collective leverage

City Lit seeks submissions for Art of Adaptation Festival

2012-01-31T08:24:00.000-08:00

City Lit Theater Company seeks submissions to The Art of Adaptation, its festival of stage adaptations of non-dramatic literature. The festival will take place June 29, 30, and July 1, at City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue. We anticipate it will consist of 6 to 10 adaptations presented in various combinations over the course of the weekend. A panel of Jeff Award winning judges will view all performances and award a $500 cash prize to the adaptor of the piece judged the best of the festival.

THE RULES:
1. All pieces must be between 5 and 20 minutes.
2. It must be an adaptation of non-dramatic material—a short story, an essay, a memoir, poetry, an excerpt from a novel, a video game, what have you; but not material from a play.
3. Each adaptor is responsible for whatever royalties might be due on your piece, as well as for your own rehearsal process. City Lit will not provide rehearsal space prior to tech rehearsal, nor will it provide services of a director or any actors for any piece.
4. All pieces will be performed on the same simple unit set with the same simple light plot (including one special per piece). A stock of furniture will be provided. If your piece requires furniture beyond the provided stock, it is your responsibility.
5. City Lit will provide performance space, backstage and front-of-house crew, publicity, programs, tickets and the $500 cash prize.

To submit a proposal for entry into the festival, send a one-page description of the project you are proposing, and ten pages of your adaptation script, to Katy Nielsen at City Lit Theatre, 1020 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago IL 60660. Proposals must be postmarked no later than April 30th.

Industry Ticket Offer

2012-01-27T08:25:00.000-08:00

Clutter – MadKap Productions at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave, is offering $15 industry tickets for Thursday and Friday night 7:30 performances through March 11. For reservations contact 773.404.7336 or visit www.greenhousetheater.org and mention the code “Industry”.

G8/NATO

2012-01-26T15:00:00.000-08:00

SO, Chicago will be hosting the G8 and NATO summits this Spring, but you already knew that. While it is unlikely that world leaders will be popping by your theatres, we should get ready. There will be a number of people from the foreign delegations in Chicago working on the summits throughout the month of May but more than that, I think it is an opportunity for us to generate discussions, plays, readings, and performance pieces around the topics that are typically discussed at these summits. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all get our audiences talking about global issues?

The League will be developing a page on our website of activities, discounts, etc. to run throughout the month of May, so please submit your events and offers to us (ben@chicagoplays.com). It can be anything, you can do a discount or tell us about your talkbacks, but it would be awesome if everyone came up with something that related somehow to the G8/NATO summits. We want to draw attention to theatre as a catalyst for examination of our world and the possibility of change.

During the month of May we will also be running a variation on our popular SHOWGO! program called SHOWGO8! See 8 shows during the month of May and win a $50 restaurant gift certificate. We won’t be doing the cards for this one – simply bring your 8 proofs of purchase to Hot Tix.

The Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture and the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau are both undertaking efforts to point journalists in the direction of culture as one of the highlights of Chicago. We will make sure that they know about your efforts.

Here are some things you may or may not know but I didn’t until a few days ago and you might find useful. The G8 Summit begins at Noon on Saturday May 19 and runs through Noon on Sunday May 20. The NATO Summit begins at 2:00 PM on Sunday May 20 and runs through 2:00 PM on Monday May 21. Specific street closings and security measures will not be announced until 2-4 weeks before the summit begins.

Questions?? Suggestions?? You know where I am.

Deb

Chicago Theatre Intern Networking Event

2012-01-26T14:47:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 27, 2011, 6 - 8 p.m.
Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn

Meet and network with interns at other Chicago theatre companies. Take part in breakout groups by job discipline led by established and emerging leaders in the Chicago theater community. Don't miss this unique opportunity to make connections and learn from the experience of leaders in the theatre community.

This event is FREE but space is limited! RSVP to ben@chicagoplays.com before Friday, February 24 to attend. Please pass on to your company's interns.

Industry Ticket Offers

2012-01-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

Disgraced by Ayad Akhtar - American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron, is offering $15 industry tickets for previews Friday 1/27 at 8 p.m., Saturday 1/28 at 8 p.m. and Sunday 1/29 at 3 p.m. Please call the box office at 773-409-4125 or go to http://www.atcweb.org/ and use the code PAREJA.

Penelope by Enda Walsh - Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted is offering $10 tickets for performances Tuesday, January 31st through Sunday, February 5th. To redeem tickets visit http://www.steppenwolf.org/ or call Audience Services directly at 312.335.1650 and use code “9704.” Tickets must be reserved at least one hour before performance. Subject to availability.

The Gingerbread House - Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont, is offering $10 industry tickets to preview performances February 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.redtapetheatre.org for more info and the purchase tickets. Use code STUIND to reveal discounted pricing. Tickets also available at the door by seating is limited. Box Office is cash only. Contact Myah Shein at myah.shein@redtapetheatre.org with questions.

Pride Films and Plays Accepting Entries for Women's Work Contest

2012-01-24T10:49:00.000-08:00

Pride Films and Plays is excited to announce that submissions to the second Women's Work Contest for plays and screenplays written by women featuring lesbian characters or themes will be accepted from February 1 to April 10.

Women's Work has both stage play and screenplay categories, and this year for the first time both Shorts and Full Length scripts and screenplays will be judged. Winning writers also earn a cash prize ($400 for full-length, $100 for shorts) and the authors will be invited to Chicago for up to ten hours of rehearsal with directors and actors from the Pride Films and Plays Artistic Ensemble prior to the performance.

Entry fee is waived if entry is received between February 1 and February 10. Regular deadline is March 10, with $15 fee. Final Deadline is April 10, with $30 fee. To make the final deadline, scripts must by received via email by 11:59 pm Central Time on April 10, 2012. CST. Only electronic submissions will be accepted.

Authors may enter as many scripts as you wish, but each entry form can be accompanied by only one (1) script. Each additional entry will require a separate entry form and separate entry Fee. Only one free application may be submitted. If submitting a second script there is a $10 discount for the second entry fee. The full entry fee is due for all entries made after that.

The judges will name five finalists in both the Stage and Screenplay categories for full-length submissions, based on a scoring sheet found in the contest rules. The top two scoring scripts in each category will receive a cash prize of $400, and will be performed as staged readings July 27 to 29 during the Women's Work Weekend at the Hoover-Leppen Theater at Center On Halsted in Chicago. Authors will be invited to participate in up to ten hours of rehearsal with cast and director prior to the performance.

In the Shorts category, up to 8 screenplays and plays will be selected to be performed during the Women's Work Weekend, and each author whose work is presented in that festival will receive a $100 cash prize. Authors will be invited to participate in one rehearsal with cast and director prior to the performance.

Victory Gardens announces call for Ignition Festival Submissions

2012-01-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

Victory Gardens Artistic Director Chay Yew and Executive Director Jan Kallish announce the third IGNITION Festival of New American Plays. Victory Gardens is searching for new, challenging, and innovative plays by writers of color for the 2012 festival. Submissions will be accepted through March 1, 2012.

The third IGNITION festival will create a productive environment for both emerging and established playwrights of color to explore and develop their new work. IGNITION continues Victory Gardens’ core mission of presenting new plays that reflect and speak to diverse communities in Chicago and throughout the country.

Six new plays will be presented in a festival of readings scheduled July 29-August 5, 2012. The plays will be directed by leading artists from Chicago and around the country. Following the readings, the plays may be considered for further development and possible production at Victory Gardens Theater. Victory Gardens provides selected playwrights with housing and transportation as well as a stipend for one rehearsal week beginning July 29, through the final event of the festival weekend on August 5, 2012.

Facts about submission for the third IGNITION festival

Submission Deadline: March 1, 2012
Announcement of Six Festival Participants: May 1, 2012
Festival Dates: July 29 – August 5, 2012

Submission Guidelines:
• There is no restriction as to subject matter. Victory Gardens hopes that a diversity of perspective will inform the plays, but the plays do not have to deal specifically with race, ethnicity or identity issues.
• The initiative is open to all playwrights of color.
• Submitted plays must be unproduced and must be in English or primarily in English.
• Playwrights may only submit one full-length play.
• Plays must be submitted by mail, not electronically, and should not be permanently bound.
• Please include a biography or resume as well as the reading/development history of the submitted script. Please be sure to include your email address as well as your phone number(s).
• Please include a return addressed postcard if you wish to be notified when the script arrives. All scripts will be recycled after reading and will not be returned.
• There is no submission fee.

Submission should be mailed to: IGNITION, Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60614.

Industry Ticket Offer

2012-01-20T07:56:00.000-08:00

Ameriville - Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $15 tickets for preview performances January 27 through February 5. Call 773.871.3000 to purchase your tickets and use Code INDUSTRY. To learn more visit http://victorygardens.org/onstage/ameriville.php.

Your Artistic Home

2012-01-19T12:43:00.000-08:00

HowlRound recently launched an interesting new series about the search for an Artistic Home. Todd London the Artistic Director of New Dramatists kicked off the series last week by writing an insightful and inspiring response to the questions of what makes an artistic home and how do you find one? (Click here to read his entire piece.) In his post he includes a list of 16 suggestions for how we can create or build an artistic home for others. Some of his ideas would be more challenging, but I really like how simple some of the suggestions are such as providing free snacks and food. It doesn't take much work, but it could go a long ways towards creating a friendly and welcoming environment for artists. Does your theatre have any special traditions or ways of creating an artistic home? What are you doing to build that supportive environment for your artists, ensemble, company, staff, board etc...?

Register for the Arts & Education Exchange Summit

2012-01-19T10:12:00.000-08:00

The Arts & Education Exchange Summit 2012 is a new event to connect educators with Chicago's arts providers. The Summit will take place on Saturday, February 4th at the Chicago Cultural Center from 10am-2pm.

The Arts & Education Exchange Summit is a one-stop resource expo to help educators enhance their instruction in the arts and other subjects. Educators are invited to meet with over 50 representatives from local arts and cultural organizations and to attend workshops led by experts in the field on a range of topics from how to build successful partnerships, to fundraising, and tools to assess the impact of partnerships on students. Attendees also have the chance to win free arts programming for their students.

RSVP by Wednesday, February 1, 2012 online or by calling 312.742.1761.

Eclipse Theatre Crafting O'Neill Event

2012-01-19T09:44:00.000-08:00

Eclipse Theatre Company presents Crafting O'Neill: A Sneak Preview of their 2012 Season. Sunday January 22 at 3pm and Monday January 23 at 7pm at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N Southport. Featuring scenes from the 2012 Season, including Beyond the Horizon, Ah, Wilderness! and Long Day's Journey into Night, plus a special glimpse into O'Neill's long-lost play Exorcism. A reception and discussion with the artists will follow the event. Admission is free with a $10 suggested donation. To RSVP, please call 773-325-9655 or email info@eclipsetheatre.com.

Space Availability at Stage 773

2012-01-16T09:01:00.001-08:00

Stage773 has DISCOUNTED last minute space available! Fully renovated Northside theatre space available for February/March at Stage773. Proscenium space seats 148 and theatre in great location near public transportation comes with lighting package, full box office and marketing assistance. Contact Jill Valentine at (773) 929-7367 x111 or jill@stage773.com for details.

Industry Ticket Offers

2012-01-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

Time Stands Still – Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, is offering $10 tickets for performances Thursday, January 19 through Saturday, January 28 in the Upstairs Theatre. To redeem $10 tickets visit www.steppenwolf.org or call Audience Services directly at 312.335.1650 and use code “9703.” Tickets must be reserved at least one hour before performance. Subject to availability.

Romeo and Juliet - State Ballet Theatre of Russia at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy, is offering 50% off tickets* for Sat, Jan 28 at 8:00pm and Sun, Jan 29 at 2pm. Use code INDUSTRY. Tickets available at 800.982.ARTS, www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium or the Auditorium box office. *Available on price levels 2-4 only.

The Second City’s Improv Extravaganza Explosion – UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave, is offering 2-for-1 tickets to both preview performances of their new kids show in January, Saturdays at 11am. For tickets call 312-662-4562 and mention the code industry. For more information visit http://www.upcomedyclub.com/.

The Ghost is Here - Vitalist Theatre at the DCA Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph in Chicago, is offering $15 industry tickets for Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. through February 16th. Email TicketOffice@explorechicago.org or call 312-742-TIXS (8497). Visit http://www.dcatheater.org/ for more information.

This Is Not A Dance Concert – The Seldoms at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph, is offering a limited number of $15 industry tickets, limit 2 per person, for the 7 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. performances on Saturday, February 4th. Call (312) 334-7777 and mention the code: Industry. Visit http://theseldoms.org/ for more information.

Unnecessary Farce - First Folio Theatre at Mayslake Hall, Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St, Oak Brook, is offering $10 tickets to industry professionals for Wednesday evening performances on February 1, 8 and 15. Tickets are on an "as available" basis and may be purchased no sooner than 48 hours in advance. Professionals must bring a union card, a headshot/resume, tech resume, or business card indicating employment in the theater business. Tickets may be purchased by calling 630-986-8067.

Moon Over Buffalo - Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, 425 Fawell Blvd.,Glen Ellyn is offering $10 industry tickets for all performances Jan. 19 to Feb. 12. 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.

We Need More Money

2012-01-12T14:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, You’ve Cott Mail was devoted to the not for profit business model. I’ve always been a big advocate for looking at our business model and thinking about how we might do it better but as I was reading the email it struck me that whenever we are talking about business models we talk about non profit as if its somehow different from a for profit business model that isn’t broken. The basic difference is that in most cases, non profit businesses don’t pay taxes and many (but not all) philanthropic organizations require that you have IRS 501(c) 3 status in order to receive contributions.

It’s not like we sit around and think up ways not to make money so we can maintain our not for profit status. You never hear anybody asking if the for profit business model is broken, because that would call capitalism into question and in fact, well, maybe it is broken, but you see what I’m getting at right?

It’s not all the same – the non profit business model is not any one model – you can’t lump Northwestern Hospital and Greater Chicago Food Depository and Steep Theatre into the same category and say – yeah…not working. In fact many non profit businesses are thriving. But we are really talking about the performing arts. Paying bills, fulfilling missions, employing lots of people, being good citizens…many theatres are thriving as well, even if they do operate at a deficit. But you can’t operate a business, any business year after year at a deficit and expect to survive.

As I write this I say to myself, for once in your life you have to come up with some solutions. Well, sorry to disappoint you and myself…but here’s what I do have to say, we have to stop thinking about it like there is going to be solution out there that will fit all of us. Our ticket sales, in most cases, do not cover our costs. Contributions, in many cases do not cover the gap. I would suggest that we come up with more ways to diversify our income streams, invest in our future, think about our businesses as businesses that need to survive in the long term, but let’s stop talking about something that is broken and start looking at the real issue – we don’t make enough money and how are we going to change that.

Industry Ticket Offers

2012-01-12T09:07:00.000-08:00

Enron - TimeLine Theatre Company, 615 W. Wellington Ave., is offering $15 industry tickets to all preview performances January 17 - 26. For tickets call 773.281.8463 x6 and mention code industry. For more information visit www.timelinetheatre.com.

MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive Charity Partners Program

2012-01-12T08:26:00.000-08:00

Looking for a fun and easy summer fundraiser for your non-profit organization? Apply to the MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive Charity Partners Program. Give your supporters an enjoyable way to make a real difference for your mission – by raising money to for your work and enjoying a bike ride on a car-free Lakeshore Drive on Sunday, May 27th. See attachment for more details or contact katie@activetrans.org.

Spring Space Availability at Chicago Dramatists

2012-01-12T08:23:00.000-08:00

Chicago Dramatists has rental space available for a 6 week commitment, beginning March 26th and ending May 6th. Rental fee is $1,150 a week; this includes: Lobby, Bar Service, Lighting and Sound. To inquire further about this rental opportunity, contact Brian Loevner, Managing Director, at bloevner@chicagodramatists.org.

Rehearsal Space Availability at Gorilla Tango Theatre

2012-01-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

Hey! Looking for someplace to rehearse? Gorilla Tango Theatre has rental rooms available for just $12/hour!

Rooms can be rented out online with a credit card at www.gorillatango.com/portal. Check availability, schedule out rooms, have a good time - all from the comfort of your own computer!

Gorilla Tango Theatre is located at 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago 60647 (Western stop on O'Hare Blue Line). Private second-floor rehearsal rooms are available to GTT and non-GTT producers alike, and include individually controlled AC, centralized heating, 10 foot ceilings, and carpeted floors. Note: sorry - no amplified music/drum rehearsals (acoustic and mp3 player music - OK).

Visit www.gorillatango.com/portal to rent out rooms, for more info, dimensions, etc!

They Should Answer To Us

2012-01-05T14:40:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first blog of 2012. It’s been an eventful first few days, and not really in a good way, but one thing that’s been on my mind has been these Iowa caucuses. All of these will lead back around to why you should come to the advocacy roundtable on 1/23. So, of the 3 million residents of Iowa, 640,000 are registered republicans and can vote in the Iowa caucuses (actually, anyone can vote, they simply have to register as a republican wherever the caucus is being held). Of those registered republicans (and others, presumably) only 123,000 voted. Of those 123,000 only 60,000 voted for the top two candidates, that’s about the same number of people who are on the email list for our Hot Tix emails. Not too many. And, in fact, those caucuses do not even elect the delegates to the national convention, that comes later, it’s very complicated the way this thing works, you can look it up.

I think more people should vote. Each of those votes in Iowa counted for nearly 6 other republican votes. Even with the world watching less than 20% of republicans showed up to choose a republican candidate for president. No wonder politicians think they don’t answer to us. I think we, and I include myself, should be more involved politically, that we should communicate regularly with our elected officials. They should answer to us.

So, a couple of things, come to the advocacy roundtable on January 23. Did you know that the City of Chicago is working on a new cultural plan for the city? Well, they are…you can find out more here. There is a place there for suggestions and comments and we will be organizing a meeting between City officials and the theatre community soon. And…if you haven’t introduced yourself and your company to your Alderman yet, do it. They can actually help you in a lot of ways.

Deb

Industry Ticket Offers

2012-01-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah - Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy, is offering 50% off tickets* for Sat, Jan 14 at 7:30pm and Sun, Jan 15 at 3pm. Use code LEAGUE. Tickets available at 800.982.ARTS, www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium or the Auditorium box office. *Available on price levels 2 & 3 only.

The Gingerbread House - Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets to performances February 2 - March 3. Special industry night performance on February 13 at 7 :30 p.m. For tickets visit http://www.redtapetheatre.com/.

Death and Harry Houdini - The House Theatre of Chicago at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. offers $10 student and industry rush tickets available at all performances pending availability one prior to curtain at the box office window through March 11, 2012. Visit http://www.thehousetheatre.com/ for more information.

Winter Pageant 2011 - Redmoon Theater, 1463 W. Hubbard St. is offering FREE industry tickets for all Jan 7th and 8th performances. To find out more and to purchase tickets, please visit our website www.redmoon.org and use code "CROONER"

Space Availability at Greenhouse Theater Center

2012-01-05T10:19:00.000-08:00

60-Seat Studio Rental available at the Greenhouse Theater Center. $1000/week includes box office, front of house services, lighting & sound package, Playbill, full-service bar & concessions and cross-promotion marketing opportunities with other Greenhouse Theater Center companies. Space is available from April 2-May 27, 2012. Please contact Jenn Kincaid at jennifer@greenhousetheater.org or at 773.404.7336 x200 for more information.

Short Run, 195-Seat Mainstage Rental available at the Greenhouse Theater Center. Perfect for Dance Companies or other shorter run opportunities! $3000/week includes box office, front of house services, lighting & sound package, Playbill, full-service bar & concessions and cross-promotion marketing opportunities with other Greenhouse Theater Center companies. Space is available from April 30-May 20, 2012. Please contact Jenn Kincaid at jennifer@greenhousetheater.org or at 773.404.7336 x200 for more information.

Advocacy 201 Roundtable

2011-12-23T08:16:00.000-08:00

Monday, January 23, 2012, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
League of Chicago Theatres offices, 228 S. Wabash, Suite 200

Chicago is about to create a cultural plan for the first time in 25 years. Decisions made today will impact you and your theatre for generations to come. Learn how to have a seat at the table and make your voice heard in Arts Advocacy 201. This advanced training covers:

* What is in-bounds and out-of-bounds when it comes to advocacy, lobbying, and elections
* How to design an advocacy strategy and select advocacy tactics that work
* Ways to engage in the Chicago Cultural Plan and the 2012 elections

You will leave with a plan to engage your elected officials that is tailored to your theatre as well as with specific steps you can take to participate in and impact the Chicago Cultural Plan.

Presented by Arts Alliance Illinois, this training is full of stories, role plays (made infamous at last year's Arts Advocacy 101 training), and lessons learned from the Alliance's own advocacy experiences.

This roundtable is free for League members, but space is limited. RSVP to ben@chicagoplays.com to attend.

Playfest! Seeks Submissions for Fall 2012

2011-12-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

PlayFest! The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays (Fall 2012) is seeking new full-length plays or musicals based on or inspired by works of classic literature or historic events, famous persons, or advances in science. These events, persons, or advances can be from any age in history, including the present. We prefer (but are not limited to) plays that require six actors or less, and have an interest in one-person shows. However, even in the case of one-person shows, we are not looking for history lectures, or museum piece adaptations that are faithful to a fault, but rather dynamic new theatrical versions of classic stories that speak to the contemporary mindset.In musical submissions, we are interested in musicals based on or inspired by the same criteria as mentioned above.

Click here for a downloadable PDF of PlayFest 2012 submission guidelines.

Initial submission deadline for PlayFest 2012 is March 15, 2012.

On Media

2011-12-15T13:28:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I went to a tribute to Roy Leonard. Roy is a very well known radio and tv personality but most of you probably haven’t heard of him because he went off the air back in the 90s. I didn’t move to Chicago until 2002 so I never got the pleasure of hearing his show, but man it seems like it was extremely popular. He loved theatre and talked a lot about it and even led theatre trips to London and New York. Roy was one of those folks who were instrumental in creating the extraordinary audiences we have for theatre today.

This morning I was at a meeting at a media outlet to essentially complain about the lack of coverage they are providing for theatre. I was joined by some folks who buy a lot of advertising for their theatres. The representatives of the media outlet genuinely care about theatre in this community, I see them regularly at shows. But they do not and simply cannot provide the kind of coverage and enthusiasm that Roy Leonard provided for the 31 years he was on WGN.

Then I read a lot about the dust up that Michael Kaiser created when he condemned the rise of the “citizen blogger,” as people who have no real knowledge and so are unqualified to give their opinion. Entitled, The Death of Criticism or Everyone Is a Critic. – kind of says it all.

So, this is not news, right? We don’t have one or two major newspapers or radio stations or tv stations with critics people listen to and trust, we have hundreds. So, in reality there is more coverage but it is a much more diverse group of people doing the talking and we can’t count on any one of them to say anything that will give us a boost in ticket sales and isn’t that what we all want?

We have done some surveys about where people go to get theatre information and some still get it from newspapers and more and more get it on line but when you ask them to define on line I think most people don’t actually know. A few years ago we did a survey and some people said they get their information from Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster provides only minimum information, they sell tickets.

As usual, I don’t have any solutions, but I’m thinking it can’t be that hard to point people who are looking for good information in the right direction, right? I wonder if the media outlets would do it – you know like they do for morning shows on the radio – but featuring the folks who are talking about theatre. Just an idea, I’m sure there are many more out there.

Deb

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-12-12T07:55:00.000-08:00

The Secret Garden - Light Opera Works at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson in Evanston, is offering half-price industry tickets on December 26, 27, 28 and 31 at 2 p.m., and December 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. For tickets call 847-920-5360 or visit http://www.lightoperaworks.com/ and use code "robin." Tickets must be purchased in advance. No door sales.

Rudolph the Red Hosed Reindeer - Hell in a Handbag Productions at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. is offering $10 industry tickets with code word 'boozehag' at the door through December 30, 2011. Visit http://www.handbagproductions.org/ for show times and dates.

Assisted Living – Profiles Theatre at The Second Stage, 3408 N. Sheffield is offering $15 industry tickets for the following performances: Thursday 12/22, Thursday 12/29 and Friday 12/30 all at 8 pm. Please call the box office at 773-549-1815 and mention this offer.

Penelope - Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, is offering 2 for 1 tickets to tonight's performance (December 15 at 7:30 p.m.) including FREE Explore event from 5 - 7 p.m. in the Steppenwolf Garage Theatre. Caffeine Theatre curates a cabaret of poetry, spoken word and drama surrounding the world of Penelope. To close out the event, hip-hop duo The Q-Brothers (creators of Funk it Up About Nothin’) will share a new original work, inspired by Penelope. Call Audience Services at 312-335-1650 to reserve your spot and use code 9429 when ordering for 2 for 1 show tickets. More Information.

All Childish Things - Hubris Productions at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln is offering a $10 industry performance on Thursday, December 15 at 8 p.m. Must present headshot, resume or business card at the box office. Call 773.404.7336 for reservations and mention this industry offer.

For Real

2011-12-08T14:43:00.000-08:00

So I don’t usually talk about shows I’ve seen but this week I saw Donny and Marie and Elizabeth Rex and hmmm-hmmm, that’s right…I’m a lucky, lucky person. How many people do you think saw both? I think not so many. I loved them both and it struck me once again how fortunate we are that we have such an amazing variety and depth of theatre in this town. Do you know how many places in this country there are where you maybe would have one or the other on any given night, but both? No. Or places where there isn’t anything.

Wait, what? You went to Donny and Marie, and you liked it? Yup. They happen to be great old-school entertainers and they put on a great show. Sometimes I might not like a show, but the audience loves it and that makes me happy. This show I genuinely loved because Donny and Marie are for real. They understand who they are and how they got famous and why people come out to see them and they own it and respect it and you do too.

And you know what, that’s what makes theatre in this town so great. We got it all and we own it all and we respect it all. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to make a decision about what show to see. Tonight alone you could see: a magic show, the virgin queen, Ibsen, Blue Men, a country western parody, a crazy ass light opera, Tracy Letts in his underpants, cabaret, improv and on and on… and you can have your holiday show any way you want it – mean old Scrooge, radio plays, Nativity, Reindeers in drag and much much more. Oh holy night indeed.

Deb

2012 CAAP Grant Application and Workshop

2011-12-08T09:49:00.000-08:00

The Community Arts Assistance Program (CAAP) is an annual grant opportunity open to new, emerging, and mid-career individual artists and not-for-profit arts organizations with annual operating budgets up to $150,000. Applicants can request a maximum of $1,000 for projects that address specific professional and artistic development needs. Applications are due on January 30, 2012, by 5 p.m. It is strongly encouraged that all applicants attend one of the following application workshops:

Dec. 10: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Nightingale Theater
Dec. 15: 6–8 p.m. ThreeWalls
Jan. 4: 5:30–7:30 p.m. Hyde Park Art Center
Jan. 10: 5–7 p.m. Links Hall
Jan. 19: 4–6 p.m. Chicago Cultural Center

More information.

Arts and Education Exchange Summit

2011-12-08T09:39:00.000-08:00

Need help expanding your arts education programming? Introducing a new event to connect you with Chicago's educators...

The Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Special Events, Arts Alliance Illinois, Ingenuity Incorporated, and Chicago Public Schools Office of Arts Education invite you to participate as a vendor in the first annual Arts & Education Exchange Summit!

Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the Chicago Cultural Center from 10am-2pm!

The Arts & Education Exchange Summit is a unique opportunity for arts and cultural organizations that offer educational programming to share their services with Chicago's educators. Modeled after Chicago's longest running arts resource fair Spotlight on Chicago, the Summit is an expo-style event where organizations are given a booth to present information about their arts residencies, field trip opportunities, and professional development programs to local teachers, principals, and educational coordinators.

The Arts & Education Exchange Summit is not a booking conference, but rather an information resource expo and a great opportunity to increase visibility, develop contacts, and network with peer organizations. In addition to the expo portion of the event, the Summit also offers professional development workshops that are crafted to give educators the tools they need to effectively partner with you in bringing arts education to every child in Chicago.

To participate, click here to complete the online application by December 19, 2011.

For more information about the event, please visit: http://www.explorechicagotourism.com/cotc/aee/.

Multicultural Social Hour Kick Off

2011-12-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

The Spot, 4437 N. Broadway Avenue
Monday, December 19, 6-8pm
RSVP to jmcclendon@steppenwolf.org

Brought to you by Steppenwolf’s 2012 Multicultural Fellows, the Multicultural Social Hour is networking group of young professionals who are dedicated to promoting diversity within the professional world of theatre.

All are welcome! So bring your friends.
* $1 OFF ALL DRINKS *

The group will meet at least 3 times between December and April to casually discuss topics of diversity and how we can effect change within the theatre world. The season will then end with a panel discussion in May where we review what we have learned and pose questions to influential theatre professionals.

Topics and Locations will change with each event.

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-12-06T09:33:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Holliday - Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph, is offering 2 for 1 tickets to spend the holidays with Broadway’s original “Dreamgirl” in a one-night-only performance Wednesday, December 7th at 7:30 p.m. Use code “FFHOLLIDAY” to receive 2-for-1 tickets at http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/.

A Bright New Boise - LiveWire Chicago Theatre at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln is offering $15 industry tickets to their seven remaining performances. Tickets can be reserved by calling 773-404-7336, or visiting the box office, and mention this offer. Visit http://www.livewirechicago.com/boise for more information.

How CFT Stole Christmas - Chicago Fusion Theatre at The Silver Room, 1442 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, 60622, is offering $5 industry tickets to their one night only performance and benefit on December 9. Doors open at 8pm and show starts at 9pm. There will also be a silent auction, DJs and dancing, and cookies and spiked drinks. Use discount code LEAGUE at the door to get a discount. First 50 people will receive a $10 gift card to Native Foods Cafe. For more information visit http://www.chicagofusiontheatre.org/.

The Jackie Wilson Story - Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark St., is collecting toys for the Chicago Toys for Tots program, and offering half-price tickets ($27.50) to any Wednesday or Thursday performance if you bring in a toy to donate. Call the box office at 773-769-4451 for reservations and remember that to receive the discount you must bring in a toy when you pick up your tickets.

We Will Miss Her

2011-12-01T13:07:00.001-08:00

I will miss Maggie Daley. I never knew her personally but her stamp was everywhere in this City. She truly understood the importance of beauty in our lives. I remember when I first moved to Chicago – it was the holidays and I commented to someone on how it seemed like everything that wasn’t in motion had a light on it. Maggie’s work I was told. Along with the flowers that are everywhere in the summer and Gallery 37 and After School Matters and all kinds of other projects.

She took her job as Chicago’s first lady seriously and left an imprint that will be seen for generations to come. Even throughout her long illness, she never faltered in her dedication to the arts and to the people, especially the children, of Chicago.

We were lucky to have her and I will be forever inspired by her work.

Deb

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-11-30T12:38:00.000-08:00

Peer Gynt - Polarity Ensemble Theatre at the DCA Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph in Chicago, is offering $15 industry tickets for Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. or Sunday at 3 p.m. through December 18th. Email TicketOffice@explorechicago.org or call 312-742-TIXS (8497). Visit http://www.dcatheater.org for more information.

Still in Play - Curious Theatre Branch at Links Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield Ave, is offering $15 buy one get one industry tickets December 9 – 11. Use Discount Code CURIOUS online or say it the door to get discount. For tickets and show information visit www.linkshall.org

Party 3.0

2011-11-30T10:52:00.001-08:00

Victory Gardens, Silk Road Rising and Theatre Communications Group are hosting a public event to celebrate the new anthology of contemporary Asian American drama entitled Version 3.0, edited by Victory Gardens' Artistic Director Chay Yew, and published by TCG Publications. The event will be held Sunday, December 4, from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. The evening will include a reception, readings and a discussion with Chay Yew and Luis Alfaro, award-winning playwright, poet and activist (author of Oedipus el Rey, VG's Summer 2012 show) about the anthology and the current state of the art.

Version 3.0 features a foreward by David Henry Hwang (Chinglish, M. Butterfly), and includes work by today's foremost Asian American playwrights including Julia Cho, Diana Son, Chay Yew, Han Ong, Alice Tuan and others.

The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required by contacting Daniel Reinglass, 773.328.2130 or dreinglass@victorygardens.org.

Chicago Dramatists Winter 2012 Classes

2011-11-29T15:16:00.000-08:00

This Winter: Become a Playwright
A national leader in playwright training, Chicago Dramatists offers a variety of professional playwriting classes designed for both beginning and experienced playwrights. Classes are focused on building practical skills and stage-worthy scripts, and are conducted in a supportive, positive environment. Most classes include a mixture of lecture, discussion, writing assignments (both in and out of class), reading and critiquing participants’ work. Special opportunities this winter include Screenwriting with Resident Playwright Mary Ruth Clarke (author of “Meet the Parents”) and Story into Song I with Resident Playwright Cheryl Coons (lyricist with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Marriott’s Lincolnshire, Northlight and The Royal George).

Visit www.chicagodramatists.org/classes for more information and to register for classes today!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T08:00:00.001-08:00

Wishing everyone a very happy and relaxing Thanksgiving weekend. We are immensely thankful to work with and support all of you in this amazing community.

Apply to Perform at the 2012 Chicago Fringe Festival

2011-11-22T08:41:00.000-08:00

Applications to perform at the 2012 Chicago Fringe Festival will open for submission on: December 12, 2011, at 10 a.m. Central Time

All instructions, plus more info about performing at the festival, on the website.

First Come, First Serve
25% of our available slots will be awarded first-come, first-serve.
For the 2011 festival, the first-come, first-serve slots sold out in 4 minutes.

Space Availability at the Greenhouse Theater Center

2011-11-22T08:30:00.001-08:00

Greenhouse Theater Center has 2 studio rental openings. A Winter slot from 12/26-02/12 (6 week run) and a Spring slot from 04/02-05/27 (7 week run). Only companies interested in the full performance slots will be considered. Rent includes Box Office & Front of House Services, a small sound & lighting package, dressing room, backstage area. Please contact Jenn Kincaid at jennifer@greenhousetheater.org or 773.404.7336 x200.

2012 - 2013 Saints Grants Program

2011-11-21T08:22:00.000-08:00

The Saints would like to announce the opening of their 2012 - 2013 Grants Program. The Saints invite and encourage theatres to apply for this grant assistance to be used for artistic development or production-related purposes. Budget requests up to $5,000 are considered. The grant period is from June 1, 2012 through May 31, 2013.

The application can be accessed on the Saints website at http://www.saintschicago.org/.

Applications are due Monday, January 16, 2012.

Applicants will receive a confirmation within five days of application submission. If not received, please contact Pamela Block, Grants Commission Chairperson, at Blockpj@aol.com.

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-11-18T15:08:00.000-08:00

A Bright New Boise - LiveWire Chicago Theatre at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln is offering $13 tickets to our Thanksgiving weekend performances, Friday and Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 3pm. Use discount code 'BOISE' at www.greenhousetheater.com or call 773-404-7336 and mention this offer. Visit http://www.livewirechicago.com/boise for more information.

Changes of Heart – Remy Bumppo Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N Lincoln Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets for all Friday 7:30 performances from 11/25 through 12/30. Code is INDUSTRY. Purchase tickets online at remybumppo.org or call 773-404-7336.

Sound of Silence - Theater Wit 1229 W Belmont, Chicago is offering FREE industry tickets Sat November 26 7:00pm; Mention code INDUSTRY ONE at the Box Office. Must present headshot, resume or business card. Click here for more information.

Date Me! - Theater Wit 1229 W Belmont, Chicago is offering FREE industry tickets Wed November 23 7:30pm, Fri Nov 25 7:30pm , Sat Nov 26 8:30pm, Sun Nov 27 3pm; Mention code INDUSTRY TWO at the Box Office. Must present headshot, resume or business card. Click here for more information.

Ann – Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe – is offering $15 industry tickets to the Wednesday, November 30 evening performance of ANN, a new play written and performed by Emmy-winner Holland Taylor. Use code INDUSTRY when ordering. Visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com for more information.

Caffeine Theatre Seeks Short Original Performance Pieces

2011-11-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

Caffeine Theatre seeks short original performance pieces of all disciplines--music, dance, theatre, spoken word, poetry, etc.--for its Penelope Coffeehouse Cabaret, produced in collaboration with Steppenwolf Theatre company in support of Steppenwolf’s production of Enda Walsh’s play Penelope. The Penelope Coffeehouse Cabaret will take place at the Steppenwolf Garage Theatre on December 15 from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM. The event celebrates Enda Walsh’s play, a contemporary adaptation of The Odyssey set in a swimming pool.

Pieces should explore the themes of the play (including competition, fighting for love, and intergenerational conflict) and/or should relate in some way to The Odyssey. Please email a script, poem, and/or a 1 page proposal to Associate Artistic Directors Dan Smith (dan@caffeinetheatre.com) and Kristin Idaszak (kristin@caffeinetheatre.com) including a description of your proposed piece, how many people you expect to be involved, estimated length, and any required resources. (We will accept proposals for scripts that do not yet exist or pieces that do not have a traditional script, but please include that information in your proposal.) Pieces should run less than 15 minutes, and preference will be given to pieces with minimal setup and technical requirements. Please use “Penelope Coffeehouse submission” in the subject heading.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: November 28, 2011.

Accepted pieces will be notified by December 1, 2011

#NAMPC

2011-11-17T12:00:00.000-08:00

This past weekend 520 arts marketers from around the country including more than a dozen from Chicago area theatres travelled down to Louisville, Kentucky for the National Arts Marketing Conference. The conference covered a wide range or topics related to arts marketing including branding, customer service, ROI, dynamic pricing, loyalty programs, audience feedback, mobile apps, CRMs, and of course plenty of conversations about social media. If you missed out on the conference (or you'd like to review) you can watch the keynote/plenary presentations from the #NAMPC conference: http://www.livestream.com/nampconference2011.

We're also hosting an event on Wednesday, November 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fountainhead (1970 W. Montrose.) called Marketing and Makers Mark. We'll be discussing takeaways from the National Arts Marketing Project Conference over a glass of Kentucky bourbon (or your drink of choice). The event is free for League members, but space is limited. RSVP to ben@chicagoplays.com to attend. We hope to see you there!

Promotional Opportunity--What's New in 2012?

2011-11-17T08:06:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture (COTC) continually reaches out to the media on behalf of Chicago's cultural and community partners and in a few short weeks they will be issuing a release on What's New in 2012.

With this annual release we attract regional, national and international media attention to Chicago that invigorates our thriving $11 billion tourism industry. You are invited to share, by Monday, November 28, the highlights of your 2012 cultural calendar.

This includes:
New Destinations opening in 2012 (museums, theaters, restaurants, hotels)
Major Anniversaries in 2012
World Premieres & Openings (performances, long-running exhibits)
Notable Residencies/Partnerships beginning in 2012 (Guest conductors, profiled chefs, award-winning theater/dance directors)

To submit your attraction/event/tour for consideration, please email andres.torres@explorechicago.org the name, dates, address, and a 75-word max. description by Monday, November 28.

To review a list of ways in which you can collaborate with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, visit the Toolkit for Community and Cultural Partners.

A Saturday Morning Salute to Roy Leonard

2011-11-17T08:01:00.000-08:00

The Museum of Broadcast Communications presents:

A Saturday Morning Salute to Roy Leonard

Saturday, December 3, 2011
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
360 N. State. St.

Tickets: $20

RSVP at www.museum.tv or call 312.245.8200

New Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center Open House

2011-11-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

The Black Ensemble Theater is celebrating its 35th anniversary and the Grand Opening of the New Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center! A local treasure, a national wonder and an international success best describe the dynamic organization that is the Black Ensemble Theater. Founded in 1976, by the phenomenal producer, playwright and actress Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater has grown from a small community arts organization to a nationally and internationally renowned strong arts institution.

Open House
The Black Ensemble Theatre
4450 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640
Saturday, November 19
From 10 am – 2 pm

Please come by and join us!

Industry Ticket Offer

2011-11-14T12:44:00.000-08:00

Season's Greetings - Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie is offering $10 tickets for theatre industry professionals to all performances November 11-20. Excludes Opening Night. Offer available by phone or walk-up, must mention the code INDUSTRY to reserve. Proof of industry (headshot, business card, etc.) requested upon ticket pickup. A Pay-What-You-Can performance will be offered on Saturday, November 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets available by walk-up, day of performance only. For reservations call 847.673.6300. Visit http://www.northlight.org/ for more information.

Maple and Vine - Next Theatre, 927 Noyes St in Evanston is offering an industry night this Thursday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m. including a post-show talk-back. Tickets by phone (847-475-1875) or using code INDUSTRY online at http://www.nexttheatre.org/.

AXIS Dance Company- The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy, is offering 50% off tickets* for Sat, Nov 19 at 7:30pm and Sun, Nov 20 at 2pm. Use code LEAGUE. Tickets available at 800.982.ARTS, www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium or the Auditorium box office. *Available on price levels 2 & 3 only.

Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting – Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave, is offering an exclusive pre-sale for this fastball drama about the integration of America's pastime. Save $5 on tickets with code RICKEYPRESALE when calling 312-337-0665 or click here. Visit lookingglasstheatre.org for more information. Offer expires 11/28/11.

Change or Die

2011-11-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

I saw Richard Evans, from EmcArts speak earlier this week. I found his thoughts around innovation and adaptability very interesting. I have always thought that arts organizations need to be adaptable. I remember once during the first strategic planning process I was a part of I kept introducing the word flexibility as a core value and everyone kept asking me what I meant and I couldn’t really explain what I meant by that. Now I know I meant adaptability, but also flexibility…hah. Anyway, he actually laid out what it means to be adaptable and how an organization can get there. He said, essentially that the road to innovation is called adaptability street. Interesting stuff.

But then he got into this whole thing about how we have to CHANGE, CHANGE or DIE. Yawn. Look, I’m all for change and I think we do change, I think we change all the time, we have to. I also think we have to try harder to find new models and ways of doing our work. But really if someone shows me that picture of the people dancing in the plaza at the Performing Arts Center in LA one more time and tells me how that is the wave of the future…please. Non-professionals dancing…OMG! Really?? we’ve been dancing for thousands of years. We’re human, we dance, we can’t help it. Whenever someone shows that picture, and literally I’ve seen it a dozen times in lectures and presentations, they always say “and it’s not about selling tickets,” and “they don’t charge the people to dance.” Yes, yes it is about selling tickets, or are you trying to tell me the Performing Arts Center in LA is moving its model to dancing in the plaza rather than presenting world class international dance companies. It’s nice that they provide opportunities for people to dance and sure, more of that is lovely and needed, but don’t tell me it’s a revolutionary innovation, it’s not.

I think Richard Evans is a smart guy and don’t forget I think his ideas about innovation and adaptability are spot on and we should all be more adaptable and innovative and he actually gave us a road map to get there (he said in the lecture slides to come, which I will be happy to share). Just please stop showing me that picture.

Deb

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-11-07T11:25:00.000-08:00

The Jackie Wilson Story - Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Uptown is offering Buy One Get One Free industry tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show on Wednesday November 23rd. Call 773-769-4451 and mention this offer. Must present headshot, resume or business card. Visit http://www.blackensemble.org/ for more information.

Seven Doors - Premiere Theatre and Performance at the Dank Haus, 4740 N. Western is offering $10 industry tickets to all performances November 6 - December 11 except opening. For tickets or more information visit http://www.ptapchicago.org/ or call 773-250-7055.

A Bright New Boise - LiveWire Chicago Theatre at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln is offering $10 advance tickets to any performance up until midnight on Friday, November 11th. Use discount code 'ADVANCE' at http://www.greenhousetheater.com/ or call 773-404-7336 and mention this offer. Visit http://www.livewirechicago.com/ for more information.

The Nutcracker - The House Theatre of Chicago at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. offers $10 student and industry rush tickets available at all performances pending availability one prior to curtain at the box office window through December 30, 2011. Visit http://www.thehousetheatre.com/ for more information.

The House of Yes - 20% Theatre Chicago at The Think Tank, 1770 W. Berteau #207, is offering $10 student/industry tickets through November 20, 2011. Email boxoffice@twentypercentchicago.com to reserve your seats.

Clybourne Park - Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. is offering $20 tickets for the Sunday, November 13, 7:30 p.m. closing performance. To redeem call Audience Services directly at 312.335.1650 or visit http://www.steppenwolf.org/ and use code “9371.” Tickets must be reserved at least one hour before performance. Subject to availability.

Through the Middle Ground - the side project, 1439 W. Jarvis, is offering a pay what you can industry performance on November 11 at 7:30 p.m. All of the proceeds will go toward the National Veteran's Art Museum (http://www.nvam.org/). Reservations recommended, but not required. To do so, e-mail tickets@thesideproject.net or call 773-973-2150.

Interrogation Primer - the side project, 1439 W. Jarvis, is offering a pay what you can industry performance on November 11 at 10:30 p.m. All of the proceeds will go toward the National Veteran's Art Museum (http://www.nvam.org/). Reservations recommended, but not required. To do so, e-mail tickets@thesideproject.net or call 773-973-2150.

Cities of Light - Piven Theatre Workshop, 927 Noyes St. in Evanston, is offering a pay-what-you-can industry performance on Wednesday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m. Call the box office to reserve your seats at 847.866.8049 for this one night only special!

Assisted Living by Deirdre O'Connor – Profiles Theatre The Second Stage, 3408 N. Shefflield in Chicago, is offering a limited number of comp industry tickets for the 5 p.m. matinee on Saturday November 12. Call (773) 549-1815 and mention this offer. Visit www.profilestheatre.org for more information.

Chicago Restaurant Week expands for 2012 with ways for CCTB non-dining members to participate

2011-11-03T13:10:00.000-07:00

Question: If you’re not a restaurant, how can you participate in Chicago Restaurant Week 2012?
Answer: Host a food-themed special event or activity!

Now in its fifth year, Chicago Restaurant Week is the largest dining event of its kind in the Midwest. The 10-day food celebration will run February 17 – 26, 2012 and restaurants throughout the entire metro Chicago area will offer prix fixe menus at $22, $33 and $44 for lunch and dinner. Last year, Chicago Restaurant Week served 377,000+ diners in 207 participating restaurants and generated $19.68 million in direct spending for Chicago’s restaurant industry.

New for 2012, the CCTB is running a $625k consumer ad campaign targeting a 500-mile drive market to encourage visitation to Chicago during January and February. The Chicago Restaurant Week website (EatItUpChicago.com) will feature special February hotel rates at tiered pricing of $89, $119 and $149.

Additionally, the website will feature food-themed events and activities hosted by CCTB non-restaurant members. It’s a way for your brand to be part of Chicago Restaurant Week and get exposed to hundreds of thousands of hungry diners – both residents and visitors – via EatItUpChicago.com.

The kinds of events are only limited by your imagination. Below are the primary categories we’ll use to organize these events, along with real examples of food-themed special events that are in line with the kinds of activities we believe would complement Chicago Restaurant Week:

• Tours & Attractions
o Example: Chicago Architecture Foundation’s “Appetite for Design” http://caf.architecture.org/page.aspx?pid=995
• Museums, Galleries & Exhibitions
o Example: Art Institute of Chicago’s “A Feast for the Eyes” Mini-Tour http://www.artic.edu/aic/visitor_info/selfguide/june08_guide.pdf
• Theater & Performing Arts
• Music & Comedy
• Shopping

To participate, it is NOT necessary to offer a discount. It’s more important that you create a food-themed event or activity that would appeal to residents and visitors alike as they’re making plans for their participation in Chicago Restaurant Week.

Generally speaking, events should be scheduled no earlier than February 3, after the CCTB’s kick-off media event on February 2, and no later than February 28. If you’re creating special activities, such as a food-inspired tour, it’s appropriate to offer the activity for the entire month of February, if you wish.

How do you qualify to participate?
Just send your great idea for a special food-themed event or activity that you’ll host and manage. Email hmorris@choosechicago.com by December 1; be sure to include a brief description of the event and details, such as:

· Start/End dates
· Event name and description
· Event URL
· Venue name and address

They'll review all submissions by December 10 and accepted events will be featured on the Chicago Restaurant Week microsite and www.ChooseChicago.com starting in January.

Advocacy Already?

2011-11-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

I went to an event hosted by Arts Alliance Illinois titled Uniting for Impact: Arts Policy and the 2012 Election. The best part about it was Representative Jan Schakowsky spoke and she said quite a few things that made an impact on me.

One thing she said was that members of congress do measure input. I’ve said this before, they actually care when their constituents call or write a letter. I have to believe that they would rather take a call or spend time with their constituents than some big business interest. Probably much more fun and enlightening, but they can’t do that but they do know how many people have called or written about a specific issue and it makes a difference.

I know I sound like a broken record but reach out to your Alderman. They can really help you in surprising ways and they are ecstatic to have arts organizations in their wards. Just get to know them, invite them to your events, share your statistics and your successes with them. Make sure they know that you are an important part of your neighborhood.

Finally Representative Schakowsky said WE ASK FOR TOO LITTLE. She refers to the entire budget for the NEA as “budget dust.” She said we should be bolder and say this is what it would look like if we had X. 2012 is coming. What would it look like if we had X?

As always, we try to keep you as informed as possible but please go to the Arts Alliance website as well for info and updates. http://www.artsalliance.org/getinvolved.html.

Deb

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-11-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

Rodgers & Hart: A Celebration - Light Opera Works Second Stage, 1420 Maple Avenue in Evanston, is offering half-price industry tickets (regularly $27, $34 and $42) for November 4 at 8 p.m. For tickets call 847-920-5360 or visit http://www.lightoperaworks.com/ and use code "supper” (all lower case). Tickets must be purchased in advance. No door sales.

Chicago Live! – Chicago Theatre Downstairs, 175 N. State Street in Chicago is offering $10 industry tickets for the remaining dates in the fall season (November 3, 10 and 17). Tickets are available online at http://www.chicagolive.com/; use code THURSDAY when ordering tickets to receive half off the ticket price. Visit http://www.chicagolive.com/ for lineup and more information.

The Ugly One - Sideshow Theatre Company at Oracle Theatre, 3809 N. Broadway, is offering a pay-what-you-can industry performance on Monday, November 7 at 8 p.m. Visit http://www.sideshowtheatre.org/ for more information.

The Great Fire - Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave. is offering half-price ($17-20) industry tickets on Thursday matinee performances through December 4. Mention code THUMATBOGO at the box office. Must present headshot, resume or business card. Visit http://www.lookingglasstheatre.org/ for more information.

Or, - Caffeine Theatre at the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1575 N. Milwaukee in Wicker Park, is offering special $10 industry tickets for the 8 p.m. performances on Thursday, November 3 and Thursday, November 10. Visit http://www.caffeinetheatre.com/ or call (312)409-4778 and use code ASTREA.

the Doyle & Debbie show--Royal George Theatre (1641 N. Halsted) is offering a limited number of tickets for $20 Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday Evening performances through next week, 11/13. Valid at the box office only, mention code "INDUST." For more information, go to http://www.doyleanddebbie.com/.

Rasta Thomas’ Bad Boys of Dance - Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy, is offering 50% off tickets* for Sat, Nov 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Sun, Nov 6 at 2 p.m. Use code INDUSTRY. Tickets available at 800.982.ARTS, www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium or the Auditorium box office. *Available on price levels 2 & 3 only.

Salons and Such

2011-10-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

In response to last week’s blog post, we were offered some comp tickets to attend Chicago Live! At the Chicago Theatre on November 10, see below if you want to join us – it’s a salon/performance/mingling event that is definitely worth checking out and they’ve got a great line up on November 10. I really appreciated the comments of Josh, Tony and David. The Storefront Summit meetings were great…but not organized by the League, which maybe made them great? We organized a couple of Storefront Socials over the past year and those were not well attended. So what to do? Do we gather people around a particular issue? Or do it like they do in SF and invite a group of people to just come together…but that way it’s not open to anybody only invited guests? Does maybe one theatre or artist take over and do the inviting, and each quarter it is assigned to a different person or company but people get way too busy to do that. We have been doing lunches with visiting international artists over the past few months to which we invite artists that might have a particular interest in the work, they are fun and fascinating, but it takes a bit of organizing.

Anyway, I love that people are still interested in face to face discussion and interaction and in the meantime, join us on November 10 if you can.

Deb

Director/Dramatist Exchange at the Goodman Theatre

2011-10-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011, 7pm to 9pm
Goodman Theatre Club Mezz, 2nd Floor
170 North Dearborn Street

The event will be co-hosted by Douglas Post (Chicago Regional Rep, DG) and Elizabeth Margolius (Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of DirectorsLabChicago).

This two-hour networking session will introduce directors to dramatists who are working on new plays and/or new musicals in the Chicago area. After a brief introduction, dramatists and directors may mingle and talk further.

If you would like to attend, please e-mail us no later than Wednesday, November 2nd at: info@directorslabchicago.com.

The first 20 directors who respond will receive a reservation to the event. In order to secure a reservation, you must submit a statement with your initial e-mail. Please include this statement in the body of your email. This one-page statement should consist of three things: (1) your contact information, (2) your professional biography (one paragraph only, written in the third person) and (3) a brief directorial statement describing your aesthetic and the kind of work that excites you. After we receive these materials, your reservation will be confirmed. Then, prior to the event, you will receive statements from all the dramatists as well as statements from the other attending directors.

There is no fee to attend this event. Drinks will be served!!

Eclipse Theatre to honor Erica Daniels with the 2011 Corona Award

2011-10-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

Eclipse Theatre Company will present the 2011 Corona Award to Steppenwolf Theatre's Associate Artistic Director Erica Daniels on Sunday November 6th at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago. The Corona Award honors an individual who has played an important role in nurturing the growth of Eclipse Theatre and the entire Chicago theatre community. Guest speakers will include Martha Lavey, Adam Belcuore, Bob Mason, Elizabeth Geddes and more. Tickets are only $20 and includes food with cash bar. Cocktail hour begins at 6pm with the Award Presentation at 7pm. For additional info and to purchase tickets online, please visit http://eclipsetheatre.com/corona/2011/ or call 773-325-9655

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-10-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

The Better Half - Lucky Plush Productions at the MCA Stage, 220 E. Chicago Avenue, is offering $15 industry tickets on October 27 and November 3. Limit 2 per person. Purchase tickets online, or call the MCA Box Office, 312.397.4010

The Great Fire - Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave. is offering pay-what-you-can industry performances on Thursday, October 27 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This offer is only available for walk-up sales. Cash-only. Mention code INDUSTRY at the box office. Must present headshot, resume or business card. Visit http://www.lookingglasstheatre.org/ for more information.

The World Over – The State Theatre of Chicago, presented at the ARCC Ballet at 2220 N Elston in Chicago, is offering a limited number of pay-what-you-want industry tickets for the 8 p.m. show on Thursday October 27. Must purchase tickets in person and present headshot, resume or business card. Visit http://www.statetheatrechicago.com/ for more information.

The Amish Project featuring ATC Ensemble Member Sadieh Rifai - American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St, is offering $15 industry tickets to the following performances: Thursday, 10/27 at 8 p.m., Saturday 10/29 at 3 p.m. and Sunday 10/30 at 3 p.m.. To join us at this special rate, call the box office at 773-409-4125 and mention the discount code SCHOOLHOUSE, use the code online, or in person at the theater 1 hour prior to curtain. To learn more about this Chicago Premiere, please visit us at http://www.atcweb.org/.

Or, - Caffeine Theatre at the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1575 N. Milwaukee in Wicker Park, is offering special $15 industry tickets for the 8pm previews on Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29. Visit http://www.caffeinetheatre.com/ or call (312)409-4778 for reservations.

Drumline Live - Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy, is offering 50% off tickets* for Sat, Oct 29 at 8pm and Sun, Oct 30 at 3pm. Use code INDUSTRY. Tickets available at 800.982.ARTS, www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium or the Auditorium box office. *Available on price levels 2 & 3 only.

More Personal?

2011-10-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

Our annual meeting on Monday went very well. It was really nice to see so many people there and for me to meet a bunch of people I had never had a face to face with. The best part was that everybody stayed for a long time talking and having fun. Last night someone told me they were starting a kind of salon in Chicago – bringing together arts and business leaders, which sounds like an incredibly great idea. And then later, I read this blog on HowlRound about a salon that they hold in San Francisco where theatre folks in all kinds of jobs and with all kinds of experience get together to talk about theatre – not networking and not about getting your next job, just talking about theatre. My first thought was oohhh…that sounds great – we should do that.

My second thought was yeah, we kind of already do and not just by the League gathering people together but I think every night theatre artists get together and talk about theatre. That was what Monday night felt like to me – a chance for people to remember that we’re all here and we’re all in this together. Several people told me they felt inspired on their way out. Frequently, when I go to a show, even if I don’t know the people around me, their conversation tells me they work in theatre. Conversations are happening all over the internet. But I wonder if people get a chance to talk to people from outside their direct circle, if people would be interested in being provided with an opportunity to talk about theatre in that kind of atmosphere. I’ve been wondering for a while if the remove of the internet makes us want more personal interaction. What do you think?

Deb

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-10-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

The Boy in Black - Chicago Fusion Theatre at Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL 60614, is offering a limited number of $15 industry tickets for Wednesday and Thursday performances through November 12. Tickets may be purchased via (312) 988-9000, http://www.ticketmaster.com/The-Boy-In-Black-tickets/artist/1641836 or in person at the box office.

7th Annual First Look Repertory of New Work - Steppenwolf Theatre has a special offer: get First Look Repertory of New Work tickets for just $20 – plus a FREE CRAFT BEER at the bar! Valid only for shows between 10/26 - 10/30. Shows include MAN IN LOVE by Christina Anderson, WANT by Zayd Dohrn, and OBLIVION by Carly Mensch. To purchase tickets, call Audience Services directly at 312.335.1650 or visit www.steppenwolf.org and use code “9292.” Tickets must be reserved at least one hour before performance. Subject to availability.

Flats and Stair Units Available for Free

2011-10-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

FLATS FOR FREE! TWO STAIR UNITS FOR FREE!
Great Shape! Very Well Built! COME GET THEM!
I just don’t have room to store these things and would like to do a little housekeeping!

I am the Production Manager for the Northwestern Bienen School of Music (Opera Dept.) as well as a the Production Manager for Quest Theatre Ensemble so I am aware of how interesting and cost effective it can be to take things of others hands for upcoming projects. Give me a call 847-467-0725 or email me at Jason.bowen@northwestern.edu to set up a time to take a look...and take! Looking to release these items ASAP

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-10-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Glass Menagerie - Oak Park Festival Theatre at the Madison Street Theatre, 1010 W. Madison, Oak Park, is offering $10 industry tickets to the following dates with proof of industry. October 20, 27, November 3 and 10.

New Stage Amplified - Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, is offering $5 industry tickets to their shows DARTMOOR PRISON (October 13-23), THE CHICAGO BOYS (October 27-November 6), and ASK AUNT SUSAN (November 10-20) as well as free staged readings SMOKEFALL (October 24), TWO LAKES: TWO RIVERS (November 7) and TEDDY FERRARA (November 14). To purchase $5 tickets, click here and enter the promotional code INDUSTRY when logging in or registering. This offer is available online only.

Do It!

2011-10-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

About 10 years ago I took advantage of the TCG program “Expanding the Theatre Manager’s Repertoire,” the workshop was led by Robbin Walker and I have never forgotten many of the things I learned there. It was an invaluable part of my training as a theatre professional. She covered things that I was uncomfortable with such as managing conflict and managing change. These lessons were soon put to work directly and with huge impact in my professional life.

I am absolutely thrilled that Robbin has agreed to do a workshop for us here in Chicago and I strongly recommend that you take it if you can. It is meant for professionals at all levels who have a need to manage people whether they are staff, board members, volunteers, etc. Robbin is an inspiring and dynamic teacher, trainer and coach. She has trained thousands of leaders, at all levels, in areas from diversity to high-potential talent to all facets of leadership.

Some of the topics she will cover in our workshop will be resolving conflicts between artists and managers over budget constraints, guiding yourself and others through a change in leadership, fostering influential relationships with board members and striking a balance between discipline and camaraderie.

The workshop will take place at Bella Bacino’s Club Quarters, 75 East Wacker on November 3 and 4. November 3 will be from 9:00-4:30 and lunch will be served, November 4 will be from 9:00-Noon. You can RSVP to ben@chicagoplays.com. Do it!

Deb

Rehearsal Space Availability at Remy Bumppo

2011-10-13T10:47:00.001-07:00

Remy Bumppo's rehearsal space at 3717 N Ravenswood is available for rental, November 2011 and beyond. Rates vary from $11 - $16 per hour, depending on hours scheduled per week. Approximately 800 sq ft, close to Addison Brown Line. Contact Amy Schultz at aschultz@remybumppo.org or 773-244-8119.

Space Availability at Stage 773.

2011-10-12T12:22:00.000-07:00

Stage773 has space! Fully renovated Northside theatre space available for November/December at Stage773. Blackbox space seats 80 and theatre in great location near public transportation comes with lighting package, full box office and marketing assistance. Contact Jill Valentine at (773) 929-7367 x111 or jill@stage773.com for details.

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-10-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

The Argument – Interrobang Theatre Project at the Viaduct Theater, 3111 N. Western Ave., is offering $10 industry tickets Thursday – Saturday 7 p.m. and Sunday 5 p.m. through November 6. Use the code {deadsex} online at http://www.ticketweb.com/, 773-296-6024 or at the Box Office. Visit http://interrobangtheatreproject.org/ for show information.

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter - Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. is offering $10 tickets for the Saturday, October 15th performance at 7:30 p.m. To redeem $10 tickets call Audience Services directly at 312.335.1650 or visit http://www.steppenwolf.org/ and use code “9253.” Tickets must be reserved at least one hour before performance. Subject to availability.

Brand - Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont, is offering $15 industry tickets to all performances through October 29. Tickets are available online through our website at http://www.redtapetheatre.org/. Select the date you would like to attend and enter code STUIND to see the industry price. Tickets also available at the door (cash only). Visit http://www.redtapetheatre.org/ for show info and performance schedule. Contact Myah Shein at myah.shein@redtapetheatre.org with questions.

The Amish Project featuring ATC Ensemble Member Sadieh Rifai - American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St, is offering $15 industry tickets to the following performances: October 13 and 14 at 8 p.m., and October 15 at 3 p.m., pending availability. To join us at this special rate, call the box office at 773-409-4125 and mention the discount code SCHOOLHOUSE, use the code online, or in person at the theater 1 hour prior to curtain. To learn more about this Chicago Premiere, please visit us at http://www.atcweb.org/.

Becky Shaw - A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells St. is offering a pay-what-you-can industry performance on Monday, October 17 at 7 p.m. Must present headshot, resume, or business card. Reservations are encouraged. - Call (312) 943-8722

Chicago Shakespeare Theater to Host Panel on October 15

2011-10-12T08:15:00.000-07:00

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) will host to a panel of distinguished speakers that includes Tony Award-winning director Anna Shapiro and platinum-selling recording artist Matt Nathanson for Chicago Ideas Week Talk: Creative Process on Saturday, October 15 at 10 a.m. in CST’s Courtyard Theater. The discussion will focus on the development of new works and ideas across different artistic disciplines. Additional panelists include Chicago Ideas Week (CIW) Artist in Residence Jason Salavon and Design For America Faculty Advisor Jeanne Marie Olson. Tickets for CIW Talk: Creative Process are $15 and available online at www.chicagoideas.com. Additional information is available at www.chicagoshakes.com.

Space Availability at Gorilla Tango Theatre

2011-10-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

Gorilla Tango Theatre in Chicago (Bucktown) - easily accessible by “L” or bus, ample street parking available – has space available in December and going forward into 2012! 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. Theatre 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.

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-10-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

The Spirit Play - The Strange Tree Group at DCA Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph in Chicago, is offering $15 industry tickets for Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30pm or Sunday at 3pm through November 6th. Email TicketOffice@explorechicago.org or call 312-742-TIXS (8497). Visit http://www.dcatheater.org/ for more information.

Women Are Crazy Because Men Are A**holes - Cyur Studios at the Victory Garden Biograph, is offering a limited number of $15 industry tickets for the October 13 - 16 performances. Call 773-871-3000 and mention this offer or say "League." Visit http://cyur.com/ for more information.

Rodgers & Hart: A Celebration - Light Opera Works Second Stage, 1420 Maple Avenue in Evanston, is offering half-price industry tickets (regularly $27, $34 and $42) for all Friday 8 p.m. performances through November 4. For tickets call 847-920-5360 or visit http://www.lightoperaworks.com/ and use code "supper” (all lower case). Tickets must be purchased in advance. No door sales.

Mourning Becomes Electra directed by new Artistic Director Timothy Douglas. - Remy Bumppo Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, is offering $15 industry tickets available every Friday at 7:30 p.m. through October 21 and October 20 at 2:30 p.m.. Use code INDUSTRY. Choose your seats 24 hours a day at http://www.remybumppo.org/ or call 773-404-7336.

Steve and Michael and Janis and Jerry

2011-10-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

Like everybody else, I’ve got Steve Jobs on my mind. The Onion posted a column calling him the “last guy in America who knew what the f**k he was doing,” someone on Facebook re-posted a long post from a blogger that outlined some of the more heinous decisions Steve Jobs made in his personal and professional life.

But, here’s what really got me – CNN called him a “master showman,” like Michael Jackson and Janis Joplin and Jerry Garcia. A master showman…we can claim Steve Jobs as one of ours, along with Michael and Janis and Jerry. Not one of them (and many others, these three just popped into my head) died without us all exclaiming “imagine if they’d lived,” What’s inspiring is that they lived as if they were unafraid, they didn’t do it for the money, they did it for the love and it lasted. They were all famously difficult personalities, and I always wonder about that – does it take that kind of personality to tell the truth? They didn’t just work harder or have better ideas or make better music, they were different, they made us see the light in ways that others who may have been smarter or better or nicer didn’t. They changed our lives with their huge and difficult personalities, they made it easier and more interesting to be human.

Deb

Collaboraction Call for 12th Annual Sketchbook Submissions

2011-10-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

Collaboraction is sending out a nationwide call to playwrights, directors, ensemble-based groups and theater artists of all kinds to submit scripts or concepts to be considered for the 12th annual SKETCHBOOK Festival. The deadline for submissions is November 1, 2011.

The 12th Annual SKETCHBOOK Festival will take place in June 2012 at Collaboraction's home in the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave.

While the acclaimed SKETCHBOOK Festival has traditionally been known as a progressive, multi-media short play festival, this year Collaboraction is changing the format to include both short and long works. Submissions will be accepted in two categories - under seven minutes, and eight-to-eighty minutes. Sketches will run in repertory in Collaboraction's new multi-use space, with discussions, panels and parties throughout the festival.

This year, Collaboraction is seeking work that explodes traditional theatrical limitations in form, content, staging and/or narrative. It is placing a special emphasis on promenade, site-specific and touring pieces. Playwrights and theatre artists may submit up to three pieces total, in any combination of long or short sketches. These works may not have been previously produced.

Visit www.sketchbooksubmissions.org to submit pieces for consideration. Full guidelines are currently posted on the Collaboraction blog (link at www.collaboraction.org).

Space Availability at the Greenhouse Theater Center

2011-10-06T06:43:00.000-07:00

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-10-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

The Argument – Interrobang Theatre Project, at The Viaduct Theatre, 3111 N. Western Ave, is offering Pay-As-You-Can Industry Seats for preview performances Friday & Saturday, Oct. 7 & 8. Curtain is at 7pm, and these tickets are available in person at the box office 1-hour before the show. Regular preview price is $20. Proof of industry required: headshot, union card, business card, etc. Visit http://interrobangtheatreproject.org/whats-on/ for show and cast information.

Tea at Five by Matthew Lombardo - First Folio Theatre at Mayslake Hall, Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St, Oak Brook. is offering $10 industry tickets to Weds. evenings at 8 p.m. on Sept. 28, October 5 and 12. Tickets are on an "as available" basis and may be purchased no sooner than 48 hours in advance. Professionals must bring a union card, a headshot/resume, tech resume, or business card indicating employment in the theater business. Tickets may be purchased by calling 630-986-8067.

Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp - North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd. is offering $10 off any price ticket to see the stars of RENT on Saturday, October 22 at 8 p.m. Get your tickets here or call the box office at 847-673-6300 and use code CPPR10. Must mention code CPPR10 to receive discount. Some restrictions and fees may apply. Subject to availability. Visit http://www.northshorecenter.org/ for more information.

Brand - Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont is hosting an industry performance Monday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m.. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or online with code EINAR. Visit http://www.redtapetheatre.org/ for tickets and info. Contact Myah Shein at myah.shein@redtapetheatre.org for questions.

The Fever Chart: Four Visions of the Middle East - Eclipse Theatre Company at The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $10 industry tickets every Thursday and Friday at 7:30pm through October 21st. Use code word INDUSTRY at the box office. For more information, call 773-404-7336 or visit http://www.eclipsetheatre.com.

You will not want to miss this!

2011-09-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

I wanted to give you all a heads up about our annual meeting this year. The listing is below in the broadcast but I really hope you all can make it. Also, bring as many people as you’d like from your company. We have invited Michelle Boone, Commissioner of Cultural Affairs and Special Events to speak and of course, I will be speaking as well and I know everybody loves that – but the good news is that it will be short and then we will have time to mingle and chat and meet Michelle. We have also invited other representatives of various foundations and corporations that support so many of you. We have invited all 50 Aldermen, so if you’d like to follow up on the invitation with your Alderman, please do. Maybe invite her or him to come with you? Or one of your board members? The more the merrier.

We are making it a bigger and hopefully more informative and fun event this year, so I hope you can make it.

We will also be having a raffle of one round-trip airfare anywhere in the 48 United States. What??? There’s more reasons to come? Did I mention there will also be complimentary food and drinks and lots of your friends and colleagues will be there? Well, it’s true!

Seriously, please join us, it’s Monday, October 17 and you can RSVP to Nancy at nancy@chicagoplays.com.

Deb

Lookingglass Theatre Company Costume Sale

2011-09-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

Open to the Public!

Monday, October 10th, Noon – 8 p.m.
(or until we sell out, whichever comes first!)

In the Studio of the Lookingglass Theatre
At the Water Tower Water Works
821 n. Michigan Ave.
(enter on Pearson, just east of Michigan)

Find that perfect halloween costume
Add to your collection of vintage clothing
Build up your theatre’s stock
Or run off and join the circus!

Costumes from past productions include The Shaggs, Argonautika, Our Town, Trust, Secret in the Wings, and many more!

Everything priced to go! All items from $1 - $50

Cash and all major credit cards accepted

Please byob (bring your own bags) to cart all your treasures away…

Flying Solo Workshop/Seminar

2011-09-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

Actors' Equity Association Presents
Have Show! Will Travel. . . Flying Solo Workshop/Seminar

Pack Your Stuff, Map your Course, Work with Navigators, Take a Test Run
The Idea…Writing and Editing…Development and Collaborators...
Pre-Production Work-shopping…Equity Style

Professional Coaches: Dale Calandra, Arlene Malinowski, Eileen Vorbach
Facilitator: Ron Keaton

Saturday, October 15 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Actors’ Equity Building
557 W Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60661

Want to get on mailing list?... perform excerpt for feedback?...or just want more details? Email Diane Dorsey: dmdorsey@aol.com.

FREE! Just Bring Your Equity Card!

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-09-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

A Walk in the Woods – TimeLine Theatre Company at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets to the Sunday, October 2, 2 p.m. performance including a special in-depth hour long discussion with playwright Lee Blessing, Artistic Director PJ Powers, director Nick Bowling and actors David Parkes and Janet Ulrich Brooks. For tickets call 773.975.8150 and mention code industry.

Burying Miss America - New Leaf Theatre at the Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West, is offering $15 industry tickets for any performance through October 29 and 1/2 price tickets for performances through October 1 with the code NEBRASKA. Tickets may be purchased online or in person at the box office subject to availability.

Triangle by Curtis Moore and Thomas Mizer - American Music Theatre Project at Northwestern University in the Mussetter-Struble Theater, 1949 Campus Drive, Evanston. presents a free workshop presentation of a new musical set against the backdrop of the historic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 New York City. There will be two free readings: Friday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 2 at 2 p.m. Parking is free. Tickets are limited; advance reservations are required. To rsvp, email h-schmucker@northwestern.edu.

One Man, Two Guvnors - Theatre and Interpretation Center at Northwestern University in the Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. is offering $20 tickets to the first National Theatre Live broadcast of their 2011/12 season on Tue, Oct 4 at 7 p.m. Directed by NT Artistic Director Nicholas Hytner and starring James Corden. Parking is free in the multi-structure lot across from the theatre. For reservations call (847) 491-7282 or visit www.tic.northwestern.edu.

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-09-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

Rodgers & Hart: A Celebration - Light Opera Works Second Stage, 1420 Maple Avenue in Evanston, is offering half-price industry tickets for previews (regularly $21) on October 2 at 3 p.m. and October 6 at 8 p.m.; plus regular performances October 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. (regularly $27, $34 and $42). For tickets call 847-920-5360 or visit www.LightOperaWorks.com and use code "supper” (all lower case). Tickets must be purchased in advance. No door sales.

The Beats - 16th Street Theater at Berwyn Cultural Center, 6420 16th Street, is offering $10 industry tickets on Thursday, Sept. 29 and Thursday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. For reservations call Barbara at 708-795-6704 x 104 and mention this industry offer. Visit www.16thstreettheater.org for more information.

Come See Us

2011-09-22T13:52:00.001-07:00

You don’t write, you don’t call. Why don’t you come see us? All members are welcome to stop by the League offices anytime, we would love to see you. We are here Monday through Friday from 9:30-5:30 (sometimes later but call to check). If you have meetings downtown and need a place to hang out in between please do it with us, we have wifi and coffee and a copier – all free for you to use. Better yet, want to have your meeting downtown but don’t have a place? Use our conference room. Just give Nancy a call (312-554-9800) to schedule. Find yourself downtown and needing to make copies in a hurry? Use our copier.

They are certainly not palatial, but we would really like to encourage our offices as a place where you can meet and greet not just us but your colleagues and a place that you can consider your “office away from home.”

Deb

Moving the Flywheel

2011-09-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

Ways to take your organization from good to great.
Monday, October 24, 6 - 8 p.m.
League offices, 228 S. Wabash, Suite 200
We all struggle with the conflict between managing the day-to-day and keeping our organizations focused on the bigger picture. How do you manage cash flow and make sure your new educational program is on mission, on brand and true to who your organization is? While there isn’t a magic pill that will make all of your troubles go away, there are things you can do to focus your organization on the bigger picture while also thriving in the present. David Schmitz (Managing Director of Steppenwolf) will focus the meeting on his observations for how to apply Jim Collins’ theories in GOOD TO GREAT IN THE SOCIAL SECTOR (available for purchase on amazon). Plan for discussion and questions with just a dash of inspiration.
Space is limited! This event is free for League members. RSVP to ben@chicagoplays.com.

On the Move

2011-09-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

Route 66 Theatre Company announced that Erica Weiss, current Literary Manager and director of the breakout hit A Twist of Water, will be its new Associate Artistic Director.

Strawdog Theatre Company is proud to announce the appointment of its new managing director, Patrick Rybarczyk. Rybarczyk assumes the position of managing director following the recent departure of Hank Boland. Boland left the position in August 2011 to pursue graduate level work towards an MFA in Playwriting but will continue on as an active ensemble member with the company.

Redtwist Theatre announced that Andrew Jessop has just been named Co-Artistic Director. Andrew recently had his directorial debut with the Redtwist Production of Man From Nebraska which received the Jeff Award for Best Production for the 2011 season. He is currently appearing in the title role of the Chicago premiere of Elling at Redtwist.

The Theatre School at DePaul University is pleased to welcome two new employees: Julia Curns, Box Office Manager, and Alicia Graf, House Manager. Julia Curns is a DePaul University graduate. She completed her Bachelor of Music degree in Performing Arts Management in 2009. Julia has worked with Steppenwolf Theatre Company, TimeLine Theatre Company, and The Second City. Alicia Graf, a Chicagoland native, is a graduate of the University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Psychology and Theater and Performance Studies. In addition to her new position at DePaul, she is also currently the Marketing Apprentice at Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-09-21T14:47:00.000-07:00

Clybourne Park – Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, is offering 2 for 1 tickets to their Sunday, September 25 performances at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. including Explore: An In-Depth Look at Chicago's Neighborhood History Event from 5 – 7 p.m. in the Steppenwolf Upstairs lobby with Bill Savage, Dan Andries and Barbara Allan. For tickets call audience services at 312-335-1650 and use code 9217 when ordering.

Spunk - Three tales by Harlem Renaissance author Zora Neale Hurston adapted for the stage by George C. Wolfe with musical narration composed by Chic Street Man - Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, is offering $10 industry rush tickets to every performance through October 9. Rush tickets are $10 per person with proof of industry one hour before curtain, subject to availability.

Violet - Bailiwick Chicago at the Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets for all performances running Sept. 23 - Oct. 16. Use the code "VIOLETDY" for matinee shows and "VIOLETNT" for evening shows. To reserve, call 773-325-1700 or buy online at http://www.bailiwickchicago.com/. The code may also be used at the door if industry tickets are still available.

ETC Unison Dimmer racks for sale

2011-09-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

2 @ 24 channel ETC Unison Dimmer racks for sale. Upgrade your theater with reliable, affordable, DMX controllable ETC dimmers. These racks are 4 years old and have been keep in a climate controlled room with air filtration. $5k per rack or $8k for the pair, for more information call ECTV, 847-869-2510, or email gear@ectv.com.

Industry Ticket Offer

2011-09-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

The Amish Project - American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St, is offering $15 industry tickets to the following performances: September 23 and 24 at 8 p.m., September 25 at 3 p.m., and September 26 at 8 p.m. To redeem, call the box office at 773-409-4125 and mention the discount code SCHOOLHOUSE, use the code online, or in person at the theater 1 hour prior to curtain. To learn more please visit us at http://www.atcweb.org/.

In the Next Room or the vibrator play - Victory Gardens Theater at the Biograph, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets to the following performances: September 21, 23, 24 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. and September 24 at 4 p.m. To redeem call the Box Office at 773.871.3000, mention code INDUSTRY, visit in person and mention code or purchase online, select your date and enter promotion code INDUSTRY prior to purchase. To learn more about the production, visit http://www.victorygardens.org/onstage/next-room.php.

Special Event DIG DEEPER – Saturday, September 24th between shows. Please join VG for a lively discussion with Dr. Lauren Streicher, MD, a national thought leader in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Rachel Maines, author of The Technology of Orgasm: “Hysteria,” Vibrators and Women’s Sexual Satisfaction, an inspiration for In the Next Room or the vibrator play. The discussion will be moderated by dramaturg Kristin Leahey. Tickets are free and meal boxes will be available for purchase. Reservations required - please call 773.871.3000.

Risk

2011-09-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

I read Wendy Wasserstein’s biography, it’s a pretty good read if you’re interested but one of the most minor things in the book really resonated with me. That is that Wendy wrote screenplays, none of which got produced and I am always hearing about screenplays that never get produced and how people are actually commissioned to write things for TV and film that never get produced and I know people write a lot of plays that never get produced but the difference is nobody pays them to do it. Playwrights always write on spec.

Then I got into a conversation about R&D and investment and capitalization in the arts and the idea that in other industries, in “for profit” industries – loads of people are paid to fail. How can we capitalize our industry so that we can pay to fail – I think there would be a lot more good plays in the world if we could pay for a lot more bad plays to be written (and read and workshopped and even produced). Does that make sense? Some of us can capitalize our organizations as a guard against failure, which gives us the ability to take risks. Some of us produce our work on as low a budget as possible so we can take those same risks. What’s the answer? As usual I only have questions. I understand that it’s the market – our industry doesn’t produce the kinds of profits that make it sensible to capitalize risk taking. Could we create something that invites investors at a different level – not when the plays are written and someone thinks they have potential but before they are written?

Deb

Season of Concern 2011 AIDS Run and Walk

2011-09-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

Season of Concern (SoC) is once again fielding a team for the 2011 AIDS Run and Walk on Saturday, October 1st. THEY NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Season of Concern has one mission – to raise as much money as possible. They then redistribute that money to direct care providers to assist members of the Chicago theatre community who are suffering from life-threatening illnesses.

AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s AIDS Run and Walk is one of their biggest fundraisers each year. 100% of all money raised by the team comes back to Season of Concern. By making a generous contribution to the SoC team, you help support more than 160 Chicago-area organizations whose work is critical to the fight against HIV/AIDS, and help provide a safety net for our members by contributing to programs that provide direct care (personal financial support, housing care, meals, medications, legal assistance, and other services) to members of the Chicago and Midwestern theatre community.

To sponsor – or to join the team – go to the team page or contact Willa Taylor at willataylor@goodmantheatre.org or 312-443-5580.

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-09-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

The Fever Chart: Four Visions of the Middle East - Eclipse Theatre Company at The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $8 industry tickets on September 15, 16, 17, 22, and 23 at 7:30 p.m. Use code word "INDUSTRY". Call the Greenhouse Box Office at 773-404-7336 or visit http://www.eclipsetheatre.com/ for more information.

Shining City - Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, 425 Fawell Blvd.,Glen Ellyn. $10 Industry tickets for all performances Sept. 22 to Oct. 9. 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.

Chalk & Saltwater: The Ladder Project - The Neo-Futurists, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. is offering $5 industry tickets on September 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. Use the Discount Code "FAILURE". Call The Neo-Futurarium at 773-275-5255 or visit http://www.neofuturists.org/ for more information.

Pussy on the House - Hell in a Handbag Productions at the Athenaeum Theatre, Studio #3, 2936 N. Southport Ave. is offering $10 industry rates for Thursdays at 8 p.m. on Sept. 29 and Oct. 6 with the code word 'industry'. 1-800-838-3006 or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/191795 ,or at the door. Cash only please.

Stage 773 Open House

2011-09-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

Stage 773 staff has taken their hard hats off and ear plugs out. Construction has finished and Stage 773 is reopened with a full slate of shows (every night night the week!) in our newly renovated theaters!

We are very excited and want to invite you, our theater friends and family, to see what we've been up to the last three months! Please join us in celebrating the new Stage 773.

Tuesday, September 20, 5 -8 P.M.
Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont
Light refreshments served
Please rsvp to Jack Short jack@stage773.com by September 17th to reserve a spot at our open house.

Submission Opportunity: Raven Theatre 2012 New Play Workshop

2011-09-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

Raven Theatre is now accepting submissions for its New Play Workshop that explore the Chicago immigration experience. The selected play will receive a fully-rehearsed three-performance presentation in June 2012. Below are submission guidelines. For more information about Raven Theatre, go to its website -- www.raventheatre.com.

1. Plays must address the Chicago immigration experience - current or historical - in a significant way.
2. Playwrights must be available to attend rehearsals at Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL.
3. Unproduced plays only; however previous readings and developmental workshops are acceptable.
4. Include a 10-page sample only, plus a synopsis and character breakdown. We will contact you if we would like to see the full script.
5. Please email your submissions and contact information to susan@raventheatre.com by October 1, 2011.

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-09-13T08:47:00.000-07:00

Mourning Becomes Electra directed by new Artistic Director Timothy Douglas. - Remy Bumppo Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, is offering $15 industry ticketsavailable every Friday at 7:30 p.m. from September 23 through October 21. Use code INDUSTRY. Choose your seats 24 hours a day at http://www.remybumppo.org/ or call 773-404-7336.

Moby-Dick - The Building Stage, 412 N. Carpenter, is offering $12 industry tickets for all Friday, Saturday, and Sunday performances 9/15 (Thursday Preview) through 10/23. Use code 'DRUMTASTIC'! Tickets at 312-491-1369 and buildingstage.com.

Hero with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, book by Aaron Thielen - American Music Theatre Project at Northwestern University in the Hal and Martha Hyer Wallis Theater, 1949 Campus Drive, Evanston, is presenting a free workshop presentation Friday, September 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m. Parking is free. To rsvp to either date, email h-schmucker@northwestern.edu.

Brand - Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont is offering $10 industry tickets to preview performances 9/29-10/1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online using code: AGNES. Enter code and click, "Show Discount Prices." Tickets also available at the door. Visit http://www.redtapetheatre.org/ for more info. Contact myah.shein@redtapetheatre.org for questions.

Violet - Bailiwick Chicago at the Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave. is offering a limited number of $10 industry tickets for previews, Sept. 17th at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and Sept. 18th at 3:00 p.m. To reserve, use the code "FOBC" by phone at 773-325-1700. The code may also be used at the door if industry tickets are still available.

Industry Ticket Offer

2011-09-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hallelujah Broadway – Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy, Chicago, is offering 50% off tickets for Saturday, September 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at ticketmaster.com/auditorium. Use code LEAGUE. Available on price levels 2 & 3 only. Restrictions apply. Visit www.auditoriumtheatre.org for more information.

DCA Theater Accepting Proposals for Fall 2012 Production Slots

2011-09-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

DCA Theater is pleased to announce that they are now accepting proposal submissions for our Fall 2012 production slots in the Storefront Theater AND for our INCUBATOR series in the Studio Theater. All Chicago-based, itinerant theater companies are encouraged to apply. Selected Storefront companies receive FREE performance space in downtown Chicago, full box office, online ticketing, house management services, and more. Selected INCUBATOR companies receive FREE space to develop an original script or new work and share their process with the public during a single-night showcase.

The deadline for proposal submissions is Saturday, October 15, 2011.

ALL proposal submissions are accepted electronically via email

To begin the application process, go to www.dcatheater.org/yourshow/ to download all the necessary forms and the checklist for required application materials.

Uh-Oh

2011-09-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

My 15 year old niece was on the TODAY show last week talking about “teens and technology,” and I spent some time with her and her 17 year old sister last week. On the TODAY show they mainly talked about cyber-bullying and text messages. I forgot the name of it but apparently there is a social networking site that makes cyber bullying easy. Why anyone would choose to go to such a place is a complete mystery to me but that really brings me to my point. These teenagers are kind of a mystery to me, as I think teenagers always are to a generation older than them. These two are smart, sophisticated kids, if I do say so – they live in New York and go to NYC public schools. The 15 year old said on the TODAY show that she sometimes has 300 messages waiting for her – she later admitted that that was not actually the truth, she was exaggerating for effect.

But here’s the real point…the 17 year old (she’s a senior in high school) told me that the kids on Facebook are changing their Facebook names so that college admissions offices can’t find their profiles, she also said “what adults don’t realize is that everything on Facebook is a joke,” she does not use Twitter – ever. OK – now here’s the real point, ready? She graduates from college in five years and she will be joining us here in our world and right now we don’t have any idea whatsoever about how we will talk to her about theatre or sell her a theatre ticket, but I can tell you we won’t be doing it on Facebook or Twitter. It’s worth thinking about, right? I actually believe that there is going to be a shift back to smaller scale, more personal interactions. Maybe it’s more a hope than a belief but I think in our work we can try to make that change happen. I only have a couple hundred friends on Facebook, what can I say, I’m old and I don’t try very hard, but still I get loads of invitations to loads of stuff and I pay attention to exactly none of it. I always thought it was because I’m old, but turns out the 17 year olds are with me.

I’m not saying we should abandon our social networking efforts just when we are getting the hang of it but I’m saying we should branch out and try to figure out in what ways the audiences of the future will want to engage with what we do. I’m never in favor of abandoning anything that works, reaching all kinds of people requires all kinds of effort, but I think we are always behind the eight ball, catching up instead of looking ahead.

Deb

On the Move

2011-09-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

Auditorium Theatre is pleased to announce two new team members this month: Heather Heslup, Education Project Manager and Joelle Weber, Marketing Associate. Heather holds a B.A. from Howard University and M.A. from Columbia College Chicago and comes to the theatre after stints at Chicago's Grant Park Music Festival, Public Broadcast Service and Columbia College's Center for Community Arts Partnerships. Joelle Weber, a member of an up-and-coming storefront company, The Island Theatre Company, joins the Auditorium from Victory Gardens Theater, after her time at Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Red Tape Theatre would like to announce the addition of two new staff members. John Rooney joins the company as Associate Artistic Director. John was the A/I Company Intern at Actors Theatre of Louisville. In Chicago, he has worked at such companies as About Face Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, American Theatre Company, and Collaboraction. He is also a proud company member of Dog and Pony Theatre. Molly Mullen joins the company as our Literary Manager. Molly served as the casting intern at Steppenwolf Theater Company. She has also interned at Jean Doumanian Productions, The Goodman, Victory Gardens and Redmoon, in the literary and artistic departments.

Polarity Ensemble Theatre announces the additions of John Olsen as their new Marketing Manager and Aoife Carolan as their new box office manager.

Jim Davis, production manager at Next Theatre Company since 2006, has recently joined the staff at the Theatre and Interpretation Center at Northwestern University. Jim started his position as Lab Theatre Coordinator this week. Next is currently conducting a search for his replacement.

Caffeine Theatre announced that founding company member Jason Beck has been named Producing Artistic Director, after having served as Managing Director for the last two seasons. Beck replaces Jennifer Shook, who left Caffeine last fall to pursue a PhD at the University of Iowa; and who remains in a consulting role as Founding Artistic Director for the company.

Industry Ticket Offer

2011-09-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris - Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, is offering $10 industry tickets for performances Thursday, September 8th through Sunday, September 11th in the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre. To redeem $10 tickets call Audience Services directly at 312.335.1650 and use code “9005.” Tickets must be reserved at least one hour before performance. Subject to availability.

Snapshots, music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz - Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd. is offering $10 tickets for theatre industry professionals to all performances September 16-25 (excluding Opening Night 9/23). Offer available by phone or walk-up, must mention the code INDUSTRY to reserve. Proof of industry (headshot, business card, etc.) requested upon ticket pickup. Box Office: 847.673.6300

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-09-06T13:56:00.000-07:00

North America Now - Bailiwick Chicago at Instituto Cervantes, 31 W. Ohio St. is offering $10 industry tickets on Wednesday, September 7 at 7 p.m. to an evening of art, performance and conversation to explore the border relations between Canada, the United States and Mexico on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Includes cocktail hour. Only available at the door; cash only. Just mention the industry rate. For more information, visit http://www.bailiwickchicago.com/.

Farragut North by Beau Willimon - Stage Left Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, is offering $12 industry tickets on Thursday, September 15, 22 and 29 at 8 p.m. Use code word "Morris". Call 773-975-8150 or purchase online here: https://www.theaterwit.org/tickets/productions/69/performances#top

Bonhoeffer's Cost - Provision Theater Company, 1001 West Roosevelt Road, is offering $10 industry tickets for any performance September 17-October 30. Present a headshot and resume when picking up tickets. Includes free parking. Visit http://www.provisiontheater.org/ for more information.

Chicago Dramatists' Fall 2011 Classes start Saturday October 1st

2011-09-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

As the national leader in playwright training, Chicago Dramatists offers a variety of professional playwriting classes designed for both beginning and experienced playwrights. Classes are focused on building practical skills and stage worthy scripts, and are conducted in a supportive, positive manner. Most classes include a mix of lecture, discussion, writing assignments, and reading and critiquing participants’ work. Beginning playwrights enroll in classes to learn the basics and write their first plays. Working playwrights enroll in classes to review basic skills, attack a specific problem, and explore new or specialized techniques.

Have questions about a particular class or which would be best for you? Read the full class descriptions on our website at www.chicagodramatists.org/classes or call 312-633-0630.

League and SDC Coffee Clatch

2011-09-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

Please join us for a Coffee Clatch hosted by the League and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society on Monday, September 19 at the League office, 228 S. Wabash, Suite 200.

As Theatre Managers, you work every day to bring quality theatre to your communities. How do you find the right Director or Choreographer for a project? What do you look for, and where do you look? Do you hire from within the deep pool of talent offered by Chicago’s theatre community, or do you look for what an outside perspective might offer? Do you look to build long-term artistic relationships, or do you like to mix things up? And does a Director or Choreographer’s affiliation with a union factor in to your decision? It shouldn’t – any Theatre Manager should be able to hire the right person for the project, regardless of Union membership.

Please come to the League offices for a little coffee and conversation on the above topics with your colleagues and with Renee Lasher, SDC Business Representative. If you’d like to take to opportunity to learn about how you can hire an SDC member – no tricks, no traps, no (or at least few) complications – Renee will answer any and all questions. There will be two sessions; one at 2:30pm and one at 5:30pm. Please RSVP to nancy@chicagoplays.com and indicate which time slot you’d like to attend.

Space Availability at The Second Stage

2011-09-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Profiles Theatre has performance space available to rent beginning in early February at The Second Stage (former Stage Left Theatre space) at 3408 N. Sheffield. The fifty seat theatre is a very affordable space for young, emerging or established itinerant companies in a great location. If you would like to find out more information about rentals for your future productions, they are booking immediately for prime time, late and off night productions, classes and rehearsals. Please call 773-549-1815 or email profilestheatre@gmail.com.

Industry Ticket Offers

2011-08-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

The Real Thing – Writers’ Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, is offering a limited number of $20 industry tickets for the following preview performances: Tuesday, September 13 (7:30pm), Thursday, September 15 (8:00pm), Sunday, September 18 (6:00pm), Tuesday, September 20 (7:30pm) and Wednesday, September 21 (7:30pm). Call 847-242-6000 and mention the codeword "INDUSTRY". Payment must be made in advance and proof of industry must be shown at pickup. Subject to availability. Visit writerstheatre.org for more information.

A Walk in the Woods - TimeLine Theatre Company at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. is offering $22 tickets through September 4 when you use code "WOODS22." Best Availability on Saturday, September 3. Available online via http://www.theaterwit.org and when you call the Theater Wit Box Office at 773.975.8150.

Industry Ticket Offer

2011-08-26T06:59:00.000-07:00

In Pursuit - Hobo Junction Productions at the Second Stage Theater, (3408 N. Sheffield) is offering 2 for 1 industry tickets for all Thursday and Sunday performances through September 11 with proof of industry affiliation. Call 224-625-0018 to reserve and purchase your tickets at the door.

Corazón de Manzana - Mortar Theatre Company's production at the DCA Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph in Chicago, is offering $15 industry tickets for Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30pm or Sundays at 3pm through September 25th. Email TicketOffice@explorechicago.org or call 312-742-TIXS (8497). Visit http://www.dcatheater.org for more information.

On Cultural Understanding

2011-08-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

I watched a lecture the other night by Ryan Crocker, recently appointed U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, previously ambassador to Iraq, Pakistan and other middle-Eastern countries. I was riveted because you know what he said, he said and I seriously paraphrase here...that all of our misunderstandings in that part of the world can be directly related to cultural misunderstandings, that the rise of terrorist groups is directly related to cultural misunderstandings. If you haven’t read The Forever War by Dexter Filkins (a New York Times reporter in Iraq and Afghanistan), I strongly recommend that you do so because he also says that our efforts in the middle east are seriously hampered because we don’t understand the culture.

That’s culture with a capital C and a very broad meaning but man, are we in the right business or what? We have the opportunity every day to deepen what it means to understand our own culture or another culture. We have the opportunity to reach audiences that might not otherwise seek out the understanding we can provide. Or maybe we open the door to someone who says I never knew that… and does more research…and pretty soon they’re the ambassador to Iraq. I majored in Art History in college and the reason I did that was because it seemed to me like it was about everything, in understanding a piece of art you had to understand the historical and cultural context in which it was made.

Cultural understanding is critical to world peace. I don’t think it’s a stretch at all to say that by making and disseminating art we foster cultural understanding among our neighbors and across our city and throughout the world.

Deb

Industry Ticket Offer

2011-08-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

Waiting for Lefty - American Blues Theater at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln, is offering a limited number of $15 industry tickets for the following previews: Sept. 2 (8pm), Sept. 3 (8pm), Sept. 4 (2:30pm). Call 773-871-3000 and mention the codeword "UNITE". Visit http://www.americanbluestheater.com/ for more information.

Tea at Five by Matthew Lombardo - First Folio Theatre at Mayslake Hall, Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St, Oak Brook. is offering $10 industry tickets to Weds. evenings at 8 p.m. on Sept. 14, 21, 28. Tickets are on an "as available" basis and may be purchased no sooner than 48 hours in advance. Professionals must bring a union card, a headshot/resume, tech resume, or business card indicating employment in the theater business. Tickets may be purchased by calling 630-986-8067.

The Double - Babes With Blades Theatre Company at the Lincoln Square Theater, 4754 N. Leavitt is offering $10 industry tickets for the 2 p.m. matinee performances on September 3rd, 10th and 17th with proof of industry affiliation. Call 773.904.0391 and mention this offer. Visit http://www.babeswithblades.org/ for more information.

Cyrano - The House Theatre of Chicago at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. offers $10 industry rush tickets available at all performances pending availability one prior to curtain at the box office window. Runs August 25 - October 16. Visit www.thehousetheatre.com for more information

Playwright Naomi Wallace comes to Chicago August 27th

2011-08-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

Eclipse Theatre Company is proud to host an open forum discussion with their 2011 featured playwright Naomi Wallace, moderated by Tanya Palmer (Goodman Theatre's Director of New Play Development). Award winning playwright Naomi Wallace will discuss her career and works interspersed with a presentation of short scenes from her plays One Flea Spare, The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek, and The Fever Chart. A question and answer session with the audience and light refreshments will follow. Following a brief intermission, a staged reading of her newest play And I And Silence will be presented.

Saturday August 27th, 2011
12:30PM
At the Greenhouse Theater Center
2257 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago

Admission is FREE (there is a $10 suggested donation)

For Reservations, call 773-325-9655 or email info@eclipsetheatre.com.
For more information on Eclipse's 2011 Naomi Wallace Season, visit http://www.eclipsetheatre.com/.