A Good Goodbye: Celebrating Robin Gillette's Leadership at the Jungle

Today we share the bittersweet news that after many seasons of serving as Managing Director in both an interim and permanent capacity, the Jungle's Managing Director Robin Gillette is stepping down from her role at the Jungle Theater.

During her time here, Robin’s steady administrative and financial leadership, as well as her passion for the LynLake community and vibrancy of the Twin Cities’ theater scene has been indispensable in making the Jungle what it is today.

A theater cares for its people and Robin cares immensely. Her legacy will live on with every person (staff, actor, patron, donor, community partner) that she has worked with during her time at the Jungle Theater. From cooking Thanksgiving dinners for actors separated from their families during the pandemic to picking up litter with fellow LynLake community members, Robin's kindness, financial expertise, and inspiring leadership has had a profound impact on the Jungle.

Group of people in orange safety vests — LynLake Community Cleanup

Table with labeled food on it — Thanksgiving meals in Robin’s backyard prepped for delivery

Person standing in front of mural that reads MAKE TODAY BETTER — “I've loved my time at the Jungle, and more importantly, the people I've had the privilege to work with here.

I first walked in the doors in 2015, and my latest ‘interim’ assignment began in fall 2019. In that time, I've been part of seismic shifts that included two artistic director transitions, the arrival of COVID, and civil uprising on Lake Street, right outside the Jungle's doors. I'm proud of the work we all did to weather truly unprecedented times, without wavering on our mission to tell stories and take care of our people. Now it's time to cede my front-row seat to others to continue our vibrant work in ever-changing ways.”

Although the Jungle staff and board are saddened by this resignation, we are grateful for the time we had with this incredible leader and are thrilled to see what she will do next. Please join us in thanking Robin for everything she’s done for us and wishing her the best for her next chapter.