Kathryn Lamkey (1946-2024)
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Kathryn V Lamkey, longtime Central Regional Director of the Actors’ Equity Association’s Chicago office, passed away on October 9, 2024 after a long illness, surrounded by family.
Kathy began her time in theater as a lighting designer, a teacher and an Equity stage manager for theatrical and dance productions. In her 14 years as a social studies teacher in Elmwood Park, she also directed theater productions and negotiated for the teachers’ union—both experiences would serve her well when she made the move to Actors’ Equity. In 1986, upon seeing an ad for a position with Equity, Kathy decided to apply and ended up working for Equity for the next 25 years. Ten years into her tenure, she became the Central Regional Director, overseeing contract administration for 16 states. She was also integral to the purchase and renovation of Actors’ Equity’s Chicago home. When she retired from Actors’ Equity in 2011, Actors’ Equity created The Kathryn V Lamkey Award, which honors those individuals and/or organizations that continue to open doors to all types of opportunities for central region members of color. Kathy’s 25 years of work with Chicagoland Theaters (and with theaters in the Central Region) was instrumental in bringing national attention to Chicago Theater. Her dedication to Actors’ Equity, and to the importance of unions, helped increase Actors’ Equity membership and Equity theaters in the region, as well as aiding increased diversity in productions throughout Chicago and the Central Region. Additionally, Kathy, along with Actors’ Equity, was a key player with Season of Concern (which supports theater artists impacted by health issues) from its beginning. Luther Goins said about Katherine: “Kathy’s love of fairness, people, theatre, producers, actors, and the arts was amazing! She guided her Equity staff members with patience, understanding, and kindness. It was truly an honor to work for her and with her. Chicago, and professional theatre, has lost a great friend.” |