Kathryn Lamkey (-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, surrounded by family after a long illness.
Before beginning her work with Actors’ Equity, Kathy was an Equity stage manager for theatrical and dance productions, a lighting designer and a schoolteacher. 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. She retired from Actors’ Equity in 2011. Upon her retirement, 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. Kathy’s 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. “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.” - Luther Goins – Season of Concern Board Member and President (2004-2024) |