Friday, July 29, 2016

ADA 25 Advancing Leadership Accepting Applications for the Leadership Institute

ADA 25 Advancing Leadership is currently accepting applications to the next Leadership Institute to be held in early 2017. Applications are open until August 31 and we need your help to encourage qualified candidates to
APPLY HERE
&
NOMINATORS TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS HERE

The ideal candidate will have 5 to 10 years of leadership and/or management experience in any context, demonstrated leadership skills and a passion for engagement in civic life, and resides in the Chicago region (see website for details). Thank you in advance for helping to identify qualified applicants. Interested, eligible individuals should apply through our website; Nomination forms are there as well: www.ada25chicago.org.

ADA 25 Advancing Leadership Supporters: Exelon, The Chicago Community Trust, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Robert R. McCormick Foundation, Manpower Group, Deloitte, and Hyatt Regency Chicago

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

A Look At BYHALIA, MISSISSIPPI

Tuesday, August 2, 2016, 7PM-8PM
Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S State St. Chicago, IL 60605
Video Theater, Lower Level
Join the Chicago Film Archive of Performance (C-FAP) and members of the cast and creative teams from The New Colony and Definition Theatre Company for a behind-the-scenes look at bringing their hit play Byhalia, Mississippi to the stage. Panelists include Evan Linder (playwright, "Jim"), Tyrone Phillips (director), Liz Sharpe ("Laurel"), Kiki Layne ("Ayesha"), and Jeffery Owen Freelon Jr. ("Karl"). For details, visit: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/5783df0ab43d2206610019a5

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Annoyance Theatre Flea Market

Sunday Aug 7th 10am - 6pm
Clothing, lighting instruments, bizarre and interesting odds and ends
Cash only!

Industry Ticket Offers

Disney’s Newsies – Playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W Randolph, Broadway In Chicago and DISNEY’S NEWSIES is offering $39 tickets for July 28 through July 31 evening performances. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online with offer code INDUSTRY. For tickets or more information visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

Monday, July 25, 2016

Kill Your Darlings Live Lit Series Writing Contest

ATTENTION WRITERS: Writers of short stories are invited to participate in the Kill Your Darlings Live Lit series writing contest, running Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Aug. 3-Sept. 14, at CSz Theater Chicago, 929 W. Belmont.

Please post the BEST single sentence from your 3-minute, 400 word max essay about one of the following topics (any interpretation of the word is accepted, such as Screens could include cell phones, Stages could be stages of life, Beyond could be anything, etc.): Screens (to be performed on 8/3), Food (performed 8/10), Music (performed 8/17), Stages (performed 8/24), Beyond (performed 8/31), Art (performed 9/7), and Literature (performed 9/14).

Post your one "darling" sentence on the KYD Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KillYourDarlingsLiveLit/ in the following manner - "Topic: sentence" e.g.:
Screens: "Her womb was a rocky place where my seed could find no purchase."
That evening's curator will select and invite the top three darling sentence submissions to attend that show (possible participants must be available for the dates of their subjects, listed above).

The three selected readers will read their entire short stories at the end of that evening, and the audience will vote on a winner. The winning story will then be published on the media sponsor www.ThirdCoastReview.com website. Thanks.

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Collaboraction Seeks Submissions


Collaboraction Studios is taking submissions for Presenting projects for the Fall of 2016 in The Vault. We are looking for proposals that connect with our core values of taking on important social issues with contemporary theatre. We are open to new works or remounts of successful shows. To submit please email collaboractionstudios@collaboraction.org or VISIT OR WEBSITE: http://www.collaboraction.org/#!collaboraction-studios/u3syl.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

IVP Gathering of Theatres Producing International Work

The International Voices Project is planning a Fall gathering of Chicago-based theater and performance companies committed to producing the work of international playwrights. If you would like to join our dialogue, please email IVPChicago@gmail.com.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Industry Ticket Offers

Summer Circus Intensive Showcase - The Actors Gymnasium, 927 Noyes St. Get $5 off with code INDUSTRY. Performances are Saturday and Sunday only July 23 and 24. Feel free to share this code with your friends, colleagues, family, nemeses, etc. Click here for tickets.

The Ben Hecht Show - Grippo Stage at Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St. is offering $10 industry tickets on Wednesday, July 27 at 8 p.m. and Thursday, July 28, at 8 p.m. Purchase tickets online through Brown Paper Tickets, with the passcode GRIPPOSTAGE (All caps, one word).

Little Shop of Horrors - American Blues Theater at Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, will host an "Blue Light Special" Industry Performance on Monday, July 25 at 7:30pm. Use code word "LIGHT" for $15 tickets online or by calling 773-404-7336.

Thaddeus and Slocum - Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave. is offering $20 industry tickets to performances, Wednesday, July 20 & 27 at 7:30PM, Thursday, July 21 at 2PM, Thursday, July 21 & 28 at 7:30PM, Friday, July 22 & 29 at 7:30PM, Saturday, July 23 & 30 at 2PM, Saturday, July 23 & 30 at 7:30PM, Sunday, July 24 & 31 at 2PM, Sunday, July 31 at 7:30PM.   Use code INDUSTRY3 to access $20 tickets (in all sections) for the performances listed above. Available online at lookingglasstheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at 312-337-0665.

Byhalia, Mississippi - Definition Theatre Company and The New Colony at the Steppenwolf 1700 Theatre, 1700 N Halsted St, is offering $20 Industry Tickets for performances on July 22-24. Tickets available at www.steppenwolf.org. Tickets subject to availability. Use code INDUSTRY.

Direct from Death Row the Scottsboro Boys – Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark Street, is offering $15 tickets to theatre industry professionals for this Sunday July 24 at 3:00. Stay after the show for a talk-back with Chicago Sun-Times Theater/Dance critic Hedy Weiss. 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.

Unelectable You: The Second City's Completely Unbiased Political Revue - UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave, is offering $10 industry tickets to preview performances (July 28 at 8pm, July 31 at 4pm and 7pm). Please mention code INDUSTRY when calling our Box Office 312-662-4562.

Wastwater - Steep Theatre, 1115 W. Bryn Mawr, is offering a special performance on August 1 for all of our industry friends. To reserve your $15 seats, please email at info@steeptheatre.com or call 773-649-3186.

Second Annual Chicago Theater Memorial Bike Ride Honors the Memory of Chicago Artists on 9/10/16

12-Mile Lakeshore Event Benefits The Actor’s Fund and The Chicago Emergency Aid Fund
- Benefit at Four Moon on July 25; Sponsorships Sought Now -

WHAT: The Second Annual Chicago Theater Memorial Bike Ride: Love Hard, a 501(c)(3) organization, will benefit The Actor’s Fund, a nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals in performing arts and entertainment (www.actorsfund.org). The Ride is also initiating an Emergency Aid Fund to ease the financial burden of Chicago artists suddenly faced with the death of a loved one. As we commemorate those who have passed, we also help their loved ones on the difficult road ahead.

This year, the Ride celebrates the lives and contributions of President and CEO of the eta Creative Arts Foundation Abena Joan Brown, actor Dennis Kelly, indefatigable Chicago theater supporter and Northbrook periodontist Dr. Harlan Haimes, and Chicago’s first Cultural Affairs Commissioner Lois Weisberg.

The ride is currently seeking sponsorships, which includes logo placement on t-shirts and the website, with theaters and businesses as well as donations from those unable to make the ride – info at http://chicagotheatermemorialbikeride.weebly.com/donate.html.

WHEN: Saturday, September 10, 2016. Ceremony at 10 a.m.; ride heats at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. There will also be an on-site potluck barbeque celebration at 12 noon.

The Ride will host a benefit at Four Moon Tavern, 1847 W. Roscoe in Chicago, on Monday, July 25, 2016, 7-9 p.m., where a portion of food and drink sales will be donated to the memorial, and raffle tickets will be sold for prizes including theater tickets and other items.

GOAL: The 2016 fundraising goal is $20,000, aiming for up to 400 riders. Last year’s inaugural Ride raised almost $11,000 with 156 riders. "We also saw the families and loved ones struggling,” said event organizer Carmen Roman. “In response to that need, we have also established the Chicago Emergency Aid Fund. We will also do on-line drives where needed and the Fund will cover all administrative costs. On September 10, we will begin with a simple opening ceremony, and a lovely ride, followed by a potluck barbeque. Join to ride, or simply donate to honor and celebrate those who have come before us who encourage us, with the beauty of their spirits, to be the best we can be as artists and as human beings."

The ride was initiated and named by actor Joe Foust, husband of Molly Glynn, a Chicago actor and mother of two who was struck by a falling tree during a storm and died in September 2014. The same week that Glynn died, six other members of the Chicago theatre community also passed away. Twenty-six people in all were honored at the first Chicago Theatre Memorial Bike Ride in 2015, including Megan Betti, Daryl Blalock, Mark Bolan, Woody Bolar, Molly Campbell, Jason Chin, William Clifford, Eric Eatherly, Molly Glynn, Matthew Gunnels, Joel Lambie, Roy Leonard, Margaret Lewis, Frank Mahon, Erin Myers, Trinity Murdock, Julia Neary, PJ Paparelli, Sheldon Patinkin, Andrew Patner, Nana Shineflug, Russ Tutterow, John Walski, Sati Word, Brenton Wright, and Bernie Yvon.

WHERE: The 12-mile bike ride will start at Chicago’s Rainbow Beach Park at 79th Street and Lake Michigan, and will continue up the Lakeshore Bike Path to the southern tip of Burnham Park, where riders will turn around and ride back to the starting point.

REGISTER/ http://chicagotheatermemorialbikeride.weebly.com

DONATE: Suggested minimum ride donation is $25
Donations of any amount are encouraged even if not participating in the bike ride

GETTING Using the CTA with a bike: THERE: www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/brochures/13sw005_Bike_and_Ride_Brochure_July_29.pdf

COMMITTEE DIRECTORS: Organizers: Carmen Roman, Sharon Wilson Miller
Sponsorship and Fundraising: Sharon Wilson Miller
Consultants: Lauri Dahl, Cecilie D. Keenan
Bike Ride Coordinator: Janice Pytel, Tamara McDonough
Volunteer Coordinator: Kathy Lunsky
Family Liaisons: Kate Buddeke, Heather Meyers
Food Committee: James Leaming
Social Media: Timothy Hendrickson
Web Design: Vance Smith
Media Relations: Karin McKie
Graphic Design: Bruce Phillips
Bike Mechanic: Courtney O’Neill

Free Lockers from Chicago Children's Choir

The Chicago Children's Choir (at the Chicago Cultural Center) is replacing their old full-size lockers with new ones. They are offering them to anyone who wants to take them. There are 56 of them they are approximately 6' tall. Most of them work, there may be a few that need repairs. They are a light beige color. They have combination locks. They come in sets of 6, I think. Could be good for a backstage or classroom. Please contact Jocelyn Smith at JSmith@ccchoir.org if you are interested.

Space Rental Availability at the Pride Arts Center

Rental Space is available in The Broadway (90 seats) and The Buena (50 seats) in the Pride Arts Center, 4139 N Broadway, for both rehearsals and performances. Late night and off night rentals available, along with prime time slots. Email prideartschicago@gmail.com for details and to being the conversation.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Waltzing Mechanics Host We Hear Gathering on July 25

On July 25, 2016, Waltzing Mechanics, Chicago's stage for documentary theatre, will host an evening of performances and conversation reflecting current news events entitled We Hear. The gathering will convene at 7:00 PM at the Berger Park Cultural Center, 6205 N. Sheridan Road in Chicago. Admission is free.

Following the murders of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and five police officers in Dallas last week, director Andrea Beschel took to Facebook to ask where citizens in Chicago were gathering to pursue a dialogue about these tragic events. "I see outrage behind screens," Beschel said, "but I need to know other people are out there. I need to do something about this, or else I will just sit here and 'like' other people's statuses and say 'it's a shame' from the comfort of my home. I can't do that."

Once Waltzing Mechanics co-founder Thomas Murray responded with an offer of artistic space, Beschel, Murray, and actress Tiffany Mitchenor conceived a program that is part open mic, part artistic showcase, and part group discussion. "Waltzing Mechanics' full-length original docudramas take more than a year to create," Murray said, "and they do not allow us to respond in the near term to current news and events. Since our company was founded to reflect our community's stories and provide opportunities for public dialogue, We Hear will embody that commitment to artistically reflect current events using found texts including journalism, poetry, editorials, music, and oral histories."

What is We Hear?
We Hear is a gathering space for the artistic community and the community at large to react to events both international and domestic that impact our city. Its purpose is to give people a physical platform to express concern, anger, frustration, and grief that is normally reserved for private spaces or digital outlets. We Hear is an opportunity for artists to respond through their medium, ask questions, and hear others discuss issues they are passionate about. The goal of We Hear is to be a space for expression and discussion - a place to publicly react to news and events.

What is the format of We Hear?
There will be eight curated artistic acts chosen ahead of time by organizers to showcase a wide array of responses to current events. There will be four open mic slots where anyone who has something to say or perform can do so. These open mic slots will be limited to 2 minutes. In addition to the staged performances, white boards will be posted for guests to make open comments, and a submission box will be available for questions and comments that may be read aloud anonymously or be discussed in story circles afterwards. Post-performance discussions will be moderated in groups of increasing size to allow everyone inclined a chance to share.

Who performs at We Hear?
While organizers will assemble some participants they know, we believe it is important to keep spaces open for people who may be new to the project. This goal is achieved not only by having ‘open mic’ slots, but also by having an open submission policy for material. In addition to artists and performers, slots could be filled by academics, reporters, and community members who are knowledgeable on a topic of particular interest. Those who share can provide context, pose questions, and further probe a situation being discussed at the event.

When is We Hear?
Whenever the space is needed, it shall be activated. Waltzing Mechanics will aim for theatrical dark nights to accommodate the widest population of the artistic community, but We Hear will occur only when necessary rather than periodically. The first gathering of We Hear will occur on Monday, July 25, 2016 at 7:00 PM at the Berger Park Cultural Center, 6205 N. Sheridan Road in Chicago. Admission is free.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Space Availability at CSz Education Training Center

The CSz Education Training Center 12’ x 16’ room is climate-controlled, fits 10-12 people and is located at 3435 N. Sheffield Ave. near the Belmont El stop. Chairs, and a dry erase board and markers are provided, and a table is available on demand. Clean, accessible bathrooms are conveniently located next to the room.

This room is available for $15/hour; to book, please visit http://csztrainingcenter.simplybook.me/index/about or email cszspacemanager@gmail.com with questions.

Phase Into Equity – Steps To Producing As An Equity Theatre



Date: Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Time: 1 PM – 3 PM CST
Location: Theater Wit, 1229 West Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required and can be made at: centralrsvp@actorsequity.org
Producing theatre presents many challenges--an Equity contract shouldn’t be one of them. Equity will host a panel discussion with several Chicago producers who have used the Chicago Area Theatre (CAT) Agreement Tier-N steps to become an Equity theatre. The Gift, Silk Road Rising, and TimeLine all began as small storefronts. They continue to shape the landscape of Chicago theatre by producing some of the boldest and most thrilling productions in the city. How did they do it? Hear from founders and Managing Directors; learn how they have produced successful projects, developed a loyal audience, and continue to foster a nurturing environment for artists to flourish and grow. The presentation will be followed by a Q & A session.
Speakers will include:
The Gift Theatre | Co-Founding, Artistic Director, Michael Patrick Thornton
Silk Road Rising | Founding Artistic Director, Jamil Khoury and Founding Executive Director, Malik Gillani
TimeLine Theatre Company | Managing Director, Elizabeth K. Auman

Monday, July 11, 2016

Industry Ticket Offers

JUBA! Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance - Chicago Human Rhythm Project at the MCA Stage, 220 E. Chicago, is offering industry tickets to its yearly celebration of Tap and percussive dance. Tickets are only half-price the offer is valid to the following performances: July Thur. 21, Fri. 22, Sat. 23, promo code is “tapinsider”. You can purchase tickets online or simply call the Box Office at 312-397-4010.”

I Got You: The Songs of Tom Kitt - Refuge Theatre Project at City Winery 1200 W Randolph. RTP is offering discounted tickets to Industry members for their One Night Only concert at City Winery on July 18th at 7:30 pm. $5 off with code TOMKITT. Discount code can be entered at checkout. Discount can only be applied to online purchases made using a desktop or laptop computer (code will not work on mobile devices). Discount only applies to advance tickets purchases made online and will not apply to phone orders or tickets purchased at the box office. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.citywinery.com/chicago/tickets/i-got-you-the-songs-of-tom-kitt-7-18.html.

The Neo-Futurist Kitchen Micro-Festival on Art and Performance - The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland, is offering an industry discount to League members: use discount code THELEAGUE at checkout for 25% off any 1- or 5-day pass for The Kitchen. Click here for more information and to buy tickets.

25 Stacking Chairs Available for Reasonable Offer

25 stacking chairs in relatively good condition available for a reasonable offer. Contact recycle_plus_chicago@yahoo.com if interested.

Friday, July 8, 2016

Development and Drinks



Monday, August 1, 6-8PM 
Front Bar, 1700 N. Halsted 
Join development staff from other Chicago area theatre companies for drinks and conversation and check out the brand new Front Bar at Steppenwolf! These informal gatherings encourage networking, resource-sharing, and mentorship between theatre professionals from large and small organizations. Complimentary first drink and additional food and beverages will be available for purchase. Space is limited. Complimentary parking and close to North/Clybourn Red Line.This event is FREE for League members. Click here to RSVP.

John Breglio Speaking Engagement and Book Signing



Wednesday, July 13 at 7:30PM
Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn
The League of Chicago Theatres will host a speaking engagement and book signing event with John Breglio for his new book I WANNA BE A PRODUCER: How to Make a Killing on Broadway…or Get Killed on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at the Goodman in the Owen Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. The event will include a speaking engagement at 7:00pm, followed by a reception and book signing.

The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required and can be made at: www.bit.ly/bregliochicago.

John Breglio has spent nearly 40 years working in all sectors of the entertainment industry, including theater, motion pictures, publishing, and music. As an entertainment lawyer, he was instrumental in helping his clients to produce and finance plays, musicals, and films. In 2008, he retired from his law practice to produce plays, musicals, and films independently, including the critically-acclaimed revivals of A Chorus Line and Dreamgirls.

Breglio has served as chair of the Theatre Development Fund and has sat on the boards of the American Foundation for AIDS Research, the Alliance for the Arts, the John Golden Fund, and Young Playwrights. He has also lectured frequently for the National Law Journal Seminars, the Practicing Law Institute, and at Yale University and Columbia University School of the Arts, where he has taught a graduate course on theater and the law. In 2005, he received the Actors’ Fund Medal of Honor, and he has been recognized for his contributions to the theatrical community by Joseph Papp’s Public Theater, the National Corporate Theatre Fund, the Alliance for the Arts, and Cherry Lane Theatre.

About the book
What does a producer actually do? How does one travel from that great idea for a show to a smash hit opening night on Broadway? In I WANNA BE A PRODUCER: How to Make a Killing on Broadway…or Get Killed (Applause Theater and Cinema Books Hardcover; April 19, 2016; $29.99), John Breglio shares an exceptional road map for the hows and wherefores, the dos and don’ts of producing a Broadway play. In this highly informative book, Breglio offers practical concepts for the aspiring producer and entertains with great personal anecdotes from his illustrious career as a leading theatrical lawyer and producer.

Breglio recounts his first-hand knowledge of the crucial legal and business issues faced by a producer, as well as his behind-the-scenes experiences with hundreds of producers, playwrights, composers, and directors, including such theatre luminaries as Michael Bennett, Joe Papp, Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Patti Lupone, and August Wilson.

Breglio comments, “Ultimately, my goal is to give the business of producing the respect it deserves. It is a profession that requires numerous skills, both business and creative. It demands relentless fortitude and optimism, and it should never be assumed casually without recognizing the enormity of the task.”

Northlight Theatre Prop and Costume Sale


Northlight Theatre's Scene Shop is hosting The Prop and Costume Sale
Tuesday, July 19 at 10:00am
6980 N Central Park Ave
Lincolnwood, IL 60712

A diverse collection of props, costumes and vintage clothes from a multitude of past shows will be available for purchase at this one-day only event. Items include those pictured above: glassware from Stella & Lou, a large Dixon-Ticonderoga pencil from [title of show], an afro woman painting from Detroit '67, and several masks from You Can't Take it With You.

Note: This event is NOT at the theatre. Scene shop is located at 6980 N Central Park Ave in Lincolnwood. Parking is located directly in front of the scene shop. Doors close at 4pm. All items must be taken immediately, no deliveries. Cash and check only.

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Industry Ticket Offers

Our Lady of 121st Street - Eclipse Theatre Company at The Athenaeum, 2936 N. Southport, is offering $10 industry tickets to all preview performances (July 14, 15 and 16 at 7:30pm) in addition to July 21 and 22 at 7:30pm. Please mention code INDUSTRY at the Box Office. For more information, please call 773-935-6875 or visit eclipsetheatre.com.

This - Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park Rd. is offering and industry appreciation night on July 13. Artists can use the discount code APPRECIATION for $15 House Seats or $25 Top Shelf seats to either date’s performance. Everyone is encouraged to stick around to mix and mingle with Artistic Director Amy Rubenstein and Production Manager Alex Rhyan, and enjoy the industry discount of 50% off at the bar post-show! Special bonus for actors if they bring their headshot and resume to the performance, they will be invited to a special Industry Appreciation Night audition session with the artistic staff (at a later date). Tickets can be purchased online at www.windycityplayhouse.com or by phone at 773-891-8985.