She founded 16th Street, a nationally recognized playwrights' theater in Berwyn, IL and was its Artistic Director for 15 years. There she was lucky enough to direct and learn from great storytellers such as Arlene Malinowski, Tekki Lomnicki, Rohina Malik, Julie Ganey, and Tony Fitzpatrick, who trusted her with directing his Tetralogy at Steppenwolf: This Train, Stations Lost, Nickel History and The Midnight City, as well as The Secret Birds at Poetry Foundation. Married to drummer Barry Bennett, Filmer writes and performs with her band Mrs. Smith and the Present, is in the band Vinto Van Go and is a huuuuuuge fan of CHIRP. During daylight hours, Filmer is Executive Director of Riverside Arts Center.
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The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs’ in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by a cover of the storyteller’s choosing, performed by our house band: The First Time Three.
The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Executive producer is Bobby Evers. Assistant producer is Celina Dietzel. Podcast produced by Jim Mulvaney.