Almost 12 years ago, nonbinary lesbian Chicago documentary filmmaker and photographer Katie Scheuber created Katie Makes Films video, a production company to showcasing their love of visual storytelling, while still working as a social worker. In 2022, Scheuber’s wife Noemi Heras encouraged them to do the video work full time.
Last year Scheuber created Stay Tuned Productions and opened their studio space in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Scheuber brought Erick Arzate on board as a co-producer. They are in pre-production for a documentary series around rugby.
Scheuber said it’s been tough and fulfilling to get Stay Tuned Productions “off the ground, but I really enjoy what I do, and I think you have to choose things that breathe life into you. I find a lot of purpose and meaning being able to work for myself. It’s really challenging, it’s also a privilege. My dad taught me ‘patience is the key’ and good things take time, and my mom [believes in] being the best in everything she does. She’s always set a high bar.”
The name came from Scheuber frequently using the phrase “stay tuned.” Their work has an emphasis on “mental wellness, awareness and connectivity. A documentary style approach and authenticity is at the core of how I work.”
Scheuber got their bachelor’s degree in documentary filmmaking at DePaul University and a master’s degree in public administration at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). They decided on a dual academic route because they “not only want to engage others in storytelling, but I also want to bring it to the decision making table. I believe grassroots organizing and people power starts with storytelling and awareness, uplifting one another and creating bridges of understanding and connection.”
“I met Noemi while we were in college playing rugby against each other—me for DePaul and her for UIC,” said Scheuber.
Both of their coming out processes were rocky, with Scheuber realizing they were a lesbian at age 18 and Heras officially declaring her bisexual identity after the two of them started dating. They quickly fell in love, and after college played rugby together briefly on the Chicago Sirens team. Scheuber has been a referee since 2018 and enjoys being able to travel a lot for it. Heras can typically be found supporting Scheuber on the sidelines with a book, usually romance and/or fantasy.
The couple got married at Ping Tom Memorial Park (where they had their first date almost 10 years prior) in Chinatown on July 16, 2022, with close family and friends in attendance.
“It’s been a journey, but Noemi and I have stuck it out through the storms together for years even prior to being married,” said Scheuber. “It’s taken us so much time to get to where we are now. We’re so excited to be moving from Belmont Cragin to Edgewater…where we’ll be a little closer to some spots we love to spend time. I will get to walk on the beach now in between editing needs.”
“Earlier this year I hosted fundraiser, where I raised money for Covenant House Illinois to support buying cell phones for youth experiencing homelessness” said Scheuber. “We were so lucky to feature incredible talent with Haley from 3rd Period, Femme de Violette, Rey Valentine, Matt Neff and others. It was something that came together last minute to celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of Stay Tuned Productions.”
Earlier in 2026, they hosted the first annual Strength Through Pride variety show to raise money Covenant House Illinois to support buying cell phones for youth experiencing homelessness. The second Strength Through Pride event will take place Jan. 31, 2027, and, like the first, will also be a variety show fundraiser. “I’ve been teasing my return to performing in drag for a while, so stay tuned for more details of course,” said Scheuber.
They are looking for new opportunities to showcase and sell their work. Earlier this year, T. Salon and Gallery hosted some of their photographic prints.
Scheuber’s previous social work career included their time most recently at Covenant House Illinois where they were a youth engagement specialist and outreach and aftercare case manager. They also worked as a drop in operations supervisor for Connections for the Homeless at Hilda’s Place in the basement of Lake Street Church in Evanston, Illinois for people experiencing homelessness. Additionally, Scheuber was a YWCA Evanston/North Shore housing specialist for survivors of domestic violence.
They enjoyed working to provide support to people in need, especially as someone who “struggles deeply with mental health as well as from stigma” in solidarity with their clients. Scheuber believes representation is important and as someone who has struggled with bipolar disorder over the years, it has been a struggle many times to maintain that work. They still love these experiences because they have shaped them, built their resilience and grew their desire for creative expression and connection.
