Encore Performance

Katrina Syrris initially did not see herself as a CEO — that would take years. She did, however, dream of the stage from a young age. 

As a student in Larkin High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Academy, Syrris was drawn to theater early on. After graduating, she chose Elgin Community College for its affordability and theater program. 

“I was really happy to have ECC [as an option],” she said. “It is a fantastic school.”

At ECC, Syrris discovered more than just a cost-effective pathway; she found mentors who challenged her and shaped her future. She graduated in 2013 with an Associate of Arts degree, then transferred to Aurora University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis on academic research and writing. But it was during her time at ECC that her foundation was established. 

Now-retired Professor Stephen Gray, who taught theatre at ECC for 15 years, became a mentor to Syrris.

“I learned so much from him; it was a privilege to have him,” she said. “He taught theater, but it went beyond theater: He taught not just how to create a character, but also really stressed literary analysis.”

Gray held her to a higher artistic standard, something she now appreciates as essential preparation for leadership. She also credits David Zacker’s humanities course.

“It taught me so much about how the world works and the foundational philosophy that people live by, but they may not be able to identify,” she said. 

Turning Opportunity into Leadership

In 2018, at age 24, Syrris took a leap she never anticipated. When her friend's theater internship fell through, Syrris' mentor suggested something daring: start her own company and employ that same friend as an intern.

She had never considered that possibility before, but her theater experience made her realize she was very capable. 

While working as a freelance marketing professional, Syrris founded Goodly Creatures Theater, which celebrated its eighth year in April 2026. Since 2020, she has directed and produced Goodly’s Shakespeare in the Park series, traveling throughout the Chicagoland area. The series has drawn more than 2,000 attendees each summer.

“When the Shakespeare in the Park opportunity was offered to me [by the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission], I had to think about it for a little bit, and I decided absolutely because it aligns with our mission to make classic works accessible.”

Through community partnerships in Geneva, Algonquin, Schaumburg, and Elgin, Goodly’s productions are offered free to the public. 

“That is my shining jewel in the crown of Goodly, that we are free to the public,” she said. “I think it's really important to keep the arts accessible, because I think the arts are essential for a healthy community, a healthy democracy, an informed populace, and a compassionate populace.”

By removing financial barriers, Syrris ensures families, students, and first-time theatergoers experience performances in their own neighborhoods.

Beyond performance, Syrris is passionate about community-building and supporting small business owners. She offers educational workshops and has collaborated with the Schaumburg Public Library, where she led sessions on empowerment, creativity, and more. Syrris has also conducted workshops at the Blue Box Cafe in Elgin and the Lake Cook Career Collaborative. She currently serves on the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and recently began pursuing her MBA at the University of Illinois at Chicago. 

A Full-Circle Homecoming

This fall, Syrris returns to where her artistic journey was developed. Goodly Creatures Theatre will present William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” at ECC’s Blizzard Theatre on Saturday, September 19, at 7 pm, as part of the college’s Homecoming weekend celebration. 

The performance will serve not only as a homecoming highlight but also as a continuation of ECC’s role as a cultural hub for the region, connecting alumni achievement with community enrichment. 

For Syrris, bringing her company to ECC is meaningful. The same stage that once challenged her to grow as an actor will now host her as a director, producer, and CEO — a full-circle moment that reflects the power of community college beginnings. 

LEARN MORE

Visit goodlycreatures.com to learn more about Syriss and her company.

Visit eccartscenter.org to learn about  future productions at ECC.

This article is part of ECC's Spring 2026 edition of Impact Magazine.

Impact Magazine is a bi-annual publication featuring news and information on alumni, student success stories, Elgin Community College Foundation updates, and articles about how ECC is making a difference in our communities.