In Memory of Jan M. Grayson

Actors Theatre of Louisville is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jan M. Grayson. In addition to serving on our Board of Directors from 2015 to 2021, Jan was a longtime advocate for the arts and for many other civic causes, both here in Louisville and his previous home of Chicago. We send heartfelt condolences to all of Jan’s friends and family.

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Beyond his work as a trustee of Actors Theatre, Jan’s local and regional board service included the Governors School for the Arts, Volunteers of America Mid-States, and the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Louisville and generously supported many causes in our community.

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In Chicago, he was on the executive committees of numerous nonprofit boards, including the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Society of Architectural Historians, Better Government Association, North Business Industrial Council, Golden Apple Foundation, and the National Association of Corporate Directors. This legacy of board service also encompassed many arts organizations, such as Chicago Jazz Ensemble, DePaul Theater, the Court Theatre, and Victory Gardens Theater, where he was a past president. In fact, his support for the American theatre goes back decades.
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With an extensive background in financial strategy and business consulting that spanned a career journey as a CEO, CFO, and Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (among others), Jan stepped into the role of Treasurer of Actors Theatre’s Board during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 Seasons. Over the course of his six-year board tenure, he was also a member of both the Internal Affairs and Finance Committees.  “I was fortunate to reconnect with Jan recently and we got to share fond memories about Actors Theatre and excitement for what’s to come,” shares Managing Director Emily Tarquin. “I am saddened that he will not get to be in the theatre with us and I know our post-show conversations would have been robust! But his legacy and impactful Board stewardship will be felt.”