Dakota Pariset (he/him) is a Chicago actor, producer, director, and playwright from Beaver Crossing, Nebraska. He’s worked both on and backstage with Chicago Dramatists, Curious Theatre Branch, Yippiefest, and Collaboraction, among others, and most frequently at The Artistic Home where he is an alum of their Meisner Studio. 

Dakota is the Founding Artistic Director of The Lightbulb Factory and microChicago and is also a company member with BYOT Productions (where he also served as AD), PlayGround-Chicago (‘24-’25 Writer’s Pool Member), and most recently, a Founding Short Leap Ensemble Member! 

Dakota’s connection to the Chicago theatre industry serves him, and Short Leap, as our Community Liaison. Dakota has been instrumental in the beginnings of numerous theatre organizations; his kind demeanor draws people to him by the gaggle and his ability to connect people with people makes him a delight to have in any space. Dakota can be seen all over the city, collaborating with artists on whatever they want to work on.

“I am a man, little do I last and the night is enormous. But I look up…”-Brotherhood by Octavio Paz.

Find Dakota on New Play Exchange!