Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Industry Ticket Offers

The Passions of Emma Goldman written by and starring Roslyn Alexander - ShPIeL Performing Identity is offering a limited number of $10 discount tickets for industry professionals for Thurs evenings at 7:30 pm at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont; and for Wed and Thurs evenings at 7:30 pm at the Skokie Theatre on 7924 N. Lincoln Ave. in Skokie. The show is only running until June 1 at Stage 773 and then reopens at Skokie on June 4 through June 22. Go to the website www.stage773.com or call Stage 773 box office at 773-327-5252 or Skokie Theatre www.skokietheatre.com or call 847.677.7761 and mention the code GOLDMAN Advance reservations suggested. Must show proof of industry when claiming ticket. Visit www.ShPIeLtheatre.com for more information about the show.

The Emperor of Atlantis / The Clever One - Chicago Opera Theater at DePaul's Merle Reskin Theatre at 60 E. Balbo on May 31, June 4, 6, 8 is offering an exclusive 50% off industry tickets for all performances of the their Spring Double Bill. Discounted tickets are available with code INDUSTRY50 when you call 312.704.8414 or visiting ChicagoOperaTheater.org. Discount and seating are subject to availability.

The Madhatter’s Fun House – Lookingglass Theatre Company is offerings $40 industry tickets for the most unique fundraiser of the summer, the Junior Board’s Madhatter’s Ball. This outrageous event will feature cocktails, wine, beer, restaurant tasting stations, dancing, DJs, carnival performers, a silent auction, raffle and carnival games, all to benefit Lookingglass’ acclaimed arts education programs. Costumes are optional, hats are recommended! Saturday, June 14 at Block 37, 108 N State St. Call 312-337-0665 or visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org/madhatters*. *When purchasing online, place the code “industry” in the “Special Instructions” field along with your most recent company affiliation. Your credit card will not be charged until reviewed by our staff, and your confirmation email will reflect the industry rate.

The Pajama Men: Just The Two Of Each Of Us - UP Comedy Club in Piper's Alley, 230 W. North Ave is offering $10 tickets to the Thursday, June 12 8pm and Sunday, June 15 7pm performances. Discounted tickets are available with the code: INDUSTRY when you call 312-662-4562 or visit UPComedyClub.com. Discount and seating are subject to availability.

Damn Yankees - Light Opera Works at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson in Evanston, is offering half-price industry tickets on June 7 and 13 at 8pm, and June 8 and 11 at 2pm. For tickets call 847-920-5360 or visit www.LightOperaWorks.com and use code "bat." Tickets must be purchased in advance. No door sales.

Charles Ives Take Me Home -- Strawdog Theatre at 3829 N. Broadway, is offering industry tickets through Sat. June 21st. Discounted tickets are available with code INDUSTRY online at www.strawdog.org or by calling 773.528.9696. There is a limited tickets available for the run.

Caged Dames - Hell in a Handbag Productions at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. are offering industry nights on Monday, June 16 and Wednesday, July 9, 8pm with code word 'industry' online or at the door with resume.

Grounded - American Blues Theater at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $10 industry tickets to performances June 6-8, 2014 with the code word INDUSTRY online or in person at the box office.

Orville and Wilbur Did It! – The New Colony at Signal Ensemble Theatre (1802 W Berenice Ave) is offering exclusive $10 industry tickets on Sunday, June 22 and Sunday, June 29 at 6pm. Use code OWINDUSTRY online here or call 773.413.0862.

In the Garden: A Darwinian Love Story – Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Water Works at 821 N. Michigan Ave, is offering exclusive 2-for-1 industry tickets now through Thursday, June 12. Discounted tickets are available with code INDUSTRY2FOR1 when you call 312.337.0665 or visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org. Discount and seating are subject to availability.

The Fun House - Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont is offering industry tickets on June 14th 2014 from 3-11pm A festival of Fun at Stage 773 featuring Games, Food, Drink, Entertainment including Jesse White Tumbers, Starkids, Briko, Cupid Players and more! Regular tickets $10. Industry tickets $8 Order online – no online fees apply for this event!! http://www.stage773.com/funhouse

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Making Homes for the Arts in Sacred Places

Partners for Sacred Places’ Making Homes for the Arts in Sacred Places program cultivates new collaborations between arts organizations without a home and houses of worship with space to spare. The program builds bridges between artists and congregations, benefiting both groups. Come learn more!

Join Partners for Sacred Places at our upcoming Arts in Sacred Places Informational Event!
Friday, June 6th
Unity Lutheran Church
1212 W. Balmoral at Magnolia, Chicago
7:00 p.m. AiSP Networking Meeting
• Learn about how space-sharing opportunities work.
• Network with artists and houses of workshop to discuss space-sharing needs and ideas!
8:00 p.m. Beer, Bach, and Blues,
• Witness visual artist Magdalena Arguelles’ ‘Ancestral Elegy’ series of moving paintings and photographs.
• Experience P3/east, a movement-based performance company combining dance and theater in dynamic new ways.
• Enjoy Jerry Jelsema & Friends Ensemble performing an incredible range of pieces from Bach to Ellington to Gershwin.
• Relax with a frosty brew and light hors d’oeuvres as you meet the artists and roam from one showcase to the next.

To RSVP, or for more information about Making Homes for the Arts in Sacred Places, please contact
Mariam Thiam
Program Manager, Arts in Sacred Places
mthiam@sacredplaces.org
866.796.0297 x97
773.733.8147

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Industry Ticket Offers

In the Garden: A Darwinian Love Story – Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Water Works at 821 N. Michigan Ave, is offering exclusive 2-for-1 industry tickets on Saturday, May 17 at 3pm and Thursday, May 22 at 7:30pm. Discounted tickets are available with code INDUSTRY2FOR1 when you call 312.337.0665 or visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org. Discount and seating are subject to availability.

Mill Fire - Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 West Belmont Avenue, is offering $15 Industry tickets for Thursday performances through June 5. Tickets can be booked online at www.shatteredglobe.org, via telephone at 773-975-8150, or in-person at the box office. A resume, headshot, or business card must be presented at pick-up.

The New Colony’s 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche - Chicago Commercial Collective at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, offers a special industry show this Sunday, May 18 at 2pm.  Get $15 tickets by using the discount code CREW15 at www.5LesbiansEatingAQuiche.com or bringing a headshot to the box office.

The Chicago Humanities Festival's Stages, Sights & Sounds - Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave, is offering advance half-price tickets for ALL remaining performances through May 24 with the code INDUSTRY5. Call (312) 494.9509 or purchase online at http://chicagohumanities.org/events

Cock by Mike Bartlett - Profiles Theatre, 4139 N. Broadway, is offering a limited amount of $15 industry tickets for Thursdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 7 pm through June 29th. Industry tickets are available with code INDUSTRY39 when you call the box office at 773-549-1815 or visit www.profilestheatre.org to enter the code. Discount and seating are subject to availability.

Lost in Yonkers - Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd, is offering a pay-what-you-can performance this Sunday, May 25 at 7pm! Tickets are available by walkup, day of performance only (Box Office opens at 12:30 that day).

The Sound of Music - Lyric Opera of Chicago is offering a limited number of $29 balcony seats for all remaining performances -- Friday, May 23 at 7pm; Saturday, May 24 at 1:30pm and 7pm; and Sunday, May 25 at 1:30pm. Use promo code LEAGUE to buy tickets online at lyricopera.org or call 312.827.5600.

Juno - TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave. is offering $22 industry tickets to performance May 24 at 4 and 8 p.m. and May 25 at 2 p.m.  Buy online or call the TimeLine Box Office at 773.281.8463 x6 and use code INDUSTRY22 when ordering.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Later Stages - Chicago Children's Theatre at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N Dearborn St. is offering $15 industry tickets to our current show The Very Hungry Caterpillar for Thursday May 29th at noon, as well as to our new series Later Stages, featuring shows Superman 2050 and Lula del Ray performed by Chicago cutting-edge theatre artists. Last two weekends to see any of these shows! To reserve your tickets use code INDUSTRY online, over the phone or in person. Box Office: 872.222.9555 or visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

M. Butterfly - Court Theatre, 5535 S Ellis Ave, is offering $10 rush tickets starting one hour before performances to industry professionals to all performances through June 8th. Offer is subject to rush ticket availability and is limited to one per industry member with proof of industry.

In the Garden: A Darwinian Love Story – Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Water Works at 821 N. Michigan Ave, is offering exclusive 2-for-1 industry tickets Tuesday, May 27 through Friday, May 30 at 7:30pm. Discounted tickets are available with code INDUSTRY2FOR1 when you call 312.337.0665 or visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org. Discount and seating are subject to availability.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Robert Christen Memorial on May 13

Celebrate the life of Robert Christen on May 13
Please join Goodman Theatre for a memorial service honoring the life and work of longtime Resident Lighting Designer Robert Christen.

Tuesday, May 13 from 4-6pm, Goodman's Albert Theatre
Doors open at 3:30pm
An open-bar reception will be held after the service in the theater’s lobby.

“Bob Christen was one of the most significant people in the history of the Goodman,” said Executive Director Roche Schulfer at the time of Bob’s passing. “In his brilliance as an artist combined with his acumen as a master electrician, he was essential to everything we have achieved over the past four decades. His impact on theater, dance and music in Chicago and across the country is immeasurable. Most importantly, Bob was a great friend, tremendous colleague and wonderful person.”

In recognition of Bob’s 42 years—and more than 100 productions--at the Goodman, the theater names the Albert Theatre light booth in his honor. Those wishing to individually commemorate Bob can make a gift to the Goodman’s Endowing Excellence Campaign, a major initiative that ensures the Goodman as a place for innovation and mentorship—two principles central to his legacy as a leading lighting designer in his field. To make a gift or for more information, please contact Amber Bel’cher at 312.443.3811 ext. 220 or AmberBelCher@GoodmanTheatre.org.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Industry Ticket Offers

Vatzlav- Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland, is offering $10 industry tickets! Simply call the box office at 773.384.0494 and mention the code ISLAND to reserve your tickets. Industry offer applies to any performance through the closing of the run on May 24th. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 3pm.

Soiree Evanston - Next Theatre at the Women's Club of Evanston is offering $40 industry tickets to their May 19 event. Celebrate Next Theatre's 33 years in Evanston, get a taste of some of Evanston's hottest restaurants and honor Chicago Theatre Luminaries Mike Nussbaum, Mary Ann Thebus, and Ann Whitney. Get your industry tickets to our May 19th event at the Women's Club of Evanston by calling (847) 475-1875 and mention this industry offer.

Days Like Today – Writers Theatre – 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, is offering $20 industry tickets to this world premiere musical for performances May 7th through May 21st. Call our Box Office at 847-242-6000 and mention the Industry discount. Please bring a headshot, resume, or business card as proof of your involvement in the industry. Subject to availability. Click here for more info.

The Idan Raichel Project - Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, is offering $25 industry tickets for the performance on May 15. Use code INDUSTRY. Tickets available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by calling (800) 982-2787, or at the box office at 50 E Congress Pkwy.

Paul Taylor Dance Company -Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, is offering $25 industry tickets for performances May 17-18. Use code INDUSTRY. Tickets available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by calling (800) 982-2787, or at the box office at 50 E Congress Pkwy.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Later Stages - Chicago Children's Theatre at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N Dearborn St. is offering $15 industry tickets to our current show The Very Hungry Caterpillar as well as to our new series Later Stages, featuring shows Superman 2050 and Lula del Ray performed by Chicago cutting-edge theatre artists. All three shows make a great Friday evening double feature for theatre lovers and makers. To reserve your tickets use code INDUSTRY online, over the phone or in person. Box Office: 872.222.9555 or visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

NOW: In the Wings on a World Stage - Gene Siskel Film Center - May 2 - 8, 2014 - NOW: In the Wings on a World Stage takes you along with twenty British and American actors on a whirlwind ten month international tour of Richard III. Starring Kevin Spacey and directed by Sam Mendes. Pay only $7 to any screening when you mention CHICAGO PLAYS (only valid in-person at the box office, not online;). For dates and more info about NOW at the Gene Siskel Film Center, click here. (If you can’t make it to the theatre, click here to use the discount code CHICAGO to receive $1 off the digital download.)

The Inconvenience’s Hit the Wall - Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, offers “Riot Night in the (Green) House” for theater industry on Sunday nights at 7pm in May. $20 tickets for the show that features a howling live rock band on stage during this reimagining of the 1969 Stonewall Riots that set off the modern gay rights movement. Tickets at www.greenhousetheater.org or 773.404.7336. More info here.

Ibsen Is Dead by Calamity West - Interrobang Theatre Project in residence at Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N Southport - is offering $10 industry tickets! Call 773.935.6860 or visit the box office to reserve your tickets. Industry offer applies to any performance May 10-June 8. Performances are Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 3pm.

Interrobang Season 5 Flex Pass - For a limited time, Interrobang Theatre Project is offering a 2014/15 Flex Pass. See both Caryl Churchill's OWNERS and the Midwest Premiere of Paul Downs Colaizzo's REALLY REALLY for $12 per ticket, including exchange priviledges and year-round subscriber benefits. Passes available now online at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/store/32915/packages or at the Athenaeum Theatre box office.

Vieux Carre – Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark Street, is offering $10 tickets to theatre industry professionals for any Thursday evening performance thru June 28. Offer available by phone or walk-up, must mention the code INDUSTRY to reserve. Proof of industry (headshot, business card, etc.) required upon ticket pickup.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying - Porchlight Music Theatre at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, is offering a limited number of $10 discount tickets for Industry professionals for the THURSDAY, MAY 29 at 1 p.m. performance ONLY. Call the box office at 773-327-5252 and mention the code PMTINDUSTRY. Advance reservations suggested. Must show proof of industry when claiming ticket. Visit porchlightmusictheatre.org for more information

Cyrano - Filament Theatre, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave. is offering $12 tickets to theatre industry professionals for performances May 9-11. Offer available by entering the code INDUSTRY on the website when reserving ticket. www.filamenttheatre.org/cyrano.

5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche – The New Colony and Chicago Commercial Collective at the The Chopin Theatre, is offering exclusive 2-for-1 tickets May 9-11. Use code 2FOR1 at http://bit.ly/1c6G3Rn.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Press Pass: Theater Loop with Antoni Cimolino on May 18

Join Chicago Tribune theater critic Chris Jones in conversation with Antoni Cimolino, artistic director of Canada’s world-renowned Stratford Festival, which has produced internationally lauded plays for over 60 years. A fantastic opportunity for actors, artists and theater fans to meet the artistic director of North America’s largest classical repertory company in a casual environment, this is your chance to ask questions and learn from one of the most important artists in classical theater.

See more about what's happening in the world of theater at The Theater Loop, then join us on Sunday, May 18 at 2:30 p.m.





Chris Jones is the chief theater critic for the Chicago Tribune and has reviewed and commented on culture, the arts, politics and entertainment for the Tribune for more than 15 years. His arts criticism also has appeared often in the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, the Washington Post, American Theatre magazine and numerous other newspapers and magazines. A native of Manchester, England, Jones earned a doctorate in theater from the Ohio State University in 1989 and taught for many years at both Northern Illinois University and DePaul University, where he served as an associate dean.

$20 in advance, $22 at the door, The Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Parking available at the former Children’s Memorial Hospital Garage, 2316 N. Lincoln Ave., just south of Fullerton Ave. Metered parking is also available on Lincoln Ave.

First Laugh One Act Festival

2nd Annual First Laugh One-Act Fest

First Laugh returns to Piccolo Theatre in February 2015! This two-weekend festival of one-act plays premieres the original work of local and regional playwrights, and joins comedy writing and performance to answer the question, “What was your first laugh?” This juried festival will feature a fantastic prize awarded to the audience favorite. The festival’s second weekend will showcase Gregory Luick, grand prizewinner of First Laugh 2014 by presenting his full-length play Work In Progress. Join us as we explore the unique origins of what people find funny.

All performances Friday and Saturday at 8PM Week 1 February 6-7 Week 2 February 13-14

$20 (Adults) $15 (Student/Industry) Not Recommended for Children Under 15 – Parent Discretion is Advised

Submission Guidelines
Incomplete submissions cannot be considered until are materials received.

To be considered for entry into the festival, playwrights must provide: 1 one-act script inspired by the first thing you found funny, no longer than 25-minutes in length 1 vision statement detailing the script’s usage of the theme “The first thing I found funny.” 1 synopsis of the one-act script 1 ground plan and scenic design conducive to sharing the playing space with two other companies (please contact Tony Lawry for a pdf of the playing space)

If your play is selected for the festival, we will notify you by email; we then will require a $50 production deposit, which will be held and returned to you after the festival is over.

Playwrights must also include:
A production team, director, and actors. (Piccolo cannot provide artistic staff for your one-act) A production contact list of cast and crewmembers including name, phone number, and email address. A list of cast and crewmember program bios (each bio must be no more than 100 words in length)

How to Submit:
For email submissions, please send PDF files of all materials to Tony Lawry at tony@piccolotheatre.com, Subject Line the play’s title, by no later than September 12, 2014

For postal submissions, mail to: Piccolo Theatre c/o Tony Lawry, One Act Festival 600 Main Street Evanston, IL 60202

Must be postmarked by September 12, 2014

No phone solicitations. Email Questions to tony@piccolotheatre.com

Accessing Accessibility

A Workshop on Touch Tours & Audio Description in Chicago Storefront Theatre

Join Us May 4!
Jackalope Theatre invites company member Elana Boulos and Steppenwolf Theatre's Director of Audience Experience, Evan Hatfield, for a short and sweet Seminar on Touch Tours and Audio Description, and how Chicago Storefront Theatres can improve their accessibility for people who are blind or have low vision.

What is a Touch Tour?
A Touch Tour is a scheduled program preceding a performance, where patrons who are blind or have low vision participate in an artistic conversation, experience a detailed description of the set, actors, props, and costumes, and have the opportunity to walk on the set and take a "touch tour" guided by a sighted companion.

What is Audio Description?
Audio Description is the real-time narration of crucial physical action and elements in a live performance, delivered into a microphone that is transmitted via FM signal to headsets worn by patrons using the service.

Why is this important? Over the past five years, accessibility initiatives in Chicago have helped develop wider audiences for theatrical productions. Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Evan Hatfield have been pioneers in making sure that anyone who wants to come to a play can. Steppenwolf offers services such as ASL Interpretation, Open Captioning, Touch Tours and Audio Description.

Elana has been working at Steppenwolf as the Touch Tour Coordinator for the past four years and has helped Evan to establish their format for presenting Touch Tours and Audio Descriptions. Jackalope Theatre is passionate about striving to help other Storefronts in Chicago learn about how to offer accessibility accommodations for audience members who are blind or have low vision.

Join us for a casual dialogue between Evan and Elana that walks you through Touch Tour basics and provides you with simple ways to implement accessibility programming in your own theater.

It's Free! RSVP to jackalope@jackalopetheatre.org 

When: Sunday, May 4th 6:00 PM
Where: The Frontier 1106 W Thorndale Chicago, IL 60660