Today we’d like to introduce you to David Zak.
David, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was teaching high school at Benet Academy in Lisle when I said to my class what my mother had told me – ‘you are the captain of your own ship and can sail anywhere you want.’ One of the students raised her hand and, knowing I wanted to work in Chicago Theater professionally said ‘If you can do anything you want, why are you teaching us?”
I turned in my resignation the next morning and feel blessed to have worked in film and theater for 35 years in Chicago and around the world.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Working in the non-profit world always means you struggle to raise enough money. In some ways that is a fun challenge, and in some ways it is exasperating. I am sure everyone I ever went to school with, taught, or worked with in any capacity has heard my pitch for making a donation in one way or the other.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Pride Films and Plays – what should we know?
Pride Films and Plays is the resident non-profit in the Pride Arts Center, a complex with both a 50 seat and 85 seat theater in Uptown. We produce a full season of four plays and musicals new to Chicago audiences, with many world premieres. We also film one short film this year, and COUNTING will be screened as part of the Movies in the Park Series in Wicker Park on August 29. I was the producer on that film. Pride Arts Center also presents classes for kids, and various limited run events including dance, film, cabaret, comedy, and much more. We believe what we produce is essential viewing for all audiences.
This year PFP will produce The Nance in July/August, Perfect Arrangement in Sept/Oct, and YANK! A World War II love story in January/February. Full details are at www.pridefilmsandplays.com or www.prideartscenter.com.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Yes I have had many mentors along the way, including Tim White at Benet, Phil Decker and Phyllis Lang at MacMurray College, and many people in the Chicago including Walter Holmes, and theater professionals everywhere. My husband is the best influence. He keeps me calm when things get crazy, and knows how to navigate the stressful times.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4139 and 4147 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613
- Website: www.prideflmsandplays.cm
- Phone: 18007370984
- Email: pridefilmsandplays@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram//pridefilmsplays
- Facebook: //prideflmsandplays
- Twitter: //prideflmslays
Image Credit:
Production photos by Paul Goyette
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