The People Behind the Platform

As a founding Ensemble member of Lookingglass Theatre, Thom has spent over 25 years navigating a very robust Chicago theater scene—from gritty storefronts to national stages. After nearly a decade as a Master Teacher, his passion moved toward the infrastructure of the arts. He’s seen firsthand how a lack of space can silence a creative voice, and he’s dedicated this next chapter to ensuring that inclusion, accessibility, and transparency aren't just buzzwords, but the floor every artist stands on.

A Chicago-based independent graphic designer delivering impactful print and digital media solutions for the arts and non-profit sectors. She launched her career at a London arts marketing agency, designing for premier cultural entities including the Barbican, World Circuit Records, and the London Jazz Festival. Since establishing her Chicago practice in 2001, Ruth has built an extensive portfolio with prominent local institutions such as the Chicago Cultural Center, Arts Alliance Illinois, Chicago SummerDance, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, Dog & Pony Theatre, and the White Oak Folk Festival. Today, she partners with the Platform Center to develop accessible rehearsal spaces, performance venues, and dedicated co-working facilities designed to enrich and strengthen Chicago’s independent theater community.

A Managing Director/Broker with Baum Realty Group. She finds distinctive real estate solutions for performing arts organizations, entertainment concepts, hospitality professionals, musicians, magicians and other creative visionaries. Her work to secure unique, well-suited spaces for her clients ends with imaginative, mutually beneficial deals. In the past few years, the options available to these clients have dwindled due to the closure and redevelopment of many of the available rental houses in the city, so they are striking out on their own, a tenuous and expensive solution for their needs. Some are too small for such an undertaking, so the infrastructure envisioned for Platform Center may be a viable solution for their issues.

Spent over a decade blending arts management with marketing strategy to help organizations articulate their “why.” From her foundational roots in Miami’s musical theater scene to serving as the Theater Manager and Artistic Director for the African Heritage Youth Theatre, she has dedicated her career to shaping the next generation of young artists. Most recently, Jazmin served as the People and Culture Director at Lookingglass Theatre Company, where she spearheaded human resources, led critical diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and steered the company through pivotal leadership transitions. A recognized national leader and advocate for inclusive arts communities, she brings her deep expertise in organizational strategy to Platform Center to help build a radically accessible floor for Chicago's storytellers.

With a background as a talent agent and directing, Samantha Kittelson has spent years advocating for artists and creative professionals. Their work has centered on uplifting voices, supporting performers, and helping build opportunities within the arts community. Through The Platform Center, they hope to continue that sentiment by creating environments where artists can thrive.

A seasoned brand architect with over 10 years of experience driving growth for world-class brands across diverse product categories. Having navigated the complexities of both massive corporations and agile startups, she possesses a deep mastery of the strategic levers that turn a vision into a commercial success. Driven by a passion for supporting the creative community, she now channels this "big brand" expertise into Platform Center’s marketing and brand strategy. By applying high-level corporate mechanics to the arts, she ensures that Chicago’s storytellers have the visibility and infrastructure they deserve to thrive.