We were lucky to catch up with Jay Pastucha recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jay, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

At Oil Lamp Theater, our mission is to create a warm, welcoming, and intimate theatrical experience that fosters deep connections between artists and audiences. What makes our mission truly meaningful is our commitment to bringing the quintessential storefront theater experience—so often associated with Chicago—to the suburbs. In our 60-seat space, every performance is personal, every audience member is close to the action, and relationships are built over time, not just for a single evening.

Theater has the power to bring people together, and in a world that often feels disconnected, we believe in the importance of shared experiences that spark conversation, laughter, and reflection. Beyond just putting on productions, we’re dedicated to being a cultural beacon in our community—providing a home for artists, a gathering place for audiences, and a catalyst for creative storytelling that resonates long after the curtain falls.

For us, it’s not just about entertainment; it’s about creating a space where people feel seen, valued, and part of something special. That’s the heart of our mission, and that’s why we do what we do

Jay, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born in Florida, but after nearly a decade in Chicagoland, I like to think I’ve fully recovered from my Florida past—I’ve earned my Chicagoan badge. What brought me here wasn’t just the city itself, but its thriving arts scene, which has been a constant source of inspiration.

My journey in theater started as an actor, then a director, and eventually led me to run a nationally touring educational theater company for five years. While I’ve always loved storytelling, I’ve found that being on the administrative side of theater is its own kind of creative process—one that allows me to build relationships, bring artists together, and create spaces where theater truly thrives.

Oil Lamp Theater has a unique story—it actually started in a Chicago apartment in 20025, where audiences would gather for intimate performances over homemade cookies and wine. That same spirit of warmth and connection still defines us today. Now located in Glenview, we’ve grown into a professional 60-seat theater, but we’ve never lost that personal touch. Every show still comes with complimentary cookies, and every performance feels like a gathering of friends. Oh- and we have a beautiful bar we put to good use with specialty cocktails for each show.

What sets us apart is that we bring the storefront theater experience—so iconic in Chicago—to the suburbs. Our space is intimate, our audiences are close to the action, and over time, we build relationships with the people who walk through our doors. And we’re not stopping there. With the launch of the Spark Center, we’re expanding our impact—offering new opportunities for education, rehearsals, and performances that deepen our connection with the community.

I’m most proud of how we’ve grown while staying true to what makes Oil Lamp special: a home for intimate, high-quality storytelling where audiences don’t just watch—they feel like part of something bigger. For those looking for theater that’s personal, immersive, and welcoming (with some great cookies, too), Oil Lamp Theater is the place to be.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Like many theaters, we faced a moment of reckoning when the pandemic hit—but our story is one of resilience, creativity, and community. I had just stepped into my role as Executive Director on March 1, 2020, and within weeks, live theater as we knew it came to a halt. Instead of retreating, we leaned in—determined not to lose our connection with our audience and artists.

We started with virtual play readings, some featuring live talkbacks with the playwrights themselves. Then, we took a bold step forward. We filmed a solo show and secured sponsors to rent two massive LED screens for a drive-in theater experience, allowing audiences to safely enjoy live performance from their cars. Then came a parking lot cabaret performance. But we didn’t stop there.

By the summer of 2021, we built an entire outdoor venue from the ground up—complete with a 20×30’ stage, four-foot risers, scaffolding towers for lights, and generators. Over ten weeks, we staged two fully produced productions, becoming one of—if not the first—Chicagoland theaters to bring back safe, live theater. It was an ambitious, whirlwind effort, but the response made every challenge worth it.

The part I’m most proud of isn’t just how we survived—it’s how that experience transformed us. The bond with our patrons deepened; we received letters and emails thanking us for bringing people together in a time of isolation. We expanded our pool of artists, designers, and directors, growing into a stronger, more innovative theater. Most importantly, we learned that investing in the art itself is pivotal—when you commit to bold storytelling and creative problem-solving, everything else follows.

That spirit of ambition still drives us today. The challenges of 2020 forced us to think beyond our storefront space, to dream bigger, and that mindset has carried into everything we do—including the launch of the Spark Center, our latest expansion to bring even more artistic opportunities to our community.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the hardest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that I had to carry everything myself. As someone deeply passionate about theater, I used to believe that if I just worked harder—if I put in more hours, took on more responsibilities, and handled every little detail—I could will everything into place. But the truth is, no matter how much passion you have, you can’t build something truly great alone.

I’ve burned myself out more times than I’d like to admit, pushing past my limits because I thought that was what leadership required. But the more I tried to do everything myself, the more I realized that real growth—both personally and for the organization—comes from trusting and empowering others.

The turning point came when I started focusing on building a team of passionate, dedicated people who believe in the mission just as much as I do. People I could trust, people who brought their own talents, perspectives, and ideas to the table. When you surround yourself with the right people—when you create a shared vision for a place that matters—you’re no longer just running a business. You’re building something together.

That shift in mindset didn’t just help Oil Lamp Theater grow—it made the work more meaningful. Now, I see my role as bringing people together, fostering mutual respect, and giving everyone the space to contribute. Because at the end of the day, the best ideas, the most exciting productions, and the biggest impacts aren’t the result of one person’s effort—they come from all of us working as one.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.oillamptheater.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oillamptheater/#
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oillamptheater
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oil-lamp-theater
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OillamptheaterOrg
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/oil-lamp-theater-glenview

Image Credits

STEVEN KOCH PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC. (PERSONAL)

GOSIA PHOTOGRAPHY (PRODUCTION PHOTOS)