved stage manager for over 30 years. She was not only a brilliant theatermaker but also a generous, thoughtful, and wickedly funny person. In her extraordinary tenure at the theater, she led over 100 productions and worked with thousands of actors, directors, designers, and artists from Chicago and around the world. She was a woman of grit and wit and wisdom.” Deb was passionate about the theater from a young age. After graduating from Rosary College of Dominican University in River Forest IL with a degree in Communication Arts and Theater. After college, Deb worked at several different theaters and a theatrical publishing company. In 1986, she was one of the first hires that Barbara Gaines made when she founded the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. As a highly respected member of that company she wore various hats, principally those of stage and production manager. She also stage managed the Theater's summer theater productions in Grant Park for a number of years. Deb worked with countless directors, actors and fellow associates of the Shakespeare Repertory Theater of Chicago, now the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. She retired in July of 2020 after more than 30 years with the company. Joan Claussen, lighting crew head at Chicago Shakes and a longtime friend of Acker’s, notes that she first met Acker on one of her first jobs out of college, working backstage on a 1987 production of Driving Miss Daisy at the Briar Street Theatre. “She was fun, on top of it at work, and I immediately respected her.” Acker was a valued mentor for many women in stage management and technical theater over her long career. Born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Deb was the daughter of George and Ludmilla (Klancer) Acker. A graduate of St. Clement Elementary School, Sheboygan North High School, and Rosary College of Dominican University, River Forest IL. Deb is survived by sister Georgia Acker and brother Timothy Acker. |