Program Director | 2015 - 2020

After 3 years of working every other available job at the Hideout, I was offered a position that included talent buying, managing production and advancing, promotion, and day-to-day management at the bar. During my first year Hideout sales and attendance rose 20% from any of the previous 3 years. There was a revitalization of dance parties including Ariel's Party, helmed by one of the most progressive and head-turning Chicago DJs Ariel Zetina. The music and comedy at the venue also developed what press called a "renaissance" (Zach Freeman in the Tribune in 2018, and Josh Terry in the Red Eye 2017). Regular shows like Helltrap Nightmare, Derry Queen's Big Queer Variety Show, and Monkey Wrench became pillars of the alt-comedy scene in Chicago. This all culminated into awards for Best Music Venue and Best Stand-Up Venue, as well as 2019 Chicagoans of the year awards.