Chicago and the World

We celebrated World Theatre Day on Sunday at the Greenhouse – a whole bunch of great people showed up for it and Christopher Piatt wrote and performed a monologue for us about Chicago theatre that looked at our past and our present and where we might go in the future – he talked about how much had changed in the past ten years and how much things have remained the same. We ate stuffed pretzels and drank coffee flavored beer and generally made merry. The point of World Theatre Day is that the entire world celebrates theatre on the same day and that got me thinking a little bit about what that really means. Well, for one thing it gives us a chance to celebrate ourselves. Yippee. But for another it gives us an opportunity to think about this art form being created all around the world and in every culture. Huh.

And then I went to see Black Watch last night. On a certain level, it’s about what it means to be Scottish. The play could not have been created in this country. It brought me closer to experiences I will never have and could never have and gave me a deeper understanding of the world. How wonderful that I get to have that experience. So, that brings me back around to what does it really mean, why celebrate World Theatre Day? – so we don’t forget that we are all a part of this incredibly beautiful pageant. So that we remember we are not the only ones, so that we look up the street and around the world at what others are creating and stay connected to the exchange of stories and ideas.

Deb

Panel: Literary Adaptation and Chicago Theater

Sunday, April 3, 2011 at approximately 4:30 pm (following the 2:30 matinee)
Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, Chicago

Explore the process of literary adaptation with Chicago artists working at the cutting edge of theater and performance. Featuring Seth Bockley (Director of 1001 and George Saunders’ Jon), Mickle Maher (Theatre Oobleck), and Leslie Danzig (500 Clown). Moderated by Neo-Futurist Chloe Johnston.
FREE ADMISSION

Industry Ticket Offer

Meet John Doe - Porchlight Music Theatre at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, is offering $15 industry tickets all weekend. Showtimes Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Call 773-327-5252 or go online to http://www.stage773.com/ and use the code LEAGUE.

One Flea Spare - Eclipse Theatre Company at The Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $8 industry tickets to all previews on April 7, 8, and 9 at 7:30pm. Also $10 industry tickets on April 14 and 15. Use codeword "industry". Tickets available by calling the Box Office at 773-404-7336. For more info, visit www.eclipsetheatre.com.

Chicago DCA Theater Industry Open House

The staff of Chicago DCA Theater invites you to an Industry Open House Join us for an evening of food and drink as you mingle with other theatre professionals and learn about the resources and benefits that DCA Theater brings to Chicago's Theatre community.

Monday, April 25, 2011
7 - 9 p.m.
DCA Storefront Theater
66 E. Randolph Street Chicago
The event is free; reservations are encouraged.

To make your reservation click here or call the DCA Box Office at 312-742-TIXS(8497). Discounted parking is available for $10 at the Interpark Garage located at 20 E. Randolph, across the street from Macy's. Please see DCA Theater staff for validation tickets at the event.

Food provided Phil Stefani's. Beer provided by Goose Island.

Chicago DCA Theater offers vibrant, itinerant theater companies the opportunity to expose downtown audiences to the Chicago off-loop theater experience. For more information, visit http://www.dcatheater.org/.

Industry Ticket Offers

Ethan Frome - Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave at Pearson, is offering $10 industry tickets for 7:30pm performances on Friday, April 1 and Tuesday, April 5. Use code "INDUSTRY" when purchasing online at http://www.lookingglasstheatre.org/ or call the box office at 312.337.0665. Tickets are subject to availability.

Virginia Woolf’s Orlando - Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, is offering $10 industry rush tickets to every performance through April 10. Rush tickets are $10 per person with proof of industry one hour before curtain, subject to availability.

Death and the Powers, The Robots’ Opera - Chicago Opera Theater at the Harris Theater is offering $35 industry tickets in sections B, C, and D for opening night, Saturday April 2 at 7:30 p.m. Use promo code INDUSTRY at ChicagoOperaTheater.org or at 312.704.8414. For more info: http://www.chicagooperatheater.org/tix/season/powers.html

The Warriors - The New Colony at The Second Stage, 3408 N. Sheffield Avenue, is offering $10 industry tickets for the 7:30 pm performance on Friday, April 1. Use code "INDUSTRY" when purchasing in person, online at http://www.thenewcolony.org/ or over the phone at 773-413-0862. Tickets are subject to availability.

Jesse White Kissed Me

I’m going to Arts Advocacy Day in D.C. next week and that got me thinking. We have been doing a lot more work around advocacy lately and I have actually really enjoyed it. In fact, last week I got to go, thanks to the Arts Alliance, to Lt. Governor Sheila Simon’s birthday party over at the Thompson Center. The Governor was there and Jesse White (he kissed me) was there and Alderman Burnett and guess what, they talked about how important theatre was, that’s right, they did, just in conversation, there were no speeches or anything and admittedly they know who I represent, but I have to tell you it was very gratifying.

And here’s what I was thinking about…I know you depend on us to do advocacy work and naturally we will continue to do it, but I’m wondering if any of you have become more involved in advocacy and particularly in political advocacy and if you have enjoyed it. Can you let me know – comment, email or call.

I have to tell you, I never thought I would like it, not one bit. I am as politically involved as the next guy I guess, I vote and I care a lot about some issues and not at all about others. But, to do the work and keep talking about something I am passionate about and to try to share that passion without looking like a loon or a crackpot, it’s been challenging but rewarding.

Deb

Space Availability at Gorilla Tango

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.

Playwrights' Studio Classes at Chicago Dramatists

Spring 2011 Classes start April 2!

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

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

Space Availability at the Greenhouse Theater Center

Greenhouse Theater Center Down Main is available for rent! 6-7 week run from August 15-October 9, 2011. 195 seat theater with full house staff and box office provided; sound and light package included. Rental includes theater space, back stage area, equipped dressing room and light booth.

For more information, including rental rates, tech specs, and contract details please contact Jenn Kincaid at jennifer@greenhousetheater.org, or at 773.404.7336 x 200.

Opening Doors: Building a Relationship with your Alderman

On April 7 at 6 p.m., join the League of Chicago Theatres and Arts Alliance Illinois as we welcome Alderman Vi Daley to the Richard Christiansen Theater at the Victory Gardens Biograph (2433 N. Lincoln). Alderman Daley has been a staunch ally and vocal advocate for arts and culture in her 43rd Ward since she took office in 1999. She's retiring from city government at the end of her term this May, but before she goes Alderman Daley has agreed to share her favorite "do's" and "don'ts" for connecting with your organization's alderman - as well as examples of successful public/private partnerships between organizations and city officials.

With accomplishments such as helping Victory Gardens obtain and renovate the Biograph, creating the Lakefront Sculpture Exhibit, and championing the Old Town Art Fair and the renovation of Lincoln Hall, Alderman Daley brings a wealth of knowledge and strategies to this discussion. We are grateful for her enthusiasm, and eager to share her wisdom with you.

Space is limited for this conversation - please RSVP to Ben Thiem: ben@chicagoplays.com.

And - as a bonus - please stay after the conversation and receive a special industry rate for that evening’s performance of Victory Gardens Theater’s production of Annie Baker’s Circle Mirror Transformation. Performance begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 with the code “Industry” and may be purchased in advance by calling 773.871.3000. Tickets subject to availability.

Industry Ticket Offer

The Goat or, Who Is Sylvia? -- Remy Bumppo Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theatre Center, 2257 N Lincoln Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets for Friday 7:30 p.m. performances from April 1 through April 29, and Thursday 2:00 p.m. performances on April 7 and 21. Use code INDUSTRY at http://www.remybumppo.org/ or call the Greenhouse box office at 773-404-7336.

Passing Strange - Bailiwick Chicago at the Funky Buddha Lounge, 728 W. Grand Ave, is offering $15 industry tickets to the Benefit this Sunday, March 27 from 7 - 11 pm. Featuring house music from Chicago's own DJ Ron Trent and a live performance by PASSING STRANGE stars JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound. Cash bar available, or open bar (beer & wine) for an additional $15. Bring headshot / resume or business card at the door. Cash or credit accepted. For more info, visit http://www.bailiwickchicago.com/.

Not for Profit Incorporation and Tax Exemption Workshop

Lawyers for the Creative Arts
Thursday, May 5, 2011, 5:30-9 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

Industry Ticket Offers

Porno by Sean Graney - the side project, 1439 W. Jarvis, is offering a FREE staged reading on Sunday, March 27, at 8 p.m. for the 10th Anniversary Season Staged Reading Series, kicking off with Sean Graney's explosive play which inaugurated the side project's new home in 2006. A reception in the lobby will follow. Call (773) 973-2150 for reservations or visit http://www.thesideproject.net/ for more information.

The 13th of Paris by Mat Smart - LiveWire Chicago Theatre at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets to any performance through April 17. Tickets are available at http://www.greenhousetheater.com/ or by calling 773.404.7336.

Industry Ticket Offers

Brutal Imagination & Wreckage - Caffeine Theatre at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. is offering 2-for1 industry tickets for performances on Thursday, 3/17 and Sunday, 3/20. Get tickets by calling the Stage773 box office at 773-327-5252 or online at http://www.stage773.com/. Use discount code "UNION"

Meet John Doe - Porchlight Music Theatre at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets for this weekend only March 18 and 19 at 8 p.m.. For tickets call the Stage773 box office at 773-327-5252 and mention code "League."

Virginia Woolf’s Orlando - Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, is offering $10 industry rush tickets to every performance through April 10. Rush tickets are $10 per person with proof of industry one hour before curtain, subject to availability.

The Woman in Black - First Folio Theatre at the Mayslake Hall, Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St, Oak Brook, is offering $10 industry tickets on Wednesday evenings at 8 p.m. on March 30, April 6 and 13. Tickets are on an "as available" basis and may be purchased no sooner than 48 hours in advance. Professionals must bring a union card, a headshot/resume, tech resume, or business card indicating employment in the theater business. Tickets may be purchased by calling 630-986-8067.

Steppenwolf Garage Rep Informational Session

It's almost time for the Garage Rep 2012 application process! We will be hosting an info session on Saturday, March 19th, from 6pm-8pm in Yondorf Hall.

This event will give your company the chance to meet the Garage Rep team at Steppenwolf and learn more about the program, ask questions about the application process, network with previous Garage Rep companies and other theater companies from across Chicago, and enjoy some free pizza and beer!

Garage Rep 2011 is currently running and we encourage you to attend all three shows and see first-hand the amazing work that gets created in the Garage. On Saturday, March 19th, the Garage will feature THE THREE FACES OF DR. CRIPPEN, presented by the Strange Tree Group at 4pm, and SONNETS FOR AN OLD CENTURY, presented by UrbanTheater Company at 8pm. Then, on Sunday, March 20th, you are invited to attend HEDDATRON, presented by Sideshow Theatre Company at 8pm. Tickets are available for purchase through our website or you can call our box office at (312) 335-1650.

Keep an eye out for our application and detailed information packet, which will be available on our website soon. If you are able to attend the Info Session, please send us an RSVP at garagerep@steppenwolf.org with how many people we should expect from your company. Please feel free to email us with any questions, and please spread the word about this to other interested folks you know in the storefront scene.

We're really looking forward to meeting all of you!

http://www.steppenwolf.org/boxoffice/productions/index.aspx?id=519

Industry Ticket Offer

Sense and Sensibility - Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd, is offering $10 industry tickets for all preview performances March 10-19. Call 847-673-6300 and mention the code INDUSTRY to reserve. Proof of industry (headshot, business card, etc) requested upon ticket pickup.

Industry Ticket Offer

An Enemy of the People – Stage Left Theatre at Theater Wit - 1229 W Belmont, is offering $15 industry tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance on Thursday March 10. Call 773-975-8150 and mention this offer.

Industry Ticket Offers

Virginia Woolf’s Orlando - Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, is offering $10 industry rush tickets to every performance March 10 – April 10. Rush tickets are $10 per person with proof of industry one hour before curtain, subject to availability.

Brutal Imagination & Wreckage - Caffeine Theatre at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. is offering $5 off industry tickets for previews March 10-12. Brutal Imagination previews Thursday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Wreckage previews Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 4 p.m., Get tickets by calling the Stage773 box office at 773-327-5252 or online at www.stage773.com. Use discount code "BATHTUB"

The Faith Healer - Oak park Festival Theatre, is offering $10 industry tickets to the following performances with proof of affiliation: March 10-12, 24, 31, April 7, 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. Must present headshot, resume, business card. Please make a reservation in advance to ensure a seat. Call 708-445-4440 or e-mail tickets@oakparkfestival.com.

Industry Ticket Offer

A Twist of Water - Route 66 Theatre Company at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont is offering a $15 industry night on Monday, March 21 at 7 p.m. to benefit Season of Concern. Must present a headshot, resume or business card. Tickets are now on sale through the Theater Wit box office, www.theaterwit.org and 773.975.8150.

A Big Deal

I don’t want to be all ushy-gushy about our new Mayor, but here’s the thing, not 5 days after being elected Mayor of Chicago, when I’m sure he has quite enough to do, the guy went to see a play. He had his choice of about 70 plays on Saturday night. He could have gone to a show he recognized the title of, he could have gone to a show that had a huge meet and greet potential, he could have stayed home. Chris Jones told him he should go, but I doubt that Rahm takes his marching orders from Chris. Astonishingly, he chose to take himself to a storefront theatre, to a world premiere production by a storefront company. If he didn’t know before, he knows now what an amazingly beautiful thing that is. I understand from the folks at Theater Wit that he called and bought his own tickets and that when he arrived at the theatre it was without fanfare and he even seemed a bit humbled by all the congratulations he received in the lobby. Big deal, right? He went to see a show. It is a big deal because when our Mayor goes out to the theatre on a Saturday night, he says it is important. I wrote him a note letting him know how appreciative I was and he wrote back that he would “continue to shine a spotlight on arts and culture.”

We’ll see what happens next, but I’m impressed. You can send him a note too... rahm@chicagoforrahm.com.

Deb

World Theatre Day 2011 Chicago Celebration

Join us March 27th as the League of Chicago Theatres and the Greenhouse Theater Center host World Theatre Day 2011. A party for Chicago theatre artists - and the city that loves them - we'll eat, drink, and celebrate another year of theatre with big shoulders, and connect with other theatre makers around the world. And to sweeten the deal, Christopher Piatt, creator and host of the weekly news magazine The Paper Machete, returns to WTD11. This former print journalist (past theatre editor for Time Out Chicago) turned spoken word correspondent brings us a new solo piece that explores where we've been, examines the way our politics inform our place in the artistic landscape, and takes a gander into what may lay ahead in our New Chicago. Doors open at 7 p.m. at the Greenhouse Theater Center - 2257 North Lincoln Avenue.

In preparation for WTD11, tell the world "This is My Theatre" by contributing a piece to our international patchwork. You'll find examples and instructions for uploading your contribution here.

2011 Creative Chicago Expo on March 12

The Creative Chicago Expo is a free, day-long event that connects Chicago's creative community—including individual artists, businesses, and organizations—with services, spaces, information, and networks. More than 130 vendors will participate in this year's Expo, including arts services, community organizations, arts educators, space and housing providers, health care and financial consultants, and more.
25 Workshops 130+ Vendors 20+ Expo Experts

Saturday, March 12, 2011
10 am – 5 pm
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington
Admission free

Who should attend? Dancers, writers, musicians, actors, performers, theater professionals, visual artists, fashion designers and marketers, graphic designers, new media and filmmakers...and all other Chicago creatives!

Read more about the Expo here.

DCA Theater is Now Accepting Spring 2012 Production Proposals

Chicago DCA Theater is pleased to announce that we are now accepting proposal submissions for our Spring 2012 production slots in the Storefront Theater AND for our INCUBATOR series in the Studio Theater. All Chicago-based, itinerant theater companies are encouraged to apply. Selected Storefront companies receive FREE performance space in downtown Chicago, full box office, online ticketing, house management services, and more. Selected INCUBATOR companies receive FREE space to develop an original script or new work and share their process with the public during a single-night showcase. The deadline for proposal submissions is Sunday, May 15, 2011. ALL proposal submissions are accepted electronically via email To begin the application process, go to www.dcatheater.org/yourshow/ to download all the necessary forms and the checklist for required application materials.

Industry Ticket Offers

Dental Society Midwinter Meeting - 16th Street Theater, 6420 16th Street, Berwyn is offering pay-what-you-can industry tickets this Friday, March 4th at 7:30 p.m. Use code "novocaine" at box office for pay-what-you-can tickets Reserve at info@16thstreettheater.org or 708-795-6704 x105. A limited number of $10 industry/student rush tickets are available for each performance for day-of purchase only through March 26. Call 708-795-6704 x105 or purchase at the box office on the day of the performance.

Meet John Doe - Porchlight Music Theatre at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. is offering 50% off industry tickets for this weekend only March 4-6. Shows are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2:30 p.m., can do so by calling the Stage773 box office at 773-327-5252 or online at http://www.stage773.com/.

Sketchbook REVERB - Collaboraction at the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1575 N. Milwaukee Ave. is offering $8 industry tickets to any performance through March 27 to their compilation of the best plays from the past ten years of the Sketchbook Festival, plus music, video and visual art. Must present headshot, resume or business card and pay cash. For more information and to redeem offer, visit http://www.collaboraction.org/ or call 312.226.9633.

Circo Aereo– Circus for the 21st Century at Dominican University Performing Arts Center, 7900 W. Division St, River Forest, 60305 is offering industry professionals $10 tickets with H/R or union card on Friday, March 4th, 7:30 p.m. Call 708-488-5000 or visit www.dom.edu/pac for more information.

Speaking in Tongues - Fulcrum Point at the Harris Theater, is offering 2 for 1 tickets to the March 22 performance at 7:30 p.m., Click here for tickets and use promo code: 2for1. Tickets will be held at Will-Call at the Harris Theater box office.

University Theater at U of C Seeking Theatre Companies for Summer Inc

Theater and Performance Studies/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 seven companies into our artistic home. If you are interested in Summer Inc and want more information or would like to apply visit ut.uchicago.edu/collaboration/summerinc.shtml

Industry Ticket Offers

In Darfur - TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave., is offering $14 industry tickets to the Thursday, March 3 performance at 7:30 p.m. For tickets call 773.281.8463 x24 and mention code "industry." For more information visit http://www.timelinetheatre.com/.

Here Lies Henry by Daniel MacIvor - Interrobang Theatre Project at the Tom Robinson Gallery, 2416 West North Ave., is offering a limited number $10 industry tickets for 7 p.m. shows this week: Thursday 3/3-Saturday 3/5. Use the code "INDUSTRY" on BrownPaperTickets.com for the discounted rate. Visit http://interrobangtheatreproject.org for more information.