Derek Bertelsen (he/him) is a Chicago-based director and producer. He was a member and Co-Artistic Director of AstonRep Theatre Company for eleven years from 2012-2023. He was also co-founder/Artistic Director of The Comrades (2016-2020). In addition to his work with these two companies, he’s worked with BrightSide Theatre, Pride Films & Plays (member and Artistic Associate from 2011-2015), GreatWorks, Arc Theatre, and Bailiwick Chicago. He’s served as assistant director for plays at Goodman and Steppenwolf. Midwest credits include shows with New Ground Theatre in Davenport IA; Shawnee Summer Theatre in Bloomfield IN; Festival 56 in Princeton IL; Northern Lights Playhouse in Hazelhurst WI; Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan IL; and five seasons at Timber Lake Playhouse in Mt. Carroll IL. Recent Film: Rusty Pipe. Training: Second City, Chicago Filmmakers. BFA Theatre, Millikin University, Decatur IL.

Derek lives in Chicago. In his spare time he enjoys reading, photography, travel, concerts, and eating Cheetos.

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