Elizabeth Hartnett (Chairperson) serves as the board chairperson of CPTE. A recent transplant to Chicago, she has previously worked in theaters as a stage manager, producer, and costume designer. When not working in theaters, Elizabeth works in advocacy and loves spending time in nature.
Laura Bingham (Vice Chairperson) is a Chicago based actor and comedy writer/performer. In addition to her performance career, she works as an HR consultant for Yum! Brands and she serves as the co-chair on the board for the Chicago Playback Theatre Ensemble. When she’s not working or performing, Laura loves to bake and spend her time with friends exploring all Chicago continues to offer! Check out her Instagram and TikTok for some of her comedy sketches and a peek into her lifestyle. @lifewithatwist_86 (instagram); @laurabingbing (TikTok)
Originally from Canada, Nicole Winkler (Member/Chair) is proud to serve as a board member and chair of the governance committee with the Chicago Playback Theatre Ensemble. She has travelled extensively and has had the opportunity to gain theatre and philanthropic experiences. She believes everyone has the right to discover their unlimited potential and that everyone’s story holds great value. To keep her senior pug living the lifestyle she is accustomed; Nicole is a directing consultant both here and abroad
Dr. Dawnn M. Pirani Brumfield (Managing Director/Board Coordinator) is a Chicago-based storyteller, mental health clinician, and advocate committed to fostering healing and connection. With a deep love for theatre, sports, and community, she blends narrative therapy, Playback Theatre, and culturally responsive care to make mental health support accessible for all. As the founder of TriFocus Counseling and Consulting, LLC, she creates spaces where people can embrace their stories and grow. Whether on stage, in the classroom, or in the community, Dr. Pirani Brumfield is dedicated to helping others see their strength and power to transform.
Jamie Redwood (Treasurer) is a Chicago based actor and musician. In addition to her performance career, she serves as the Financial Director and is the Board Treasurer for the Chicago Playback Theatre Ensemble. When she’s not performing, Jamie spends her time working with Piano Power, offering private piano/voice/guitar lessons to people of all ages. Check out her Instagram for more information on performances and life updates @jamie.rdwd (Instagram)
Allison Sokolowski (Secretary) is an actor, storyteller, and proud Chicagoland native with a B.S. in Acting and English from Illinois State University represented by Lori Lins Ltd, and she is grateful to practice Playback Theatre in this great city. She was a founding member of the Illinois State Playback Theatre Ensemble where, for over two years, she performed in shows and helped lead outreach workshops with the local Boys and Girls Club. She has also studied at the Centre for Playback Theatre in New York and with several leading Playback Theatre teachers worldwide, including the founders of Playback Theatre. Allison is most interested in imaginative, innovative, and socially rooted productions and projects, and you can learn more about her and her work at http://allisonsokolowski.wixsite.com/allisonsokolowski