Our story

WHO is TWO EDGE Theater?

Two Edge Theater is a Chicago-based company dedicated to producing entertaining and edgy drama. Yes, we want you to think about it long after the end of the show, but we persuade our audience with substance rather than overwhelming them with repetitive arguments. Our primary focus is to provide quality entertainment with quality actors, directors, designers, stage managers, and all team members.

The GENESIS of TWO EDGE Theater

Two Edge Theater has two meanings. First, as part of a new vision and mission, TWO EDGE means that theater can be both beautiful and dangerous, like a double-edged sword. BUT REALLY....Two Edge Theater is an evolution from The Edge Theater in Colorado, a company we founded and built over eight years producing over 60 classics, regional premieres, and new work. The plan was to simply move The Edge Theater to Chicago in 2019, but this thing called a pandemic hit and that didn't happen............until now, as part 2 of a wonderful journey: Edge 2? Edge part 2? Edge II? No, it's TWO EDGE THEATER.

Our debut production — Arthur Miller's A View From the Bridge — opens December 4, 2026. It is the first chapter of what we intend to be a three-year sequel. Maybe more. We'll see how it goes.

The People Behind the Work

Producing Artistic Director

Rick Yaconis

Rick Yaconis is passionate about higher education and serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at National Louis University. Theater represents his whole other life. In Colorado, Rick was the founding artistic and executive director of The Edge Theater Company, achieving nearly $300K in revenue by its eighth year and producing 60 classic works, regional premieres, and new play festivals for local playwrights. Since returning to Chicago in 2018, Rick has performed in nine shows including Death of a Salesman with Gwydion Theatre Company as Willy Loman.

Associate Producer

Patty Ionoff

Patty Ionoff is an entrepreneur and seven year owner and lead instructor of Pole Appeal Chicago Fitness Studio where she built a strong community for over 600 members. Patty was the managing director of The Edge Theater in Colorado for eight years where she also performed in multiple productions including Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate, Linda Loman in Death of a Salesman, and Beth in Mud Blue Sky by Chicago playwright Marisa Wegrzyn. During that time and prior to it, Patty enjoyed a successful career in the pharmaceutical sales industry.