Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Industry Ticket Offer

Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune - Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, 425 Fawell Blvd.,Glen Ellyn, is offering $5 industry tickets for Thursday and Sunday performances July 8 to 25. Actor’s tickets are available with headshot and resume and designer tickets are available with business card or resume. Subject to availability. For more information call (630) 942-4000.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Rehearsal Space Available at Chicago Dramatists

Rehearsal Space is available at Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W Chicago Avenue on the corner of Chicago and Milwaukee. There are two spaces available: A 77 seat theatre, available during the day, $25 per hour. Two 20’x25’ rehearsal rooms, available during the day and some evenings, $15 per hour. Please contact Brian Loevner at bloevner@chicagodramatists.org or call 312-633-0630.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

TCG National Conference Wrap Up

I was incredibly proud to be a part of this community last week when the TCG conference came to town. Our goals as hosts were to make sure that no one left the conference without understanding the depth and breadth of our community, for as many of our community wanted to participate that there were opportunities for all, and, of course to insure that everyone had a rockin’ good time. We had an amazing host committee and I think both of those goals were achieved.

I can only say anecdotally what a good time everyone had – I heard it constantly throughout the conference and I continue to hear it through emails. 260 people from 64 Chicago companies were delegates to the conference. An astonishing 54 of the presenters were artists and administrators from Chicago. There were 64 volunteers including students, interns and theatre professionals, pop-up performances consisted of 70 performers from 17 companies doing 29 performances. 15 Chicago designers were represented in the exhibition hall. Awesome.

Deb

Non Profit Incorporation and Tax Exemption Workshop

Lawyers for the Creative Arts
Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 5:30-8:45 p.m.
213 W. Institute Place, Ste. 403
The cost is $100 for one person, and $125 for two people.
This workshop will discuss whether to start a NFP, how to establish a NFP, as well as certain recurring operating problems. It will also cover in detail how to obtain a 501(c) (3) tax exemption and discuss several legal issues regarding maintaining tax exempt status. A full package of documents is included. Although this workshop is intended for artists of all types, it has been very popular with lawyers as well as it provides comprehensive coverage of the subject.
Please call LCA at 312-649-4111 to register.

Call for Papers for Chicago Theatre Symposium

Chicago - - Theatre Capital of America: Past. Present. Future.
An international scholarly symposium and theatrical celebration presented by the Theatre Department of Columbia College Chicago – the largest and most diverse private arts and media college in the nation with more than 120 academic programs and more than 12,000 students.
Dates: May 18-22, 2011
Place: Columbia College, Chicago, IL

Rationale
By creating the first international forum for scholars from Chicago and the Midwest, around the U.S., and overseas to consider the topics listed below, Columbia College Chicago's 2011 symposium on Chicago theatre can significantly influence scholarship about--and the future of--the performing arts on local, national and global scales.

FEATURED SPEAKERS
Michael Billington
theatre critic for Britain's Guardian newspaper

Martha Lavey
artistic director of Steppenwolf Theatre
and board president of the Theatre Communications Group

Richard Christiansen
Veteran Chicago theatre critic and author of A Theater of Our Own: A History and a Memoir of 1,001 Nights in Chicago (Northwestern University Press, 2004)

Todd London
co-author of Outrageous Fortune: The Life and Tmes of the New American Play (Theatre Development Fund, 2010) and editor of An Ideal Theatre (Theatre Communications Group, 2011), a documentary anthology of essays, letters, and memoirs, the founding visions for American theatres in the words of the pioneers who built them

CALL FOR PAPERS
Deadline for submissions: September 1, 2010
E-mail proposals to: chitheatresymposium@colum.edu

The organizing committee invites 300-word abstracts (including up to 10 low res images or up to 2 minutes video where relevant) addressing the past, present, and/or future of professional theatre in Chicago in relation, but not limited, to the following topics (other side):

1. Theory and Praxis; Workshops; Master Classes (acting, auditioning, casting, directing, design, dramaturgy, ensemble, improvisation, narrative, writing, criticism);
2. Education, Training, and Access (schools, colleges, programs, teachers, economic strata, social circles, professional networks);
3. Classical and Contemporary (Shakespeare, Loop, off-Loop, fringe, mainstream, musicals, genders, sexualities, ethnicities, abilities, presence/absence of international influences);
4. Management and Development (funding, patronage, boards of directors, unions, producing, marketing, sales, social media, audience development, government relations, public policy).

Proposals from emerging scholars and artists and attendance by graduate students are particularly encouraged.

Proposals should include the following items:
1. Your name, title, status (e.g., artist, faculty, independent scholar, management, student) and academic and/or professional affiliation (if applicable).
2. Your contact information (particularly e-mail).
3. The title and abstract for your paper, panel, workshop, master class. Please limit abstracts to 300 words. Proposals for panels of two or more scholars and for workshops and master classes with multiple leaders are welcome. Please include the above information for each participant.
4. The technical requirements of your presentation.

In your e-mail, please write “Chicago Theatre Symposium” in the subject heading and in the body of the message include the title of the proposal, your name, address, telephone, email address and affiliation (if applicable).
Receipt of your submission will be confirmed via email and you will be informed of the committee’s decisions by November 15, 2010.

For information on the conference see http://www.colum.edu/TheatreSymposium. You may also contact Albert Williams, Senior Lecturer, Columbia College Theatre Department, at 312-369-6141, awilliams@colum.edu, or Dr. John Green, chair of the Columbia College Theatre Department, at 312-369-6160, jgreen@colum.edu.

Illinois Arts Council Open Dialogue 2010 Scholarships

Scholarships are now available through the Illinois Arts Council in collaboration with Arts Midwest for artists and nonprofit organizations from Illinois seeking to attend The Association of American Cultures (TAAC) Open Dialogue 2010. The symposium, celebrating TAAC’s 25th Anniversary, will be held August 12-14, 2010, in Chicago, Illinois.

Eligibility
Ø Organizations must be incorporated as a nonprofit in the State of Illinois.
Ø Artists must have been Illinois residents for at least one year prior to the application deadline.

Levels of Support
1. Up to $700: Illinois artists and representatives from nonprofit organizations travelling sixty miles or more (each way) to Open Dialogue 2010 can apply for up to $700 to support expenses including registration, hotel for two nights, and travel.
2. Up to $325: Illinois artists and representatives from nonprofit organizations travelling fewer than sixty miles (each way) to Open Dialogue 2010 can apply for up to $325 to support expenses including registration and travel.

Deadline
Ø The deadline for application is Wednesday, July 7, 2010. Applications received after 5:00pm on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 will not be eligible.

How to Apply
Ø Directions for how to apply are now available on the Illinois Arts Council website, at: www.arts.illinois.gov/OD2010-scholarships.

If you have any questions regarding the application, please feel free to contact Walter Buford, Director of Performing Arts and Partners in Excellence Programs, at (312) 814-4992. More information about TAAC’s Open Dialogue 2010 is available online at www.taac.com.

Free Office Furniture

Greenhouse Theater Center is giving away a PLETHORA of office furniture - all used, but in fair to good condition! We have desks, chairs, cupboards, filing cabinets, phones, tables, cubicle dividers, etc. etc. Please come and take them off our hands!!! Free for removal of same. Any small donations are appreciated! Contact Jenn Kincaid - jennifer@greenhousetheater.org or 773.404.7336 x200 for more information or come by the theatre, 12-6pm weekdays and Saturday.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Industry Ticket Offer

Steel Magnolias – Hubris Productions at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, is offering $10 industry tickets to all Thursday night and Sunday matinee performances through July 29. Industry tickets are available at the box office or by calling 773-404-7336. H/R or business card will be required at the door.

Friday, June 18, 2010

TCG National Conference 2010


Follow the conference on Twitter: #tcg2010

Gorilla Tango Producing Opportunity

Love the Gorilla Tango Theatre Producer Deal, but Gorilla Tango's storefront venue is just not right for your project? There is now another option for you.

GTT can now mimic the same all-inclusive producing deal at any venue by utilizing Gorilla Tango Financial (www.gorillatango.biz). Cost will vary based on the venue you choose, but GTT can still provide the same turnkey offerings (rehearsal space, box-office services, basic marketing, etc. etc.) on the same no money up front plan as our wildly successful producing deal at Gorilla Tango Theatre. Now any producing company can produce with Gorilla Tango anywhere in the city/country/world/universe! Just another example of how Gorilla Tango strives to make producing easier and cost effective.

Want to learn more? Contact info@gorillatango.biz or visit www.gorillatango.biz.

Interested in Creating a Performance Space in Logan Square?

Premiere Theatre & Performance would like to partner with theatre, dance and improv companies to create a long term shared space on the square in Logan Square. Please email Patrizia and introduce yourself at pacerra@gmail.com.

Industry Ticket Offers

Chaste – Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland, is offering half-price ($10) industry tickets on Friday, June 18th at 8 p.m. For tickets call 773-384-0494 and mention this industry offer.

Twelfth Night – First Folio Theatre at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St. Oak Brook, is offering $5 tickets to industry professionals on Wednesdays at 8: 15 p.m. on July 7, 14, 21, 28 and August 4th. Tickets may be reserved in advance or purchased at the box office on the evening of the performance. Professionals must bring a union card, a headshot/resume, tech resume, or business card indicating employment with a professional theater company. Tickets may be reserved by calling 630-986-8067.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Summer Space Availability at Profiles Theatre

Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway, has immediate openings for prime time and late night productions. 65 seats, lights and sound, central air, great summer rates! Call for additional information and details. 773-549-1815 or profilestheatre@gmail.com.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Call for Artists at Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago

ABOUT THE EVENT
1306 - Ten Years Later
September 25, 2010
A day-long event, free and open to the public!

The Dance Center is celebrating their 10th Anniversary! Ten years ago, The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago moved to its current home at 1306 South Michigan Avenue. In the fall of 2000, we opened our doors to the public with 1306, an ambitious celebratory event involving over 45 dance artists and companies.

To mark the 10th Anniversary of our move, we are reprising the free day-long event with 1306 – Ten Years Later (link: http://www.colum.edu/dance_center/performances/1306/index.php) on September 25, 2010. Performances, classes, workshops, media installations and multidisciplinary programs will occur simultaneous in our studios, theater and other public spaces.

CALL FOR ARTISTS
At this time, we are issuing a request for Proposals for Programming for anyone that is interesting in participating in 1306 - Ten Years Later - either individually, with a company or in a collaboration with someone else.

If you are interested in participating in 1306 – Ten Years Later; either individually, with a company, or in collaboration with someone else – please complete an application form and submit it by June 21, 2010.

WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
Applicants can apply to participate in 1306 - Ten Years Later as individual artists, with a company or in collaboration with someone else.

If you are a director or manager of a company, please distribute this letter and application to your performers. If you are an individual artist, please pass it along to other artists you know or work with. We're interested in hearing your ideas.

Projects could include (but are not limited to): participatory experiences such as masterclasses, workshops or open improvisations for adults, children, families, or specifically targeted populations; site-specific performances; studio showings; fully presented performances; sound or media installations; readings; and lecture/demonstrations. We expect that, in general, each contribution of work or programming will not exceed 60 minutes, and most will be much shorter. Some programs may be repeated throughout the day, or a section of the day...others will occur only once.

Because 1306 – Ten Years Later will be presented to the public free-of-charge, there are limits to the fees we can offer participating artists. Fees will generally range between $250-$1,000 for individual programs dependent upon the scale of the project, the number of artists participating, and the number of times the program is performed/presented.

Technical support will also be limited, as not every studio nor public space is equipped for fully presented performances. Projects that are technically self-sufficient will be favorably received.

All programming ideas will be reviewed, and a schedule of events will be shaped by mid-summer. We will contact you if we have specific questions or to discuss specific points of your proposed project.

HOW TO APPLY
Download Application
Click here to download application

All applications must be sent to The Dance Center by Monday June 21, 2010.

For additional information about 1306 – Ten Years Later and ways in which you can participate, please click here.

Slideshow: 2010 League of Chicago Theatres Gala


Photography by Kimmy Noonen Photography

Industry Ticket Offer

Sizwe Banzi is Dead - Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, is offering $10 industry rush tickets available 1 hour before performances through June 13th. Must present a headshot, resume, business card, or theater program with your name in it to be eligible for this rate. One discount per person. Advance purchase tickets are also available at Buy 1 at regular price, Get 1 Free for all performances. See www.CourtTheatre.org or call (773) 753-4472 for details and restrictions.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Industry Ticket Offer

The Yeomen of the Guard - Light Opera Works at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson in Evanston, is offering half-price industry tickets on June 11 at 8 p.m. For tickets call 847-869-6300 or visit www.LightOperaWorks.com and use code "Beefeater." Tickets must be purchased in advance. No door sales.

Performance Space Availability at Oracle

Oracle Theatre is on sale for July! Prime slot Thur/Fri/Sat/Sun 6p-10p; all tech included; $550 a week! Send email to info@oracletheatre.org for more information.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Celebrating Chicago's Theatre Community

This morning I had the privilege of saying a few words at a press conference in honor of the Mayor celebrating the 10th anniversary of the theatre district. It was a truly inspiring event, a great cross-section of our community was there, representatives of a broad range of theatres, board members, business leaders and, of course, press. What was inspiring was the way everyone spoke about how great a City this is and what theatre means, not just to us, but to all Chicagoans. Rocco Landesman talked about how the arts are an integral part of the health of our Cities and used Chicago as an example of a great arts town. He also talked about how the arts drive economic development. The Mayor talked about the continued importance of arts education and the entrepreneurial spirit of theatre.

It was one of those moments when I was so proud to be a part of this community and so grateful to have this position. Lucky.

Deb

Sideshow Theatre Junkyard

Discover your next treasure from the Sideshow collective closets and cupboards on Saturday, June 12th and Sunday, June 13th from 10am - 4pm. Stop by Managing Director Megan Smith's stoop at 2537 W Leland Ave, and enjoy one of the many yard sales happening as part of the Greater Rockwell Organization's 31st Annual Gro Yard Sale! All proceeds from the yard sale will help fund Sideshow's next production of Kathleen Akerley's Theories of the Sun, opening September 9th at Theatre Wit! And that's not all! Sideshow's 2nd annual Junkyard will include a variety of delightful baked goods, made with love by the Sideshow staff.

Greenhouse Theater Center Rehearsal and Performance Space

Greenhouse Theater Center has new rehearsal spaces available for rent as of June 15, 2010! 2 large rooms available for day time and evening rehearsal rentals & classes. Sliding scale, and day rates available. Piano in the building. Call Jenn at 773.404.7336 x200 or email jennifer@greenhousetheater.org for information.

4-Week Summer Studio Rental available in August. 60 seat theater perfect for mounting a short, summer run or revisiting a popular past-production!

August run also available in the Downstairs Mainstage! 195 seat theater - includes lighting & sound equipment, dressing room, booth, backstage area, box office & house management. Stage has ample room for drama, comedy or small musical. Call or email for more details.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

NETWorks: The ABCs of Today's Creative Touring Partnerships

Network of Ensemble Theaters Presents
NETWorks: The ABCs of Today's Creative Touring Partnerships

The environment for touring has changed considerably in the last few years. Producing theaters are increasingly presenting and the rise of national and international performance festivals is creating greater opportunities to share the work. At the same time the sluggish economy is making many presenters risk-averse, looking for the “sure bets.”

In this shifting arena, what do ensembles and companies need to know as they prepare to tour—or re-think how they tour? Led by touring artists and “activist presenters,” this artist-centered workshop will map the touring landscape, build skills and share resources to prepare artists and companies to go out on the road.

This parallel pre-conference is presented in conjunction with the Theater Communications Group as part of the National Pre-Conference to their National Conference and is open to ALL National Conference registrants. Whether you’re touring to a theater across town or to a performing arts center across the country—(or just thinking about touring)—you won't want to miss this opportunity.

Registration Information:
This session is being offered as a pre-Conference of the Theatre Communications Group Annual Conference. The session will be Lookingglass Theater on Wednesday, June 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., lunch provided.

Registration fee is $100. If you register for the NET Pre-Conference and the TCG Conference, you will receive a 20% discount to the TCG Conference.

To register, please visit the TCG site: https://www.tcg.org/events/conference/2010/registration.cfm

Session Leaders:
MK Wegmann, President & CEO, National Performance Network, has 30 years experience in organizational development and artists' services. NPN supports the creation and touring of contemporary performing and visual arts, and in its home in New Orleans, serves as an intermediary and fiscal sponsor for artists and organizations working in recovery efforts. From 1978-1991 she was Associate Director for the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, and from 1993-1999 as Managing Director of the theatre company Junebug Productions. Wegmann serves on Boards of Directors for National Performance Network, Junebug Productions, Performing Arts Alliance (PAA) and the Cultural Alliance of New Orleans. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Spring Hill College and a Master of Arts degree from Louisiana State University of New Orleans (now UNO).

Steven Sapp is a founding member of UNIVERSES, a National/International ensemble of multi-disciplined writers and performers who fuse Poetry, Theater, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Politics, Down Home Blues and Spanish Boleros to create moving, challenging and entertaining theatrical works. The group breaks the bounds of traditional theater to create their own brand, inviting old and new generations of theater crafters as well as the theater goers and new comers to reshape the face of American Theater.

Additional Speakers/Resources:
Sabrina Hamilton is the Artistic Director of the Ko Festival of Performance, (
www.kofest.com), a summer festival of original work now entering it's 19th season in Amherst, MA. In this capacity, she has been written about extensively in Lisa Mulcahy’s new book Theater Festivals: Best Worldwide Venues for New Works, published by Allworth Press 2005. Ko was originally created by a group of touring ensemble artists who thought that they could create a more artist-centered environment where work could be both created and presented. As Artistic Director, she curates the performances, rehearsal residencies, and 6-day intensive workshops. She also recruits and supervises the interns, serves as Resident Lighting Designer, and is heavily involved in the marketing aspects. One niche that Ko has begun to fill as part of our "value-added" and "artist-centered" approach to presenting is to help pieces that have not yet toured adapt themselves for touring - particularly in terms of design or technical re-conception.

Marc Masterson is the Artistic Director at the Actors Theatre of Louisville. In ten seasons of leadership at Actors Theatre, Mr. Masterson has produced more than 200 plays in Louisville, expanded and deepened arts education programs and spearheaded community-based projects, including commissions and site-specific productions of regional stories and artists. He is an award-winning director, with more than 100 professional productions to his credit, who enjoys working on new plays as well as innovative productions of the classics. As a producer, he has brought new artists to Louisville audiences, including playwrights August Wilson, Craig Wright, Theresa Rebeck and dozens of Humana Festival playwrights. He led the creation of Actors Theatre’s first Education department and numerous community outreach efforts. Mr. Masterson earned an M.F.A. from the University of Pittsburgh and a B.F.A. from Carnegie Mellon University, and subsequently taught at both universities. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of Theatre Communications Group.

Deirdre Valente is Vice President of Lisa Booth Management, Inc. Since 1984 Deirdre Valente and Lisa Booth have produced and managed contemporary performing arts projects by generative artists in more than 300 cities in 30 countries on six continents. In theater, LBMI works on an ongoing basis with Handspring Puppet Company (South Africa), the Hip Hop Theater Festival (NYC), Ping Chong and Company (NYC) and Teatro Hugo & Ines (Peru). Recent projects/companies also include producing Ratan Thiyam’s Chorus Repertory Theatre from Manipur, India, and organizing and general managing the tours of Grandchildren of the Buffalo Soldiers for Trinity Rep & Penumbra, and Major Bang for the Foundry Theatre.

Deirdre’s expertise includes non-­profit and commercial producing and tour management, fiscal management and analysis, board development and grantsmanship, strategic and contextual marketing and promotion, technical production and dramaturgy. A member of Actors’ Equity Association, prior to joining Lisa Booth Management in 1984, she stage managed Broadway shows and served as Company Manager for international touring productions in opera and theater.

Ensembles ABC is a program of the Network of Ensemble Theater (www.ensembletheaters.net), supported through generous support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Industry Ticket Offer

The Odd Couple - Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark Street in Chicago, is offering $10 industry tickets for the 8 p.m. performance on Thursdays through 7/15. Call 773-338-2177 or show up at the door with proof of industry. Visit www.raventheatre.com for more information.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Industry Ticket Offers

Lady X - Hell in a Handbag Productions at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. is offering $10 industry night tickets on Sunday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. Advanced tickets can be purchased online or by phone with code word ‘industry’. Bring a resume. http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/104390 or 1-800-838-3006.

The Yeomen of the Guard - Light Opera Works at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson in Evanston, is offering half-price industry tickets on June 4 at 2 p.m. and June 5 and 11 at 8 p.m. For tickets call 847-869-6300 or visit www.LightOperaWorks.com and use code "Beefeater." Tickets must be purchased in advance. No door sales.