Thursday, July 29, 2010

What We're Up To

If you are a regular reader of the broadcast or the blog, I think you have a pretty good idea of what we’re up to here at the League. Our new website is going to launch soon, we are spending time this summer at some festivals, we are selling loads of Hot Tix, we are planning for our Fall programs, including Free Month of Theater among others and even starting to plan some of our Spring programs and initiatives.

Earlier this week we held a meeting here at our offices of organizations that have junior boards, a fairly small contingent among Chicago theatres. The group included several member theatres but also non-members were invited to share information about their programs.

Surprisingly, to me anyway, we have very few requests for these types of events. Is there anything you would like to see the League do that we are not doing? Are there events you would like to see happen that aren’t happening? We would love to host more member suggested events. If you are thinking about it, there are probably more people out there thinking the same thing.

Let us know if there is a program you would like or something we can do that you think is missing in our community. That’s why we’re here.

Deb

Sign up for the Chicago Theater (anti) Conference August 20th - 22nd

As part of Theater Wit's mission to provide a forum for a wide variety of Chicago's best theater groups, they are happy to announce the first Chicago Theater Conference. They'll be opening all three spaces at Theater Wit for the community to meet and learn from each other in a series of community-driven presentations. They hope to offer up to 36 sessions about every aspect of creating and producing the performing arts over two days.

This isn't intended to be a traditional business conference where everyone listens to presentations, grabs a coffee and donut and then plays Tetris on their phone during the afternoon speakers to keep from falling asleep. The conference is designed to create communication, not be a traditional teaching /education conference. As such, each session will be structured to allow the maximum possible communication and as much back and forth discussion as possible. Sessions are 50 minutes long, with the speaker presentation limited to 12 minutes. The balance is reserved for group discussion, Q/A, etc. In addition, we'll be offering plenty of opportunities for folks to gather for food and drink and non-facebook-y social time. There's a preliminary schedule available at http://www.theaterwit.org/ctc/schedule of all the debates we hope to get into, from mission statements to grant techniques. We have folks from the city coming to tell you how to get in on millions of dollars, and Don Hall to tell you why you don't need it. Funders, Artistic Leaders, Small and large theaters, three parties. Seriously, why are you still reading this?

For a list of speakers, pass information and more, visit http://www.theaterwit.org/ctc

Chicago Fringe Festival Seeking Theatrical Equipment

The inaugural Chicago Fringe Festival, happening in the Pilsen neighborhood from September 1 through 5th, is looking for theatrical equipment to borrow for the duration of technical rehearsals and the festival. In exchange, the Festival is offering a FREE AD in the program! They are printing a minimum of 8,000 programs, and will distribute them to patrons and across the city at large. Do you want in? Great! Please see the list below to see if there is something you can lend for a spell. Why let equipment gather dust, when it can go on to great glory in the first annual Chicago Fringe Festival? They can provide transport for your equipment if necessary.

Please contact mikayla@chicagofringe.org and rachel@chicagofringe.org to make arrangements!
Deadline to get into the program is August 6, 2010.

They are looking for:
5 lighting consoles (These can be small and simple. We're not allowing groups to program the boards. Instead MEs will patch in an assortment of looks that the groups can access through submasters.)
4 channel dimmer packs and 6channel dimmer packs (No amount here because it depends on if we get more offers of 6channel dimmers or more of 4channel dimmers)
11 booms and bases (we'll take 6ft or 8ft tall)
30 Pars (Or anything else that will create a wash)
22 more tightly focused instruments
Cable (We need many lengths of stage pin cable)
3 small mixers and the necessary cables
3 CD players and the necessary cables
6 speakers and the necessary cables
2 projectors with the ability to play video
16 Stage Flats (preference is 4'x8' but I'll take what I can get)
2 Platforms (4'x8') - (1 is going to need to be raised to 1' high)
30 Sandbags
16 jacks for the for the flats
Two 4'x4' triangle plats (raised to 1' high)
3 large pieces of white fabric that we can weight at the bottom (king sized sheet size would be great - these are to make homemade projector screens)
Extension cords
Backstage lights
Ladders
Chairs
Tables (full and card table)

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Industry Ticket Offer

Les Enfants Terribles: Prom Night - Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont, is offering $10 industry tickets on Monday, August 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online with code bouffant. Visit http://www.redtapetheatre.org/ for details.

Bailiwick Chicago Costume and Prop Sale

Bailiwick Chicago seeks theater companies to either buy, store, or accept donations of various costumes and props, most from their recent production of AIDA, but some random things from earlier in the season. If you might be able to help, please contact Executive Director Kevin Mayes at kevindmayes@bailiwickchicago.com.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Space Availability at Gorilla Tango

Rent a space at Gorilla Tango Theatre in Chicago (Bucktown); easily accessible by “L” or bus, ample street parking available. Basic marketing, box-office services (online and phone), and rehearsal space is included (FREE) for all weekday and weekend timeslots. GTT runs shows 7 days per week, multiple shows per day; greatest potential for profit and greatest protection from loss for any self-producing company or individual. Mainstage space has 80-seat capacity – for pictures and more information visit http://www.gorillatango.com and click on “Producers Wanted” page, or contact Dan Abbate at 773-598-4549 or dan@gorillatango.com.

Space Availability at the Greenhouse Theater Center

Last-Minute production, rehearsal, event space at the Greenhouse Theater Center! The Downstairs Studio is available NOW thru Labor Day Weekend for any and all bookings. Have an improv show you’d like to try out? Just lost your rehearsal space? $100/performance hour. Rep plot in the air. Sound system already set up. 60-seat house with dressing room space. Projection screen and projector available for use with the space. Day rates and weekly rates for rehearsal available. Completely accessible location close to public transportation! Contact Jenn Kincaid at 773.404.7336 x200 or jennifer@greenhousetheater.org for more information.

Greenhouse Theater Center has office space available for rent and is looking for new tenants! Shared office space for three small companies (3 desk spaces each). Rental includes office furniture, phone/fax line, internet access, all utilities and amenities of the Greenhouse and REHEARSAL SPACE FOR THE YEAR. Join the community of Greenhouse Resident Companies in this thriving Lincoln Park location. Contact Jenn Kincaid at 773.404.7336 x200 or jennifer@greenhousetheater.org for more information and monthly rental rates.

Space Availability at Viaduct Theater

Viaduct Theater Main Stage is available Aug. 23-October 31 for as low as $800 per week. Viaduct offers box office services, new air conditioning system, parking, PAV license, and full-service bar. Contact whitney@viaducttheater.com.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Industry Ticket Offer

That Sordid Little Story - The New Colony at the Viaduct Theater, 3111 N. Western Ave. is offering a limited number of $10 industry tickets July 29, 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. and July 31 at 3 p.m. and $15 industry tickets are available to any performance through August 7. Reserve by calling the Viaduct Box Office at 773.296.6024 and use the code INDUSTRY. Visit http://thenewcolony.org/view/sordid for more information.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Get Ready

Some of you have maybe heard us talking about it the last few months, but if not, we’re thrilled to let you know now that we’re in the final stages of preparing to launch a brand-new ChicagoPlays.com. It’s about time, right? We’ve been hard at work on the new website for several months with countless design and development meetings, conference calls and internal conversations. Without giving too much away yet, the new site is going to be VERY cool and will provide theater patrons many ways to engage and interact with your company and shows and new tools for Chicago theaters to promote themselves and their work. We’re currently in the testing phase, and almost ready to let you take a look and begin to add your company and show content. In the meantime, we recommend that you hold off on adding any additional upcoming show information beyond August on the current site and watch out for an email from us in the next couple weeks with further instructions. We can’t wait to share it with you!

Chicago Arts Learning Initiative Informational Sessions

The Chicago Arts Learning Initiative (CALI) is a community-wide, collaborative effort to ensure equitable and sustainable access to innovative arts learning for all Chicago Public School (CPS) students. Throughout 2009, more than 300 arts education stakeholders participated in a planning process, that led to recommendations on how to:
· Increase information and understanding about the levels and availability of arts education in CPS
· Coordinate evidence-base advocacy
· Establish effective arts leadership within schools and communities
· Improve teaching and learning
· Better coordinate and align citywide efforts

In response to the Chicago Arts Learning Initiative’s recommendations, the Chicago Arts Learning Institute (The Institute) will be established to positively impact student success by preserving, advancing and expanding arts learning opportunities in Chicago. The Institute will be a catalyst for change. It will partner with CPS and the arts community to increase the current level of arts education for all students and minimize or overcome barriers to access for students with the fewest opportunities.

We encourage you to come to a CALI information session to learn more! RSVP's ARE REQUIRED. If you haven't already done so, please RSVP now to Claire at crabkin@fryfoundation.org to attend one of the following:

1) Wed, July 28, 4:30-6:00 p.m. - CALI Informational Session at the Chicago Cultural Center (Millennium Park Room)
2) Tue, Aug 3, 9:00–10:30 a.m. - CALI Informational Session at the Chicago Cultural Center (Millennium Park Room)

Join the UChicago Arts Pass Program

Would you like to reach out to over 12,000 University of Chicago college and graduate students? Created to increase student engagement with cultural institutions throughout Chicago, the UChicago Arts Pass program provides students with free or reduced cost access to arts organizations throughout the city. You can be part of the program by creating a special discount for University of Chicago Students or by promoting existing student discounts on the Arts Pass website. To learn more about the program visit artspass.uchicago.edu. If you would like to discuss your possible participation or have any questions, please contact Naiara Testai at naitestai@uchicago.edu or 773.702.2884.

WCPT Radio PSA Opportunity

WCPT Radio is offering a special promotional opportunity with their new initiative Emphasis on the Arts. Emphasis on the Arts is an informational series of Public Service Announcements and web promotions designed to educate the public on what is happening in the literary arts, dance, music and theater in the Chicago region by highlighting small nonprofit arts organizations doing good work in their communities.

Check out the attached form for you to complete and submit using the contact information listed at the bottom. Please note that submission of this form does not guarantee inclusion in the PSA series.

If selected, WCPT will create the copy and produce the spot which will run for one-two weeks. The station will also email you an MP3 version so you can post it on your website--if you do post it on your website, the station just asks that to please also post its logo to credit the source of the material. Also, WCPT has a copy of audios posted on its website if you want to listen to other PSAs; please visit http://chicagosprogressivetalk.com/pages/pages.php?page=15

Please contact WCPT’s Mark Earnest directly at mearnest@newswebradio.net or by calling 773.838.0226 if you have any questions about the program.

Jeff Award Season Begins August 1

Attn: Equity Theatre Contacts to the Jeff Awards,

August 1 marks the beginning of the 2010-2011 theatre season for the Jeff Awards. Please use this updated form to submit productions for judging. The form is due on the 18th of the month before the production opens. (Productions opening in August are due on July 18.) You may forward forms for your entire season at any time.

Send all publicity, changes in schedule, and cast to:
Diane Hires, Equity Chair
The Jeff Awards
equitywing@jeffawards.org
630-852-9249 (w)
www.jeffawards.org

Caffeine Theatre Costume and Prop Sale

Caffeine Theatre is having a Costume, Prop, & More Sale on Saturday July 24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 7048 N. Paulina Street, #1 on the corner of Paulina & Greenleaf in Rogers Park. Don't miss your chance to procure rare and historied items from past Caffeine productions (Japanese screens, hand-made kimonos, boots, capes, cocktail glasses, faux-Victorian dresses) as well as other goodies (books, furniture, breadmakers, grills, TVs, CDs, luggage, and more)!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Hobo Junction Seeking Submissions

HOBO-ROBO II IS COMING...
YOU WILL SUBMIT!

Hobo Junction, the company who brought you Bad Guys in Suits and The Regulars: the Epic War Rock Musical about Waiters, is currently accepting submissions for playwrights, directors, and actors for their 2ND ANNUAL HOBO-ROBO NEW COMEDIC WORKS FESTIVAL to be held October 11-13. All submissions are due by Friday, August 6th.

We are looking for 10 minute comedic works. They must be original, creative, fresh and above all, ridiculous. We celebrate new comedy so all submissions must be works that make you laugh. Don’t worry about us, we laugh at everything. HELP SUPPORT NEW COMEDY! SUBMIT!

All information and questions should be sent to HoboJunction@sbcglobal.net

Playwrights: Pieces should be 7-10 page original comedic works. Any play over 15 pages will not be considered! Submissions will be reviewed by committee and 7-9 works shall be chosen.

Directors: Please send resume and your top 3 favorite comedic films to HoboJunction@sbcglobal.net. Directors will be chosen by August 10th. Please include "ATTN: DIRECTORS" in the subject heading.

Actors: Send Headshot/Resume to Hobojunction@Sbcglobal.net. You will be contacted in early August with your audition time and what to prepare. Please include “ATTN: CASTING” in the subject heading.

Plays will be selected on August 10th and 7 - 9 pieces will then be given to 7 directors to decide the 7 to be performed in the festival.

PLAYS MUST BE 7-10 PAGES, ORIGINAL COMEDIC WORKS

Industry Ticket Offers

After the Fall - Eclipse Theatre at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln is offering a $10 industry ticket on Friday, July 23 at 8 p.m. For tickets call 773-404-7336 and mention this industry offer.

Hard Headed Heart - Blair Thomas & Co. at the Richard Christiansen Theater at Victory Gardens, 2433 N. Lincoln, is offering League members $15 industry tickets to the Sat, July 24, 10 p.m. late night performance. Use promo code COOL when purchasing tickets online at http://www.victorygardens.org/, or via the Victory Gardens Box office, 773.871.3000.

Late: A Cowboy Song – Piven Theatre 927 Noyes St. in Evanston, IL, is offering a limited number of $10 industry tickets for the 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinee performances on July 25th, August 1st, & August 8th. Call 847.866.8049 and mention this industry offer. Visit http://www.piventheatre.org/ for more information. Subject to availability.

A Guide for the Perplexed - Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln, is offering $10 industry tickets to the July 27, 7:30 p.m. performance. Tickets are available through code “INDUSTRY” in person, by calling 773.871.3000, or at http://www.victorygardens.org/. Please present a headshot, resume, or business card when claiming tickets.

Les Enfants Terribles: Prom Night - Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont, is offering $15 industry tickets through August 14. Tickets can be purchased online with code VE2VUZ or at the door. Visit http://www.redtapetheatre.org/ for details.

Talk Radio - The State Theatre of Chicago at Heartland Studio, 7016 N. Glenwood, is offering $10 industry tickets to any Thursday or Sunday performances through August 15. Purchase tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/116590 and use code "iworkhere."

Friday, July 16, 2010

Redtwist Theatre Sidewalk Sale

Redtwist Theatre is having a sidewalk (and basement) sale this Saturday, July 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Items for sale include shoes, costumes, props, furniture, and jewelry. You can own some Redtwist theatre treasures. They're practically giving them away. Just stop by and explore. You'll get to see their huge basement storage area and find some real bargains. You won't find items like these anywhere! In fact, the entire community of Edgewater will be one big sale and entertainment venue. Don't miss it!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Festival Season

Last weekend we were at the Folk and Roots Festival in Lincoln Square with a League booth. We did this at a couple of festivals last year and did really well. It’s great fun to be out there representing Chicago theatre, hundreds of people come by and you would be amazed at how many of them pick up about 10 of your flyers and brochures. They ask all kinds of questions and are truly interested in what we do. We do this little contest, name your favorite Chicago actor and last weekend we ran out of prizes on both days.

This weekend I am honored to be a “witness” for ComedySportz attempt to break the world record for most high fives in an hour. I don’t know how many opportunities I’ll have to promote Chicago theatre, but I just can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to it. Please come out on Sunday to the Taste of River North at Erie and Kingsbury, registration opens at 3 and high fives start at 4.

In August we will be at Market Days, which, if you’ve never been is WILD. So, if you haven’t sent us postcards or brochures or swag for that, make sure you do. Thousands of people came by our booth there last year.

Footlights October-November 2010 Issue Opportunity

Footlights, the program publication used by nearly 100 theaters and performance groups in the Chicago area, will have an expanded “Arts Scene” section in its October-November issue. They are offering a special opportunity to members of the League of Chicago Theatres.

All theaters that will be producing shows in October, November or December will be entitled to a FREE listing. The October-November issue will have a circulation of over 80,000 copies. Approximately 70,000 copies will be distributed by theaters that use the program. The balance will be available at venues where theatergoers congregate and other public places. Since many League members use Footlights as their program publication, we will give those theaters the added bonus of a FREE 30-word listing plus artwork for each of their productions running during that time period.

In order to take advantage of this offer, please submit the following information for each show by Friday, August 20 to Managing Editor Myrna Petlicki at myrna_petlicki@sbcglobal.net.

Run Dates
Title
Company
Venue
Address
Phone No.
Website

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Call for Nominations - League of Chicago Theatres Board of Directors

The League of Chicago Theatres is now accepting nominations to fill four upcoming vacancies on its Board of Directors. Nominees may be from any budget category theatre or a civic representative. Theater representatives must be from theaters that are full voting members of the League. Board members serve for 3 year terms.

Board Member Responsibilities
The role of the League is to promote, support and advocate for Chicago theater. As a board member, you are part of a dynamic team that will help guide the programs and priorities of the League. The board meets six times per year, and we also ask board members to serve on at least one standing League board committee: (committees currently include Marketing, Finance, Audit, and Member Services). Board members are expected to make meaningful and appropriate personal contributions to the board and its programs and are also expected to demonstrate leadership in encouraging member participation in League programs year-round.

Nomination Requirements
If you would like to nominate someone or be considered for League board membership, please submit a letter of intent that includes interest and qualifications, a current resume, and a two to three paragraph bio. Send nominations to: League of Chicago Theatres, Attn: Nominating Committee, 228 S. Wabash, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60604, via fax at 312-922-7202, or via email at info@chicagoplays.com by 5:00 PM on August 13, 2010.

What Happens Next?
The League has assembled a Nominating Committee that is representative of the diversity of the membership, including Board members from theatres of varying sizes. The Nominating Committee will consider all nominations for Board vacancies and present a slate of candidates to the membership for review by Friday, September 17 via a special Broadcast email. The slate of candidates, along with their qualifications and biographies, will also be mailed to all voting members.

Election Night Results:
The membership will vote on the slate at the Annual Meeting of the Membership.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Industry Ticket Offers

Les Enfants Terribles: Prop Night - Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont, is offering $5 industry tickets to previews performances on Friday 7/16 and Saturday 7/17 at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online with code VE2VUZ at www.redtapetheatre.org. Contact Myah Shein at info@redtapetheatre.org with questions.

Charenton - Cuba's Teatro Buendia at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, is offering $10 tickets on July 15 (7:30 p.m), July 17 (8 p.m.) and July 18 (2 p.m.). Call 312.443.3800 or visit GoodmanTheatre.org to reserve your tickets, using code TEATRO.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Hey LeBron, Come to Chicago!

We had a really great video, but we couldn't upload it. We have more than 250 Chicago area theaters; More than Cleveland and Miami combined. There's a gift bag and a book waiting for you. We hope to see you soon.

Rental Space Available at Stage 773

North side (Lakeview) theatre space available for the month of September/October at Stage 773 (formerly Theatre Building Chicago). 148 seats in great location near public transportation; includes lighting package, full box office and marketing assistance. Contact Jill Valentine at (773) 929-7367 x229 for details.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

MacArthur Foundation Expands Working Capital Loan Fund

The MacArthur Foundation is expanding by $500,000 the Working Capital Loan Fund for Arts and Culture.

This program began in May 2009 to provide a tool to help arts organizations address the cyclical cash flow challenges they often encounter. The Fund provides lines of credit (up to $100,000 depending on your organization's budget size) to help meet the cash flow and working capital needs of small to mid-sized arts organizations.

Demand for the program was much greater than anticipated. The initial $1 million in loans were made to 15 groups by 2010. One year later, loan recipients have shared stories of jobs preserved or created (total of 33) and the ability to continue operations as a result of these loans. To date, there have been no defaults.

To apply to the Fund, your organization must: (a) be a current grant recipient of the Foundation’s arts and culture program, either directly or through one of the MacArthur Funds at the Prince Charitable Trusts or the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, and (b) have an annual budget between $250,000 and $3 million.

The Executive Service Corps of Chicago, a non-profit consulting organization, helps interested grantees with the application process and loans are made by ShoreBank.

To apply for a loan through the Fund, a representative of your organization should contact the Executive Service Corps of Chicago, which will conduct an initial assessment about the eligibility of your organization for this program and help you prepare the financial documents to apply for the loan through ShoreBank. Executive Service Corps provides advice and counsel to potential borrowers on financial management questions related to your loan application.

To begin the process of applying for a loan or if you have any questions, please contact John Donaker of the Executive Service Corps of Chicago at 312.580.1840 ext. 331 or john.donaker@esc-chicago.org.

Industry Ticket Offer

A Guide For The Perplexed – Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, is offering a limited number of $10 industry tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance on Tuesday, July 27. Call 773-871-300 or visit the Box Office before Sunday, July 11 and mention this industry offer. Visit http://www.victorygardens.org/ for more information.

A Parallelogram - Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, is offering $10 tickets to previews Thursday, July 8 through Saturday, July 10. To redeem tickets call Audience Services directly at 312.335.1650 and use code “7153.” Tickets must be reserved one hour before performance. Subject to availability. Visit www.steppenwolf.org for more information.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Performance Space Available at Chicago Dramatists

Main-stage Rental Space available at Chicago Dramatists for the following dates: March 7 - April 17, 2011. This is a 6-week production slot. The theatre is 77 seats with a full lighting and sound package, air conditioning, dressing rooms and 24 hour access during technical rehearsals. Theatre rental is $1,075 per week. Rehearsal space is also available at $10 per hour. Please contact Brian Loevner at bloevner@chicagodramatists.org or 312-633-0630.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Happy Independence Day!

We wish you all a safe and relaxing fourth of july weekend.

2010 Chicago Theatre Community Golf Open

The 2010 Chicago Theatre Community Golf Open is on-sale! The date of the event is Monday, July 19th at beautiful Marengo Ridge Golf Club. Book your single or foursome now! The cost is ONLY $25 per person and that gets you: golf, cart, lunch, awards dinner and swag. Any proceeds from this theatre community event will be donated to Season of Concern. You do NOT want to miss this annual community event. Click here to register: www.ctcopen.com

Industry Ticket Offer

After the Fall – Eclipse Theatre at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $5 industry tickets for previews July 8, 9 and 10th and $10 tickets on Thursday, July 15th. For tickets call 773-404-7336 and mention this industry offer.