MEET THE CO-FOUNDER OF BRIGHTSIDE THEATRE, JULIE ANNE KORNAK
NAPERVILLE–Julie has been a Naperville resident for the past 25 years and enjoys concerts, eating out, and taking in a good sporting event with her husband, Adam of 25 years. Her three children. Aidan and Amanda (Freshmen) and Ryan (Senior) attend Waubonsie Valley High School and participate in a wide variety of activities including, Special Olympics, swimming, baseball, musicals, and choir.
Growing up, Julie was surrounded by music and took voice lessons early on. She quickly discovered her passion for musical theatre and performed in elementary and high school, ultimately prompting her pursuit of a degree in Human Resources and minor in Theatre.
After a successful career, Julie focused on building her family while continuing to participate in music ministry; however, she deeply missed performing and felt an obvious void in Naperville for a professional theatre.
“I wanted to build an artistic home for myself and other artists out in the suburbs, so I co-founded BrightSide Theatre, now in it’s 10th season, and have continued to build our programming with our Artistic Director, Jeffrey Cass,” Julie says. “In addition, I continue to sing in six different churches in the area and am also the Associate Director of Music at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Naperville.”
She lives by the motto Make it Work....somehow, some way! Julie believes anyone can reach their goals in all areas of life with the right mindset!
Today, BrightSide Theatre is Naperville’s Only Professional Theatre performing in the Historic Downtown District and is committed to Enlighten, Educate, and Entertain through comedies and inspirational stories from across the globe. BrightSide Theatre is partially supported and funded by a generous SECA Grant, the DuPage Foundation, Illinois Arts Council Agency, and the Naperville Lion’s Club.
Don’t miss the 2022-2023 shows: She Loves Me, City of Angles in Concert, The Odd Couple, Gypsy, Sister Act, Jr.
-Kristen Kucharski, Photos by Mike Catuara Unless Otherwise Submitted
