Refrigerators Available To Interested Theatres

Steep Theatre has a couple of refrigerators they would like to pass on to another theater company. One full size, one medium. Email steeptheatre@gmail.com if interested.

Undersupplied

I read a blog earlier this week that referenced the notion of an “oversupply” of arts organizations. The idea being that there are too many arts organizations and not enough demand. As far as theatre in Chicago goes, I think that’s crazy talk. Part of what makes us so unique is that a person can graduate from college, move to Chicago and found a theatre, it might last a year or it might last 30 years, but for however long it lasts, there will be opportunities for artists to have a voice and that’s what keeps us on top.

BUT…last night I was part of a discussion where we talked about how there might be an oversupply of shows, particularly at certain times of year. Or should we call it an undersupply of audiences. It was an interesting discussion and I wonder if we could or would want to stagger some shows, but there is a definite perceived “best date” for opening, for instance, a fall show. But is that the best date if there is a ton of other shows opening on or around that date? Would it be easier to get the attention of audiences if a show opened in August? If so, then why doesn’t anybody do it? Can anybody really risk trying that?

The real trick is to get an oversupply of audiences. So many people clamoring to see plays that we can’t keep up with their demands for MORE THEATRE! We’ll work on that.

Deb

Industry Ticket Offers

Home - Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, is offering $10 industry rush tickets to every performance through December 19th. Rush tickets are $10 per person with proof of industry one hour before curtain, subject to availability.

A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration - Northlight Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd. is offering $10 industry tickets available for performances December 21-26. Call 847-673-6300 and mention the code INDUSTRY to reserve. Proof of industry (headshot, business card, etc) requested upon ticket pickup.

Produce It Workshop

The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship invites you to Produce It; an intensive, practical boost for your next show. Whether you're still trying to come up with an idea, you're in the middle of rehearsals or you've just finished a run and aren't sure what to do next. There's enough risk in producing independent theater and putting your work in front of the world for all to see. Let us help you take a bit of that stress off and make sure that you're putting your best foot forward as you produce your own work!

If you want a practical boost for your next show, we can help!
Have your theater company featured!

This workshop offers your company the chance to work with Douglas Post, of the Dramatists Guild, in a 'quick-and-dirty' consulting session. This mini-session will break down your creative concept and find the pieces that you can use to connect to new types of audiences as we work together to reshape how you communicate.

Together, audience and participants learn from one another in this engaging and dynamic format.

January 15, 2011
10:30 - 12:30 p.m.
Gorilla Tango Theatre
1919 N. Milwaukee

$5 General Admittance
$20 for a featured spot on your project

Contact Jess@TheIAE.com to RSVP or to sign up. Space is limited.

Industry Ticket Offer

Hello, Dolly! - Light Opera Works at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson in Evanston, is offering half-price industry tickets on December 27 and 29 at 2 p.m., December 28 at 7 p.m. and January 1 at 8 p.m. For tickets call 847-869-6300 or visit www.LightOperaWorks.com and use code "Yonkers." Tickets must be purchased in advance. No door sales.

Industry Ticket Offer

Bri-Ko: All Silent All Funny - Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont is offering $5 industry tickets for tonight December 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. Must bring headshot/resume to box office.

Advocacy Roundtables

Mondays, December 20 and January 24, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
League offices, 228 S. Wabash, Suite 200
With the race to be Chicago's next mayor and many aldermen on, advocacy must be center stage for your theatre. We explain why and answer the who, what, when, where, and how in Arts Advocacy 101.
Training take-aways include:
· Why advocacy is essential for artists and arts organizations
· Who can engage in advocacy and the in-bound and out-of-bound activities for nonprofits
· What to expect when you engage decision-makers and elected officials
· How to design an advocacy strategy and select advocacy tactics that work
· The specific challenges and opportunities facing the Chicago theatre community

Presented by Arts Alliance Illinois, this training is full of stories, lessons learned from their own advocacy experiences, and role plays.

RSVP to ben@chicagoplays.com to attend one of these events

Don't Be Late, Advocate

We are going to be doing some advocacy workshops over the next couple of months. The first one is December 20 and Arts Alliance Illinois is going to lead the workshop. We will be learning ways to better connect with and advocate for theatre in Chicago. We are facing a Mayoral election in which we have a huge stake and an Aldermanic election in which we will see 20 new aldermen in Chicago. Making sure we are heard is a top priority for the League and I hope it is for you as well. Come to one of these workshops and learn how you can work to make sure you are heard by our local officials. Chicago has been very supportive of the arts for many years and we need to make sure it stays that way. You may think that this isn’t for you or it doesn’t matter to you but there are an infinite number of ways you can get involved and there are an infinite number of ways in which City policy affects your organization, it’s not just about CityArts grants.

Industry Ticket Offer

The Importance of Being Earnest - Remy Bumppo Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. (excluding 12/31 at 7:30 p.m.) Thursday 12/16 and Friday 12/31 at 2 p.m. For tickets click here or call the box office 773.404.7336 and use code INDUSTRY.

Babes With Blades Accepting Submissions for Joining Sword and Pen 2011-12

JOINING SWORD & PEN 2011-2012, a playwriting competition devoted to increasing the number of quality scripts featuring fighting roles for women, is soliciting scripts for production.

Organized by Babes With Blades; sponsored by SAFD Fight Master David Woolley

SCRIPTS DUE: FEBRUARY 28, 2011

WINNER ANNOUNCED: APRIL 1, 2011

SUBJECT: The 2011-12 theme is “ERINYES” by Chicago artist Victoria Szilagyi (view at http://www.babeswithblades.org/competition.htm). We are soliciting scripts for production that are inspired by this image. In order for a script to qualify for the competition, the scene depicted in the image MUST APPEAR within the script. The winning script will be produced in Spring 2012 as part of Babes With Blades’ 2011-12 Season. The winning playwright will receive a $1000 cash prize.

Visit http://www.babeswithblades.org/competition.htm for more information.

Space Availability at Oracle Theater

Oracle Theater has had a cancellation! Their loss is your gain. Oracle is offering the Prime slot, Thur-Sun at an incredible low price of $600 a week. Including all light, sound and tech. Special is good for runs between: 01/05 - 02/27. More info: http://oracletheatre.org/rentals.html or info@oracletheatre.org.

Space Availability at the Viaduct Theater

Viaduct Theater has Studio availability February 7- March 6 and Mainstage availability January 17- April 3. Prime-time rates as low as $600 per week! Let us know about your project! Contact whitney@viaducttheater.com.

Industry Ticket Offer

The Iliad - A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells St. is offering a pay-what-you-can industry performance on Monday, December 6 at 7 p.m. Reservations are encouraged. Call 312-943-8722. Visit http://www.aredorchidtheatre.org/ for more information.

Pirates of Penzance - The Hypocrites at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St., is offering $14 industry tickets for Thursday and Sunday performances through January 9 with code Industry1414. For more information and tickets visit http://www.the-hypocrites.com/.

A Bit Baffled...

A bit baffled by two things this week:

#1 – Spiderman – I guess I could just leave it at that. But, I won’t. I don’t really care about Spiderman but I know more about that first preview any other in my long history in the theatre that I wasn’t actually working on. Why all the furor? Is it the cost? $65 million – a ton of money, no doubt, but…did you know that Spiderman 3, the movie cost $258 million? Holding the record for the most expensive movie ever produced according to a thing I read on Wikipedia. Maybe it’s just really expensive to produce Spiderman anything. Maybe it’s the webbing or whatever. I have never seen a Spiderman anything, including the comic book. Is it the combo of Julie Taymor and Bono – are we wanting them to fail? Is it the wait? I don’t know how long it’s been in development, but I know it’s been a long time. Is it just that we can’t look away? I just don’t understand why this one is so important to us.

#2 – Steve Martin and Deborah Solomon at the 92nd Street Y. You probably aren’t as familiar with this (read about it here), but the 92nd Street Y sent all 900 people who attended this event a $50 (price of the ticket) voucher to come back and see another show at the 92nd Street Y. It seems that Steve and Deborah didn’t talk about things the audience wanted to hear about. Huh…I don’t claim to know the whole story, but that seems like an extremely dangerous precedent to set. Steve Martin is sort of famously intellectual and artsy and Deborah Solomon writes about art for the New York Times, so I don’t know what people were expecting but I guess it was too egg-heady. Curious.

CPS Citywide Arts Partner Event

Friday, December 10, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Ave.

The Chicago Public Schools Office of Arts Education invites arts partners who provide programs to CPS students and teachers to a day-long event focused on:

The Chicago Guide for Teaching and Learning in the Arts
Goals and objectives, examples of teacher/arts partner/teaching artist collaborations, and utilizing The Guide to build and develop relationships with teachers and schools.

Forming and Strengthening Partnerships with CPS and Understanding/Navigating District Services
-Successful School Partnerships: A Principal Perspective
-Navigating CPS: Becoming a CPS Vendor, Conducting Research and Effective Grant Partnerships

To build relationships that will allow us to deepen our delivery of arts education services and build collaboration between arts partners and CPS students, teachers, principals, areas and the district office.

RSVP to artseducation@cps.k12.il.us. Due to capacity, space is limited to no more than 2 representatives per organization.

Industry Ticket Offers

Float – About Face Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, is offering a limited number of 2-for-1 industry tickets (regularly $25 per ticket) for the 7:30pm performance on Thursday, December 9. Call 773-975-8150 and mention code INDUSTRY. Visit http://www.aboutfacetheatre.com/ for more information.

Brainpeople - UrbanTheater Company at Batey Urbano, 2620 W. Division, is offering $10 industry tickets this Thursday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m. Must bring a headshot, resume or business card. Visit http://www.urbantheaterchicago.org/ for more information

It's a Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph - American Blues Theater at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln is offering a $10 industry night on Thursday, December 2 at 8 pm. Must present headshot and resume or union card!

The Water Engine: An American Fable - Theatre Seven of Chicago at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, is offering $15 industry tickets for all Thursday, Friday, and Sunday performances through December 19 by calling the Greenhouse Theater Center Box Office at 773-404-7336, or in person. Proof of industry required.

Applications Now Available for Saints Grant Program

Applications are now available for the Saints Grants program -- available for all theatres, theatre, dance and music companies, who are based in the Chicago Metro area and have 501(c)3 not-for-profit status. The Saints have awarded close to $200,000 over the last four years and stand ready to bestow more funds on deserving performing arts entities. All application packets must be submitted by January 15th, 2011. Go to www.saintschicago.org for directions and a downloadable application. Please direct questions and requests for more information to Bill Fireside, Grants Chairman, at grants@saintschicago.org.

Industry Ticket Offer

Cherry Smoke - the side project, 1439 W. Jarvis is offering a "pay what you can" industry performance Saturday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. Call or e-mail to make PWYC reservations (773-973-2150; tickets@thesideproject.net) and provide hs/r or business card at the door. There will also be that evening's 8 p.m. performance at the regular industry rate of $15; regular run tickets available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/137067.

Industry Ticket Offer

Cherry Smoke - the side project, 1439 W. Jarvis, is offering 2 for 1 industry tickets this weekend November 26-28. Bring your H/R, business card or student ID to get the both of you in to see this visceral, lyrical premiere for only $7.50 each! Email tickets@thesideproject.net to make your reservations.

Industry Ticket Offer

Departure Lounge - Bailiwick Chicago at the Royal George Cabaret Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted is offering half price industry tickets for all performances from November 26 - December 12. Only available for purchase in-person at the box office on the day of show. ($1 service fee applies) Headshot/resume or industry business card required. www.BailiwickChicago.com.

Long Day's Journey into Night -- Polarity Ensemble Theatre, 1500 N. Bell, Chicago is offering $10 industry tickets for this weekend: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27 & 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Nov. 29 at 2:30 p.m. Use the discount code "Booth" for online sales at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/128707 or at the box office (1-800-838-3006). Visit http://www.petheatre.com/ for more details.

Industry Offer

Global Rhythms 6 – Fulcrum Point at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance is offering a very limited number of free industry tickets on November 26 at 8 p.m. and November 27 and 28 at 3 p.m. To redeem the tickets RSVP to info@fulcrumpoint.org before November 25. Tickets are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Visit http://www.fulcrumpoint.org/ for more information.

The Hundred Dresses- Chicago Children’s Theatre at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, is offering half off industry tickets ($17 for adults, $13 for children) for the following performances- Saturday and Sunday, November 30th and 21st at 1pm and Friday and Saturday November 26th and 27th at 1pm and 7pm and November 28th at 1pm. TYPE promo code “HDIND” when ordering tickets online at http://www.northshorecenter.org or call 847-673-6300.

Performance Opportunity in Sanibel, FL

BIG ARTS in Sanibel, FL is looking for plays for 2012 and beyond to be performed in the Herbert Strauss Theater which seats 150 people. They are offering a 2 week run of 4 performances per week. If any theater is interested in bringing one of their productions, please contact either Linda Kramer (Kramer@zebis.com) or Edina Lessack (edina@spot-onentertainment.com) at the emails listed above. Give the name(s) of the play(s) you want considered along with approximate total cost, not including housing which will be provided. If the play has already been performed, attach a couple of reviews. Sanibel is a great place to spend 2 weeks in the winter!

Where do they get this stuff?

So, Travel and Leisure (deliberately not linked), has named Chicago the number 3 destination for theatre among tourists (number four among residents, but I have no clue what that means). Behind New York, OK, I don’t agree but, behind that mecca of theatre, Providence, Rhode Island. Really?? Providence, Rhode Island?? If it wasn’t so ridiculous I’d be mad. I’m sure they make some mighty fine theatre there, but I’ve only ever even heard of one theatre in Providence. I’ve been working in this business a long time and I don’t know one single person working in theatre in Providence, like I do in New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Miami, Sarasota, Florida, New Haven, Connecticut for crying out loud. I guess it’s just a lesson for us to not take this stuff too seriously because we have no idea how it is decided and who gets to vote or whatever. But arrrghh.

Deb

Office of Tourism 2011 Guidebook of Special Values Opportunity

The Chicago Office of Tourism invites you to participate in the FREE 2011 Guidebook of Special Values online coupon program. This online coupon book is a directory of many of Chicago’s top attractions, shops and restaurants that offer a discount or other incentive for visitors. Visitors are able to search coupons in advance of their trip and find incentives to add your establishment to their travel plans. This is an excellent way to reach over 4 million tourists who do advance trip research on our websites, a number that continues to increase with the ongoing promotion of www.ExploreChicago.org, the City’s Official Tourism website.

There is no charge to participate.

The Chicago Office of Tourism will promote the online Guidebook of Special Values on the Official City Tourism website, www.ExploreChicago.org and Tourism initiative sites, as well as other travel websites. The Guidebook is actively promoted to domestic and international media, as well as through popular social media channels, including our award-winning @explorechicago visitor concierge Twitter account, Facebook, Foursquare and SCVNGR channels.

Past offers have included 2-for-1 deals, admission discounts, free goodie bags, free desserts, percentage-off restaurant bills, etc. The better the offer, the more success you will have with driving traffic to your location.

To participate, please have an authorized representative visit the following link to fill out the survey information. You will be asked for the organization’s contact information, the representative’s information (will not be published – for our use only) and your offer details. Instructions for photo or logo submission are included.

The 2011 Guidebook will launch on March, 15, 2011. This is earlier than our traditional May 1 launch date at the request of our thousands of users. The 2011 Guidebook will be available online from March 15, 2011 through March 15, 2012.

Participation deadline is Friday, December 10th.

New this year, we are encouraging participants to accept electronic coupons visible on the screen of visitor’s phones. With many Chicago tourists carrying smartphones (ie. iPhone, BlackBerry, etc), they are able to access our online coupons without the hassle of pre-printing a hard copy. This is not a requirement. If you elect to participate, we will contact you with more information.

If you have any questions about your submission please email: COTcouponsite@gmail.com.

The current coupon book can be seen online at: http://www.ExploreChicago.org/coupons.

Industry Ticket Offer

Home by Samm-Art Williams - Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, is offering $10 industry rush tickets to its production directed by Ron OJ Parson. Rush tickets can be purchased in person at the box office beginning one hour before curtain. Subject to availability, one per person, proof of industry (H/R, business card, etc.) required.

Miracle on 34th Street - Porchlight Music Theatre at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, is offering $15 industry tickets to its holiday classic production, this Friday and Saturday at 8pm. Call the box office at 773-327-5252 and mention the word LEAGUE for the discount. Subject to availability, limit 2 tickets per order.

Industry Ticket Offer

Rudolph the Red Hosed Reindeer 2010 - Hell in a Handbag Productions at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. is offering $10 industry night tickets on Sunday, December 12 at 7:30pm. Advanced tickets can be purchased online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/131657, at the door, or by phone 1-800-838-3006 -use code word ‘industry’.

Not for Profit Incorporation and Tax Exemption Workshop

Lawyers for the Creative Arts
Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 5:30-8:45 p.m.
213 W. Institute Place, Ste. 403
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. It will 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.

Wanna Blog?

Last week we launched our first blog post from a guest writer on ChicagoPlays.com. In case you missed it, check out the blog from Bilal Dardai "A Note to the Audience (Allegedly Invisible)". We've already been in touch with a handful of other people and new writers will be featured every Friday on the website, so be sure to follow each week. We’re really excited about all the great new content this will add to the site. We are still looking for more bloggers, so if you are interested in writing something email jess@chicagoplays.com. This blog is for the theatre fan and patron, so posts should be aimed at that audience. Possible topics could be writing about favorite theatrical experiences, what it means for you to run a theatre, why theatre is important to you, etc...It can be funny or it can be serious. We're open to ideas if you have something you'd like to write about. So if you are interested or curious to try it, let us know!

Older Servers Available To Interested Company

Chicago Shakespeare Theater is replacing a number of its older servers. They're all HP ProLiant servers (6 DL380G3 and 1 ML370). They're still in relatively good physical shape, they're just older and we've moved to some newer technologies. They are bare-bones hardware-only servers with no software.

If interested contact: Jeanne DeVore, Technology Manager at jdevore@chicagoshakes.com.

Chicago Public Media/WBEZ launches new theater-oriented blog

Chicago Public Media/WBEZ 91.5 launches a new theater-oriented blog at http://www.wbez.org/culture/theater.

The blog is an extension of the popular "Dueling Critics" segment that Jonathan Abarbanel and Kelly Kleiman host on WBEZ's “848” morning magazine show. Abarbanel and Kleiman will be joined on the wbez.org site by Laura Molzahn, dance and theater critic for the Reader and Chicago Tribune, and Christopher Piatt, past theater editor at Time Out Chicago and curator of the spoken-word salon Paper Machete. Each of the four will write one day a week, and then on Fridays the Dueling Critics will do their thing!

The Theater Exchange on December 7

Chicago Public School The Office of Arts Education is pleased to present
The Theater Exchange
A free opportunity for CPS Educators to engage with Chicago’s theater professionals

Tuesday December 7, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
At: Juarez High School, 2150 S Laflin St. ,Chicago, Illinois 60608

Directing
Learn from Chicago’s Directing professionals about the role of the director and the collaborative relationship between director and designer.

Who should attend? Industry professionals, Teaching Artists, High School and Elementary Educators who are involved in leading students in performances

Panel members include:
Henry Godinez – is a resident artistic associate at the Goodman and curator of the Goodman's Latino Theatre Festival. He is also the co-founder of Teatro Vista and an Associate Professor at Northwestern University.
Kimberly Senior – the founder of Collaboraction Theater, Kimberly has worked professionally in Chicago in a variety of positions for the past 15 years. She is an Artistic Associate of Strawdog Theater and an adjunct faculty member for DePaul University and Columbia College.
Steve Scott - is the associate producer of Goodman Theatre, where he has overseen more than 150 productions since 1987; he was also recently made a member of the Goodman’s Artistic Collective. Additionally he is an artistic associate of About Face Theatre, Eclipse Theatre Company and Collaboraction.
Linda Buchanan – is the head of scene design at Depaul University and has taught at Columbia College and the University of Chicago. She has designed for numerous theatres around the country and has received Joseph Jefferson Awards, a Helen Hayes Award for Dancing at Lughnasa at Arena Stage and numerous Joseph Jefferson Citations. She is a member of United Scenic Artists.
Heather Gilbert – is a lighting designer, based in Chicago. Recent designs can be seen at Court Theatre, Writers’ Theatre, Barrow Street Theatre, and Chicago Children’s Theatre. She was a recipient of the NEA/TCG Career Development Grant. Since 2006, she has served as the head of the lighting program at Columbia College Chicago.

Light appetizers and beverages will be provided.
To Register for this FREE event: contact Emerald City Theatre, 773-529-2690 x15 or email jstone@emeraldcitytheatre.com.

Teachers receive professional development credits from attending a Theater Exchange Event. Register on CPS University for CPDU credit.

The Theater Exchange on November 20

Chicago Public School The Office of Arts Education is pleased to present
The Theater Exchange
A free opportunity for CPS Educators to engage with Chicago’s theater professionals

Saturday, November 20, 2010, 10am – 12pm
Read, Write & Act
Bringing story and character to life in the pre-school and elementary classroom.

Who should attend? Educators of Pre-K, K, 1st, 2nd or 3rd grade.
At Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln ($6 adjacent parking)

In this hands-on workshop we will learn how to take a beloved classroom book to the next level by allowing students to create an original piece of theatre. With a book such as Where the Wild Things Are students learn about story structure, character development, explore different environments and eventually write and perform their own story! Learn how the community can be engaged by inviting Parents and friends to come together and see the final performance and support their early learners!

Lead by Melissa Law, Emerald City Education Manager and Teaching Artist
Nicole Moos, Hamilton School Pre-K teacher

A Light Breakfast will be provided
At the completion of the workshop a certificate for 4 FREE tickets to Emerald City Theatre’s “The Wizard of Oz” will be distributed. It may be used at any point during the performance run through Jan 2, 2011 (based on seat availability).

To Register for this FREE event: contact Emerald City Theatre, 773-529-2690 x15 or email TheatreSchool@emeraldcitytheatre.com. Teachers receive professional development credits from attending a Theater Exchange Event. Register on CPS University for CPDU credit.

Industry Ticket Offers

26 Miles by Quiara Alegria Hudes - Rivendell Theatre Ensemble & Teatro Vista at Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave. are offering a limited number of $10 industry tix to the Sunday 11/14 performance only at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the Rivendell website at www.rivendelltheatre.net with the code INDUSTRY or call the box office at 773-334-7728 and mention this offer.

The Fairy Queen by Myra Paci - Rivendell Theatre Ensemble and "In The Works", a New Play Lab at Millennium Park Pritzker Stage, 201 E. Randolph Street, are offering a limited number of industry comps to a staged reading/workshop presentation featuring renowned actor and founder of NYC’s Mabou Mines, Ruth Maleczech on Saturday, November 13 at 7:30 pm. Call 917-450-2131 or email mary.m.cross@gmail.com and mention this offer. Visit www.millenniumpark.org for more information.

6th Annual First Look Repertory of New Work - Steppenwolf Garage Theatre, 1624 N. Halsted, is offering $5 tickets for performances of The Etiquette of Vigilance and The Old Masters on Thursday, November 11th through Sunday, November 14th. To redeem your $5 tickets call Audience Services directly at 312.335.1650 or visit www.steppenwolf.org and use code “7735.” Tickets must be reserved at least one hour before performance. Subject to availability.

Director/Dramatist Exchange at the Goodman Theatre

Monday, November 22nd, 2010, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Goodman Theatre, Club Mezz, 2nd Floor
170 N. 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 Monday, November 15th, 2010 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!!

Industry Ticket Offers

I Do! I Do! - Light Opera Works Second Stage, 1420 Maple Avenue in Evanston, is offering half-price (regularly $27, $34 and $42) industry tickets this Friday and Saturday, November, 12 and 13 at 8 p.m. For tickets call 847-869-6300 or visit www.LightOperaWorks.com and use code "Honeymoon." Tickets must be purchased in advance. No door sales.

Memory - BackStage Theatre Company at Viaduct Theatre, 3111 N Western Ave, Chicago, is offering $13 industry tickets to all performances in November, Thurs-Sat at 7 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. Walk-up only, please mention industry status to box office attendant.

Long Day's Journey into Night - Polarity Ensemble Theatre, 1500 N. Bell, Chicago is offering a limited number of $10 industry tickets for this weekend: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12 & 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Nov. 14 at 2:30 p.m. Use the discount code "Booth" for online sales at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/128707 or at the box office (1-800-838-3006). Visit http://www.petheatre.com for more details.

Industry Ticket Offer

The Water Engine: An American Fable - Theatre Seven of Chicago at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, is offering $15 industry tickets for all Thursday, Friday, and Sunday performances by calling the Greenhouse Theater Center Box Office at 773-404-7336, or in person. Proof of industry required.

Did You Vote?

Did you vote? I love to vote. It gives me the privilege of complaining, especially in local elections. OK, so we have a republican senator, according to Americans for the Arts, he is an “arts champion,” he is a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus which attempts to “secure adequate funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Institute for Museums and Library Services (IMLS).” I saw that they have called the Governor’s race and it is Quinn. OK, even if the budget for the Illinois Arts Council has been slashed, he shows up everywhere and clearly supports our work.

I encourage all of you to write to your newly elected representatives and congratulate them and remind them of how important their support of the arts is to you and your organization and the communities you serve. Let them know that you can serve as a resource on the arts should they have need of one. Do it!

Mayor and Aldermen get elected next. Should be fun.

Lunar Eclipse 2010

Eclipse Theatre invites you to LUNAR ECLIPSE 2010, a Chicago Theatre Networking Mixer

Saturday November 6th, 2010, 7:30 PM
Eclipse Theatre Rehearsal Space, 4001 N. Ravenswood, Suite 402

Friends - come party & network with Eclipse as well as friends and colleagues from the Chicago theatre community, as they conclude their 2010 Arthur Miller season and celebrate all the fantastic artists in the city second to none, Chicago!

The night kicks off this Saturday at 7:30 pm at their swanky digs with food, wine & beer,
live DJ & dancing, a little Wii Bowling, and your chance to mingle with some of the coolest people in Chicago theatre!

If you are an artist in a show that evening, please come by afterwards - we'll be going into the wee hours of the night! Actors, Designers, Directors, & all Artists - feel free to bring your picture & resume!

$15 suggested donation or whatever you can donate at the door.

Industry Ticket Offer

Departure Lounge - Bailiwick Chicago at the Royal George Theatre Center, 1641 N. Halsted, is offering 50% off industry tickets for Thursday 8 p.m. and Saturday 3 p.m. shows through November 13 only. November 4 and 6 = $13.50, November 11 and 13 = $16.00 (includes $1 service fee). Available only at the box office on the day of performance. Must provide a headshot/resume or industry business card.

Industry Ticket Offer

Scorched - Silk Road Theatre Project at The Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W. Washington St., Pierce Hall, Chicago, is offering $10 industry & student tickets on November 10 and 11 at 7:30pm. ADVANCE PURCHASES on-line only at www.srtp.org. Use coupon code "INDUSTRY." DAY OF PERFORMANCE DOOR PURCHASES – Industry Tickets available up to one hour before curtain. For further information visit www.srtp.org. Must present headshot and/or resume or valid student ID.

Industry Ticket Offers

Long Day's Journey into Night - Polarity Ensemble Theatre, 1500 N. Bell, Chicago is offering a limited number of $10 industry tickets for their Jeff nominated production this weekend: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5 & 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Nov. 7 at 2:30 p.m. Use the discount code "Booth" for online sales at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/128707 or at the box office (1-800-838-3006). Visit http://www.petheatre.com for more details.

The Dining Room - Appetite Theatre at The Charnel House, 3421 W Fullerton Ave, is offering $10 industry tickets with headshot/resume from November 5 - November 20. (Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM.) Call (773) 293-6036 or email tickets@appetitetheatre.com for reservations.

Night and Day – Remy Bumppo Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, is offering $15 industry tickets to performances Fridays at 7:30 p.m. through 11/14. Use code INDUSTRY. http://www.remybumppo.org/ and 773-404-7336.

Detroit - Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, is offering $10 industry tickets to the Wednesday, November 3, 2 p.m. performance including a free party! Call 312-335-1650 and mention code 7687 to get the discount and at 5:30pm head to Urban Burger for the free Detroit Explore event with food, drinks and performances.

Annual Member Meeting

The annual member meeting is on Monday evening at Lookingglass Theatre and we really hope to see you there. The member meeting is only once a year and it's a great chance to meet the board and staff of the League and enjoy a drink with your colleagues from across the city. We'll be talking about the work of the League over the past year and plans for the year ahead. It’s also an opportunity for members to ask questions and make suggestions. We’d love for every League member to have a representative there. 7-8:30 PM at Lookingglass, 821 N. Michigan. RSVP to nancy@chicagoplays.com.

Industry Ticket Offer

The Hundred Dresses- Chicago Children’s Theatre at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL, is offering half off industry tickets ($17 for adults, $13 for children) for the following performances- Saturday, November 6th at 1pm and Sunday, November 7th at 1pm. Type promo code “HDIND” when ordering tickets online at http://www.northshorecenter.org or call 847-673-6300.

The Beautiful Struggle: Art and Commerce AEE Open Forum

Presented by Arts Engagement Exchange
Friday, November 19
9:30 a.m. Registration
10 - 11:30 a.m. Program

Do arts organizations and the professionals who run them shape or respond to popular cultural consumption? What is the responsibility of artistic and curatorial staff in the business of marketing and promotion? In our final AEE Open Forum, we will explore the artistic product and its relationship to audience engagement with the help of artists, curators, managers and artistic directors.

Mike Daisey, award-winning monologist, author and cultural critic will speak on the role we all play in the war over how the arts will be defined in our age and pose much for us to consider in his new manifesto, The Beautiful Struggle: Art and Commerce—

In a field where marketing is a dirty word, how can those given the vital job of bringing work to the public ever truly succeed? In a time of corporatism and compromised values, how do we keep an ethical aesthetic compass that points toward a true north? What does it mean to find an audience today, and how can the arts thrive in an environment where so much is aligned against it? Touching on horror, comedy, theory, and practice Daisey peels back the layers to reveal the rich heart of our artistic exchange in a candid and frank talk about the crossroads where we find ourselves at the opening of the 21st century.

Daisey will be joined by four leading artists and directors in a panel conversation about how they navigate their roles to explore and push the envelope of the aesthetic and make works that resonate with the public at the same time:

•Andreas Bottcher, CEO, Danceworks Chicago
•Henry Godinez, artistic director of the Theatre and Interpretation Center, Northwestern University, and resident artistic associate, Goodman Theater
•Adam Marks, director of artistic programming and ensemble member, Fifth House Ensemble
•Theaster Gates, Jr., urban planner, sculptor, and director of arts program development and lecturer, Department of Visual Arts at The University of Chicago

Questions? Please contact Maureen Burns at maureen.burns@cityofchicago or 312.742.1761.

Location
Chicago Cultural Center
Claudia Cassidy Theater
77 East Randolph Street

Admission
FREE. Registration Required

IL Cultural Data Project Orientation Webinars

Sign up today!

New User Orientation
We recommend a New User Orientation if your organization is new to the CDP or if you need a refresher on data entry. This training session will provide an overview of the history and goals of the Illinois CDP as well as an introduction to the types of data collected. The New User Orientation will walk participants through the process of entering data, applying to participating funders and generating reports. Please feel free to attend with additional staff and board members.

Reports Orientation
The Reports Orientation will give an overview of the available reports and is most useful for organizations that have already completed a Data Profile and are ready to use the reports. Now that more than 1000+ arts and cultural organizations are participating in the Illinois Cultural Data Project, you are able to run reports comparing your organization against others throughout Illinois, as well as California, Massachusetts, Maryland , New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania!
Why use comparison reports?

Looking to cut costs? Want to prove that you need more staff? Need a quick report on fundraising for your board meeting? These reports will help you make operational decisions, build the case for support and facilitate long-term planning. To protect your organization's privacy, all the data used in the reports will be in aggregate and will never include organization names.

Get Started. Register Today.
You can participate in this WEB-BASED CDP Orientation session from your home or office computer. Once registered and one day prior to the training session, you will be sent a link to connect to this training session online. During the online session, the CDP associate will conduct the CDP New User Orientation, during which you will be able to ask questions and learn more about the CDP.

Click here for more information and to register for a session.

Produce It Workshop

GOT A GREAT IDEA FOR AND NEED AN AUDIENCE FOR YOUR EVENT?
Learn how to produce your own work.

PRODUCE IT is a quick and dirty workshop that goes through the process and challenges of finding your audience, getting them to your venue and keeping them connected long after the lights go down.

After all, producing your event isn't just about putting on a good show. It's about generating buzz and knowing how to sell your wares so that you can keep on creating the way you want to create. Making your work commercially successful doesn’t mean you have to compromise your vision; rather, you simply have to learn how to frame your vision in such a way that everyone can understand it.

2 Hour Panel Discussion and Q & A at Greenhouse Theater
•Learn from a panel of seasoned professionals across artistic disciplines about how they produce their work.
•Pick the brains of some special guest producers to figure out what has worked, what still works and what might work in the Chicago arts community.
•Create a network of fellow producers, develop co-promotion ideas, and find out how to share audiences .

Saturday, November 13th, 2010, 10-12pm,
Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.
Admission: In Advance $10.00 At the Door $15.00
Sign up @ http://produceitnovember13.eventbrite.com/

Performance Space Availability at City Lit

City Lit Theater has 4 weeks of prime-time performance space available at half price, Feb 28-March 27, 2011. Please email Brian at bpastor@citylit.org or call 773-293-3682 for more details.

Industry Ticket Offers

Departure Lounge - Bailiwick Chicago at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted, is offering $5 industry tickets for performances this weekend October 28-31 (plus $1 service fee). Available only at the box office on the day of performance. Must provide a headshot/resume. Visit http://www.bailiwickchicago.com/ for more information on the show.

26 Miles – Rivendell Theatre Ensemble in association with Teatro Vista at Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave. is offering twenty $10 industry tickets per show October 28 – 31. TYPE in the promo code “industry” when ordering your ticket online at http://www.rivendelltheatre.net/ or call 773-334-7728.

Pinkalicious - Emerald City Theatre at The Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., is offering $5 tickets on Halloween - Sunday, October 31st at 1:00pm. This offer can be redeemed through the Apollo Theatre Box Office (773-935-6100) using the code: FFO. Suited for ages 3+ and fun for everyone! Not available with any other offer. Cannot be applied to previously purchased tickets.

Tartuffe adapted and directed by Sean Graney - Theatre and Interpretation Center at Northwestern University Ethel M. Barber Theater, 30 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. is offering $10 industry tickets through Nov 6, Thu-Sat at 8pm and Sun at 2pm, Tickets: (847) 491-7282 or http://www.tic.northwestern.edu/. Mention code: INDUSTRY.

Chicago Live! - The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. is offering $10 industry tickets for the Thursday, October 28 6:30 p.m. performance. Available at the Chicago Theatre box office only. Use promo term TRIBUNE.

Industry Ticket Offer

Yasuko Yokoshi - The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan Ave. is offering $10 industry tickets on October 28, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. Limit of two tickets per order. This offer is not valid with other discounts or other orders. No exchanges or refunds. Ticket orders must be placed online using promotion code “Industry.” Tickets are subject to availability. For more info please visit colum.edu/dancecenter or call the box office at 312.369.8300.

Member Resources

We’ve added a cool new section to every theatre’s unique login page on ChicagoPlays.com called Member Resources. If you login to the website using your company’s unique username and password you can check it out. The Member Resources section includes news from us, information on programs like the Community Cultural Database, SmartTix, as well as Cooperative Advertising media and rates, and an electronic copy of the Theater Rental list. The new section provides just another way for us to communicate with you and makes it easier for you to find information about the many programs and services that are available to you as a member. If you haven’t logged in to the website recently, make sure that you do so, and check back frequently as we’ll continue to update it and add new information. As always, if you have any feedback, please don’t hesitate to call or shoot us an email and let us know what you think or how we can help.

What do Illinois candidates think about the arts?

Arts Alliance Illinois recently sat down with candidates for Illinois governor and U.S. Senate to find out where they stand on the arts and arts education. You can watch the interviews at the link below:

http://www.vimeo.com/album/1458142

As Election Day is rapidly approaching, please share these short video interviews with your friends and colleagues in the arts.

Please also remember to get out and vote on Tuesday, November 2nd!

New Leaf Theatre Announces New Plays Initiative: Submissions Now Open

New Leaf’s mission is to create intimate, animate theatrical experiences that renew artist and audience. Renewal is a fascinating idea, particularly in relation to the concept of change (the major idea behind our current season question, How do we dare live into the change we’ve chosen?). Renewal, as a form of change, doesn’t necessarily transform our core ideas or values. Instead, it re-energizes and reaffirms. We find renewed dedication and focus that we then put into action.

The development and presentation of new work has been implicit in New Leaf’s history for years. However, as we enter our tenth year and with the idea of renewal in mind, New Leaf is excited to unveil our newly structured initiative for new play development.

To begin, New Leaf has chosen to focus its efforts on a very specific part of the development process. We are interested in play polishing – fine tuning work that has already received at least one initial reading, work with which we can more aggressively engage in the collaborative process. I am proud of this unique space in the development process that we look forward to inhabiting – a space that is essential to the growth of new work, but one that is all too often vague and overlooked. To this end, our refocused Treehouse Readings Series will now help fill the gap that tends to exist in how plays are developed today, that of the 2nd reading, the 3rd reading, the next workshop – the true development of the play.

Here’s how that process will work.
Each season, New Leaf will announce a call for submissions by playwrights. These plays will be considered for our revamped Treehouse Readings Series, to be presented in the following season. Along with the general submission guidelines, we will reveal a specific thematic element within each call that submitted plays are to address in some way. Chosen plays will be presented as part of Treehouse, and at the end of that season, New Leaf will then choose one of the featured plays to fully produce in our next season. Through this system, our reading series will not merely be a side program of our company. Instead, it will serve as a primary mechanism for season selection, furthering opportunities for playwrights and discovering electrifying new work to share with the world.

WINTER/SPRING 2011 TREEHOUSE
Submissions Open from October 1st through November 30th, 2010
Readings to be presented between January and April 2011

The Winter/Spring 2011 element: HOME

Submission Eligibility:

To be eligible for consideration, submitted plays must fulfill the following criteria:

The play must not yet have received a full production with any theatre
The play must have received at least one previous public reading
The play must in some way address the year’s chosen idea/element

Submission Guidelines:
Playwrights should e-mail submission materials to write@newleaftheatre.org. Materials must include:
Electronic copy of full script (pdf or Word Doc ONLY)
List of character descriptions
A cover letter, no longer than ONE PAGE, that addresses the following questions:
How does your play address the idea of “HOME”?
Tell us about three artists (of any discipline) that inspire you and how/why.
Please tell us about a day that changed your life.

AJT Conference Seeking Artistic Directors/Producers

The Association for Jewish Theatre will hold its convention in Chicago on November 12-14, 2010. Joining AJT as co-hosts are Piven Theatre Workshop, Lookingglass, and Northwestern University’s Jewish Theatre Ensemble. For three days, participants from theatres throughout the United States will explore and celebrate Jewish theatre through discussions, workshops, performances and social events.

The conference is seeking Artistic Directors/Producers to take part in a special directors-playwrights-producers speed-smooze at Lookingglass on Friday, November 12 at 1:15 p.m. Participants will have a chance to meet AJT-member playwrights from across the country. The speed-smooze format will introduce participants to many playwrights quickly and will include information to follow up with those writers of interest to you.

Although all AJT playwrights have a connection to Jewish theatre, their individual scripts cover diverse topics and appeal to diverse audiences. Most of these playwrights have had previous productions in a variety of venues. The only requirement is a passion for new work.

If you choose to participate, the conference will distribute your resume and/or artistic statement to the producers, directors and theatre representatives attending the conference in order to foster creative partnerships. Participants in the director-playwright-producer exchange would also receive complimentary tickets to “ShPIel” – a showcase of solo performances, short scenes and non-traditional theatre – at the Center on Halsted on Sunday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m., as well as to the AJT conference closing reception after the performance. This will be an opportunity to meet the wide range of theatre professionals from across the United States attending the conference.

More information on the Association for Jewish Theatre is available on www.afjt.com. To sign up for the speed-smooze session, or if you have questions, please contact virtualelayne@gmail.com.

Industry Ticket Offer

6th Annual First Look Repertory of New Work - Steppenwolf Garage Theatre, 1624 N. Halsted, is offering $10 industry tickets for performances Wednesday, October 27th through Sunday, October 31st.To redeem $10 tickets call Audience Services directly at 312.335.1650 or visit www.steppenwolf.org and use code “7664.” Tickets must be reserved at least one hour before performance. Subject to availability.

Call for Playwrights

InchWorm Play Reading Series is seeking underexposed playwrights for their monthly reading series. Playwrights should be interested in doing rewrites. This is not a series for finished work. Please send submissions in word or pdf format to InchWormChicago@gmail.com. Both full scripts and 10 page samples are welcome. Please do not send abstracts. A resume is required. Scripts and resumes are accepted on a rolling basis.

We’re looking for your first drafts! All submitted work should be considered “in process.” It is expected that your play will change before, during, and after this process. Because this work is considered “in process,” literary managers and agents are not invited to attend.

Readings occur in the evening on the 2nd Monday evening of every month. Each reading will have a director, dramaturg, and actors and 2-5 rehearsals depending on the size and scope of the play, as well as the availability of all involved parties. Playwrights are expected to attend rehearsals. We work in collaboration with the playwright on the selection of the director and dramaturg.

Ultimately the InchWorm Play Reading Series seeks help the playwright’s work progress and strengthen the relationship between the playwright, director, and dramaturg. We provide a collaborative environment so the playwright can determine the strengths and weaknesses of their play. The reading will also have a moderated talk back to receive audience reaction and feedback.

Broadway Playhouse Open House

COME ONE, COME ALL
BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE OPEN HOUSE
Free to the public
Saturday, October 23, 2010
10 a.m. till 1 p.m.

• Tour the New Broadway Playhouse
• Exclusive Sneak Peek at the Mind-Blowing New Show TRACES
• Shop at the first-ever Broadway In Chicago Theatre Memorabilia Sale, with autographed posters, programs, photos, souvenirs and more – All to benefit Season of Concern

Broadway Playhouse Concourse
175 E. Chestnut, Chicago
Free to the public!

All proceeds from Theater Memorabilia Sale will benefit Season of Concern

Industry Ticket Offer

Philip Glass' The Season's Project - Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph, is offering FREE industry tickets. Vivaldi vs. Philip Glass…you decide! A contemporary take on Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons on Sunday, October 24 at 3:00 pm. Call 312.334.7777 and mention code “VOTE” to redeem your complimentary tickets.

City of Hope: Chicago Cares Concert

The cast and crew of Disney’s The Lion King and Billy Elliot the Musical join together to present City of Hope: Chicago Cares – a concert featuring song, dance, and spoken word. Celebrating the inspiration, awareness, change and new horizons that live performance can achieve, this very special one-time event will be held on Monday, October 25 at 7:00pm at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 n. Halsted Street Chicago, IL.

Audience members will enjoy over 12 performances from the classics, pop, r&b and broadway. Additionally, audience members will also have an opportunity to participate in several silent auctions featuring tickets to the lion king, as well as several restaurant packages, broadway merchandise and “one-of-a-kind props” from the lion king.

All proceeds will benefit Chicago House and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids (BC/EFA).

Chicago house now in its 25th year, chicago house provides housing and supportive services to men, women, and children living with hiv and aids. Their programs have since expanded to include community case management, substance abuse counseling, hiv prevention, medical adherence, and the midwest ’s first employment training and placement program specific to people with hiv. Chicago house now also offers free, anonymous rapid hiv testing.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids (BC/EFA) is the nation’s leading industry based hiv/aids fundraising and grant-making organization.

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for CITY OF HOPE: CHICAGO CARES are currently on sale for $40 General Admission and $75 VIP Seating and a post show reception sponsored by Grey Goose Vodka and Sweet Miss Giving’s Bakery. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling Chicago House (773)248-5200 x303 or on the web at www.chicagohouse.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, pending availability. This one night only performance will be held at The Royal George Theatre 1641 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL

Industry Ticket Offers

Departure Lounge - Bailiwick Chicago at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted, is offering industry tickets for select performances. Get 50% off your ticket (plus $1 service fee) for Thursday 8:00 pm and Saturday 3:00 pm shows from October 28 through November 13. Available only at the box office on the day of performance. Must provide a headshot/resume. Visit www.bailiwickchicago.com for more information on the show.

The Water Engine: An American Fable - Theatre Seven is offering $10 industry tickets to all performances (October 29-December 5). This will be the lowest priced ticket for the entire run, so use code TENFORTEN at www.theatreseven.org or when calling 773-404-7336 to take advantage of this special, limited time offer. Tickets must be purchased between October 10 and 19.

Early and Often

Did everybody read Chris Jones’ blog piece over the weekend? If not, do it right away. I hope this mayoral election has you jazzed. Actually I hope all elections have you jazzed. We are working on some ideas and initiatives to put into play once the candidates announce and I know Arts Alliance Illinois is working hard on it too. Elections are a unique opportunity for us to talk about ourselves and it’s not all about increasing funding. It is an opportunity for us to tell our story from top to bottom, to talk about our partnerships in schools and with local businesses, to talk about ourselves as good citizens and to talk about ourselves in the context of our neighborhoods, to point out that we are a tourist attraction, an economic generator, a cultural asset and a cultural resource.

I hope you will all be as active and vocal as Chris has been and encourage all of your constituents to be as well. We can have real influence over this election. I’m talking about this early and I will talk about it often. You will be getting many more communiqués from the League and from the Alliance. But, you can start now, write a letter to the editor, learn something about the potential candidates, AND if you see Rahm at an el station, ask him about his arts policy platform.

Deb

Backstage Forum at Chicago Dramatists

November 6, 2010 at 2 p.m.
BACKSTAGE FORUM - An Open Discussion with Artistic Directors - Part IX Our annual panel allowing playwrights to network with Artistic Directors and Literary Managers of theatres that produce new plays.

TOPICS:
New play development and production, commitment to local playwrights, play selection criteria, submission procedures, chain of command, playwright agreements and contracts, commissioning, what kind of plays and playwrights interest them, the best and worst ways to get their attention, current trends, and more. Time will be allotted for questions from the audience and for playwrights to socialize and network with the panelists.

PANELISTS:
MICHAEL HALBERSTAM, Artistic Director, Writers' Theatre JAMIL KHOURY, Artistic Director, Silk Road Theatre Project KRISSY VANDERWARKER, Artistic Director, Dog & Pony Theatre Company JAMES PALMER, Artistic Director, Red Tape Theatre, JEREMY WECHSLER, Artistic Director, Theater Wit RUSS TUTTEROW (Moderator), Artistic Director, Chicago Dramatists

CHECK OUT THE PANELISTS' WORK WITH PLAYWRIGHTS AND NEW PLAYS:
www.writerstheatre.org
www.srtp.org
www.dogandponychicago.org
www.redtapetheatre.org
www.theaterwit.com

Industry Ticket Offers

The Rip Nelson Halloween Spooktacular - Hell in a Handbag Productions at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., is offering $10 industry night tickets on Sunday, Oct. 31 7:30pm. Advanced tickets can be purchased online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/124695, at the door, or by phone 1-800-838-3006 -use code word ‘industry’.

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel - 163 East Walton Place in Chicago, is offering all League members and their guests 10% off any shows in the months of October and November. Ticket includes your choice four course sit down dinner, interactive murder mystery show, clues, prizes and so much more. Please use code LEAGUE10. Please visit http://www.dinnerdetective.com/ for tickets and more information or you can call our box office at 866-496-0535.

The Comedy of Errors - Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, is offering $10 industry rush tickets to every performance through October 17. Rush tickets are $10 per person with proof of industry one hour before curtain, subject to availability.

Presentation of The Zelda Fichandler Award

Come toast the 2010 Fichandler Award recipient,Michael Halberstam, and celebrate the region’s outstanding artistic leadership with a dynamic discussion on stage direction, Chicago-style.

Presentation of The Zelda Fichandler Award
Monday, October 18th at 6 p.m.
Steppenwolf Theatre

EVENT
Welcome by SDC Board Member Amy Morton
Stage Direction, Chicago-Style moderated by Sheldon Patinkin
Panelists: Seth Bockley, Timothy Douglas, Gary Griffin, Kimberly Senior, and Dennis Zacek

2010 Zelda Fichandler Award presented to Michael Halberstam of Writers’ Theatre
Presented by David Cromer

DETAILS
Steppenwolf Theatre
1650 N. Halstead Street
Chicago, IL 60614

Light hors d’oeuvres will be served.
This is a FREE event. Please feel free to share this invitation with others interested
in theatre and the craft of stage direction.

NOTE: Parking is available in Steppenwolf Garage for a fee

RSVP to Foundation@SDCweb.org

Slideshow: Chicago Theatre Intern Networking Event

September 27, 2010 - Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Industry Ticket Offer

I Do! I Do! - Light Opera Works Second Stage, 1420 Maple Avenue in Evanston, is offering half-price (regularly $27, $34 and $42) industry tickets for all Friday 8 p.m. performances through November 11. For tickets call 847-869-6300 or visit www.LightOperaWorks.com and use code "Honeymoon." Tickets must be purchased in advance. No door sales.

Less than Six Degrees

I happened to be in Flagstaff, Arizona last week. I need coffee something fierce in the morning and I was sitting on a bench at about 6:00 a.m .one morning and a guy walked up to me and asked if it was the best coffee in town (it wasn’t) and we struck up a conversation and turns out his son is an improv guy in Chicago. I don’t know him but I’d heard his name before. Flagstaff feels very far away from here but in that moment I could have been sitting on a bench on Broadway in my neighborhood, oh you work in theatre? My son works over at IO.

That interaction brought home not only how large a community we are and how our influence can be felt all over the country but how incredible it is to be a part of it. I just about bust with pride whenever I tell anyone what I do. Try it yourself, meet a stranger (not someone you expect to be a theatre person), tell them what you do, it will be less than six degrees that separates you from the person or thing she knows about Chicago theatre and it will make you feel all warm and fuzzy.

Deb

Creative Conversation with Marc Vogl and Ian David Moss

Monday, October 18, 2010 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
The Westin 909 North Michigan in Chicago
RSVP: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/creative-conversation-10
The event is free

Why attend?
1) Speakers Marc Vogl and Ian David Moss -- Marc Vogl of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation recently received the Emerging Leader Award from Americans for the Arts and made the top 25 most powerful and influential leaders in the arts on Barry’s Blog. Ian David Moss of Fractured Atlas is the brain and passion behind the “revolutionary” and “must-read” blog Createquity and also made Barry Blog’s top 25 list.

2) Networking with Young Professionals and Emerging Arts Leaders -- This is a unique chance to incite dialogue, connect, and make mischief with other up-and-coming leaders in the Chicago arts scene. Whatever you specialize in -- fundraising, marketing, management, finance, programming, advocacy -- this is your network.

3) Two Comp Tix to the Chicago Humanities Festival -- The Chicago Humanities Festival is bringing the world’s best and brightest thinkers, performers, and artists to Chicago on October 24 and November 2-12. Everyone who attends the Creative Conversation will get a voucher for 2 tickets to a Festival event of your choice.

4) National Arts and Humanities Month -- October is National Arts and Humanities Month, and this is your chance to celebrate!

The program will start at 6:00 pm with networking and a facilitated discussion with Marc, Ian, and all emerging leaders in the room. At 7:00 pm we’ll head to the Westin bar and lounge for a Dutch treat happy hour. The event is free to attend!

To RSVP, please visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/creative-conversation-10. More event details are available at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=160243347336509.

Free Journalist Panel on October 11

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company is hosting a panel discussion entitled “Is the Truth Front Page News?” on Monday, October 11 at 7 p.m. at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Lending their expertise to the discussion are journalists Ramsin Canon, political editor and co-founder of Gaper's Block, Alden K. Loury, publisher of The Chicago Reporter, Mary Mitchell, columnist for The Chicago Sun-Times and Timothy J. McNulty co-director of Medill School of Journalism's National Security Initiative. The panel discussion will be moderated by Richard Steele, host of WBEZ's “Eight Forty-Eight.”

The “Is the Truth Front Page News?” panel event is free and open to the public, and reservations are recommended. The event will be recorded for WBEZ's Chicago Amplified archives. Seating is general admission, and doors open at 6:30 p.m. For reservations and more information visit www.remybumppo.org or call 773-244-8119.

Register Now for Columbia College Chicago Theatre Symposium

Online registration is NOW AVAILABLE for "Chicago: Theatre Capital of America: Past. Present. Future," scheduled for May 18-22, 2011 at Columbia College Chicago. This symposium will bring together theatre scholars and professionals from around the world to reflect on and document the vibrant history of Chicago theatre and to share visions and strategies for the next generation. Featured speakers include Steppenwolf artistic director Martha Lavey; Richard Christiansen, author of "A Theater of Our Own: A History and a Memoir of 1,001 Nights in Chicago"; Lisa Portes, head of DePaul University's MFA directing program; Northwestern University's Harvey Young, author of "Embodying Black Experience"; Todd London, co-author of "Outrageous Fortune: The Life and Times of the New American Play"; and British theatre critic Michael Billington of the Guardian, who drew international attention to Chicago when he declared it "the theatre capital of America."

Themes to be addressed in a series of panels and papers include: the development of Chicago theatre from a grass-roots movement into a global phenomenon; improvisation; literary adaptation; Chicago playwrights and how they got that way; the development of new work; theatre rooted in specific racial, ethnic, and cultural communities; fringe theatre and performance; the relationship of storefront and large institutional theatres; the impact of Chicago theatre on Broadway, Hollywood, and regional theatre; the state of theatre criticism in a changing media environment; theatre as public space; the role of arts education and teaching artists; and developing the next generation of arts leaders.

Please join us for the first event of its kind to celebrate and chronicle Chicago's rich, innovative theatre scene and to chart a path for the future. Early online registration costs $95 -- or $60 for students. To register, or for more information, go to www.colum.edu/theatresymposium. Also, please go to our Facebook page.

Chicago Community Trust SMART Growth Grant Program

Chicago Community Trust SMART Growth Grant Program

Eligibility:
- Potential grantees should be deeply rooted in and reflective of a community, target population, or art form that is underrepresented in the cultural spectrum of the Chicago region.
- Applicant organizations MUST also meet the following criteria:
-Be an Illinois nonprofit with a federal 501( c )3 tax-exempt designation;
-Be incorporated as an arts and culture organization (not a social service agency, college/university, etc. with an affiliated arts/cultural program);
-Be located in and primarily serve Cook County;
-Have an annual operating budget that is less than $1 million in its most recently audited fiscal year;
-Have at least one paid management staff person;
-Have a functioning, volunteer Board of Directors;
-Have not been a prior SMART Growth grantee.

Purpose:
The Trust believes that the strength of our region’s cultural vitality is rooted in the diversity of community-based arts and cultural organizations that create affordable and accessible arts opportunities for all residents. SMART Growth is a 4-year capacity-building program designed to help these organizations develop from sound management practices that effectively support their art and ensure their resilience through economic shifts, staff transitions, and evolving markets.


Timeline:
Nov. 1, 2010 -Application deadline

Jan. 31, 2011 -30 organizations are selected to participate in the SMART Growth Program

Feb. – Aug. 2011 -The 30 selected organizations participate in the smARTscope assessment to identify management areas that are strong and those that are lagging (conducted by the Arts & Business Council of Chicago)

Sept. 2011 -Year 1 grant proposals are due, indicating how you will address the lagging areas, what outcomes you will achieve in Year 1, and how you will measure your progress. Requests may be from $20,000-$50,000 per year.

January 2012 -Year 1 grants are approved for the 30 selected organizations

Sept. 2012 -Year 2 grant proposals are due, summarizing your progress to date and setting outcomes and measures for Year 2

January 2013 - Year 2 grants are approved for the same 30 organizations (unless performance does not justify a renewal)

Sept. 2013 - Year 3 grant proposals are due, summarizing progress to date and outlining Year 3 outcomes and measures

January 2014 - Year 3 grants are approved for the same organizations (unless performance does not justify a renewal)

How to Apply:
In order to be considered for the 2011 SMART Growth Program at the Chicago Community Trust, your organization should submit the information listed below ELECTRONICALLY (via e-mail) no later than November 1, 2010.

1. Your organizational profile report, generated by the Illinois Cultural Data Project, including the optional demographic information. Go to www.ilculturaldata.org.
2. A list of your organization’s Board of Directors
3. A one-page narrative (in Word – not a PDF) that addresses the following:
Describe how your arts/cultural organization is deeply rooted in and reflective of a community, target population, or art form that is underrepresented in the cultural spectrum of the Chicago region.
4. Any optional information you would like to provide, such as a list of events, programs, awards, or other materials that are available via e-mail or hyperlink.

Submit to: smartgrowth@cct.org

Deadline: Monday, November 1, 2010

Questions: arts@cct.org or (312) 565-2311

Space Availability at The Second Stage

Profiles Theatre has performance space available to rent 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

Scorched - Silk Road Theatre Project at the Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W. Washington, Pierce Hall, is offering $10 industry tickets on Thursday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, October 15 at 8 p.m. ADVANCE PURCHASES on-line only at www.srtp.org. Use coupon code "INDUSTRY." Industry Tickets available up to one hour before curtain. For further information visit http://www.srtp.org/. Must present headshot and/or resume.

Motown Metal - Fulcrum Point at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph, is offering $5 industry tickets on October 27 at 7 p.m. One night only concert inspired by the sounds of Motown & Led Zeppelin. Offer includes sliders & suds post concert reception. Reservations available via http://www.fulcrumpoint.org/tickets.html.. All the tickets will be held at WILL CALL.

Industry Ticket Offer

Louis Slotin Sonata - A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells is offering a pay-what-you-can industry performance on Monday, October 4 at 7 p.m. For tickets call 312-943-8722or visit www.aredorchidtheatre.org.

Critic's Eye: How the Tribune's Critics See the Fall Arts Scene

Join the Chicago Tribune's arts critics for a panel discussion and reception.

Monday, October 11, 6 p.m.
The new Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut St.

Moderator
Julia Keller - Culture Critic

Panelists
Chris Jones - Theater Critic
John von Rhein - Classical Music Critic
Greg Kot - Pop/Rock Critic
Michael Phillips - Movie Critic
Howard Reich - Jazz Critic

Tickets: $25

To register, visit: chicagotribune.com/tribnation

Free Night 2010

On Tuesday morning we launched the third year of Theatre Communication Group's Free Night of Theater (FNoT) program in Chicago. More than 40 theatres are signed up to participate this year. We had a very successful launch day with all of our tickets for the first week selling out within the first couple hours. Most of them were gone within the first 15-20 minutes. Each Tuesday in October we'll release a new block of tickets. The free performances begin tomorrow (October 1) and last throughout the month.

A preliminary look at the first week of reservation data for 2010 once again shows some exciting information about the average FNoT patron. The program continues to be effective at reaching new, younger, and diverse audiences. Here are just a few demographics pulled from the 2010 reservation data to date:

78% of FNoT patrons are under the age of 35
83% of FNoT patrons are new to the theatre they will be attending
46% of FNoT patrons are non-white
69% of FNoT patrons are female/ 31% of FNoT patrons are male

If your theatre isn't already signed up to participate in the program, and is performing in October, it's not too late to sign up and try it out. Email ben@chicagoplays.com for further information.

Steppenwolf Launches iPhone App

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is pleased to announce the launch of its new iPhone App—now available for free download through the iPhone App Store. Steppenwolf is one of the first non-profit theatre companies in Chicago to create a user-friendly app for on-the-go theatre patrons. The Steppenwolf app can also be used on the iPad and iPod Touch. The new Steppenwolf iPhone App provides easy access to information about current shows, tickets, news, social media and special discounts:

· Purchase Tickets: With only three taps, users can view current and upcoming productions, check performance dates and purchase tickets with the What’s On feature. The app’s performance calendar mirrors the iPhone’s calendar, making it easy to view the run of a production.

· Stay Informed: Explore a production before you arrive at the theatre—read the latest news on Steppenwolf’s blog, watch video interviews and listen to podcasts with the artists. Quickly share information with friends and hear what others are saying with a direct link to Facebook and Twitter.

· Maintain an Account: Create a personal profile to track tickets purchases, update billing information and link directly to social media accounts.

· Directions, Dining & Parking: The Getting Here feature profiles Steppenwolf’s three performance venues (Downstairs Theatre, Upstairs Theatre and Merle Reskin Garage Theatre) links to Google Maps for easy directions, provides parking information and offers nearby restaurant recommendations.

· Special Offers: Stay up-to-date on current discount offers, including group rates, student tickets, half-priced rush tickets and other last-minute deals.

Other Steppenwolf productions currently available for purchase via the iPhone App include Detroit, Steppenwolf for Young Adults’ production of To Kill a Mockingbird and the 6th annual First Look Repertory of New Work.

Industry Ticket Offers

The Book of Liz - Chemically Imabalnced Comedy, 1420 W. Irving Park Rd. is offering $5 industry tickets on Monday, October 4th, 2010 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online using the code INDUSTRY, at the door, or by calling 1-800-838-3006. Advance reservation is recommended.

The Comedy of Errors - Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, is offering $10 industry rush tickets to every performance through October 17. Rush tickets are $10 per person with proof of industry one hour before curtain, subject to availability.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow - City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr, is offering $15 industry tickets for any performance Oct 15-31: Tickets must be reserved in advance by calling 773-293-3682 or emailing boxoffice@citylit.org.

Call for Script Submissions

Red Tape Theatre's The Fresh Eyes Project is a bold, new workshop process designed to create and develop plays that are innovative in form or subject. Our directors, dramaturges and actors work alongside the playwright to customize a rehearsal period best suited to the exploration of a particular play.

Here’s how it works:
Once selected, we match you with a director. Together, you design a rehearsal process best suited to your goal, whether it is to finish the play or see if all those puppets in scene 4 really make sense. We give you a cast, a dramaturg, rehearsal space and the month of March and let you go at it. At the end, we invite everyone involved in FEP and in Red Tape to come and see wherever you are in the process without the prying eyes of the public. The following week, your cast performs a selection of your new masterpiece at the Chicago Fringe Artists Networking Night (CFANN).

Here’s what we need from you:
- 10 page submission along with a full synopsis of a project that is innovative in subject or form.
- 1 page description of what they would ideally like a workshop to include at this point in the development of their project.
- If selected as a finalist, playwrights will be asked for a full copy of the script or a detailed outline and source material for an incomplete project.
- Availability for the month of March.

Submissions must emailed to rebstev@gmail.com by October 31st, 2010. Please put “FEP Submission” in subject of email.

Industry Ticket Offers

Night and Day – Remy Bumppo Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, is offering $15 industry tickets to performances Fridays at 7:30 p.m. through 10/22 and also to Thursday matinees at 2:30 p.m. on 9/30 and 10/14. Use code INDUSTRY. http://www.remybumppo.org/ and 773-404-7336.

I Do! I Do! - Light Opera Works Second Stage, 1420 Maple Avenue in Evanston, is offering half-price industry tickets for previews (regularly $21) on October 3 at 3 p.m. and October 6 and 7 at 8 p.m., and press opening (regularly $27, $34 and $42) on October 8 at 8 p.m. For tickets call 847-869-6300 or visit http://www.lightoperaworks.com/ and use code "Honeymoon." Tickets must be purchased in advance. No door sales.

Edward Albee's At Home At The Zoo - Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln, is offering a limited number of $15 industry tickets. The discount is valid for performances from October 1-10. To claim, use code “INDUSTRY” when ordering online at http://www.victorygardens.org/, calling 773.871.3000, or in person at the Box Office.

Obscura: a voyeuristic love story - Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont, is offering $15 industry tickets to their world premiere through October 23. Tickets can be purchased online with code YHJMTI or at the door. Please provide proof of Industry when claiming tickets. For more information on Red Tape and Obscura, visit www.redtapetheatre.org.

Blogging is Hard

I had a great idea for a blog post earlier this week and I wrote it down and then I lost the piece of paper. I find it really hard to come up with ideas every week (or every two weeks, or however often it is), I don’t know how bloggers who do it every day can come up with something new.

Over on Chicagoplays.com, we are going to have guest bloggers writing about whatever they wish. That blog will be specifically for theatre patrons, although I’m sure you will enjoy it as well. This one is for you, my industry peeps, you’re so lucky to have me ramble on. Anyway if you haven’t been on Chicagoplays lately – go there, it looks really good and I think we’re getting to the point where the bugs are mostly out.

We had a great event at the Cultural Center last Sunday, it was the Dramatists Guild/League Meet and Greet. To be honest, I didn’t know how it would turn out – but I thought it might be a good idea when Dramatists Guild approached us about it. It was lovely, dramatists milled around talking to different theatres and it seemed like everyone had a good time. Every theatre reported having a sore throat when they left from talking so much about their theatres, I think that makes it a success.

I hope you are all enjoying the start of another fantastic theatre season.

Deb

Industry Offers

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark, is offering $10 industry tickets on Thursday nights to industry professionals. Proof of industry required at the box office.

Swords for Rusty Broads and Gents Workshop - Babes with Blades is offering an early bird special on their upcoming 2 day workshop focusing on weapons skills and Shakespeare, at Chase Park (4701 N Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL) on Saturday 10/23 and Sunday 10/24 from 10am to 5pm each day. Sign up before 10/10 and only pay $50 for one day, $80 for both. Prices after 10/10 will increase to $60 for one day, $100 for both. Please visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/129135 for details on each day’s workshop as well as expectations. Please note that the weapons workshop is meant for intermediate to advanced students only. No beginners for the weapons workshop please.

Chicago Muse Seeks New Musical Submissions for its 2010-2011 Season

Chicago Muse is seeking the next generation of new musicals. Composers, writers and lyricists are encouraged to submit their completed works for consideration for the 2010-2011 season. Deadline for submissions is October 15th, 2010. Chicago Muse is the new professional theatre company devoted to engaging a community in the development and production of new musicals. All works submitted will be automatically entered into consideration for the Chicago New Musical Festival June 13-26, 2011. For complete details and submission guidelines visit www.chicagomuse.org.

Submissions will be reviewed by a prestigious artistic advisory committee of musical theatre professionals, the registered Chicago Muse membership base and staff. This unique, on-line interactive evaluation process of these groups will select a final pool of 30 works from which three finalists will be chosen. Three of these shows will be selected to receive funding up to $10,000 for staged reading in Chicago.

Chicago Muse will collaborate with the winning creators of these new works on a staged reading of their musical to bring it to life. This essential and transformative process will provide constructive feedback back to the creative teams in the development of their new musicals.

The Chicago New Music Theatre Festival June 13th -26th, 2011 will feature the most promising shows as judged by the reading committee, the staged reading favorites and input from Chicago Muse advisory board and staff. Select shows will receive up to $30,000 for a “skeletal production at the festival. To complete the cycle the highest rated show based on input from attendees will be produced by Chicago Muse for its next season with funding up to $300,000.

Anyone can submit a new musical with a complete book, musical score and lyrics along with a CD containing at least 50% of the songs in the show. Visit www.chicagomuse.org for details on submission guidelines or to become a charter registered member and participate in the selection process of works being considered.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS OCTOBER 15TH, 2010. There is a $30 submission fee. (Chicago Muse reserves the right to hold onto submissions postmarked after 10/15/10 for the next review cycle by reading committee and the paid registered users online)

Questions regarding submissions should be directed to the following:

Chicago Muse Literary Associate
c/o Chicago Muse
407 South Dearborn, Suite 1235
Chicago, Il 60605
312-445-9554
or email your queries to - chicagomuse@me.com

Gorilla Tango Theatre seeks Directors/Producers for Fall 2010 - Winter 2011.

Gorilla Tango Theatre is seeking Director/Producers who have a show or a project and are looking for a space! GTT makes producing simple – we provide all infrastructure (audition and rehearsal space, performance space, box-office, online ticketing, basic marketing), and you provide the show.

GTT is 100% legal – we’re licensed, insured, and we even have a liquor license and can serve you and your patrons alcohol. Yes, alcohol, you drunkies.

Check out our website at www.gorillatango.com and click on “Producers” to learn more about producing at Gorilla Tango Theatre or contact Dan at 773.598.4549, dan@gorillatango.com for more info.

Theatrical Lighting For Sale

If a theater is interested in used theatrical lighting, a school in Franklin Park is looking to sell the used lights from their auditorium. If you are interested call Carleton at 847-455-4413 x1227 or email carleton@d83.org.

What's Next?

If you've gone outside today you probably noticed that the temps have dropped and it feels like Fall. While some people might already be missing those hot summer days on the beach, I look forward to the cooler weather, light jackets and the new theatre season. It's a great time of year to be in Chicago and has always been my favorite season. After a busy summer with the TCG conference and launching a brand new look and website, it's a perfect time to refocus and hit the ground running. We have some great events lined up for the next few weeks. While I am sure many of you are busy launching your season, we hope that we'll see you at one of these upcoming events.

Dramatists Guild Meet and Greet
Sunday, September 19, 2 - 5 p.m.
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.
The League and the Dramatists Guild of America invite theatres to join members of the Dramatists Guild from throughout the Midwest for a Meet and Greet. Presented in Collaboration with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. The event is designed so that representatives of theatres, such as Artistic Directors and Literary Managers, can have an opportunity to speak with playwrights, composers, lyricists and librettists about their mission, the kind of new work they are interested in, what kind of submissions they take, etc. The format will be a "fair" type, with each theatre having a table on which they can display materials. If your theatre would like to be represented at the event please RSVP to
ben@chicagoplays.com before 5 p.m. on Friday, 9/17.

Chicago Theatre Intern Networking Event
Monday, September 27, 2010, 6 - 8 p.m.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand
FREE, rsvp to ben@chicagoplays.com
Meet and network with interns at other Chicago theater 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.
RSVP before Friday, September 24 to attend. Please pass on to your company's interns.

Asking Matters Presentation: What's An Asking Style and How Do I Use It?
Monday, October 4, 2010, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
League offices, 228 S. Wabash, Suite 200
Free, but space is Limited. RSVP to ben@chicagoplays.com.
Learn about Asking Matters and how to get your board more involved in fundraising by using the concept of Asking Styles. Join Asking Matters™ Co-Founder Brian Saber in this 90-minute presentation and seminar as he guides you through easy and effective exercises to help you understand your Asking Style and how to use it to full advantage. Learn how to get your board and staff talking about their Asking Styles and inspire them to get out and ask for gifts. Find out how even one 15-minute conversation about Asking Styles will give everyone the perspective and confidence they need to fundraise. Asking Matters™ is an on-line tool that teaches board members and others how to fundraise and motivates them to get out and ask.

Finally, October launches the third year of TCG's Free Night of Theater in Chicago. We have about 40 theatres participating already this year and it's not too late to sign up. Email ben@chicagoplays.com for details.

Get in Touch with the Chicago Office of Tourism

Each month, the Chicago Office of Tourism connects with business and cultural partners throughout the city with a special enewsletter. In addition to news topics and PR highlights, this is the way we communicate special opportunities on how organizations can take part in our free programs, such as the annual online coupon book for visitors, the annual Passport to Chicago program for visiting journalists and how to get events and attractions listed on the city's tourism website ExploreChicago.org. To receive this enewsletter, please email Emily Long at emily.long@cityofchicago.org with the subject line 'Business Enewsletter.'