Metropolis Performing Arts Centre Announces Interim Artistic Director

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre (Metropolis) is proud to announce that Jen Cupani has stepped in as the Interim Artistic Director. The change comes after the departure of Rob Gretta, who took over the position in late March, but resigned recently due to personal reasons. A national search for a permanent replacement is planned in the near future.

Cupani brings to the role more than 22 years of experience working in the performing arts, and over the last decade, has served in several roles at Metropolis. A part of every season since 2016 as a director or choreographer, she has also been a teaching artist and worked in community engagement. Through these experiences, she has not only witnessed, but also played a role in the changing culture and new vision at Metropolis.

"Jen is exactly the artistic leader we need in this moment. She knows what needs to be nurtured and where our strengths lie,” said Metropolis Executive Director Brookes Ebetsch. “We have an extremely dynamic and collaborative working relationship, and this next season's work will directly reflect that."

Cupani’s breadth of experiences additionally includes work at several regional theatres, a nationally recognized competition-level dance academy, and as a choreographer at local high schools. She also has served as a theatre manager and marketing manager for Broadway touring companies, where she learned to juggle both the creative and business aspects of the performing arts.

“While it is unfortunate that Rob could not continue on, we wish him nothing but the best in the future,” said Metropolis Board President Stephen Daday. “We are very grateful to Jen, who has stepped into this important role, seamlessly, and is already showing strong leadership as we embark on a national search for a permanent Artistic Director.”

Cupani joins the Metropolis leadership team, led by Ebetsch. Her role will include title selection management and stage productions, while working directly with directors, designers and actors.

"I’m honored to step in as the Interim Artistic Director. Ten of the more than 20 years I've worked in the performing arts, I have called the Metropolis’ stage, home,” Cupani said. “I look forward to assisting in the most positive and productive way possible through this transitionary period."

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About Metropolis Performing Arts Center

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The theatre houses 329-seats, which hosts hundreds of produced and presented performances each year, including a Main Stage subscription series and a variety of concerts, comedy, and cabarets.

The Metropolis School of Performing Arts enriches the lives of thousands of students ranging from toddlers to seniors. The school additionally curates arts curriculum for students of all ages including those with special and different needs.

Interim Artistic Director Jen Capani

Jen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communication from Illinois State University, and attended Barat College for Dance where she was awarded the Dance Talent Scholarship. She has more than 22 years of experience, serving in a broad range of roles involving directing, choreography, dance, management and marketing in the performing arts. Her professional experiences at Metropolis over a decade additionally include community engagement, directing and choreography. She has worked in theater and dance at several regional theatres, a nationally recognized competition-level dance academy, and at local high schools, including 15 years at St. Viator.

Executive Director Brookes Ebetsch

Brookes holds a Masters in Nonprofit Business Administration from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art + Second Major in Spanish Language, also from the University of Notre Dame. She is a 2022 National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures Leadership Institute Fellow and a graduate of the Stagen Integral Leadership Program. She joined Metropolis Performing Arts Center as the Executive Director in February of 2020. Brookes has a long history in the arts and theater and served on the Wheaton North High School speech team. Additionally, she was part of Notre Dame Women's Choir, played mariachi with MariachiND and taiko drumming with Taikodelic. She comes from a family whose passion is in the arts, including her mother, grandmother and brother who are all professional visual artists and an aunt who was director of Glenbard South theater program for 30 years.