Karen Shuman

Expires 2027

Karen Shuman has been performing, directing, choreographing and teaching for the past 30 years. She holds a B.A. from Brandeis University and an M.A. in Theater from Northwestern University. She is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory and studied with Byrne Piven (Piven Theater). Karen was one of the first Spielberg Fellows and a scholarship member of ATJT (San Francisco). Karen has dance training in Ballet, Jazz, Afro-Caribbean/Afro-Cuban Folk, Modern, and Hip-Hop. She studied and/or performed at the Edna Manley School of Visual and Performing Arts (Jamaica), Gus Giordano, and was a scholarship student at Joel Hall. Karen served as the Artistic Director/Executive Producer of the Miss Illinois Scholarship Pageant for a decade. Karen has taught Theater and Communication in higher education for 25 years, and sixteen of them have been at McHenry County College, where she currently teaches. She is excited and honored to be a member of the ITA Board.

Laura Palti

Expires 2026

Laura Palti serves as the Executive Director of Debut Theatre, where she leads the organization’s mission to inspire, educate, and engage audiences through the power of live performance. With a strong background in administration and community engagement, Laura is dedicated to supporting both emerging and established artists while ensuring theater remains accessible to all.

Before joining Debut Theatre, Laura held leadership roles in property management at Neder Capital, where she focused on building collaborative partnerships, expanding community outreach, and strengthening organizational growth. She is especially passionate about nurturing young talent and fostering a vibrant arts community that reflects diverse voices and stories.

Under her leadership, Debut Theatre continues to grow as a creative hub, offering innovative productions and programs that connect audiences of all ages. Laura believes deeply in theater’s ability to spark dialogue, strengthen communities, and celebrate the shared human experience.