Lydia is a director and educator in Chicago and a mother of three. She founded Parents in Chicago Theatre, a research and advocacy organization. She also serves as the Chief Rep for Chicago in the Parent Artist Advocacy League (PAAL), a national network and resource hub for parents working in the performing arts. She has an MFA in theatre directing from East 15 Acting School in London and teaches at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. lydiamilmanschmidt.com