Monty Cole, a theatre and film writer-director hailing from Oak Park, IL, has left an indelible mark on the stage and screen. His directorial prowess has graced esteemed venues such as Steppenwolf, Center Theatre Group, The Goodman Theatre, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and Victory Gardens Theater, among others. Known for his innovative re-interpretations of classics ranging from Eugene O'Neill's 'The Hairy Ape' to 'Hamlet,' Cole has garnered awards and critical acclaim in Chicago and beyond. As a new play director, Cole has steered staged readings, workshops, and world premieres across the country. In the realm of playwriting, his works include 'American Teenager,' a commission from The Goodman Theatre, and 'Black Like Me,' an adaptation of the 1961 novel currently in development with The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Notably, Cole was selected as one of four writers for the Goodman Theatre's Playwrights Unit and holds fellowships at the Hermitage Artist Retreat and the Center for New Performance. He also serves as a Research Scholar of the Bridge to Faculty Program at the University of Illinois in Chicago, where he is a faculty member. In addition to his theatrical endeavors, Cole has delved into filmmaking, directing three short films: 'SIX FEET APART' by Isaac Gomez, 'SONS OF TOLEDO' co-written with Matt Foss, and his own creation, 'WHOLE,' inspired by his upbringing in Oak Park. These films are currently in post-production, slated for submission to film festivals worldwide. In 2020, Cole commenced development on his debut feature film, workshopping the script at the Center for New Performance. His upcoming project with Gomez, 'LA VUELTA,' is an anthology web series produced by Teatro Vista. Cole holds a BA in Theatre Studies from Emerson College and an MFA in Directing from the California Institute of the Arts, cementing his position as a versatile and accomplished artist in the realms of theatre and film.