Happy Thanksgiving!

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. Your tireless efforts to produce exceptional and inspiring art on stage make our city great. We look forward to a busy holiday season and another successful year of Chicago theater to come in 2010!

Chicago Theatre Storefront Summit II

Sunday, December 6, 7-9 p.m.
DANK haus, 4740 N. Western Ave.

Continuing with the conversations that began at the first Summit, this event will be geared towards open conversation, sharing experience and insight, and connecting individuals to collaborate on efforts to help the community.

Click here to RSVP and join the discussion online.

Executive/Managing Director Roundtable

Monday, December 14, 6 - 8 p.m.
hosted by ComedySportz, 929 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to meet Executive/Managing Directors at other Chicago area theaters and discuss current issues and best practices. RSVP to ben@chicagoplays.com.

Industry Ticket Offers

Democracy – Eclipse Theatre at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln is offering $10 industry tickets Friday, November 27 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, November 28 at 3 p.m. For tickets call 773-404-7336 and mention this industry discount. Visit http://www.eclipsetheatre.com/ for more details.

It’s a Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph! – American Blues Theater at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $10 industry tickets to the following performances: November 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and November 29 at 2:30 p.m. For tickets call 773-871-3000 and mention this industry offer.

Young Frankenstein – Broadway In Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre is offering $35 tickets to any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday performance through December 13. Click here and use promo code LEAGUE. Tickets also available by calling 800-775-2000 and at any Broadway In Chicago box office or Ticketmaster retail location. Not available with any other offer or on previously purchased tickets. Normal ticketing fees and other restrictions apply. Subject to availability. Discount valid on lower balcony locations to Tue-Thu performances only. Offer expires at 11:59 PM CST on 12/10/09.

Click here to see a full list of industry ticket offers at Chicago area theaters.

Industry Ticket Offers

G.I.F.T. – Collaboraction, 459 ½ N. Wolcott is offering pay what you can industry tickets Monday, November 23 at 7 p.m. and Friday, November 27 at 8 p.m. Must present headshot or resume. www.collaboraction.org.

Thodos Dance Chicago – Fall Concert featuring Fosse Trilogy, reconstructed for the company by Ann Reinking. Harris Theater, Saturday, November 28 at 8 pm. $15 industry tickets available. Use the promo code “LIZA” at http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/ or call 312.334.7777. More information at ThodosDanceChicago.org.

Fugard Collaboration

Court Theatre, Remy Bumppo and TimeLine Theatre have been hard at work the last few months collaborating on a project called Fugard Chicago 2010. Each company is coincidently producing a play by the playwright Athol Fugard this season and so they began having conversations about how they could work together. They just launched the website this week at http://www.fugardchicago2010.org/. In addition to providing some information on Fugard and each of their plays, they are offering a three play pass to see all of their shows. The League provided some support for the website so that it can be available as a template for future collaborations. Check it out and if you and some other companies are interested in working together in a similar way please contact us for more details. We hope that this model can help foster valuable conversations and partnerships, and help you reach new audiences and create greater awareness of your work.

'Tis the Season

Season of Concern and The League of Chicago Theatres invite you to eat, drink and be merry. Industry Holiday Party. Awards Presentation. Mad, Hot Sing-off.
Monday, December 7, 2009
6:30 p.m. at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W Division St.
Suggested donation benefits Season of Concern
The 2009 Larry Sloan Awards honor Jonathan Abarbanel, Rondi Reed, and the Actor’s Fund.

Cultural Exchange Opportunity

Russian Modern Theater is looking for a partner theater in USA that may be interested in a cultural exchange. In 1990, Russian Modern Theater visited the USA, touring in Chicago and Los Angeles. Plays had a great success and wide press coverage. In recent years, the theater has been touring in Europe, visiting Germany, France, Poland, Finland, and other countries. In 2007, artistic director of the Theater, Svetlana Vragova, received a Hall of Fame honor in Chicago as a "woman who makes a difference" for her impact on culture. For more information on the Theater, please visit (www.modern-theatre.ru) or contact the Theater’s producer, Elena Beier, at eshaposhnikova@hotmail.com.

Not for Profit Audits: The Basics

CPAs for the Public Interest
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Registration: 5:00 pm Workshop: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Receive an overview of the audit process for not-for-profits, including when an audit is needed, choosing an auditor, and preparing for and ensuring a successful audit. Learn how to get the most out of your audit and about your Board's important role in overseeing the audit process. Discuss the effects of recent changes in accounting standards that make audits more challenging for not-for-profits and how you can best prepare your organization to address these challenges.
Presenter: Clifford Shapiro, CPA - Blackman Kallick,
Illinois CPA Society, 550 W. Jackson Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60661
Cost: $40.00 per person per workshop
To register, call 800.993.0393 and refer to Course Code: PI129

Chicago Musical Theatre Director/Dramatist Exchange

Monday, December 7th, 2009, 7-9 PM
Goodman Theatre Club Mezz, 2nd Floor
170 North Dearborn Street, Chicago

This 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 Chicago-area dramatists who are composers, lyricists and librettists to directors who are working in the Chicago area and are interested in new musicals. After a brief introduction to each other, dramatists and directors may mingle and talk further. If you would like to attend, please e-mail Elizabeth Margolius at info@directorslabchicago.com. It is important that we receive your response no later than Wednesday, November 25th. The first 20 directors who respond will receive a reservation to the event. However, in order to secure a reservation, you must submit a statement with your initial e-mail. This statement should consist of three things: (1) your contact information, (2) your professional biography (one paragraph only, written in the third person) and (3) an artistic statement outlining the type of musical stage work which most interests you (one paragraph only). All statements must be included within the body of your email. No attachments please! After we receive these materials, your reservation will be confirmed. Then, prior to the event, you will receive statements from all the dramatists attending as well as statements from the other directors.

Performance Space Availability

Stage Left Theatre has performance space to rent at its 49-seat theatre at 3408 N Sheffield. Primetime weeks, off-nights and late-nights available between December 14th and February 6th at a negotiable discount depending on specific timing and length of run. (usual rates: $850/week for primetime, $250/week for off-night or late-night). Lighting and sound equipment included, must provide your own box office and house manager. Call Laura at 773-883-8830 or email sltchicago@stagelefttheatre.com with questions or to tour space.

Industry Ticket Offers

Aunt Dan and Lemon – BackStage Theatre Company, at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W Division, is offering $10 industry tickets to every Thursday and Sunday performance through December 20. Use code INDUSTRY on http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/81260, email reservations@backstagetheatrecompany.org, or walk-up - proof of Industry requested at the door.

A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant - A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells is offering $20 discounted tickets to tickets orders before Thanksgiving, November 26th (tickets may be purchased for the entirety of the run, November 15th - January 3rd, 2010). Call the box office at 312-943-8722 and ask for "Xenu" to claim this offer.

How to Act Around Cops – The Artistic Home, 3914 N. Clark St. is offering $10 industry tickets on November 22 at 7 p.m.

An Evening with Charles Busch and Julie Halston – Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $5 off tickets on December 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased before Sunday, November 22. For tickets call 773-871-3000 or visit the box office and use code BIOGRAPH.

Support Season of Concern at Pooch on Scrooge

Bark Humbug! Get a picture of your pooch with Scrooge and support Season of Concern.
Saturday, November 14, 9 - 11:30am

Now it's not just the kids who get to star in the family holiday photo! Bring your favorite canine to the Goodman to pose with Scrooge from A Christmas Carol and receive a holiday photo of your pooch on Scrooge. Dogs dressed in holiday attire are entered to win a gift basket from Barker & Meowsky, a paw firm.Your 'quick take' digital portrait will be taken by celebrated photographer David Sutton of Sutton Studios. A $10 recommended donation benefits Season of Concern.

Learn more & RSVP

Mentorships

We are now accepting interested mentees and mentors for our 2010 Mentorship program. We're thrilled to continue this valuable program after a successful first year in 2009. One of our 2009 mentees said this about the mentorship program:

"Awesome program. It has done more for me professionally than anything else I have been involved with in Chicago."

We've already received quite a few inquiries and want to make sure that everyone who would like a mentor is accomodated. If you or someone at your company is interested in having a mentor please email ben@chicagoplays.com, and include:

• one priority you'd like to address with that mentor's guidance (e.g. board development, fundraising, finance management, marketing)
• a list of people that you'd ideally like as a mentor or companies you see as a model.

Mentorships will begin in January 2010 and last for one year. Mentees must be affiliated with a member organization of the League of Chicago Theatres. Contact ben@chicagoplays.com with any questions.

National Opera Week

National Opera Week takes place November 13-22, 2009 and celebrates the vitality of opera in America as a contemporary cultural expression. Chicago Opera Theater (COT), partnering with the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs, are proud to participate in this exciting, week-long celebration with “Pop-up Opera” performances around Chicago, and a young professionals’ night at Rock Bottom Brewery. National Opera Week is organized by OPERA America, the national service organization for opera with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts.

National Opera Week in Chicago begins with “Pop-up Opera” performances throughout the city. These short “flash” performances of popular opera favorites will be performed by COT Young Artists in unexpected places. Go to ChicagoOperaTheater.org/operaweek for hints on where and when “Pop-up Opera” will be that week!

On Wednesday, November 18, Chicago Opera Theater’s young professional group, Opera Underground, presents “Beers and Baritones” at Rock Bottom Brewery. The evening, aimed at young professionals aged 21 to 45, is only $25 and includes beer, wine, light appetizers, with a short performance by Leila Bowie and Martin Woods, both members of COT’s Young Artists Program.

The National Opera Week celebration will reach from coast to coast with over 90 opera companies from 32 states and will offer a range of programs for the public. Opera Week will demonstrate the allure and accessibility of opera, this most multi-media of the arts, and will be accessible to both opera lovers and newcomers to the art form.

For more information on Chicago Opera Theater Opera Week events, please go to ChicagoOperaTheater.org/operaweek.

For more information on all National Opera Week events around Chicago and the country, please go to OperaAmerica.org/now.

Industry Ticket Offers

Souvenir - Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd. is offering $10 industry tickets to all preview performances November 12 through 21. Offer available by phone or walk-up, Call the Box Office at 847.673.6300 and mention the code "INDUSTRY" to reserve. Proof of industry (headshot, business card, etc.) requested upon ticket pickup. Visit northlight.org for specific performance times.

Becoming Ingrid- Rubicon Theatre Project at Stage Left, 3408 N Sheffield Ave, is offering $10 industry tickets, for all Thursday and Sunday at performances at 7:30 p.m. through December 3rd. Call the box office at (773) 466-1835 and mention this offer when reserving tickets. You can also reserve tickets by emailing at rubicontheatreproject@yahoo.com. Please have proof of industry affiliation to present at the door.

Costume and Prop Sale

Piven Theatre Workshop is getting rid of its storage space! They are offering many great grabs from our costume and props closet for sale.
Tuesday, November 17th & Wednesday, November 18th from 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Noyes Cultural Arts Center
927 Noyes St, Room 103
Evanston, IL 60201
Questions? Call (847) 866-8049.

DCA Storefront Theater Proposal Submissions

Chicago DCA Theater is pleased to announce that we are now accepting proposal submissions for our Fall 2010 production slots in the Storefront Theater. All Chicago-based, itinerant theater companies are encouraged to apply. Selected companies receive FREE performance space in downtown Chicago, full box office, online ticketing, house management services, and more. The deadline for proposal submissions is Thursday, January 7, 2010.

DCA THEATER IS GOING GREEN! ALL proposal submissions are now being 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.

Who Are We?

We’ve been having a lot of conversations lately related to being able to better articulate who we are as a community. Being able to do that has all kinds of implications. I tend to think that there is no value in trying to brand Chicago theatre, our strength is in our diversity. One of the things that attracted me to this job was the fact that Corn Productions and Aguijon and Broadway In Chicago and Light Opera Works all stand together. It is unique and it kind of defies description. But maybe I’m wrong, maybe that’s it “Chicago Theatre, defying description since 1872.”

If we were to make a short video that attempted to say who we are…say 7 minutes, what would it look like? A mighty tall order and I would say I don’t even want to try, except I think it’s necessary. When I talk about it now, I say “Chicago is the best place in the world to make and to see theatre,” I believe that’s true, but it doesn’t say who we are, how we got here and where we are going.

I think we all know it and feel it, what it is, but can we say it in a line, a sentence, a paragraph?

Deb

Tony Mack: Contemporary Australian Theatre for Young Audiences

Different needs and cultural circumstances determine the development of TYA in each country. Tony Mack looks at the influences that have shaped Australian TYA and gives snapshots of current practice in areas such as: Tales of contemporary life, Fantasy worlds, Indigenous performance, Theatre for the very young, Dance for young audiences, Emerging companies and new directions.

November 18, 2009
DePaul Student Center Room 380 (Lincoln Park), 5-7:30 PM,
Free & Open to the Public . Reservations Required.
RSVP to theatreschoolpr@depaul.edu or 773-325-7819

About Tony Mack
Tony is an Australia Council Fellow researching theatre for the very young and developing an online Global Youth Arts Portal. After graduating from Australia’s National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and working professionally as an actor throughout Australia, Tony branched out to work in a variety of roles, as a playwright, director, arts journalist, magazine editor, actor trainer and university lecturer. From 2002–2008 he served as Vice-President of ASSITEJ International. As Chair of the Congress Working Group from 2005–2008, he was responsible for the delivery of the 16th ASSITEJ World Congress and Performing Arts Festival in Adelaide, Australia. He continues to work in the corporate area – presenting, performing and narrating corporate videos and television and radio commercials – and in feature films such as ‘Esther Blueberger’.

New Play Competition

University of California's 4th Round of the Stage International Script Competition

$10,000 Prize to be given for the best new play about science and technology. Submitted plays must explore scientific and/or technological stories, themes, issues or events. Multi-media theatre pieces, non-traditional plays and new forms are encouraged. The winner of the Scientists, Technologists and Artists Generating Exploration (STAGE) Competition will receive a $10,000 USD prize, along with possible opportunities for developing and promoting the winning script.

The deadline is December 15, 2009. For guidelines, an entry form and all details, please visit: www.stage.cnsi.ucsb.edu.

Performance Opportunity

Are you looking for additional spaces in which to perform? In January of 2007, the City of Elgin opened the doors to the Elgin Art Showcase, Elgin’s newest performance and gallery space. Located on the eighth floor of the historic Professional Building at 164 Division Street in the heart of downtown Elgin, The Art Showcase offers an intimate space for artists to exhibit their work and performers to display their talent.

The Elgin Art Showcase is hosting an informational focus group on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. At this meeting, the City of Elgin would like to show the performance space and discuss possible bookings from Chicago and suburban theater groups. The City of Elgin is interested in presenting this performance space to area theater companies in the hopes of drawing Chicago and suburban talent to the Elgin Area. Rent is reasonable and parking is free. The Elgin Art Showcase is located near City Hall parking, downtown restaurants and is handicap accessible. The theater boasts a spectacular view of the City, a grand limestone fireplace and a 100 seat capacity. The gallery space is equipped with picture rails and track lighting.

If you or a representative from your group are interested in attending this gathering, please RSVP by December 4, 2009 to:

Sylvia Grady, Coordinator of the Elgin Art Showcase
847-951-1515, grady_s@cityofelgin.org

Industry Ticket Offers

Yeast Nation (the triumph of life) – American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron is offering $10 industry rush tickets for Thursday, November 5. Industry Rush tickets go on sale at the Box Office 45 minutes prior to the performance. Please present head-shot, resume or equity card.

Joan Osborne, The Holmes Brothers and Paul Thorn – McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn, is offering half price tickets to the concert on Friday, November 6 at 8 p.m. For tickets call 630-942-4000 and use code 5-0 off.” Visit www.AtTheMac.org for details.

The David Bowie Hapzikat Funky Velvet Flarney Solstice Spectacular Live…From Space! David Bowie’s Christmas Special 1977 (network edit) – New Millenium Theatre at National Pastime Theatre, 4139 N. Broadway is offering $10 industry tickets on Friday and Saturday nights at 11 p.m. November 13 – December 19. For reservations call 312-458-9083 and bring a headshot or resume to box office to receive discount. Visit www.nmtchicago.org for more information.

Rental Space Available

Rent a space at Gorilla Tango Theatre in Chicago (Bucktown); easily accessible by “L” or bus, ample street parking available. Basic marketing, box-office services (online and phone), and rehearsal space is included (FREE) for all weekday and weekend timeslots. GTT runs shows 7 days per week, multiple shows per day; greatest potential for profit and greatest protection from loss for any self-producing company or individual. Mainstage space has 80-seat capacity – for pictures and more information visit http://www.gorillatango.com and click on “Producers Wanted” page, or contact Bryan Cohen at 215-407-8753 or bryan@gorillatango.com.

NFP Incorporation and Tax Exemption Workshop

Lawyers for the Creative Arts will present its workshop on Not-for-Profit Incorporation and Tax Exemption on Thursday, December 3, 2009 at its office at 213 W. Institute Place, Ste. 403, 5:30 – 8:45 p.m. The cost is $100 for one person, and $125 for two people. This workshop will discuss whether to start a NFP, how to establish a NFP, as well as certain recurring operating problems. We also cover in detail how to obtain a 501(c) (3) tax exemption and discuss several legal issues regarding maintaining tax exempt status. A full package of documents is included. Although this workshop is intended for artists of all types, it has been very popular with lawyers as well as it provides comprehensive coverage of the subject.

Please call LCA at 312-649-4111 to register.

Industry Ticket Offers

Inner Torments – Fulcrum Point New Music Project at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, is offering $10 industry tickets to the Thursday, November 12 7:30 p.m. performance. To reserve tickets call 312-334-7777 or visit http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/ and use promo code #5587. Visit http://www.fulcrumpoint.org/ for more information.

These Shining Lives- Rivendell Theatre Ensemble at Raven Theatre Complex West Stage, 6157 N. Clark, is offering $15 industry tickets to the following Thursday evening performances at 8:30 p.m. November 5, 12 and 19. To redeem tickets, go to http://www.rivendelltheatre.net/ and use the code INDUSTRY, or call 773-334-7728. Tickets must be purchased at least one hour before the performance. Subject to availability.

Cooperstown – Theatre Seven of Chicago at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $14 industry tickets for all Thursday evening and Sunday matinee performances November 16 – December 20th. $8 industry tickets are available to previews on November 14 and 15. Tickets are available by calling 773-404-7336 and mentioning this industry offer good for all actors, writers, directors, designers and stage managers. Help us get to know you!