LEE PETERS

Director of Education

Since 2021

Director of Education

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, shortly after moving to Chicago Lee became Theater school Director at Village Players in Oak Park where he introduced higher-level skill-building workshops including juggling, tap dance, playwriting, and directing. He also founded the Junior Ensemble providing opportunities for young artists to create their own productions.

Lee spent 13 years at Shedd Aquarium in several education roles. As a Presentation Specialist, he hosted the daily aquatic presentations. As a Training Specialist, he developed and delivered training for teens and volunteers, and in his last role at Shedd as Assistant Director of Live Programs, he created and maintained dynamic educational experiences for guests. After leaving the aquarium due to the pandemic he worked with the International Children’s Media Center supporting programs that help kids develop healthy screen habits.

In addition to his work as an educator Lee’s directing and performing work has been seen at Bailiwick Theatre, Forevermore Dance and Theatre Arts, The Mayer Kaplan JCC, The Greenhouse Theatre, Akvavit Theatre, Chicago Danztheatre, and Prop Theatre. Some of his favorite directing projects include the Jeff Recommended Thrill Me: The Leopold and Loeb Story and a new musical he helped bring to life, Oracle of the Gutter Punks. Lee is also proud to have written and directed The Crown: A Hip-Hop Retelling of Hamlet for the Junior Ensemble at Village Players and The Institution, a modern take on Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf with a gay twist, which had a short run as part of Prop Theatres Rhino Fest.

Lee is a company member with Playmakers Laboratory where he has been creating digital theatre since June 2020. He also recently began working with Ovation Academy in Oak Park as one of the Broadway Academy staff helping young artists build skills in acting for musical theatre.

Bio as of 2021