The Joffrey Ballet
Cody Chen is an experienced arts management professional currently serving as General Manager, Director of Production, and Production Manager at The Joffrey Ballet since July 2018. Previously, Cody held the position of Associate Production Manager at Children's Theatre Company from February 2017 to July 2018, and served as Company Manager and Production Stage Manager at Alonzo King LINES Ballet from April 2014 to February 2017. Additional experience includes acting as a Guest Lecturer at Inner Mongolia University Art College in June 2013, and working as an Events Office Assistant at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts from August 2009 to May 2011. Earlier roles include Interim ESL Teacher at Xiamen No.1 Middle School and Production Assistant at Xiamen Media Group. Cody's educational background includes a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre - Stage Management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Xiamen University. Cody is currently pursuing a Global Arts Management Fellowship in Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management at DeVos Institute of Arts Management from June 2023 to July 2025.
The Joffrey Ballet
The Joffrey is a world-class, Chicago-based ballet company and dance education organization committed to artistic excellence and innovation, presenting a unique repertoire encompassing masterpieces of the past and cutting-edge works. The Joffrey is committed to providing arts education and accessible dance training through its Joffrey Academy of Dance and Community Engagement programs. Classically trained to the highest standards, The Joffrey Ballet expresses a unique, inclusive perspective on dance, proudly reflecting the diversity of America with its company and audiences and repertoire which includes major story ballets, reconstructions of masterpieces and contemporary works. Founded by visionary teacher Robert Joffrey in 1956, guided by celebrated choreographer Gerald Arpino from 1988 until 2007, The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under internationally renowned Artistic Director Ashley Wheater. The Joffrey Ballet has become one of the most revered and recognizable arts organizations in America and one of the top dance companies in the world.