Artist Bio

(Bio as of September 2024)

Roche Edward Schulfer became executive director of Goodman Theatre in 1980. He has produced more than 400 plays, initiated the Goodman’s annual production of A Christmas Carol and oversaw the theater’s relocation to the North Loop in 2000. Schulfer has served in leadership roles with numerous theater and arts advocacy groups, including being a founder of the League of Chicago Theatres. He has been recognized for his work by a wide variety of media, civic, and arts organizations including an Honorary Doctorate from North Central College. He has taught at DePaul, Southern Methodist and his alma mater Notre Dame. Schulfer has presented his study on the economics of the performing arts at theaters and organizations around the country. He is a lifelong Chicago area resident and was recently named a 2023 Chicagoan of the Year by the Chicago Tribune.