Seasoned Actor, Director Appointed To Aurora Civic Center Authority Board

AURORA, IL — A seasoned actor and director, born and raised in Aurora, was appointed to serve on the Aurora Civic Center Authority Board.

The Aurora City Council approved the appointment of Phillip Van Lear at its meeting Tuesday night.

"Phillip's resume was quite impressive," Mayor John Laesch said in a statement. "His extensive background in the arts, in addition to his years of service to the community, makes him a great fit for the ACCA Board."

As a Board member, Van Lear will help promote and operate conventions, theatrical productions, and sporting and cultural events within the City of Aurora and in connection with the Paramount Arts Center.

A member of the Riverfront Playhouse since 1978, Van Lear has worked as a professional actor and director for more than 45 years, city officials said. He has compiled almost 40 acting credits in live productions at institutions including the Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, and the Chicago Theatre Company. He has more than 25 directing credits under his belt and has appeared in popular television shows, such as "Prison Break," "Chicago Fire" and "Empire."

Van Lear has worked as a teacher at both West Aurora School District 129 and East Aurora School District 131. He was the founding artistic director of the Aurora Theatre Ensemble and spent more than 50 years as a track and field coach.

He currently works as a legacy coach for the Aurora Sundowners Track Club and as a pastor for Harvest Bible Chapel's Aurora campus. He also serves as a patient advocate for the Glaucoma Research Foundation.

“Aurora is my hometown, and I love it here," Van Lear said. "At this season in my life, I want to give back as much as I can to this great City that raised me, so I am truly looking forward to serving on the ACCA Board."

The Board meets at 4 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at North Island Center, 8 E. Galena Blvd.