Thursday, October 27, 2011

Salons and Such

In response to last week’s blog post, we were offered some comp tickets to attend Chicago Live! At the Chicago Theatre on November 10, see below if you want to join us – it’s a salon/performance/mingling event that is definitely worth checking out and they’ve got a great line up on November 10. I really appreciated the comments of Josh, Tony and David. The Storefront Summit meetings were great…but not organized by the League, which maybe made them great? We organized a couple of Storefront Socials over the past year and those were not well attended. So what to do? Do we gather people around a particular issue? Or do it like they do in SF and invite a group of people to just come together…but that way it’s not open to anybody only invited guests? Does maybe one theatre or artist take over and do the inviting, and each quarter it is assigned to a different person or company but people get way too busy to do that. We have been doing lunches with visiting international artists over the past few months to which we invite artists that might have a particular interest in the work, they are fun and fascinating, but it takes a bit of organizing.

Anyway, I love that people are still interested in face to face discussion and interaction and in the meantime, join us on November 10 if you can.

Deb

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Director/Dramatist Exchange at the Goodman Theatre

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011, 7pm to 9pm
Goodman Theatre Club Mezz, 2nd Floor
170 North Dearborn Street

The event will be co-hosted by Douglas Post (Chicago Regional Rep, DG) and Elizabeth Margolius (Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of DirectorsLabChicago).

This two-hour networking session will introduce directors to dramatists who are working on new plays and/or new musicals in the Chicago area. After a brief introduction, dramatists and directors may mingle and talk further.

If you would like to attend, please e-mail us no later than Wednesday, November 2nd at: info@directorslabchicago.com.

The first 20 directors who respond will receive a reservation to the event. In order to secure a reservation, you must submit a statement with your initial e-mail. Please include this statement in the body of your email. This one-page statement should consist of three things: (1) your contact information, (2) your professional biography (one paragraph only, written in the third person) and (3) a brief directorial statement describing your aesthetic and the kind of work that excites you. After we receive these materials, your reservation will be confirmed. Then, prior to the event, you will receive statements from all the dramatists as well as statements from the other attending directors.

There is no fee to attend this event. Drinks will be served!!

Eclipse Theatre to honor Erica Daniels with the 2011 Corona Award

Eclipse Theatre Company will present the 2011 Corona Award to Steppenwolf Theatre's Associate Artistic Director Erica Daniels on Sunday November 6th at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago. The Corona Award honors an individual who has played an important role in nurturing the growth of Eclipse Theatre and the entire Chicago theatre community. Guest speakers will include Martha Lavey, Adam Belcuore, Bob Mason, Elizabeth Geddes and more. Tickets are only $20 and includes food with cash bar. Cocktail hour begins at 6pm with the Award Presentation at 7pm. For additional info and to purchase tickets online, please visit http://eclipsetheatre.com/corona/2011/ or call 773-325-9655

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Industry Ticket Offers

The Better Half - Lucky Plush Productions at the MCA Stage, 220 E. Chicago Avenue, is offering $15 industry tickets on October 27 and November 3. Limit 2 per person. Purchase tickets online, or call the MCA Box Office, 312.397.4010

The Great Fire - Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave. is offering pay-what-you-can industry performances on Thursday, October 27 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This offer is only available for walk-up sales. Cash-only. Mention code INDUSTRY at the box office. Must present headshot, resume or business card. Visit http://www.lookingglasstheatre.org/ for more information.

The World Over – The State Theatre of Chicago, presented at the ARCC Ballet at 2220 N Elston in Chicago, is offering a limited number of pay-what-you-want industry tickets for the 8 p.m. show on Thursday October 27. Must purchase tickets in person and present headshot, resume or business card. Visit http://www.statetheatrechicago.com/ for more information.

The Amish Project featuring ATC Ensemble Member Sadieh Rifai - American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St, is offering $15 industry tickets to the following performances: Thursday, 10/27 at 8 p.m., Saturday 10/29 at 3 p.m. and Sunday 10/30 at 3 p.m.. To join us at this special rate, call the box office at 773-409-4125 and mention the discount code SCHOOLHOUSE, use the code online, or in person at the theater 1 hour prior to curtain. To learn more about this Chicago Premiere, please visit us at http://www.atcweb.org/.

Or, - Caffeine Theatre at the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1575 N. Milwaukee in Wicker Park, is offering special $15 industry tickets for the 8pm previews on Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29. Visit http://www.caffeinetheatre.com/ or call (312)409-4778 for reservations.

Drumline Live - Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy, is offering 50% off tickets* for Sat, Oct 29 at 8pm and Sun, Oct 30 at 3pm. Use code INDUSTRY. Tickets available at 800.982.ARTS, www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium or the Auditorium box office. *Available on price levels 2 & 3 only.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

More Personal?

Our annual meeting on Monday went very well. It was really nice to see so many people there and for me to meet a bunch of people I had never had a face to face with. The best part was that everybody stayed for a long time talking and having fun. Last night someone told me they were starting a kind of salon in Chicago – bringing together arts and business leaders, which sounds like an incredibly great idea. And then later, I read this blog on HowlRound about a salon that they hold in San Francisco where theatre folks in all kinds of jobs and with all kinds of experience get together to talk about theatre – not networking and not about getting your next job, just talking about theatre. My first thought was oohhh…that sounds great – we should do that.

My second thought was yeah, we kind of already do and not just by the League gathering people together but I think every night theatre artists get together and talk about theatre. That was what Monday night felt like to me – a chance for people to remember that we’re all here and we’re all in this together. Several people told me they felt inspired on their way out. Frequently, when I go to a show, even if I don’t know the people around me, their conversation tells me they work in theatre. Conversations are happening all over the internet. But I wonder if people get a chance to talk to people from outside their direct circle, if people would be interested in being provided with an opportunity to talk about theatre in that kind of atmosphere. I’ve been wondering for a while if the remove of the internet makes us want more personal interaction. What do you think?

Deb

Industry Ticket Offers

The Boy in Black - Chicago Fusion Theatre at Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL 60614, is offering a limited number of $15 industry tickets for Wednesday and Thursday performances through November 12. Tickets may be purchased via (312) 988-9000, http://www.ticketmaster.com/The-Boy-In-Black-tickets/artist/1641836 or in person at the box office.

7th Annual First Look Repertory of New Work - Steppenwolf Theatre has a special offer: get First Look Repertory of New Work tickets for just $20 – plus a FREE CRAFT BEER at the bar! Valid only for shows between 10/26 - 10/30. Shows include MAN IN LOVE by Christina Anderson, WANT by Zayd Dohrn, and OBLIVION by Carly Mensch. To purchase tickets, call Audience Services directly at 312.335.1650 or visit www.steppenwolf.org and use code “9292.” Tickets must be reserved at least one hour before performance. Subject to availability.

Flats and Stair Units Available for Free

FLATS FOR FREE! TWO STAIR UNITS FOR FREE!
Great Shape! Very Well Built! COME GET THEM!
I just don’t have room to store these things and would like to do a little housekeeping!

I am the Production Manager for the Northwestern Bienen School of Music (Opera Dept.) as well as a the Production Manager for Quest Theatre Ensemble so I am aware of how interesting and cost effective it can be to take things of others hands for upcoming projects. Give me a call 847-467-0725 or email me at Jason.bowen@northwestern.edu to set up a time to take a look...and take! Looking to release these items ASAP

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Industry Ticket Offers

The Glass Menagerie - Oak Park Festival Theatre at the Madison Street Theatre, 1010 W. Madison, Oak Park, is offering $10 industry tickets to the following dates with proof of industry. October 20, 27, November 3 and 10.

New Stage Amplified - Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, is offering $5 industry tickets to their shows DARTMOOR PRISON (October 13-23), THE CHICAGO BOYS (October 27-November 6), and ASK AUNT SUSAN (November 10-20) as well as free staged readings SMOKEFALL (October 24), TWO LAKES: TWO RIVERS (November 7) and TEDDY FERRARA (November 14). To purchase $5 tickets, click here and enter the promotional code INDUSTRY when logging in or registering. This offer is available online only.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Do It!

About 10 years ago I took advantage of the TCG program “Expanding the Theatre Manager’s Repertoire,” the workshop was led by Robbin Walker and I have never forgotten many of the things I learned there. It was an invaluable part of my training as a theatre professional. She covered things that I was uncomfortable with such as managing conflict and managing change. These lessons were soon put to work directly and with huge impact in my professional life.

I am absolutely thrilled that Robbin has agreed to do a workshop for us here in Chicago and I strongly recommend that you take it if you can. It is meant for professionals at all levels who have a need to manage people whether they are staff, board members, volunteers, etc. Robbin is an inspiring and dynamic teacher, trainer and coach. She has trained thousands of leaders, at all levels, in areas from diversity to high-potential talent to all facets of leadership.

Some of the topics she will cover in our workshop will be resolving conflicts between artists and managers over budget constraints, guiding yourself and others through a change in leadership, fostering influential relationships with board members and striking a balance between discipline and camaraderie.

The workshop will take place at Bella Bacino’s Club Quarters, 75 East Wacker on November 3 and 4. November 3 will be from 9:00-4:30 and lunch will be served, November 4 will be from 9:00-Noon. You can RSVP to ben@chicagoplays.com. Do it!

Deb

Rehearsal Space Availability at Remy Bumppo

Remy Bumppo's rehearsal space at 3717 N Ravenswood is available for rental, November 2011 and beyond. Rates vary from $11 - $16 per hour, depending on hours scheduled per week. Approximately 800 sq ft, close to Addison Brown Line. Contact Amy Schultz at aschultz@remybumppo.org or 773-244-8119.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Space Availability at Stage 773.

Stage773 has space! Fully renovated Northside theatre space available for November/December at Stage773. Blackbox space seats 80 and theatre in great location near public transportation comes with lighting package, full box office and marketing assistance. Contact Jill Valentine at (773) 929-7367 x111 or jill@stage773.com for details.

Industry Ticket Offers

The Argument – Interrobang Theatre Project at the Viaduct Theater, 3111 N. Western Ave., is offering $10 industry tickets Thursday – Saturday 7 p.m. and Sunday 5 p.m. through November 6. Use the code {deadsex} online at http://www.ticketweb.com/, 773-296-6024 or at the Box Office. Visit http://interrobangtheatreproject.org/ for show information.

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter - Steppenwolf Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. is offering $10 tickets for the Saturday, October 15th performance at 7:30 p.m. To redeem $10 tickets call Audience Services directly at 312.335.1650 or visit http://www.steppenwolf.org/ and use code “9253.” Tickets must be reserved at least one hour before performance. Subject to availability.

Brand - Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont, is offering $15 industry tickets to all performances through October 29. Tickets are available online through our website at http://www.redtapetheatre.org/. Select the date you would like to attend and enter code STUIND to see the industry price. Tickets also available at the door (cash only). Visit http://www.redtapetheatre.org/ for show info and performance schedule. Contact Myah Shein at myah.shein@redtapetheatre.org with questions.

The Amish Project featuring ATC Ensemble Member Sadieh Rifai - American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St, is offering $15 industry tickets to the following performances: October 13 and 14 at 8 p.m., and October 15 at 3 p.m., pending availability. To join us at this special rate, call the box office at 773-409-4125 and mention the discount code SCHOOLHOUSE, use the code online, or in person at the theater 1 hour prior to curtain. To learn more about this Chicago Premiere, please visit us at http://www.atcweb.org/.

Becky Shaw - A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells St. is offering a pay-what-you-can industry performance on Monday, October 17 at 7 p.m. Must present headshot, resume, or business card. Reservations are encouraged. - Call (312) 943-8722

Chicago Shakespeare Theater to Host Panel on October 15

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) will host to a panel of distinguished speakers that includes Tony Award-winning director Anna Shapiro and platinum-selling recording artist Matt Nathanson for Chicago Ideas Week Talk: Creative Process on Saturday, October 15 at 10 a.m. in CST’s Courtyard Theater. The discussion will focus on the development of new works and ideas across different artistic disciplines. Additional panelists include Chicago Ideas Week (CIW) Artist in Residence Jason Salavon and Design For America Faculty Advisor Jeanne Marie Olson. Tickets for CIW Talk: Creative Process are $15 and available online at www.chicagoideas.com. Additional information is available at www.chicagoshakes.com.

Space Availability at Gorilla Tango Theatre

Gorilla Tango Theatre in Chicago (Bucktown) - easily accessible by “L” or bus, ample street parking available – has space available in December and going forward into 2012! 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. Theatre 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.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Industry Ticket Offers

The Spirit Play - The Strange Tree Group at DCA Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph in Chicago, is offering $15 industry tickets for Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30pm or Sunday at 3pm through November 6th. Email TicketOffice@explorechicago.org or call 312-742-TIXS (8497). Visit http://www.dcatheater.org/ for more information.

Women Are Crazy Because Men Are A**holes - Cyur Studios at the Victory Garden Biograph, is offering a limited number of $15 industry tickets for the October 13 - 16 performances. Call 773-871-3000 and mention this offer or say "League." Visit http://cyur.com/ for more information.

Rodgers & Hart: A Celebration - Light Opera Works Second Stage, 1420 Maple Avenue in Evanston, is offering half-price industry tickets (regularly $27, $34 and $42) for all Friday 8 p.m. performances through November 4. For tickets call 847-920-5360 or visit http://www.lightoperaworks.com/ and use code "supper” (all lower case). Tickets must be purchased in advance. No door sales.

Mourning Becomes Electra directed by new Artistic Director Timothy Douglas. - Remy Bumppo Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, is offering $15 industry tickets available every Friday at 7:30 p.m. through October 21 and October 20 at 2:30 p.m.. Use code INDUSTRY. Choose your seats 24 hours a day at http://www.remybumppo.org/ or call 773-404-7336.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Steve and Michael and Janis and Jerry

Like everybody else, I’ve got Steve Jobs on my mind. The Onion posted a column calling him the “last guy in America who knew what the f**k he was doing,” someone on Facebook re-posted a long post from a blogger that outlined some of the more heinous decisions Steve Jobs made in his personal and professional life.

But, here’s what really got me – CNN called him a “master showman,” like Michael Jackson and Janis Joplin and Jerry Garcia. A master showman…we can claim Steve Jobs as one of ours, along with Michael and Janis and Jerry. Not one of them (and many others, these three just popped into my head) died without us all exclaiming “imagine if they’d lived,” What’s inspiring is that they lived as if they were unafraid, they didn’t do it for the money, they did it for the love and it lasted. They were all famously difficult personalities, and I always wonder about that – does it take that kind of personality to tell the truth? They didn’t just work harder or have better ideas or make better music, they were different, they made us see the light in ways that others who may have been smarter or better or nicer didn’t. They changed our lives with their huge and difficult personalities, they made it easier and more interesting to be human.

Deb

Collaboraction Call for 12th Annual Sketchbook Submissions

Collaboraction is sending out a nationwide call to playwrights, directors, ensemble-based groups and theater artists of all kinds to submit scripts or concepts to be considered for the 12th annual SKETCHBOOK Festival. The deadline for submissions is November 1, 2011.

The 12th Annual SKETCHBOOK Festival will take place in June 2012 at Collaboraction's home in the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave.

While the acclaimed SKETCHBOOK Festival has traditionally been known as a progressive, multi-media short play festival, this year Collaboraction is changing the format to include both short and long works. Submissions will be accepted in two categories - under seven minutes, and eight-to-eighty minutes. Sketches will run in repertory in Collaboraction's new multi-use space, with discussions, panels and parties throughout the festival.

This year, Collaboraction is seeking work that explodes traditional theatrical limitations in form, content, staging and/or narrative. It is placing a special emphasis on promenade, site-specific and touring pieces. Playwrights and theatre artists may submit up to three pieces total, in any combination of long or short sketches. These works may not have been previously produced.

Visit www.sketchbooksubmissions.org to submit pieces for consideration. Full guidelines are currently posted on the Collaboraction blog (link at www.collaboraction.org).

Space Availability at the Greenhouse Theater Center

Greenhouse Theater Center has 2 studio rental openings. A Winter slot from 12/26-02/12 (6 week run) and a Spring slot from 04/02-05/27 (7 week run). Only companies interested in the full performance slots will be considered. Rent includes Box Office & Front of House Services, a small sound & lighting package, dressing room, backstage area. Please contact Jenn Kincaid at jennifer@greenhousetheater.org or 773.404.7336 x200.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Industry Ticket Offers

The Argument – Interrobang Theatre Project, at The Viaduct Theatre, 3111 N. Western Ave, is offering Pay-As-You-Can Industry Seats for preview performances Friday & Saturday, Oct. 7 & 8. Curtain is at 7pm, and these tickets are available in person at the box office 1-hour before the show. Regular preview price is $20. Proof of industry required: headshot, union card, business card, etc. Visit http://interrobangtheatreproject.org/whats-on/ for show and cast information.

Tea at Five by Matthew Lombardo - First Folio Theatre at Mayslake Hall, Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St, Oak Brook. is offering $10 industry tickets to Weds. evenings at 8 p.m. on Sept. 28, October 5 and 12. 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.

Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp - North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd. is offering $10 off any price ticket to see the stars of RENT on Saturday, October 22 at 8 p.m. Get your tickets here or call the box office at 847-673-6300 and use code CPPR10. Must mention code CPPR10 to receive discount. Some restrictions and fees may apply. Subject to availability. Visit http://www.northshorecenter.org/ for more information.

Brand - Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont is hosting an industry performance Monday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m.. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or online with code EINAR. Visit http://www.redtapetheatre.org/ for tickets and info. Contact Myah Shein at myah.shein@redtapetheatre.org for questions.

The Fever Chart: Four Visions of the Middle East - Eclipse Theatre Company at The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $10 industry tickets every Thursday and Friday at 7:30pm through October 21st. Use code word INDUSTRY at the box office. For more information, call 773-404-7336 or visit http://www.eclipsetheatre.com.