I’m obviously not in the business of recommending shows here. But, last night I saw the Mike Daisey piece “How Theater Failed America” at VG. I hadn’t seen it before, but I have been a part of numerous discussions about the piece, read interviews with him and read opinions about the piece. I was prepared to hate the piece and to absolutely loathe him, but I thought I should see it. I am now Mike Daisey’s #1 fan. I had thought about the piece as an indictment of institutional theatre, which, until I took this job, I had worked in most of my adult life. It’s not an indictment, it’s a freaking love story. It’s so much bigger and more powerful and more personal and full of truth and beauty and by the way absolutely hilarious than anything I have read or talked about or heard talked about. All the talking about it just doesn’t do the piece justice. Do I disagree with some of the points he makes? Yup, sure I do, but I disagree with plenty of playwrights, that doesn’t mean I’m not profoundly affected by what they have to say. Whatever you might think about what he has to say, whatever you might think you know about what he has to say, this, for me, was a great night in the theatre.
Deb
Thursday, April 29, 2010
NFP Incorporation and Tax Exemption Workshop
Lawyers for the Creative Arts
Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 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.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 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.
Call for Play Submissions
City Lit Theater Company seeks submissions to The Art of Adaptation, its 3rd annual festival of stage adaptations of non-dramatic literature.
The festival will take place August 13-15, 2010 at City Lit Theater; 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue. The festival will consist of 6 to 10 adaptations presented in various combinations over the course of the weekend. A panel of judges will view all performances and award a $500 cash prize to the adaptor of the piece judged the best of the festival.
THE RULES:
1. Each piece will have to conform to a maximum of 30 minutes. Pieces anywhere between 5 – 20 minutes are ideal.
2. It must be an adaptation of non-dramatic material—a short story, an essay, a memoir, poetry, an excerpt from a novel, what have you; but not material from a play.
3. Each adaptor is responsible for whatever royalties might be due on his/her piece, as well as for his/her own rehearsal process. City Lit will not provide rehearsal space prior to tech rehearsal, nor will it provide services of a director or any actors for any piece.
4. All pieces will be performed on the same simple unit set with the same simple light plot (including one special per piece). A stock of furniture will be provided. If your piece requires furniture beyond the provided stock, it is your responsibility.
5. City Lit will provide performance space, backstage and front-of-house crew, publicity, programs, tickets and the $500 cash prize.
To submit a proposal for entry into the festival, send your adaptation script to Katy Nielsen at City Lit Theatre, 1020 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago IL 60660. Proposals must be postmarked no later than June 15th.
The festival will take place August 13-15, 2010 at City Lit Theater; 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue. The festival will consist of 6 to 10 adaptations presented in various combinations over the course of the weekend. A panel of judges will view all performances and award a $500 cash prize to the adaptor of the piece judged the best of the festival.
THE RULES:
1. Each piece will have to conform to a maximum of 30 minutes. Pieces anywhere between 5 – 20 minutes are ideal.
2. It must be an adaptation of non-dramatic material—a short story, an essay, a memoir, poetry, an excerpt from a novel, what have you; but not material from a play.
3. Each adaptor is responsible for whatever royalties might be due on his/her piece, as well as for his/her own rehearsal process. City Lit will not provide rehearsal space prior to tech rehearsal, nor will it provide services of a director or any actors for any piece.
4. All pieces will be performed on the same simple unit set with the same simple light plot (including one special per piece). A stock of furniture will be provided. If your piece requires furniture beyond the provided stock, it is your responsibility.
5. City Lit will provide performance space, backstage and front-of-house crew, publicity, programs, tickets and the $500 cash prize.
To submit a proposal for entry into the festival, send your adaptation script to Katy Nielsen at City Lit Theatre, 1020 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago IL 60660. Proposals must be postmarked no later than June 15th.
Industry Ticket Offers
Spring Awakening - Promethean Theatre Ensemble at The Artistic Home, 3914 N. Clark St, is offering $10 industry tickets to all performances through May 9. Reserve tickets using the code 'wendla' through Brown Paper Tickets (on the web or by phone at 800-838-3006), by emailing pteboxoffice@gmail.com, or at the box office. Please have proof of industry affiliation to show at the door.
On Golden Pond - Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, 425 Fawell Blvd.,Glen Ellyn, is offering $5 industry tickets for Thursday and Sunday performances May 6 to 30. Actor’s tickets are available with headshot and resume and designer tickets are available with business card or resume. Subject to availability. For more information call (630) 942-4000.
Celebrity Autobiography - Royal George Theatre, 1641 N Halsted, is offering a limited number of discount $25 balcony tickets (regular price $32.50) to the show were comedians perform the unintentionally hilarious actual words and stories written by celebrities on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1 at 8 p.m. Click here or call the box office at (312) 988.9000 and use code LAUGH. Handling fees and some restrictions may apply.
International Voices Project - Premiere Theatre and Performance at the Instituto Cervantes, 31 W. Ohio is offering complimentary tickets to their five staged readings of international plays beginning on Friday, May 7th, 7:30 PM. Reception and talk back to follow. www.ptapchicago.org/ivp.
On Golden Pond - Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, 425 Fawell Blvd.,Glen Ellyn, is offering $5 industry tickets for Thursday and Sunday performances May 6 to 30. Actor’s tickets are available with headshot and resume and designer tickets are available with business card or resume. Subject to availability. For more information call (630) 942-4000.
Celebrity Autobiography - Royal George Theatre, 1641 N Halsted, is offering a limited number of discount $25 balcony tickets (regular price $32.50) to the show were comedians perform the unintentionally hilarious actual words and stories written by celebrities on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1 at 8 p.m. Click here or call the box office at (312) 988.9000 and use code LAUGH. Handling fees and some restrictions may apply.
International Voices Project - Premiere Theatre and Performance at the Instituto Cervantes, 31 W. Ohio is offering complimentary tickets to their five staged readings of international plays beginning on Friday, May 7th, 7:30 PM. Reception and talk back to follow. www.ptapchicago.org/ivp.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
May 3rd Michael Merritt Awards and Designer Showcase
The 17th Annual Merritt Award for Excellence in Design and Collaboration program, posthumously honoring and celebrating the work of lighting and set designer Michael Philippi (Desire Under the Elms, Death of a Salesman), “an esteemed longtime collaborator and friend”, will take place on Monday, May 3, at the Goodman Theatre.
Scenic designer Collette Pollard (The Illusion, Stoop Stories) will receive The Michael Maggio Emerging Designer Award. There will also be a presentation of three student scholarship recipients representing The Theatre School of DePaul University (scenic designer Williams G. Wever), Northwestern University (costume designer Jeremy Floyd) and from Columbia College Chicago for The John Murbach Scholarship for Collaborative Design (lighting designer Wade Holliday).
The doors open at 5 p.m., with a viewing of the fourth annual ‘Theater Design Expo’, showcasing the works of over 50 Chicago-area emerging theatrical designers and a portfolio review of graduating design students from some of the finest programs in the country.
Goodman Theatre’s Artistic Director Robert Falls, a founding member of the Michael Merritt Endowment Fund Steering Committee, will lead a panel discussion from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. about the Goodman’s experiences working with Michael Philippi in recent times and during his past tenure as fledgling artistic director of Chicago’s Wisdom Bridge Theatre Company. Nathan Allen, Artistic Director of The House Theatre of Chicago, along with House Designer and this year’s Emerging Designer Award Recipient, Collette Pollard, will join him to bring a more contemporary perspective of creating and sustaining a new theatre company in Chicago.
The awards presentation will begin at 8 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a Chicago style supper buffet by Conn’s Catering complete with beer, wine and soda from start to finish until 10 p.m. Tickets/Exhibitor Fees are $20 per person and $5 for students. For ticket reservations, phone (312) 369-6105 (credit card orders are accepted) AND email robmilburn@ameritech.net to reserve an exhibit space.
The Goodman Theatre is centrally located in Chicago’s Loop at 170 North Dearborn Street, in close proximity to I-55, I-90/94, I-290 and Lake Shore Drive, as well as all major CTA rail lines and many bus routes. Discounted parking is available for $19 at the Government Center Self Park, located directly adjacent to the theatre at the southeast corner of Clark and Lake Streets, and parking coupons will be available at the registration table in the Goodman Theatre lobby.
Scenic designer Collette Pollard (The Illusion, Stoop Stories) will receive The Michael Maggio Emerging Designer Award. There will also be a presentation of three student scholarship recipients representing The Theatre School of DePaul University (scenic designer Williams G. Wever), Northwestern University (costume designer Jeremy Floyd) and from Columbia College Chicago for The John Murbach Scholarship for Collaborative Design (lighting designer Wade Holliday).
The doors open at 5 p.m., with a viewing of the fourth annual ‘Theater Design Expo’, showcasing the works of over 50 Chicago-area emerging theatrical designers and a portfolio review of graduating design students from some of the finest programs in the country.
Goodman Theatre’s Artistic Director Robert Falls, a founding member of the Michael Merritt Endowment Fund Steering Committee, will lead a panel discussion from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. about the Goodman’s experiences working with Michael Philippi in recent times and during his past tenure as fledgling artistic director of Chicago’s Wisdom Bridge Theatre Company. Nathan Allen, Artistic Director of The House Theatre of Chicago, along with House Designer and this year’s Emerging Designer Award Recipient, Collette Pollard, will join him to bring a more contemporary perspective of creating and sustaining a new theatre company in Chicago.
The awards presentation will begin at 8 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a Chicago style supper buffet by Conn’s Catering complete with beer, wine and soda from start to finish until 10 p.m. Tickets/Exhibitor Fees are $20 per person and $5 for students. For ticket reservations, phone (312) 369-6105 (credit card orders are accepted) AND email robmilburn@ameritech.net to reserve an exhibit space.
The Goodman Theatre is centrally located in Chicago’s Loop at 170 North Dearborn Street, in close proximity to I-55, I-90/94, I-290 and Lake Shore Drive, as well as all major CTA rail lines and many bus routes. Discounted parking is available for $19 at the Government Center Self Park, located directly adjacent to the theatre at the southeast corner of Clark and Lake Streets, and parking coupons will be available at the registration table in the Goodman Theatre lobby.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
1.2 Million and Counting
Earlier this month, some of the good folks from TRG visited Chicago to show us how our new community patron database ticks. Afterwards, I asked Katherine Raz from The House – who mentioned that she’d already been using the system – to tell me what she thinks of all this: “This list is everything we've ever dreamed of. Not only can we share lists with other theater companies, we're able to analyze data so we can learn more about our own patrons. And by comparing data with all other theater companies, we're learning more about the Chicago theater-going audience as a whole. Invaluable.”
In addition to learning about what we can do as individual companies, we’re starting to see where we are as a community. For anyone just tuning in, let me recap what we’ve been up to. This March, Chicago launched our Community Cultural Database (this is the co-op patron database program we’ve been calling the Big List – we’ve changed its name, but not its awesome). This system provides super-easy list trades and free data cleaning through the NCOA every quarter (you heard me – Every. Quarter.) And did I mention this is free? It is. ALSO – there are community reports, and our TRG friends showed us the first batch of that data earlier this month.
Lemme break some of this down for you: Chicago is the first community to break the million mark in our first data upload. We are the biggest the fastest – currently sitting at just over 1.2 million unique households – and that’s with just 39 organizations putting their records in the co-op.
Looking at this data, we know the average age of Chicago’s theatre goers (younger than the national average); we know that many of them have young children in the home; we know that about 35% of them have completed college. We’re also learning that – just like the rest of the country – the more people go to arts events, the more they go. Cultural consumers don’t get “full” – they keep asking for another helping.
The CCD can look at our community by zip code or Aldermanic district, increasing our ability to effectively advocate for theatre in every neighborhood as well as our city as a whole, and our region outside Chicago’s city limits. And that’s just local advocacy – with the data TRG is collecting nationwide (over 20 million unique households!), our collective advocacy power is only going to grow exponentially from here.
The BEST thing about this data? The reason I’m geeking out about this? Is that this is just where we’re starting. Breaking the million the quickest in the country is our START. The more folks put their data into the CCD, the more we’re going to know, and the more we’ll be able to do.
So, League Members, what are you waiting for? Our next data upload date is July 9. That’s plenty of time to get in touch with me and for us to get the ball rolling so that your company can be part of this next push. I’m not above telling you that the biggest database right now is in L.A. and suggesting that we should totally be able to surpass their numbers this time around without breaking a sweat. Even in Chicago in July.
Give me a call (312.554.9811) or shoot me an e-mail (jess@chicagoplays.com) and let me answer any questions you have, or help you get ready for the July 9 upload.
Jess Hutchinson
In addition to learning about what we can do as individual companies, we’re starting to see where we are as a community. For anyone just tuning in, let me recap what we’ve been up to. This March, Chicago launched our Community Cultural Database (this is the co-op patron database program we’ve been calling the Big List – we’ve changed its name, but not its awesome). This system provides super-easy list trades and free data cleaning through the NCOA every quarter (you heard me – Every. Quarter.) And did I mention this is free? It is. ALSO – there are community reports, and our TRG friends showed us the first batch of that data earlier this month.
Lemme break some of this down for you: Chicago is the first community to break the million mark in our first data upload. We are the biggest the fastest – currently sitting at just over 1.2 million unique households – and that’s with just 39 organizations putting their records in the co-op.
Looking at this data, we know the average age of Chicago’s theatre goers (younger than the national average); we know that many of them have young children in the home; we know that about 35% of them have completed college. We’re also learning that – just like the rest of the country – the more people go to arts events, the more they go. Cultural consumers don’t get “full” – they keep asking for another helping.
The CCD can look at our community by zip code or Aldermanic district, increasing our ability to effectively advocate for theatre in every neighborhood as well as our city as a whole, and our region outside Chicago’s city limits. And that’s just local advocacy – with the data TRG is collecting nationwide (over 20 million unique households!), our collective advocacy power is only going to grow exponentially from here.
The BEST thing about this data? The reason I’m geeking out about this? Is that this is just where we’re starting. Breaking the million the quickest in the country is our START. The more folks put their data into the CCD, the more we’re going to know, and the more we’ll be able to do.
So, League Members, what are you waiting for? Our next data upload date is July 9. That’s plenty of time to get in touch with me and for us to get the ball rolling so that your company can be part of this next push. I’m not above telling you that the biggest database right now is in L.A. and suggesting that we should totally be able to surpass their numbers this time around without breaking a sweat. Even in Chicago in July.
Give me a call (312.554.9811) or shoot me an e-mail (jess@chicagoplays.com) and let me answer any questions you have, or help you get ready for the July 9 upload.
Jess Hutchinson
Tunesmiths Wanted for Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project
Talented young songwriters and writing teams working in any popular music genre are encouraged to apply for a no-fee program presented by The Johnny Mercer Foundation and the American Music Theatre Project (AMTP) at Northwestern University this summer.
The Johnny Mercer Foundation and the American Music Theatre Project are presenting the fifth annual Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project on the University’s Evanston campus Aug. 1 to 7. All applications must be postmarked no later than May 14, 2010.
AMTP brings together the nation’s leading artists in music theatre to work in collaboration with Northwestern’s faculty and students.
The intensive weeklong songwriting program will be led by master teachers Craig Carnelia, Tony Award-nominated composer and lyricist of “Sweet Smell of Success”; Andrew Lippa, Grammy-nominated artist and composer of the current Broadway musical “The Addams Family”; and three-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Lari White. To learn more about the program, its master teachers or to download an application, visit http://www.mercersongwriters.org.
The seven-day program of master classes, workshops and a student songwriter showcase will culminate Aug. 7 in a spectacular star-studded ticketed concert, “The Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project: A Celebration of Stephen Schwartz,” at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston campus. Tony Award-winning composer Schwartz will be honored for his mentorship of young songwriters in the tradition of the legendary Johnny Mercer. Broadway performer Shoshana Bean, whose credits include “Wicked” and “Hairspray,” will be featured along with performances by the program’s master teachers and songwriters.
Emerging songwriters in pop, music theatre, hip hop, folk, Latin and country music must be between the ages of 18 and 30; writing teams must include at least one member in that age range to meet this criterion.
The Johnny Mercer Foundation and the American Music Theatre Project are presenting the fifth annual Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project on the University’s Evanston campus Aug. 1 to 7. All applications must be postmarked no later than May 14, 2010.
AMTP brings together the nation’s leading artists in music theatre to work in collaboration with Northwestern’s faculty and students.
The intensive weeklong songwriting program will be led by master teachers Craig Carnelia, Tony Award-nominated composer and lyricist of “Sweet Smell of Success”; Andrew Lippa, Grammy-nominated artist and composer of the current Broadway musical “The Addams Family”; and three-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Lari White. To learn more about the program, its master teachers or to download an application, visit http://www.mercersongwriters.org.
The seven-day program of master classes, workshops and a student songwriter showcase will culminate Aug. 7 in a spectacular star-studded ticketed concert, “The Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project: A Celebration of Stephen Schwartz,” at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston campus. Tony Award-winning composer Schwartz will be honored for his mentorship of young songwriters in the tradition of the legendary Johnny Mercer. Broadway performer Shoshana Bean, whose credits include “Wicked” and “Hairspray,” will be featured along with performances by the program’s master teachers and songwriters.
Emerging songwriters in pop, music theatre, hip hop, folk, Latin and country music must be between the ages of 18 and 30; writing teams must include at least one member in that age range to meet this criterion.
April 23 is Talk Like Shakespeare Day
Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley announced that Friday, April 23, Shakespeare’s 446th Birthday, will be Talk Like Shakespeare Day—an occasion for citizens to bring the spoken words of Shakespeare into their daily lives. “Chicago is recognized as the home not only of ’Da Bulls and ’Da Bears, but also ’Da Bard,” said Mayor Daley. He encourages citizens to “let boldness be thy friend and celebrate Shakespeare by vocal acclamation of his words.”
Read Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley’s official proclamation for 2010
Last year Mayor Daley inaugurated “Talk Like Shakespeare Day” in Chicago—a celebration which spread across the country and around the globe, thanks to national and international press coverage—with over one million hits to www.talklikeshakespeare.org, the virtual home base for revelers. This week, we invite you to get in on the act—visit www.talklikeshakespeare.org and share your own stories, photos, videos, and favorite quotes.
Tony Award-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theater will be honoring the occasion by sending Shakespeare look-alikes throughout the city to entreat Chicagoans to speak his speech “trippingly on their tongues”. One lucky everyday thespian will win two round-trip flights to London courtesy of American Airlines and and complimentary tickets to a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Chicago Shakespeare will also host Chicago Public School students and teachers for birthday cake and an exclusive Shakespearean hip-hop performance by Flocabulary artists Blake Harrison, Mervin Jenkins (a.k.a. Spectac) and Alex Rappaport, nationally recognized for their groundbreaking work with students, using rhyme and rhythm to crack open Shakespeare. Teachers and students will craft their own Shakespearean hip-hop masterpieces, a fitting tribute to the Bard on his birthday.
Read Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley’s official proclamation for 2010
Last year Mayor Daley inaugurated “Talk Like Shakespeare Day” in Chicago—a celebration which spread across the country and around the globe, thanks to national and international press coverage—with over one million hits to www.talklikeshakespeare.org, the virtual home base for revelers. This week, we invite you to get in on the act—visit www.talklikeshakespeare.org and share your own stories, photos, videos, and favorite quotes.
Tony Award-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theater will be honoring the occasion by sending Shakespeare look-alikes throughout the city to entreat Chicagoans to speak his speech “trippingly on their tongues”. One lucky everyday thespian will win two round-trip flights to London courtesy of American Airlines and and complimentary tickets to a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Chicago Shakespeare will also host Chicago Public School students and teachers for birthday cake and an exclusive Shakespearean hip-hop performance by Flocabulary artists Blake Harrison, Mervin Jenkins (a.k.a. Spectac) and Alex Rappaport, nationally recognized for their groundbreaking work with students, using rhyme and rhythm to crack open Shakespeare. Teachers and students will craft their own Shakespearean hip-hop masterpieces, a fitting tribute to the Bard on his birthday.
Dance Center Call for Artists
The A.W.A.R.D. Show! 2010-2011: Chicago
Artists With Audiences Responding to Dance Returns to The Dance Center!
JULY 28- 31, 2010 * 8:00 P.M.
12 DANCE ARTISTS / 4 NIGHTS / 1 $10,000 WINNER : YOU BE THE JUDGE!
12 promising contemporary choreographers, showcasing 12-15 minutes of a work (complete, excerpt or work-in-progress), will compete over three nights (July 28, 29 & 30, 2010) for a chance to win $1000 and compete again on the final night, Saturday, July 31, 2010, for the $10,000 cash reward. The audience, along with a panel of experts, will vote to select the winner of each the preliminary evenings as well as the final night. The reward money is to be used toward the creation of new dance work.
CALL FOR ARTISTS!
TO APPLY: The A.W.A.R.D. Show! 2010–2011 aims to create a lab-like space where artists can experiment with ideas in front of a thinking, responsive community. A national panel of experts in the field will review applications and select the 12 artists/companies participants. The panelists will be looking for choreographers who have the potential to create inspirational and innovative work. Applications are due Tuesday, May 11, 2010 by 5:30 P.M. (EST).
MORE INFO
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION: http://www.joyce.org/about/special_events_awardshow.php
Artists With Audiences Responding to Dance Returns to The Dance Center!
JULY 28- 31, 2010 * 8:00 P.M.
12 DANCE ARTISTS / 4 NIGHTS / 1 $10,000 WINNER : YOU BE THE JUDGE!
12 promising contemporary choreographers, showcasing 12-15 minutes of a work (complete, excerpt or work-in-progress), will compete over three nights (July 28, 29 & 30, 2010) for a chance to win $1000 and compete again on the final night, Saturday, July 31, 2010, for the $10,000 cash reward. The audience, along with a panel of experts, will vote to select the winner of each the preliminary evenings as well as the final night. The reward money is to be used toward the creation of new dance work.
CALL FOR ARTISTS!
TO APPLY: The A.W.A.R.D. Show! 2010–2011 aims to create a lab-like space where artists can experiment with ideas in front of a thinking, responsive community. A national panel of experts in the field will review applications and select the 12 artists/companies participants. The panelists will be looking for choreographers who have the potential to create inspirational and innovative work. Applications are due Tuesday, May 11, 2010 by 5:30 P.M. (EST).
MORE INFO
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION: http://www.joyce.org/about/special_events_awardshow.php
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Industry Ticket Offers
The Pillowman—Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W Bryn Mawr, is offering $10 Industry tickets for Thu & Fri, April 22 & 23, at 8pm. Please email H&R to reserve@redtwist.org to reserve a ticket.
Stage Door - The Griffin Theatre Company at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont, is offering $10 industry tickets to all Thursday performances at 7:30 p.m. through May 20. To obtain these specially priced tickets all industry professionals must call the TBC box office at 773-327-5252 and mention the offer. To redeem your tickets industry professionals must present a headshot or business card at the box office window the day of performance. This offer is good for two tickets per customer and must be made by calling the box office. The offer is not available online.
STOMP – Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe in Chicago, is offering $20 savings on tickets to the Tue-Thu or Sun evening performances April 27-May 2. Visit http://www.broadwayinchicago.com/ or call 800-775-2000 and use code NOISE when ordering.
The Love of the Nightingale - Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont, is offering $5 industry tickets to previews April 29 - May 1 at 8 p.m. Please bring proof of industry. http://www.redtapetheatre.org/ for details. Use code FBHTN8 to purchase online.
Stage Door - The Griffin Theatre Company at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont, is offering $10 industry tickets to all Thursday performances at 7:30 p.m. through May 20. To obtain these specially priced tickets all industry professionals must call the TBC box office at 773-327-5252 and mention the offer. To redeem your tickets industry professionals must present a headshot or business card at the box office window the day of performance. This offer is good for two tickets per customer and must be made by calling the box office. The offer is not available online.
STOMP – Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe in Chicago, is offering $20 savings on tickets to the Tue-Thu or Sun evening performances April 27-May 2. Visit http://www.broadwayinchicago.com/ or call 800-775-2000 and use code NOISE when ordering.
The Love of the Nightingale - Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont, is offering $5 industry tickets to previews April 29 - May 1 at 8 p.m. Please bring proof of industry. http://www.redtapetheatre.org/ for details. Use code FBHTN8 to purchase online.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Space
I was reading on Artsjournal.com the other day about Stolen Chair Theatre’s model of new play development based on community farming and I was intrigued. This morning I was reading some discussions taking place in our community about spaces and I started wondering if there isn’t something there in the Stolen Chair Theatre’s model that we could apply to theatre spaces. What if we created condo/coop type theatres? For some people renting space is what they want and need and the spaces in Chicago that rent to small theatres are invaluable to all of us. But, lots of companies yearn for their own space where they can create a community and have a place that their audiences recognize as their own. Maybe four theatres could buy a building? That way each company is only burdened with the extra expense and staffing of one quarter of a building. The onus is not on any one company to rent the space, all expenses are shared equally and space is allocated equally. And when the time comes, a company could sell their share to another company. Collaboration is always super hard, but the reward can be well worth the effort. It would take lots of lawyers and a fairly substantial initial investment. Do I hear four volunteers?
Deb
Deb
Using Social Media Strategically for Theatres
A Presentation by Beth Kanter
Thursday, April 29, 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. ET
For the first time ever, TCG is opening up their Leadership Teleconference series to invited guests who are not TCG member theatres! The fee for participation is $50/line (feel free to use a speaker phone so others can listen with you). The registration deadline is Friday, April 23. Callers will be on a muted line but will have an opportunity to ask questions.
Join Beth Kanter, social media guru and co-author of The Networked Nonprofit, as she shares her insights about how to effectively integrate social media with your theatre's internet strategy or marketing plan. She will also talk about how to address organizational culture issues that often arise when new technology is introduced. This Leadership Teleconference will help you learn how to think strategically about social media for audience development and external communications strategies for your theatre in order to maximize staff time and resources.
Visit the TCG Teleconferences section of the website for more information and to register.
Thursday, April 29, 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. ET
For the first time ever, TCG is opening up their Leadership Teleconference series to invited guests who are not TCG member theatres! The fee for participation is $50/line (feel free to use a speaker phone so others can listen with you). The registration deadline is Friday, April 23. Callers will be on a muted line but will have an opportunity to ask questions.
Join Beth Kanter, social media guru and co-author of The Networked Nonprofit, as she shares her insights about how to effectively integrate social media with your theatre's internet strategy or marketing plan. She will also talk about how to address organizational culture issues that often arise when new technology is introduced. This Leadership Teleconference will help you learn how to think strategically about social media for audience development and external communications strategies for your theatre in order to maximize staff time and resources.
Visit the TCG Teleconferences section of the website for more information and to register.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Industry Ticket Offers
Curse of the Starving Class - New Leaf Theatre at the Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West is offering $10 industry tickets to any performance through May 22. For tickets call the box office at 773-516-3546 and mention this offer or purchase online at www.newleaftheatre.org.
Into the Woods - Porchlight Music Theatre at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont, is offering $15 industry tickets to the Friday, April 16th 8 p.m. performance. Call the box office at 773-327-5252 and mention the code WOLF. Subject to availability.
The Ghosts of Treasure Island – Adventure Stage Chicago, 1012 N. Noble St, is offering $10 industry tickets to Saturday 2 p.m. performances on April 17, May 1, 8, and 15. Call 773-342-4141 or come to the box office and mention the offer. More information on the show can be found at http://www.adventurestage.org/.
The Play About the Baby - BackStage Theatre Company at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, is offering $10 industry tickets to every Thursday and Sunday performance for the run through May 8. Use code INDUSTRY on http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/81268, email reservations@backstagetheatrecompany.org, or walk-up - proof of industry requested at the door.
Into the Woods - Porchlight Music Theatre at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont, is offering $15 industry tickets to the Friday, April 16th 8 p.m. performance. Call the box office at 773-327-5252 and mention the code WOLF. Subject to availability.
The Ghosts of Treasure Island – Adventure Stage Chicago, 1012 N. Noble St, is offering $10 industry tickets to Saturday 2 p.m. performances on April 17, May 1, 8, and 15. Call 773-342-4141 or come to the box office and mention the offer. More information on the show can be found at http://www.adventurestage.org/.
The Play About the Baby - BackStage Theatre Company at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, is offering $10 industry tickets to every Thursday and Sunday performance for the run through May 8. Use code INDUSTRY on http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/81268, email reservations@backstagetheatrecompany.org, or walk-up - proof of industry requested at the door.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Rehearsal and Performance Space Available
Chicago Center for the Performing Arts has rehearsal and performance space available immediately. Call Joe Ford at 312-733-6000.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Striking a Chord
Last week when we announced our upcoming Development Roundtable: Major Gifts In a Small Shop on May 10 it was clear that the topic struck a chord with a lot of you based on all of the RSVPs we received within only a few hours. Many of our roundtable events this year have been similarly popular, and we've covered a wide variety of topics including Human Resources, Board Development, Public Relations, Grant-Writing, Marketing and Finance Practices.
As we look ahead to planning more professional development roundtables in 2010 we're curious if there are any other topics or issues that you'd like to see covered? We always welcome your suggestions and are interested in topics, speakers and panels that would be valuable for your company. If you have any ideas to share please feel free to comment or email them directly to ben@chicagoplays.com.
As we look ahead to planning more professional development roundtables in 2010 we're curious if there are any other topics or issues that you'd like to see covered? We always welcome your suggestions and are interested in topics, speakers and panels that would be valuable for your company. If you have any ideas to share please feel free to comment or email them directly to ben@chicagoplays.com.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Industry Ticket Offers
Into the Woods - Porchlight Music Theatre at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont, is offering $10 off its regular ticket price. Discount only available for performances this Friday, April 9th at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 11th at 2:30 p.m. Call the box office at 773-327-5252 and mention the code WOLF. Subject to availability.
BLOOM, A Musical Comedy - Bailiwick Chicago at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green St. is offering a limited number of $7.50 industry tickets a concert reading of a new musical comedy about the 1636 Holland tulip mania. Playing for 3 shows only: Friday, April 16th at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 17th at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. To reserve, include your name, phone number, performance of choice and number of tickets in an email to info@bailiwickchicago.com or leave a voicemail with those details at (773) 969-6201. For more info, visit http://www.bailiwickchicago.com/.
The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek – 20% Theatre at Near Northwest Arts Council in St. Paul’s Cultural Center, 2215 W. North Ave., Chicago is offering $10 industry tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show on April 8. Call 312-326-3429 or email boxoffice@twentypercentchicago.com and mention this offer. More information at http://www.twentypercentchicago.com/.
Mike Daisey's How Theater Failed America - Victory Gardens Fresh Squeezed in the Richard Christiansen Theater at the Biograph, 2433 N Lincoln Ave, is offering $15 industry tickets for April 26 - May 2. This is a limited time offer available through April 12th by phone or in-person. Call the box office at 773.871.3000 and mention the code "INDUSTRY" to reserve. Proof of industry required upon ticket pickup. Tickets are limited and subject to availability.
Mike Daisey's The Last Cargo Cult - Victory Gardens Fresh Squeezed in the Richard Christiansen Theater at the Biograph, 2433 N Lincoln Ave, is offering $15 industry tickets for May 5 - 9. This is a limited time offer available through April 12th by phone or in-person. Call the box office at 773.871.3000 and mention the code "INDUSTRY" to reserve. Proof of industry required upon ticket pickup. Tickets are limited and subject to availability.
BLOOM, A Musical Comedy - Bailiwick Chicago at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green St. is offering a limited number of $7.50 industry tickets a concert reading of a new musical comedy about the 1636 Holland tulip mania. Playing for 3 shows only: Friday, April 16th at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 17th at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. To reserve, include your name, phone number, performance of choice and number of tickets in an email to info@bailiwickchicago.com or leave a voicemail with those details at (773) 969-6201. For more info, visit http://www.bailiwickchicago.com/.
The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek – 20% Theatre at Near Northwest Arts Council in St. Paul’s Cultural Center, 2215 W. North Ave., Chicago is offering $10 industry tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show on April 8. Call 312-326-3429 or email boxoffice@twentypercentchicago.com and mention this offer. More information at http://www.twentypercentchicago.com/.
Mike Daisey's How Theater Failed America - Victory Gardens Fresh Squeezed in the Richard Christiansen Theater at the Biograph, 2433 N Lincoln Ave, is offering $15 industry tickets for April 26 - May 2. This is a limited time offer available through April 12th by phone or in-person. Call the box office at 773.871.3000 and mention the code "INDUSTRY" to reserve. Proof of industry required upon ticket pickup. Tickets are limited and subject to availability.
Mike Daisey's The Last Cargo Cult - Victory Gardens Fresh Squeezed in the Richard Christiansen Theater at the Biograph, 2433 N Lincoln Ave, is offering $15 industry tickets for May 5 - 9. This is a limited time offer available through April 12th by phone or in-person. Call the box office at 773.871.3000 and mention the code "INDUSTRY" to reserve. Proof of industry required upon ticket pickup. Tickets are limited and subject to availability.
Chicago DCA Theater Now Accepting Spring 2011 Storefront Theater Proposals
Chicago DCA Theater is pleased to announce that they are now accepting proposal submissions for their Spring 2011 production slots in the Storefront Theater. All Chicago-based, itinerant theater companies are encouraged to apply. Selected companies receive FREE performance space in downtown Chicago, full box office, online ticketing, house management services, and more. The deadline for proposal submissions is Saturday, May 15, 2010.
DCA THEATER HAS GONE GREEN! ALL proposal submissions are now being accepted electronically via email
To begin the application process, go to www.dcatheater.org/yourshow/ to download all the necessary forms and the checklist for required application materials.
DCA THEATER HAS GONE GREEN! ALL proposal submissions are now being accepted electronically via email
To begin the application process, go to www.dcatheater.org/yourshow/ to download all the necessary forms and the checklist for required application materials.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Industry Ticket Offers
Wiggerlover [white boy + black dad = grey areas] - Next Theatre Company, 927 Noyes Street in Evanston, is offering a limited number of $10 industry tickets for performances on Monday, April 12 at 8 p.m. Call 847 475 1875 and mention this offer. Visit http://www.nexttheatre.org/ for more information.
Resurrection Blues - Eclipse Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago is offering $10 industry tickets for the Thursday April 8th performance. Call the box office at 773-404-7336 and mention this "industry discount". Visit http://www.eclipsetheatre.com for more details.
Resurrection Blues - Eclipse Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago is offering $10 industry tickets for the Thursday April 8th performance. Call the box office at 773-404-7336 and mention this "industry discount". Visit http://www.eclipsetheatre.com for more details.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Industry Ticket Offer
Resurrection Blues - Eclipse Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, is offering $10 industry tickets for the Sunday, April 4, 3p.m. show. For tickets call 773-404-7336 and mention this industry ticket offer. Visit www.eclipsetheatre.com for more information.
Click here for a complete listing of Chicago theatre industry ticket offers.
Click here for a complete listing of Chicago theatre industry ticket offers.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
City of Chicago 2010 Neighborhood Arts Program
The Neighborhood Arts Program (NAP) program is designed to encourage and support the presentation of high-quality instructional arts programs benefiting youth-at-risk, seniors, or persons with disabilities in Chicago's low to moderate income neighborhoods. Individual artists with demonstrated teaching and/or performing experience in these communities may request up to $4,000 for workshops or touring performances suitable for Chicago Housing Authority, Chicago Park District, community centers, schools, or facilities serving senior citizens or persons with disabilities.
For an application and more information visit http://cityofchicago.org/culturalgrants. Applications are due Friday, April 30, 2010 at 5 p.m.
It is strongly encouraged that all applicants attend the application workshop. An application assistance workshop will take place Wednesday, April 14, 3 - 5 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Ave. 1st Floor Garland. No RSVP is needed.
For an application and more information visit http://cityofchicago.org/culturalgrants. Applications are due Friday, April 30, 2010 at 5 p.m.
It is strongly encouraged that all applicants attend the application workshop. An application assistance workshop will take place Wednesday, April 14, 3 - 5 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Ave. 1st Floor Garland. No RSVP is needed.
1000 True Fans
I had the opportunity to hear Diane Ragsdale from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation speak last week. I thought her talk was smart and inspiring and one thing really caught my attention, the idea of 1000 true fans. You may have heard about it before. True fans are those folks who see all your shows, make a donation, buy the t-shirt AND the mug. It’s a simple idea but that makes it an easy one to aim for. It addresses so many issues that we are dealing with today – the issue of churn, for instance, the constant need to replace audiences. Also, the issue of deepening our engagement with our audiences. She asks the question – how many true fans do you have? Is it enough to sustain your organization? I ask is it even possible to have true fans in this environment? There has been a lot of talk in a lot of places about counting something besides dollars and seats sold to measure our impact and I found this a refreshing way to look at audience development.
Deb
Click here to read Diane Ragsdale's speech Surviving the Culture Change.
Deb
Click here to read Diane Ragsdale's speech Surviving the Culture Change.
Steppenwolf Visiting Company Initiative Informational Meeting
Steppenwolf has rescheduled their informational meeting for companies interested in the 2010-11 Garage Repertory for Tuesday, April 13 at 6 p.m., at the Steppenwolf Admin Offices, at 758 W. North Ave.
Click here for complete information about the 2010-11 Visiting Company Initiative.
Click here for complete information about the 2010-11 Visiting Company Initiative.
Development Roundtable: Major Gifts In a Small Shop
Monday, May 10, 2010, 6-8 p.m.
League offices, 228 S. Wabash, Suite 200
Facilitator: Mark D. Warner, MDW Consulting
Building a major gift program can seem challenging, particularly if your theater has little or no development staff. Despite the seeming challenges, it’s not only possible for small theaters to successfully solicit gifts, but can be done with less time than you may think. More importantly, cultivating and soliciting major donors is by far the most inexpensive and effective way to raise critically needed funds. Using templates and real-life case studies, workshop participants will learn practical tools for building a successful program. Areas to be addressed include identifying potential major donors, roles and responsibilities for staff and volunteers, cultivating prospects, managing the process and, of course, asking for the gift.
Space is limited! RSVP to ben@chicagoplays.com.
League offices, 228 S. Wabash, Suite 200
Facilitator: Mark D. Warner, MDW Consulting
Building a major gift program can seem challenging, particularly if your theater has little or no development staff. Despite the seeming challenges, it’s not only possible for small theaters to successfully solicit gifts, but can be done with less time than you may think. More importantly, cultivating and soliciting major donors is by far the most inexpensive and effective way to raise critically needed funds. Using templates and real-life case studies, workshop participants will learn practical tools for building a successful program. Areas to be addressed include identifying potential major donors, roles and responsibilities for staff and volunteers, cultivating prospects, managing the process and, of course, asking for the gift.
Space is limited! RSVP to ben@chicagoplays.com.
Veteran Arts Leaders: Secrets Revealed!
Emerging Leaders Network Chicago
April 5, 2010, 6- 7:30 p.m.
Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont
Do you have a burning desire to ask the leaders of Chicago’s cultural organizations about their journeys into the arts? Do you want the opportunity to network with established and emerging arts leaders alike?
Join the Chicago Emerging Leaders Network for an evening of candid conversation and networking between new and veteran leaders in Chicago’s arts community.
Confirmed guests include:
* Brett Batterson, Executive Director, Auditorium Theatre at Roosevelt University
* Ra Joy, Executive Director, Arts Alliance Illinois
* Mike Orlove, Senior Program Director, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
* Leslie Shook, Head of Theatre Management Program, The Theatre School at DePaul University
* Kate Lorenz, Executive Director, Hyde Park Art Center
* Gail Kalver, Arts Management Consultant and Project Manager, Interim Executive Director of River North Dance Chicago
The evening will include food and drink, icebreakers, networking, and open discussion -- all for a suggested donation of $10.
RSVP at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HKKQ7WV.
April 5, 2010, 6- 7:30 p.m.
Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont
Do you have a burning desire to ask the leaders of Chicago’s cultural organizations about their journeys into the arts? Do you want the opportunity to network with established and emerging arts leaders alike?
Join the Chicago Emerging Leaders Network for an evening of candid conversation and networking between new and veteran leaders in Chicago’s arts community.
Confirmed guests include:
* Brett Batterson, Executive Director, Auditorium Theatre at Roosevelt University
* Ra Joy, Executive Director, Arts Alliance Illinois
* Mike Orlove, Senior Program Director, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
* Leslie Shook, Head of Theatre Management Program, The Theatre School at DePaul University
* Kate Lorenz, Executive Director, Hyde Park Art Center
* Gail Kalver, Arts Management Consultant and Project Manager, Interim Executive Director of River North Dance Chicago
The evening will include food and drink, icebreakers, networking, and open discussion -- all for a suggested donation of $10.
RSVP at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HKKQ7WV.
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