Perhaps no one in the theatre sphere had a better 2013 than Kimberly Senior. The director racked up rave reviews for three productions, including 4,000 Miles at Northlight Theatre and The Letters at Writers Theatre, and was short-listed for the prestigious Callaway Award.

This month she directs the Chicago premiere of Amy Herzog’s The Great God Pan at Next Theatre, opening April 3. “She knows how to work with each actor to get a [great] performance,” says Jennifer Avery, Next Theatre’s artistic director.

$30–$40. Next Theatre, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. nexttheatre.org