Thursday, February 25, 2010

Ghost Light Yoga Continues in March!

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to sponsor Ghost Light Yoga again in March by popular demand! If you missed it in February, now is the perfect time to join!

Every Monday in March (except the 29th), 6:15 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. Yoga on stage at the Bank of America Theatre with a certified instructor in the shadow of the ghost light. 18 W. Monroe, Chicago. The only requirement is to bring your own mat! The goal is for all of us to meet people we haven’t met before in an environment of health, happiness and peace.

RSVP to ben@chicagoplays.com with the date(s) you'd like to participate in the subject line (March 1, 8, 15 or 22) or call 312.554.9802 to reserve your spot. Space is limited!

Non Profit Incorporation and Tax Exemption Workshop

Lawyers for the Creative Arts will present its workshop on Not-for-Profit Incorporation and Tax Exemption on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 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.

Call for Scripts - Victory Gardens Ignition Festival

Victory Gardens Theater announces the second IGNITION festival, supported by Allstate Insurance Company, lead corporate sponsor, and William and Orli Staley. The festival that brought you the critically-acclaimed Year Zero by Michael Golamco and Kristoffer Diaz's
smash hit The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity is searching for another round of breakthrough plays. IGNITION creates a pipeline to production for the work of young playwrights of color. By
providing this platform for the next generation, IGNITION launches new writers into the national spotlight and continues Victory Gardens' core mission of originating new plays that serve diverse communities.

Six new plays will be presented in a festival of readings scheduled for the week of August 15, 2010. These plays will be directed by leading artists of color from Chicago and around the country. Following the readings, two of the plays will be selected for intensive workshops during Victory Gardens' 2010-11 season. Victory Gardens will produce at least one of these final scripts in the 2011-12 season.Victory Gardens provides selected playwrights with housing and transportation as well as a stipend for a one rehearsal week beginning August 15th through the final event of the festival weekend. For further information, please call literary manager Aaron Carter at 773-328-2142 or Sandy Shinner, Associate Artistic Director and Project Director, at 773-549-5788 ext 2139.

Submission Deadline: April 15, 2010
Announcement of Six Festival Participants: June 15, 2010
Festival Dates: August 15 - August 22, 2010

Submission Guidelines:
There is no restriction as to subject matter. Victory Gardens hopes that a diversity of perspective will inform the plays, but the plays do not have to deal specifically with race, ethnicity or identity issues.

-The initiative is open to all playwrights of color under 40 years old.
-Playwrights must not yet have received a full production at a major regional theater.
-Submitted plays must unproduced and must be in English or primarily in English.
-Playwrights may only submit one full-length play.
-Plays must be submitted by mail, not electronically, and should not be permanently bound.
-Please include a biography or resume.
-Please include a return addressed postcard if you wish to be notified that the script arrived.
-All scripts will be recycled after reading and will not be returned.
-There is no submission fee.

Submit to:
IGNITION
Victory Gardens Theater
2257 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60614

Looking for Arts Financing?

Gorilla Tango Financial (currently in Beta phase of development) is looking to provide financing for various theatre, film, music, etc. projects in 2010. Got a project? Need money to get it started? Check out this letter from “Da Boss” www.gorillatango.us/gtf.htm for more info!

Industry Ticket Offers

Mimesophobia - Theatre Seven at Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W Chicago, is offering $10 industry tickets for previews Sunday, Feb. 28 and Monday, March 1st and $14 industry tickets to all Thursday and Friday performances through April 4. Special events following the show on Fridays March 12, 19, 26, and April 1. Must be purchased in advance at http://www.theatreseven.org/ (select "Industry" ticket type), by emailing benjamin.brownson@theatreseven.org, or by calling 773-853-3158.

The Fantasticks- Promethean Theatre Ensemble at City Lit, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave, is offering $10 industry tickets for all performances through March 21. Offer available when purchasing at the door, or when buying through Brown Paper Tickets either online or by phone at 800-838-3006 by using discount code “f0ll0w” (please note the zeroes). Please have proof of industry affiliation to present at the door.

Orange Flower Water – BackStage Theatre Company at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division is offering $10 industry tickets every Thursday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 3 p.m. performance through March 27. Must present headshot, resume or business card at the door. For tickets use code INDUSTRY on http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/81266, email reservations@backstagetheatrecompany.org, or walk-up.

Show Us Your Love - Bailiwick Chicago at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. is offering 2-for-1 industry tickets for all performances, playing every Sunday in February and March, 7:30 p.m Available only at the door with the code word DONNA and applies to unreserved seats (first come, first serve) or standing-room only (if all seats are filled.) $15 for 2 people, or $10 for 1 person, cash only at the door. For more info, visit http://www.bailiwickchicago.com/.

A Conversation with Stephen Sondheim – Harris Theater, 205 E Randolph Dr, is offering $40 industry tickets for a special one-night-only conversation with Stephen Sondheim, moderated by Gary Griffin on March 4, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. Visit http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/ and use code “6435” to receive this discount.

The Who’s Tommy – Theatre and Interpretation Center at Northwestern University, is offering $10 tickets to performances on March 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. For tickets call 847-491-7282 or http://www.tic.northwestern.edu/ and mention promo code MIRROR.

The Pillowman—Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W Bryn Mawr, is offering $15 industry tickets for Fri, Feb 26, at 8 p.m. Please email your headshot & resume (resume only for non-actors) to reserve@redtwist.org. We will follow-up with a call to confirm.

Here Where It’s Safe – Stage Left Theatre, 3408 N. Sheffield, is offering 2 for 1 industry tickets for performances February 26 at 8 p.m. and February 28 at 3 p.m. Call 773-883-8830 for reservations. Visit http://www.stagelefttheatre.com/hwis.html for more information.

JedIraq - New Suit Theatre at the Piccolo Theatre, 600 N Main Street in Evanston, is offering $10 industry tickets for their 7:30 p.m. show on Thursday Feb 25 and Thursday March 4. Purchase tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/96459 with code "industry" or at the door with cash. Visit http://www.newsuittheatre.com/ for more information.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Rental Space Availability at Gorilla Tango Theatre

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 Dan Abbate at 773-598-4549 or dan@gorillatango.com.

Industry Ticket Offers

Lend Me A Tenor – Dominican University Performing Arts Center, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest, is offering FREE industry tickets to the Thursday, February 25 performance. Must present headshot or resume at box office. For ticket reservations call 708-488-5000.

The DNA Trail: A Geneology of Short Plays about Ancestry, Identity, and Utter Confusion – Silk Road Theatre Project at the Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W. Washington St., Pierce Hall, Chicago, is offering $10 industry tickets for the performances March 2 – 5 at 8 p.m. Advance purchases online only at www.srtp.org and use coupon code INDUSTRY. Day of performance tickets available up to one hour before curtain at door. Visit www.srtp.org for more information.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Eclipse Theatre mourns the loss of Kat Saari

Eclipse Theatre Company is mourning the loss of their beloved friend and ensemble member Kat Saari, who tragically passed away this week at the young age of 24. Kat graduated from Northwestern University with a focus on stage management and she stage managed several productions for Eclipse Theatre and around Chicago as well. She joined the Eclipse Theatre ensemble in 2008. Any cards to Kat Saari's family can be sent to Eclipse Thatre Company at 4001 N. Ravenswood, Suite 402 Chicago IL 60613.

Action Items

I want to encourage all of you to please fill out the fiscal survey that is posted in the broadcast. Some of you have filled out the TCG survey and that is much appreciated, but this gives us a better snapshot of where we are as a community. You may recall that we did the same last year and the results were used in a lot of different ways. I have had several requests from funders and the media for the survey this year. It is really helpful and it doesn’t take long at all to fill out. We are looking to get 100% participation so fill it out, please.

Also, I want to ask you to do a flash performance or a performance at the late night party for the TCG conference. We expect these performances to be what truly sets the Chicago conference off from other cities. It doesn’t matter how big or small your company is, you can come up with something that is going to be great, that’s why this idea, which was not mine, is so good. So…send us a proposal.

Deb

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Industry Ticket Offers

The Pillowman—Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W Bryn Mawr, is offering a limited number of $15 industry tickets, Thu, Feb 18 thru Sat, Feb 20, at 8 p.m., and Sun, Feb 21, at 3 p.m. Please email your headshot & resume (resume only for non-actors) to reserve@redtwist.org. We will follow-up with a call to confirm.

The Gimmick - Pegasus Players, 1145 W. Wilson Ave, Chicago, is offering $10 industry tickets for Thursday 7:30 p.m. performances through March 25. Call 773-878-9761, ext 17 and mention this industry offer. Visit www.pegasusplayers.org

Space Availability at ComedySportz

The ComedySportz Theatre at 929 W. Belmont has off night and late night rental slots available beginning September of 2010. Reasonable rates, great location. Rental tenants do not have to be improv. All genres encouraged, stand-up, sketch, cabaret, etc. Please send show description and contact info to rentals@comedysportzchicago.com.

University of Chicago Seeking Theaters for Summer Inc Program

University Theater at University of Chicago is looking for theatre, dance or other artist companies/groups to apply for their Summer Inc program. The Summer Inc program began out of a desire to extend University Theater's nurturing environment to Chicago's professional performance community. This program is free for any new or established theatre company or organization looking to develop a new work or existing piece that needs more time to mature. The 2 week program provides an artistic home for the organization to use the various theater spaces the University Theatre offers as well as various technical, administration and student assistance as needed. The companies that get selected recognize the importance of hospitality when basic expenses make the creation of new work more of a conceptual wish than a pragmatic reality, UC Summer Inc. invites six companies into our artistic home. If you are interested in Summer Inc and want more information or would like to apply visit http://ut.uchicago.edu/collaboration/summerinc.shtml

The dates for Summer Inc 2010 are the following:
Session 1: July 9th - July 23rd
Session 2: July 30th - August 13th

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Industry Ticket Offers

Mary's Wedding - Rivendell Theatre Ensemble at Raven Theatre,6157 N Clark Street, is offering a limited number of $10 industry tickets for the 8:30 p.m. performances on Thursday 2/18 and Thursday 2/25. Tickets can be purchased online with the code INDUSTRY at http://www.rivendelltheatre.net/ or by phone at 773.334.7728. Visit http://www.rivendelltheatre.net/ for more information.

Living Quarters: After Hippolytus - Strangeloop Theatre at Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland St. is offering $10 industry tickets at the box office for the 8 p.m. preview this Thursday (2/18) and for every Thursday performance during the run (through 3/14). More info at http://www.strangelooptheatre.org/.

The Cabinet - Redmoon Theater, 1463 W. Hubbard, is offering $10 industry tickets to every Friday performance at 10 p.m. through March 7. Must present headshot, resume or business card. To purchase tickets call 312.850.8440 x. 111.

Lower Debt – LiveWire Chicago Theatre, at the Viaduct, 3111 N. Western Ave., is offering $8 advance tickets to all performances running March 6th through April 4th now through 3/1 at midnight. Discount Code: 'encampment'. Call Viaduct box office 773-296-6024 or visit viaducttheatre.com to purchase tickets. More information at www.livewirechicago.com/lowerdebt

Distracted - American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron, is offering $10 industry rush tickets for all performances this weekend: Thursday, February 18th - Friday, February 19th at 8 p.m., Saturday, February 20th at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 21st at 3 p.m. Industry Rush tickets go on sale at the Box Office 45 minutes prior to the performance. Please present head-shot, resume or equity card.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Village Players Theatre Costume Sale

Village Players Theatre is having a costume sale this Monday, February 15th from 12:30 to 5pm. Fantastic costume pieces with a great variety of uses and at a great deal!

Village Players Theatre is at 1010 W. Madison in Oak Park, IL. More information about the theatre can be found at www.village-players.org.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Save the Date

March 27, 2010. Sound familiar? That’s because for the second year in a row we’re pleased to announce that Chicago will be participating in World Theatre Day. (Read About World Theatre Day 2009.) Details are still in the works, but we’re planning another party in the evening as well as other activities to share the spirit of Chicago theatre worldwide and connect with theaters in other countries. It’s a fun celebration involving both theatre practitioners and patrons. We’d like as many Chicago theaters to participate as possible. Watch here for more details soon.

Also, if you’d like to participate in another community-wide event, we still have two more weeks of FREE Ghost Light Yoga at the Bank of America Theater on February 15 and 22. There is still room in both sessions, so RSVP to ben@chicagoplays.com if you’d like to join us.

Chicago Fringe Festival Application Deadline

The deadline to apply to participate in the Chicago Fringe Festival is Monday, February 15. All application information is available online at www.chicagofringe.org. All performance details need not be finalized in order to apply.

Royal George Theatre Space Availability

The Royal George Gallery Theatre has winter/spring availability. 50 seat black box theatre. Available for hourly, nightly, or weekly rentals. Perfect for rehearsals. All rates are negotiable.
Please contact Shaun Garrett at 312-988-9105 or shaun.garrett@readingrdi.com.

Industry Ticket Offer

What Once We Felt – About Face Theatre at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, is offering $15 industry tickets to performances February 13 – 21. To reserve tickets call 773-784-8565 x111 or visit www.aboutfacetheatre.com and use code LEAGUE. This offer is subject to availability and cannot be used in combination with any other discount.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

DirectorsLabChicago 2010 Application Now Available Online

Now in its sixth year, DirectorsLabChicago offers environments in which emerging and established stage directors from all over the world are able to consider, challenge, and engage in both the traditional and contemporary aspects of their craft. This year’s Lab, entitled The Rehearsal, will take place from June 14th through June 20th, 2010 at the Chicago Cultural Center and several off-site locations. Applications must be postmarked no later than Friday, March 26th, 2010. To learn more about DirectorsLabChicago or to download an application, please visit www.directorslabchicago.com.

Now Accepting TCG Conference Late Night Party and Flash Performance Proposals

The League of Chicago Theatres is hosting the 2010 TCG Conference in Chicago this June. A diverse selection of theatre companies are sought to represent the breadth and richness of Chicago theatre by creating performances that will be showcased throughout the conference in Flash Performances and at the Late-Night Party. A Flash Performance is a performance that erupts from thin air, engages an audience of 5 to 100, and then quickly disappears. Flash performances will be artfully coordinated to occur in unsuspected places (streets, hallways, el stations) several times a day throughout the conference in order to provide the attendees with a taste of Chicago theatre. A Late-Night Party performance will enhance a party atmosphere, and might include installations, amusements and performances of all kinds. The event itself will be a “carnival” style party featuring light snacks, drinks, music and multi-disciplinary performances- offering conference-goers an opportunity to unwind and let loose after a long day of workshops and networking. The goal is to give the attendees from across the country a sense of the artistry, collaboration and surprise that is Chicago theatre.

The conference will take place June 17-19, 2010. The Late-Night Party will take place on Friday, June 18, 2010. A small panel of theatre artists will select a diverse range of companies to perform. All Chicago area theater companies are invited and encouraged to apply. Please submit your proposal and supporting documents for consideration by the panel to Ben Thiem at ben@chicagoplays.com. The deadline for submitting proposals is Friday, March 5.

Click here for more information and to Download Application.

Industry Ticket Offers

Mrs. Caliban – Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Avenue, is offering a limited number of $10 industry tickets for the following Thursday, 7:30 p.m. performances: February 18, February 25, and March 4. Call 773-761-4477 and mention this industry offer. Visit http://www.lifelinetheatre.com/ for more information.

Distracted - American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron is offering $10 industry rush tickets for the Thursday, February 11th performance at 8 p.m. Industry Rush tickets go on sale at the Box Office at 7:15 p.m. Please present head-shot, resume or equity card.

The End of the Tour – 16th Street Theater, 6420 16th Street, Berwyn, is offering a pay what you can industry performance or $8 advanced ticket for the Monday, February 15 performance at 7:30 p.m. For advanced tickets buy online here.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Noyes Cultural Arts Center Space Availability

The main theatre in the Noyes Cultural Arts Center (Next Theatre's home space) has an unusual opening in April and May. 134 seat procenium with lighting and sound equipment. Very affordable. Contact Jeff Cory at jcory@cityofevanston.org or 847-448-8260 or Kevin Heckman at kevin@nexttheatre.org for more information. A great opportunity to connect with the Evanston community.

Friday, February 5, 2010

Industry Ticket Offers

The Gimmick - Pegasus Players, 1145 W. Wilson Ave, Chicago, is offering $10 industry tickets for preview performances, Thursday - Sunday, Feb 11-14. Call 773-878-9761, ext 17 and mention this industry offer. Visit http://www.pegasusplayers.org/.

The Skin of Our Teeth – The Artistic Home, 3912 N. Clark St. is offering $15 industry tickets at the door on February 18 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. and 21 and 28 at 3 p.m.. Tickets only available at the door. For more information visit http://www.theartistichome.org/.

Blue Door – Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $10 industry tickets to performances through February 28. For tickets call 773-871-3000 and use code word INDUSTRY. Subject to availability and not valid with any other discounts or on previously purchased tickets.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Emerging Theater Award Proposals Due Monday

Just a final reminder that applications for the 2010 Broadway In Chicago Emerging Theater Award are due on Monday. The recipient of the award receives $5,000, a consultation and marketing support package, that includes advertising support from the Chicago Tribune and TimeOut Chicago.
The deadline for receipt of proposals is 5 p.m. on Monday, February 8, 2010. All proposals must be in our office, or postmarked, by that date. Click here for Criteria and to Download Application. Contact ben@chicagoplays.com with any questions.

Event Photos: 2/1 Intern Networking Event


Free Equity Solo Performance Workshop

Calling all Midwest Solo Performers: Newbies or Pros.
Saturday, February 27th, 10am to 1pm
Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave.
Learn how to create fulfilling, financially supportive work. Meet the top-notch panel: performers Tom Mula, Arlene Malinowski, and Stephanie Shaw; director Kevin Theis; Red Orchid’s artistic director Kirsten Fitzgerald; plus AEA Rep Luther Goins. Gather Resource Lists. Win Door Prizes. Connect with fellow Artists.
Open to AEA members and Equity Membership Candidates (Please bring your Equity card)
Any Questions email Diane Dorsey: Dmdorsey@aol.com

Industry Ticket Offer

The Year of Magical Thinking – Court Theatre, 5535 S Ellis Ave, is offering a limited number of free tickets for the 10:30 a.m. Wednesday performance on Feb. 10. Email groups@courttheatre.org or call 773-834-3243 between 10-5 Monday-Friday and leave your name, number of tickets requested, and phone number. Visit http://www.courttheatre.org/ for more information on the play.

Return to Haifa – Next Theatre, 927 Noyes Street in Evanston , is offering a limited number of $10 industry tickets for the 8 p.m. performance on Friday 2/5. Call 847-475-1875 and mention this offer. Visit http://www.nexttheatre.org for more information.

Phedra- New World Repertory Theater at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont, is offering $5 industry tickets for all performances through Feb. 14th. Thurs.-Sat. at 8:30 p.m. and Sun. at 3:00 p.m. Call 773-327-5252 and use code "Actor" for this industry offer. Visit http://www.theatrebuildingchicago.org/ for more information.

TBC and Steppenwolf Offer Free Self Defense Course

Theatre Building Chicago is partnering with Steppenwolf Theatre and Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center to provide a free, three-hour self defense course for theatre professionals. ONE NIGHT ONLY! Monday, February 8, 6-9 p.m. at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont. Space for this class is extremely limited. Call the TBC Box Office at 773-327-5252 to reserve a space for this practical guide to defending yourself. Please wear comfortable and loose fitting clothing as there will be active participation.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Summer Space Availability at Theatre Building Chicago

Theatre Building Chicago (TBC) supports arts organizations on the grow. TBC has one of its three black box theatre spaces available for summer projects. 148 seats, Fully air conditioned, 7 day full service box office, Technicaland Marketing support, just to mention a few of the amenities. Contact Allan Chambers for subsidized rental details. 773-929-7367 x229 or allan@theatrebuildingchicago.org.

Industry Ticket Offers

American Buffalo – Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, is offering $10 tickets for performances on Sunday, February 7 through Sunday, February 14th. For tickets call 312-335-1650 and use code 6504. Tickets are subject to availability and must be reserved one hour before performance. For more information visit www.steppenwolf.org.

The Analytical Engine- Circle Theatre, 7300 W. Madison St. Forest Park, is offering a special price of $5 for Actors & Industry types (with headshot and resume) on Tuesday, Feb 9 at 8 p.m. Very limited seating! Reservations required. 708-771-0700. Additional $10 Industry Nights on Fridays Feb 12 & 19: Use the code "Industry." Tickets subject to availability.

Wilson Wants It All -- The House Theatre of Chicago at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W Division, is offering $15 industry tickets on Thursday and Sunday performances and $17 industry tickets on Fridays through March 27. Call 773-251-2195 and mention this offer, or buy directly at the box office the night of the show.