Industry Ticket Offers

Over My Dead Body – Waltzing Mechanics at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, are offering $10 industry tickets for all performances, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. through January 6. Call 773-404-7336 and request industry tickets. Visit www.waltzingmechanics.org for more information.

EL Stories: Holiday Train – Waltzing Mechanics at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln, are offering $10 industry tickets for all performances, Saturday nights at 11 p.m. through January 5. Call 773-404-7336 and request industry tickets. Visit www.waltzingmechanics.org for more information.

Winding Down

As we wind down the year I want to say how grateful I am for all of you and for everything you do. All the “top” lists are funny – aren’t they – if you are like me, every time you see one you are like – oh yeah – that person or that production totally deserves to be on that list. But there are so many more who didn’t make the list, so they are in fact meaningless but they mean so much and are so well deserved. I wish we had more ways to recognize more people for their tireless contributions to this field and this artform.

On another note – meeting our playwrights working on the Storefront playwright project has been a joy. The project comes to an end this weekend and I will very much miss having them there. So many mentioned that they were getting so much work done, I thought they wouldn’t get anything done there, but it’s just the opposite. And people are learning more about the process and that just makes my heart all glad. I have to shout out to Lynn Baber, who is the best of many things, and who saw the article about this project in New York and said “hey, we should do this.” And so we did.

Deb

Space Availability at the Greenhouse Theater Center

Greenhouse Theater Center is currently renting last minute Mainstage Space for Studio Rates! Two winter performance slots are available in the Upstairs Mainstage – February 11-March 17 and March 18-April 21. Each slot is 5 weeks and will rent for $5,000. Rental applications are being accepted for both availabilities. 195 seat theater (or option of smaller 77 seat house) 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.

Industry Ticket Offer

Wasteland - TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets to any performance through December 30. Buy online or call 773.281.8463 and use code INDUSTRY. Visit www.timelinetheatre.com for more information.

Failure: A Love Story - Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave, is offering $20 industry tickets to both performances on December 22nd (4:00pm and 7:30). Tickets are available at www.victorygardens.org. Use code MOONPIE when checking out.

Chicago Dramatists Winter 2012 Classes

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 (both in and out of class), 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

Buzz

We've been thrilled with all of the buzz generated from the Storefront Playwright Project this last week. There have been so many great articles, tweets, posts and comments, but this blog post from someone who stumbled upon the project is my favorite. The playwrights have been having a good time with it as well and many of them have commented on how productive they've been during their time in the window.  I hope that you'll all stop by 72 E. Randolph before December 22 and check out these talented writers at work. It's an amazing line-up. You can also follow the project and get updates on our Tumblr page.

Rehearsal Space Available for Rent

Pride Films and Plays has a small rehearsal space available for rent. Located on Wilson, just east of Clark and a few blocks west of the Wilson Red Line Stop, the space is 400 square feet on the first floor. It is great for small shows or musicals, coaching or classes. Street parking is readily available. Evening and weekend rehearsals are $10/hour with a three hour minimum. Weekday rehearsals can also be arranged. For more information email pridefilmsandplays@gmail.com with Rehearsal Space in the subject line.

Industry Ticket Offers

Failure: A Love Story - Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave, is offering $20 industry tickets to both performances on December 15th (4:00pm and 7:30). Tickets are available at  www.victorygardens.org. Use code MOONPIE when checking out.

Oliver! - Light Opera Works at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson in Evanston, is offering half-price industry tickets on December 22 and 28 at 8 p.m., and December 23, 26, 27 and 29 at 2 p.m. For tickets call 847-920-5360 or visit www.LightOperaWorks.com and use code "pocket." Tickets must be purchased in advance. No door sales.

The Motherf**ker with the Hat - Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, is offering $20 tickets for preview performances December 30 through January 4 in the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre. Excludes Sunday matinee, December 30. Use code “12134” online at www.steppenwolf.org or call Audience Services at 312-335-1650. Tickets must be reserved at least one hour before performance. Subject to availability.

Super Cool

We are doing this Storefront Playwright Project and it is so cool. I love it – every day at Hot Tix there is a playwright in the window writing, in real time, so to speak, a new play. There is a screen that faces out to the street that shows what is on the playwright’s monitor. We copied it directly from the same sort of project in New York. We conceived it as a way for the random person walking down Randolph Street to be introduced to a playwright and to the playwriting process. We have signage in the window announcing the project and additional information about the project, the playwrights, etc. inside Hot Tix.

What makes it so cool – well first of all, people are stopping and looking and reading. The more people that are standing there the more stop and look. I guess I’m so in love with it because it is a way into the process for the average guy who might not be a theatre goer and because it’s more information for a regular theatre goer who’s going into Hot Tix and its fun for the playwrights and its super fun for the Hot Tix staff. Also, there are connections being made all the way around.

I wrote in my notes in a meeting earlier this week – Playwright in a Window – more like that. I’d be interested to hear what other people think of the project and if anyone has ideas for other things like it.

Deb

Space Rental Availability at Trap Door Theatre

The Trap Door Theatre is available for rent late nights and prime time! Great Bucktown location! Intimate 45 seat house. Reasonable rates. For information please email trapdoortheatre@sbcglobal.net or call 773-384-0494.

Industry Ticket Offers

You Never Can Tell - Remy Bumppo Theatre at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., $15 industry tickets to  performances on Wednesday nights, Friday nights and Thursday matinees through January 6 using codeword Industry by phone at 774.404.7336 or on line at www.remybumppo.org.

Failure: A Love Story - Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave, is offering $20 industry tickets to all performances through December 9th. Tickets are available at our website www.victorygardens.org. Use code MOONPIE when checking out.

Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer - Hell in a Handbag Productions at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. is offering $15 industry tickets through December 30 with code word 'industry' and headshot or resume.

Winter Series - Hubbard Street Dance Chicago at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph,  is offering $25 industry tickets for any available seat (regardless of the section in the theater or the night you attend) using discount code "industryhsdc." Performances are: Thursday, December 6th @ 7:30pm, Friday, December 7th @ 8:00pm, Saturday, December 8th @ 8:00pm, and Sunday, December 9th @ 3:00pm Tickets and more information are available at www.hubbardstreetdance.com/winter.

Hannukatz the Musical! - National Pastime Theater, 941 W. Lawrence is offering $10 industry tickets for Friday night performances at 8pm starting this Friday 12/7 through 12/28. Bring your resume/headshot to the box office. Theater is BYOB.

Exorcism - Eclipse Theatre at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport is offering a $10 suggested donation or pay what you can for the staged-reading of Eugene O'Neill's long-lost play on Sunday December 9th at 12pm. This is a one-time performance. For more information,visit http://www.eclipsetheatre.com/season/2012/exorcism.php. Reserve your seat by emailing info@eclipsetheatre.com.

The Odd Couple - Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd. is offering $10 tickets for theatre industry professionals on Wednesday, December 12 at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 16 at 2:30pm. Offer available by phone or walk-up, must mention the code INDUSTRY to reserve. Proof of industry (headshot, business card, etc.) requested upon ticket pickup. Box Office 847.673.6300.

Costume/Furniture/Prop Sale at Lincoln Square Theatre

Lincoln Square Theatre is on the move and we're having a sale to lighten our load. Includes: props, costumes, shoes, furniture, collectibles, rugs, linoleum, vintage items, party baskets for Mardi Gras & New Year, one-of-a-kind fabrics, lumber, paneling, plywood scraps, locker fronts, chairs, artificial foliage/trees, electronics and a serious amount of etc. Dec. 10, 7-9 pm. Cash only!

Transformation and Change

I have been reading some articles about transformation and how the arts just can’t seem to transform themselves. Interesting since most of us transform ourselves every time we do a new show but never mind, that’s not what people are talking about – they are talking about real change – they are talking about changing everything we do and how we do it and I just think that is crazy. Here we all are…still…even though I keep hearing about how it’s the end for all of us if we don’t do everything differently right now! When I was a younger administrator I asked my boss at the time what he thought about the death of the subscription model and he got very loud and said he was sick and tired of hearing about the death of the subscription model, that he had been hearing about it his entire career. That was at least 10 years ago. So, it’s not dead yet and we haven’t changed yet and we carry on. But we do change. We change all the time, and we are not all the same. I cannot think of two theatre companies that are run exactly the same way and yet we are all lumped into this category of moribund institutions with bloated staffs and we need to be more flexible and more diverse and on and on. Have I ever written here about my vision of the field – its got an inner circle of people doing the work and an outer circle of people shouting negative things at the inner circle doing the work. Sometimes that’s how it feels (and by the way, I count myself in the outer circle, but hope that I am a positive force). I think we need criticism and I think as artists and arts organizations we need to constantly think about what we are doing and whether its relevant and who its relevant to and what path we are on. Nobody likes change but change we must as humans and as organizations. I think we do change and I think we achieve great things when we change but we can’t change everything all at once. In Chicago I think we are incredibly lucky to be able to learn from each other and in some cases dodge bullets and in other cases reap the benefits of the risks others take. I might argue that we don’t pay enough attention to what others in the field are doing and that we don’t pay enough attention to our communities, interacting and engaging in real ways. But, I would also argue that change is in our DNA, so unless you have a real suggestion about positive change in a real way that doesn’t risk the life of a company or an artistic process take it down the road.

 Deb

Chicago Fringe Festival announces 2013 Application Dates

The Chicago Fringe Festival is proud to announce its application dates for groups and organizations interested in participating in the 2013 Fringe Festival, August 29 – September 8, 2013. The application, currently available online for review at Chicagofringe.org, may be completed with the application fee and submitted Saturday, Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. – Friday, Feb. 15 at 11:59 p.m. CST. There are two methods of applying to the Chicago Fringe Festival: a limited number of 13 first come, first served and the lottery. For more information go to www.Chicagofringe.org.

APPLICATIONS 
Chicago Fringe Festival consists of 25% organizations using the first come, first served option and the remaining 75% are chosen using a lottery system. The 13 spots that make up the first come, first served are designed to reward early applicants. These spots have historically sold out in less than five minutes. The lottery where the remaining participants are chosen will be held in late February 2013. For more information on the applications and fees go to www.Chicagofringe.org. 

QUALIFICATIONS 
In order for performances to qualify for the Chicago Fringe Festival 2013, they must meet all three of the following requirements:
1. The performance piece must be 80% choreographed or scripted. No solely improvisational shows are permitted.
2. The performance piece must not be produced in the Chicagoland area (defined as Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Kendall County, Lake County, McHenry County and Will County, IL) from the dates of January 1, 2013 to November 1, 2013.
3. The performance piece must be 45-60 minutes in length and be able to be set up and struck within 10 minutes. All Fringe performers receive box office assistance, promotions through the Chicago Fringe Festival website and 100% of the box office venue for their performances. In the 2012 Festival, more than $28,000 was given back to artists from box office revenue.

FRINGE INFORMATION WORKSHOP 
The Chicago Fringe Festival hosts an information session on the application process and its 2013 Festival, Sunday, Dec. 2 from 6 – 7 p.m. at Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave. Fringe Business Manager Adrienne Guldin leads the session, with representation from several past Fringe performers. The information session is free to the public and attendees are asked to RSVP to CFF Events Coordinator Katie Brown at katiebrown@chicagofringe.org.

Space Rental Availability at the Auditorium Theatre

The Auditorium Theatre’s Katten/Landau Studio: 
Find your muse in the Auditorium Theatre’s Katten/ Landau Studio! Simple, accessible, versatile, and chic. The Auditorium Theatre’s Katten/ Landau Studio is perfect for all occasions; from dance rehearsals and meetings to receptions and performances. The 2,400 square foot studio includes stationary and portable barres, a sound system with CD and iPod capabilities, sprung Harlequin floor, a Yamaha piano, and floor length mirrors. Contact Katie Brown at kbrown@auditoriumtheatre.org or 312-341-2362 for more information regarding availability.

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University: 
The Auditorium Theatre is available for booking! From private events to shows, this National Historic Landmark is sure to make your next event a memorable moment in history. For more information, please visit the Auditorium Theatre’s rentals and events webpage. For questions regarding availability, please contact Katie Brown at kbrown@auditoriumtheatre.org or 312-341-2362.

Rehearsal Space Available for Rent at Remy Bumppo

Remy Bumppo's rehearsal space at 3717 N Ravenswood has availability beginning December 12. 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.

Prop/Costume Sale at Lincoln Square Theatre

Saturday, Dec. 1, 10 am to 4 pm

Everything from knick-knacks to lumber

Find that unusual holiday gift and some great bargains while you support the arts!

4754 N. Leavitt St., (inside Berry Church)
Chicago, IL 60625

Industry Ticket Offers

James Joyce's The Dead - Court Theatre, 5535 S Ellis Ave, is offering $10 industry rush tickets to every performance through December 9th. Rush tickets are $10 per person with proof of industry one hour before curtain, subject to availability.

Lucky Stiff - Musicals in Concert at The Music Theatre Company, 1850 Green Bay Road, Highland Park, is offering a limited number of $10 industry night tickets for Friday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1 and 8 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 2 and 9 at 2 p.m. Reserve online at: www.themusictheatrecompany.org using code: INDUSTRY.

At the Flash - Pride Films and Plays at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, is offering $10 industry tickets for Wednesday, November 28 at 7:30 p.m. To reserve send email to pfptickets@gmail.com. More info: http://pridefilmsandplays.com/flash.html

American Storm - Theatre Seven of Chicago at Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N Lincoln Ave. is offering 30% off industry tickets to every performance through December 16th. You can reserve your seats over the phone at 773-404-7336 or in person at the GTC Box Office.

The Most Beautiful High - Dialogue Theatre at Stage 773, 1225 W Belmont Ave, is offering $5 industry tickets for the last two performances: November 27th and December 4th at 8:00 pm. Enter code "INDUSTRYDT" on the Stage 773 website or bring a proof of industry in person to the box office.

Long Way Go Down - Jackalope Theatre at the Viaduct Theater, 3111 N. Western Ave. is offering $10 industry tickets through December 22. Visit www.jackalopetheatre.org for more information. 

Our Last Night on Earth: A Countdown to the Mayan Apocalypse - Collaboraction at the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N Milwaukee, 3rd Floor, is offering $15 industry tickets to all performances (regular price is $25). Performances are Dec 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, and 23 at 8pm. Reserve online at www.collaboraction.org or purchase at the door.

Metamorphoses – Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Water Works at 821 N. Michigan Ave, is offering exclusive half price industry tickets for the 7:30pm performance this Thursday, November 29th! Use code INDUSTRY when calling 312.337.0665 or click here to purchase tickets.

Fuddy Meers - Ka-Tet Theatre at City Lit Theater, 1020 W Bryn Mawr, is offering $10 industry tickets for Monday, December 3 at 7:30p.m. To reserve, send an email to sluke@katettheatre.org. More info: www.katettheatre.org.

 Hannukatz the Musical! - National Pastime Theater, 941 W. Lawrence is offering a special industry discount! Bring your resume/headshot to the box office for $10 tickets to TODAY's SHOW (Nov 30th) ONLY!! Show starts at 8PM. Theater is BYOB.

The Natalie Weiss Master Class

November 26 - 6:00pm

Broadway musical and pop sensation Natalie Weiss joins forces with Porchlight Music Theatre to present The Natalie Weiss Master Class. With this first-ever Chicago event, here is your opportunity to explore the pop and contemporary musical theatre repertoire with one of Broadway's fastest rising stars.

Only 12 students will be selected by lottery to personally coach with Natalie Weiss. There will also be slots available to audit the class. This special Porchlight-only event is expected to sell out quickly. Please submit your interest to coach with Natalie Weiss no later than Friday, November 23 by 5:00pm.

You will be asked to submit two preferred pop and/or music theatre songs. If chosen through the lottery, Natalie will select one of your songs to work in the class.  Selected participants will be notified via email.  If selected, please also bring your book.

For more information, visit http://porchlightmusictheatre.org/blog/2012/11/17/the-natalie-weiss-master-class.html.

Studio Space Rental Availability at Ballet Chicago

Ballet Chicago has studio space available for rent (for rehearsals/auditions) throughout the year and over winter break. Non-profit companies receive a 50% discount off the commercial rental rates. A certificate of liability insurance is also required of all renters. For details and availability, contact Danny Valente, Manager of Operations, Ballet Chicago at dvalente@balletchicago.org or 312-251-8838.

Season of Carols Concert and CD

Monday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave.
A holiday celebration to kick-off sales of the SEASON OF CAROLS CD, a new holiday album which features over one hundred Chicago theater artists to raise funds for SEASON OF CONCERN, which supports Chicago artists in need. 100% of ticket sales go directly to SEASON OF CONCERN. Scheduled to appear: Melody Betts, Foiled Again, the cast from Drury Lane Oakbrook's HAIRSPRAY, Birdie Wing, The Lincoln Squares, the cast from the Mercury Theater’s THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER and Cory Goodrich. Tickets are $30 or 2 for $50. Click here for tickets.

Sports and Theatre

So, I saw this and really, whatever you think about the argument about actors not being real men…I whooped for joy. Why? A sports franchise is trying to LURE PEOPLE AWAY FROM THE THEATRE. It’s what I’ve always wanted to see. I know, its Broadway and its different, but I have always dreamed of a world where the Cubs were beating down our doors to advertise in our programs. Also, I’m always trying to think of ways we can be more like sports teams, inspiring that kind of loyalty, etc., after all, we are so similar in what we offer – drama…excitement…thrills and yes, flying men. Instead of spending time worrying about what the makers of this ad think of us, I would love to see the person who comes up with the counter ad, the one we put on a billboard outside of Wrigley that says, essentially, instead of watching another boring baseball game (and let’s face it most of them are boring, I’m sorry, I love baseball but the games are boring) come watch some real men fly and a picture of Scrooge…or something…hey, I’m not the one who thinks up ad campaigns, but you get my drift.

Deb

2013 - 2014 Saints Grants Program

The Saints would like to inform theater, dance, and music organizations of the opening of their 2013 - 2014 Grants Program. The Saints invite and encourage venues to apply for this grant assistance to be used for artistic development or production-related purposes. Budget requests from $1000 to $7500 will be considered for funding. The grant period is from June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014.

The application can be accessed by clicking on the link "Apply for a Grant" on the Saints website at www.saintschicago.org. 

Applications are due Friday, January 18, 2013.

Industry Ticket Offers

Through the Night written and performed by Daniel Beaty - Daryl Roth Productions at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. is offering FREE tickets to special performances on Tuesday, November 20 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Come see a special performance as it is captured LIVE for Television! For more information on how YOU can be in the audience please email: ThroughtheNightChicago@gmail.com.

Gentleman’s Rule – Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted is offering limited complimentary industry tickets November 14 and 15, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available by phone 312-988-9000 or walk-up. Use promo code LOCT when ordering.

Beautiful Women in Terrible Trouble - Polarity Ensemble Theatre, 1500 N. Bell, Chicago, invites Artistic Directors, Literary Managers and other theatre leaders to join us Nov 16 or 17 at 7:30pm for a 'best of' teaser from a three play cycle that requires three separate theatres to produce the plays concurrently. Comps can be reserved by emailing boxoffice@petheatre.com. More info at blog.petheatre.com.

breaks & bikes - The Pavement Group at the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave. Suite 332, is offering $15 tickets to league members for the Thursday, November 29 performance at 8 p.m. including a special post show discussion and Theatre Thursday event. For tickets click here and use code LEAGUE.

 Long Day's Journey into Night - Eclipse Theatre Company at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport is offering $10 industry tickets for the following performances: November 15th, 16th, 23rd, 24th and 25th. Mention code word INDUSTRY at the box office. Visit http://www.eclipsetheatre.com for more information.

ScrapArtsMusic – Chicago Human Rhythm Project at The Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park is offering $10 industry tickets to Global Rhythms 8, featuring ScrapArtsMusic from Vancouver Saturday, November 24 @ 8:00pm and Sunday, November 25 @ 3:00pm. Use the code CHRP-10 when calling the Harris Theater box office at 312-334-7777 or when ordering online through the Harris Theater website. (Purchase by November 21.) Visit Chicago Human Rhythm Project's website for more information and video previews of ScrapArtsMusic.

You Never Can Tell - Remy Bumppo Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering admission to preview performances November 21 - 25 with a donation to the Lakeview Pantry.  Remy Bumppo will set aside 50 seats for admission by food or monetary donation to Lakeview Pantry. Patrons may donate as much or as little as they can afford. Patrons participating in the donation program should go to the Greenhouse box office at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, where ticketing will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis while the supply of 50 lasts, beginning an hour before curtain. Collection of food or monetary donations will be made at the entrance to the upstairs mainstage.

Space Rental Availability at Chicago Dramatists

Main-stage Rental Space is available at Chicago Dramatists for thefollowing dates: March 4 – April 28, 2013. This is an 8-week production slot. We would be interested in 6 week, 4 week or 2 week rentals. The theatre is 77 seats with a full lighting and sound package, air conditioning, dressing rooms and 24 hour access during technical rehearsals. Theatre rental is $1,250 per week. Rehearsal space isalso available at $10 - $15 per hour. Please contact Brian Loevner at bloevner@chicagodramatists.org or call 312-633-0630 x17.

Industry Ticket Offers

Mike Daisey: American Utopias - MCA Stage, 220 E. Chicago Ave., is offering limited $22 industry tickets November 8 and 10–11, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available by phone 312.397.4010 or walk-up. Use promo code LOCT when ordering.

Martin Creed: Work No. 1020 (Ballet) - MCA Stage, 220 E. Chicago Ave., is offering limited $22 industry tickets November 15–16, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available by phone 312.397.4010 or walk-up. Use promo code LOCT when ordering.

Something From Nothing: A 2 day Intensive on Devised Theatre

Led by Quinn Bauriedel, Co-Artistic Director & Co-Founder - Pig Iron Theatre Co.; School Director - Pig Iron School for Advanced Performance Training

Spots will go fast!

Saturday, November 17th - 10a-5p
Sunday, November 18th - 10a-4p

The Den Theatre
1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL

The total cost of the workshop is $150, and must be paid in full prior to the workshop.

For more information, instructions on payment, and to reserve your spot, please contact: Kendra Miller contactkendra@gmail.com or call 917-287-2153

Something from Nothing: A Workshop in Theatrical Creation with OBIE Award-winning Pig Iron Theatre Company
Learn the process of creating an ensemble-based work of theatre through Pig Iron's tried-and-true creation processes. Participants will be given performance assignments: themes, stories, characters, even a piece of music which must be solved as an ensemble. The playwriting and directing duties will be shared among the ensemble, and decisions will be made collaboratively.

This workshop emphasizes generating original material, physicalizing characters and theatrical ideas, structuring group improvisations into finished pieces and the role music and rhythm play in theatrical creation. Participants will work on taking material developed through improvisation and turning it into pieces that are precise, full, exuberant, and moving.

There will be an hour lunch break each day. Participants should wear comfortable movement clothing without any designs or words on them. Please bring a water bottle and a note pad.

Pig Iron Theatre Company 
 In the past 16 years the company has created 24 original works and has toured to festivals and theatres in England, Scotland, Poland, Lithuania, Brazil, Ireland, Italy, Romania and Germany. The body of Pig Iron's work is eclectic and daring. Individual works have been inspired by history and biography (Poet In New York, 1997 and Anodyne, 2001), rock music (Mission to Mercury, 2000 and James Joyce is Dead and so is Paris: The Lucia Joyce Cabaret, 2003), American kitsch culture (Cafeteria, 1997), serendipity (Dig or Fly, 1996 and The Snow Queen, 1999), and fallen heroes (The Odyssey, 1995 and The Tragedy of Joan of Arc, 1998). In 2001, Pig Iron collaborated with legendary theatre director Joseph Chaikin (1935-2003) to create an exploration of sleep, dreams and consciousness (Shut Eye). In 2005, Pig Iron won an OBIE Award for Hell Meets Henry Halfway, an adaptation of Polish writer Witold Gombrowicz's novel Possessed; in 2008, Pig Iron won a second OBIE for James Sugg's performance in Chekhov Lizardbrain. In 2006, Pig Iron was named Theatre Company of the Year in the Philadelphia Weekly.

More info about Pig Iron and the Pig Iron School:
www.pigironschool.org
www.pigiron.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gba9z2mFH0

Space Availability at The Building Stage

The Building Stage has mainstage rental available for January/February 2013 in our West Loop/West Town venue, entrance and parking at 412 N. Carpenter Street. Flexible industrial blackbox space with seating for up to 99 patons (though 50-75 is more common), handicap accessible bathrooms. Light, sound, tools, and equipment included. Email Blake Montgomery for more information: blake@buildingstage.com.

Hurricane Sandy Relief

We know many of you are concerned about our friends and colleagues on the East coast. Millions have been affected by the storm and here are a few ways you can donate. You can donate to the Red Cross by clicking here or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 contribution.

Also, if you are interested in aiding those in our industry directly you can make a donation to the Actors’ Fund, they are based in New York and their website is down, but you can make a donation by calling any of their main numbers 917.281.5936 (NYC), 312.372.0989 (Chicago) or 323.933.9244 (LA).

Get Out the Vote

So, here we are, last blog before election day. I know that we can all be very apathetic about elections and politicians but I can’t help it, I’m kind of a sap about it. I LOVE to vote. It just feels so good. So many of my friends are voting early this year and that’s great but I love to go to the polls and see my name and have it checked off by a grouchy poll worker. It makes it feel like what it is, a privilege. I think election day should be the biggest holiday this country has. Anyway…

I will be working all night on Monday and a half day on Tuesday on get out the vote efforts across the country. I hope you all will go out and vote even though we can be assured of the outcome of the presidential election in Illinois there is a lot more to evaluate. You can get a sample ballot here http://www.chicagoelections.com/voterinfo.php if you live in Chicago. And, I hear you saying “Deb, I just don’t know about all those judges, I’d hate to vote for a bad one”…well, here’s your answer http://www.chicagobar.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Judicial_Evaluation_Committee.

And, contact your friends and family far and wide and tell them how important it is as well, even if they are sick of the fighting and the lies – I truly believe that our political system will never be fixed if the percentage of eligible voters voting doesn’t rise above 50%. Vote for the best candidate and then hold them accountable to the reasons you voted for them. It’s the only way to make things better, otherwise we continue to allow money to rule.

Deb

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre Accepting Submissions for New Play Festival

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre announces that we are accepting submissions for the New Play Festival, taking place in January-February 2013 at Metropolis PAC in Arlington Heights, Illinois. All submissions that meet the criteria will be considered.

DETAILS 
Awards Playwrights’ awards are determined by the adjudication panel, from scripts submitted per requirements. Winning playwrights are notified after December 15th regarding placement. Cash prizes are presented after the staged reading performance of their play:
First Place - adult & teen play - Cash prize of $200 each
Second Place - adult & teen play - Cash prize of $100 each
Third Place - adult play - Cash prize of $100

One-Act Submission Requirements 
Playwrights must be full-time residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, or Wisconsin.

This festival will have separate adult and teen divisions. First through Third Place winning playwrights will receive cash prizes and 10 hours of rehearsal time with a director, actors and stage manager resulting in a concert reading of the top 3 adult winners and the top 2 teen winners. The plays should be one acts between 25-60 pages in length (no 10 minute plays) and cannot have been previously produced. Only one submission per playwright will be accepted. Scripts must be original works of the playwright and not commercially published (no adaptations will be accepted, unless the source material is in the public domain). There are no restrictions on subject matter, theme or style.

No musicals will be considered for this festival.

If your play meets all of the above:
Please submit a cover letter, a synopsis, and a resume along with one copy of the play. Cover-sheet of play should have title, author, author's address, author's telephone number, and author's e-mail. Plays should be neatly bound or stapled on the left hand corner. (No loose pages and no binders, please.)

Deadline for submission is December 15, 2012

Send your script by email to: rhughes@metropolisarts.com or by mail to:

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre New Play Festival
111 W. Campbell Street
Arlington Heights, IL 60005

If you would like your script returned, include a self addressed, postage paid envelope with your submission. Scripts sent without a requested return and not selected to be produced in the festival will be destroyed.

By sending a script for consideration, you acknowledge that you have read and agree with the following terms:

Submitting a script for consideration does not guarantee participation in the festival.

The playwright allows Metropolis Performing Arts Centre to make copies of the work to be used in the selection process and in production, if chosen.

There is no monetary compensation if your script is not chosen to be part of the festival.

If selected, you will receive notification by email. You will also receive a contract that must be signed and returned within the time line indicated. If we do not receive the contract, we reserve the right to cancel the selection. This festival is presented in cooperation by special arrangement with Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., of Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Industry Ticket Offers

Doubt - American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron is offering $15 industry tickets to the final weekend of performances on Thursday, November 1 at 7:30PM and Saturday, November 3 at 2PM. Must present a headshot/resume, business card, or some other form of identification. Industry rush tickets will be sold starting 1/2 hour prior to curtain and can be purchased with both cash and credit cards (processing fees apply to credit cards.)Tickets may be purchased online at www.atcweb.org using code INDUSTRYREP15 or over the phone at 773.409.4125.

Wasteland - TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets to Wednesday performances at 7:30 p.m. through December 30, 2012. For tickets call 773.281.8463 x6 and mention code INDUSTRY. Visit www.timelinetheatre.com for more information.

Trajectories - EVET Arts at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. is extending a 2 for 1 ticket offer to all members of the League of Chicago Theatres to performances November 8 - 11. Use the code "Welcome" when ordering your tickets online, by phone at 773.935.6875 or at the box office.

Bulrusher - Congo Square Theatre with Pegasus Players, 4520 N. Beacon St. is offering $10 industry tickets to performances November 2 and 3rd at 7:30 p.m. using the code word industry at the box office. Visit www.congosquaretheatre.org for more information.

Space Rental Availability at Collaboraction in the Flat Iron Arts Building

Collaboraction has two blackbox theaters in the Flat Iron Arts Building in Wicker Park available for rent! Spacious, raw, and extremely flexible, our spaces are perfect for intimate plays, rehearsals, and parties. The Pentagon seats up to 75 and Room 300 Theater seats up to 90. Current availability is from Dec 24-Jan 28 and April 22-May 20th for performance or event rentals. For more information, including rental rates, tech specs, and contract details please contact Corinne Neal at corinne@collaboraction.org or call 312-226-9633.

Critical Mass

It is rare that we ever can get a critical mass of Chicago theatre hoity toity together as we did on Monday. I’m sorry if you missed it because it was a blast. I don’t know why the League annual meeting is always such a great event. I always meet new people at the meeting, whether they are there for the first time or they are a member of a new company. The energy is always so great. Maybe it’s just because everyone is together for the first time in a long time or maybe the first time ever for some people? Maybe it’s the free booze? But I always feel like it is a really special evening and I truly hope it’s because everyone there feels like I do which is that I am a part of something larger. Of course, I always have a reason to feel that but I hope that everyone who comes to the meeting feels it. We are part of this amazing thing that happens here and every time another show goes on to Broadway or Galway or Milwaukee we are all a part of that too. So, whatever that thing is that makes it such a joy when we get together, I thank you all for making it happen.

Deb

Eclipse Theatre to honor Steve Scott with the 2012 Corona Award

Eclipse Theatre Company will present the 2012 Corona Award to Goodman Theatre's Associate Producer Steve Scott on Monday November 12th at the Athenaeum Theatre Mainstage, 2936 N. Southport Ave in Chicago. The Corona Award honors and individual who has played an important role in supporting and nurturing the growth of the Chicago Theatre Community. Past recipients have included Erica Daniels, Elizabeth Auman, and Jane Alderman. Guest speakers at this year's award event will include Robert Falls, Deb Clapp, Rebecca Gilman, B.J. Jones, Tom Mula and more. Tickets are only $20 and includes light appetizers with cash bar. Cocktail hour begins at 6:30pm with the Award Presentation at 7:30pm. For additional info and to purchase tickets online, please visit http://www.eclipsetheatre.com/corona/2012/ or call 773-325-9655.

Industry Ticket Offers

Fugitive Songs - Musicals in Concert at The Music Theatre Company, 1850 Green Bay Road, Highland Park, is offering a limited number of $10 industry night tickets for Friday, Nov. 2 and 9 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov 3 and 10 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Nov 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. Reserve online at www.themusictheatrecompany.org using code: INDUSTRY.

Bertolt Brecht's Schweyk in the Second World War - Red Theater at Stage773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. is offering a limited number of $10 industry night tickets for Thursday - Monday performances. Reserve online at www.stage773.com using the code INDUSTRY.

Wasteland - TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave. is offering $22 tickets to performances October 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m., 27th at 4 and 8 p.m. and 28th at 2 p.m. For tickets call 773.281.8463 x6 and mention code SOLDIER22. Visit www.timelinetheatre.com for more information.

Trainspotting USA - Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. is offering $10 industry tickets to the Thursday, October 25 performance at 8 p.m. For tickets call 773.975.8150 and mention discount code "Train10."

i put the fear of mexico in 'em - Teatro Vista at Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave. is offering a $15 industry performance on Monday, November 19. For tickets click here.

Giordano Dance Chicago - Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph, is offering a 20% industry discount with the code JOLT on Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. Click here for tickets and save 20% off price levels B and C with code JOLT.

Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom - Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway, is offering $10 industry tickets to Thursday 8 p.m. performances through November 9.  Online ordering, use code: INDUSTRY or mention at the box office.

Doubt - American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron is offering $15 industry rush tickets on October 26-28. Performances are Friday, 10/26 at 7:30pm, Saturday, 10/27 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm, and Sunday, 10/28 at 2:00pm. Must present a headshot/resume, business card, or some other form of identification. Industry rush tickets will be sold starting 1/2 hour prior to curtain and can be purchased with both cash and credit cards (processing fees apply to credit cards.)Tickets may be purchased online at www.atcweb.org using code INDUSTRYREP15 or over the phone at 773.409.4125.

Filament Theatre Costume Sale

Halloween is just around the corner, and Filament is celebrating by having a costume sale! Find unique, inexpensive costumes - and get an exciting sneak peek at Filament's brand new space. Costume Sale!

Saturday, October 20th 
11:00am-3:00pm 
4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Instead...

Instead of a blog today I would like to direct you to this thoughtful and inspiring piece http://www.howlround.com/growing-a-living-culture-by-matthew-glassman/ by my friend Matthew Glassman, I wrote a couple of months ago about Double Edge and my experience there. Matthew explains the whole thing far better than I ever could. When they are here in January we hope to be able to provide opportunities for everyone to meet the artists of Double Edge.

Deb

Chicago Area Stage Manager Event

Goodman and Steppenwolf Theatres are working together to bring Chicago Area Stage Managers together for a PIZZA NIGHT at the Steppenwolf Garage Theatre, 1624 N. Halsted from 6 to 9pm on Monday, November 5th. All stage managers are welcome!

Space Available for Rent at Madison Street Theatre

Madison Street Theatre (conveniently located blocks from both Green and Blue Line stops) has space available for performance or events. The Studio (55-65 Seats) and Main Stage (179 Seats) both with sound and light package included are available for reasonable rental rates. Rental includes theater space, back stage area, dressing room and lobby with liquor-licensed concession. For more information, including rental rates, tech specs, and contract details please contact Rosemary Foley at rfoley@mstoakpark.com, or call (312) 282-1750.

Industry Ticket Offers

The Dining Room - Saint Sebastian Players, 1625 W. Diversey, is offering $10 tickets with headshot and resume for all performances opening weekend: Fri 10/19 at 8PM, Sat 10/20 at 8PM, Sun 10/21 at 2PM, as well as Sun 10/28 at 2PM and 11/4 at 2PM. Information at www.saintsebastianplayers.org.

Stephen Sondheim's Assassins - The Viaduct Theater, 3111 N. Western Ave. is offering $22.50 industry tickets to the performance on Thursday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m.  For tickets visit www.assassins-chicago.com and use code LOCT.

Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom - Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway, is offering $10 Industry Night Tickets for this Thursday, October 18th at 8pm. Reserve online at www.strawdog.org using code: INDUSTRY.

The Catholic Repertory - American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron is offering $15 industry rush tickets on October 18 - 21. DOUBT will be performed Thursday, Friday & Saturday evening at 7:30pm, and Saturday & Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm. AGNES OF GOD will be performed Thursday, Friday & Saturday evening at 9:15pm, and Saturday & Sunday afternoon at 3:45pm. Must present a headshot/resume, business card, or some other form of identification. Industry rush tickets will be sold starting 1/2 hour prior to curtain and can be purchased with both cash and credit cards (processing fees apply to credit cards.)Tickets may be purchased online at www.atcweb.org using code INDUSTRYREP15 or over the phone at 773.409.4125.

Wasteland - TimeLine Theatre Company, 615 W. Wellington Ave., is offering $15 industry tickets for performances 10/17 at 8 pm, 10/20 at 4 pm and 8 pm, and 10/21 at 2 pm Available by calling (773) 281-8463 x6 or online via http://www.timelinetheatre.com/tickets and use code INDUSTRY.

Long Day's Journey Into Night - Eclipse Theatre at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. is offering $8 industry tickets during previews November 1-3. For tickets visit www.eclipsetheatre.com and use code INDUSTRY. 

Exit Disclaimer: Science and Fiction Ahead – The Seldoms performing at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan Avenue, is offering a limited number of $15 industry tickets for the Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows October 25, 26, and 27 8pm. Call the Dance Center of Columbia College box office for tickets (312) 369-8330.

Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter -- Next Theatre Company at the Noyes Cultural Art Center, 927 Noyes St, Evanston, is offering $12.50 industry tickets for Thursday, November 15 at 7:30pm; Friday, November 16, at 8pm; and Saturday, November 17 at 8pm. For tickets, call 847-475-1875 or visit www.nexttheatre.org and use the code “Industry.”

Pontypool - Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway, is offering $10 Industry Night Tickets for October 19 and 20 at 11pm and 21st at 4pm. Reserve online at www.strawdog.org using code: INDUSTRY. Must present a headshot, resume or business card at the box office.

Black n Blue Boys/Broken Men - Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., is offering $10 industry tickets to performances through October 28. For tickets buy online at www.goodmantheatre.org and use code FRIEND.

Goodman Theatre Costume Sale

The Goodman Theatre is hosting a costume sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 20 at the theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. The sale includes costumes from numerous Goodman productions such as “Passion Play” (2007), “Turn of the Century” (2008), “Animal Crackers” (2009), “Candide” (2010), “Camino Real” (2011) and many more. It is cash-and-carry only, and all sales are final.

On Storytelling

I went to a couple of Ideas Week events this week. I wonder if anybody else went to any and if you had any ideas. I went to one that was about storytelling – seemed to be up our alley and it was all about changing lives with and through storytelling and the importance of telling a good story, further to that I happen to have seen both the shows in town from the National Theatre of Scotland in the past couple of weeks and so I got to thinking…

Be funny if that was the end, right? I got to thinking of all the different ways we tell stories and how one way of telling just fits a story right and another way might be all wrong. I got to thinking about trying to get to the truth of a thing and the practice of interviewing subjects and creating a piece from those interviews and the former “official white house videographer,” whose job was to create a story with extreme bias and still tell the truth, both the same sort of storytelling but so different in the outcome. And the National Theatre of Scotland – striving to tell the story of a culture, that’s a big job.

And then, as I always do, I got around to thinking about us and the hundreds of stories on our stages every night and the dedication and passion that it takes to get each and every one of them on stage. We’re Americans, we can’t have a single theatre working to try to tell the story of our culture. We can’t tell our stories a single way. I would argue that every night on Chicago stages we are working to tell the story of our culture and to understand the story of other cultures. On Chicago stages is where you will find the theatre of America, in all its messy gloriousness. Beautiful.

Deb

Space Rental Availability at the Greenhouse Theater Center

Greenhouse Theater Center has space available for rent! Immediate availability for performance or events through December. 195 seat theater with front of house services; 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.

Director/Dramatist Exchange at Goodman Theatre

Monday, October 29th, 2012, 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 at: info@directorslabchicago.com no later than Monday, October 22nd, 2012.

The first 15 directors who respond will receive a reservation to the event. In order to secure a reservation, you must submit a statement with your initial e-mail. Please include this statement in the body of your email. This one-page statement should consist of three things: (1) your contact information, (2) your professional biography (one paragraph only, written in the third person) and (3) a brief directorial statement describing your aesthetic and the kind of work that excites you. After we receive these materials, your reservation will be confirmed. Then, prior to the event, you will receive statements from all the dramatists as well as statements from the other attending directors.

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

Industry Ticket Offers

The Mistakes Madeline Made - LiveWire Chicago at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., is offering $15 industry tickets to all performances during our run through November 3, Thu-Sat at 8pm and Sun at 3pm. Tickets can be purchased by calling box office at 773.404.7336 and mentioning this industry offer. More info at www.livewirechicago.com/mistakes.

The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart - Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. is offering $20 tickets to anyone under 35 years old on Sunday October 14 at 7:30 pm for “Convergence” by using the promo code “UNDER35.” The party continues with discounts at the pub, including $5 beer and $6 whisky – plus a free shot of Benromach Single Malt Scotch whisky. Claim the offer online at www.chicagoshakes.com/strange.

Night Over Erzinga - Silk Road Rising at The Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W. Washington St., Pierce Hall, Chicago is offering $15.00 industry tickets for Thursday, October 18 at 7:30pm and Friday, October 19 at 8:00pm. ADVANCE PURCHASES on-line at https://admin.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/917112/prm/INDUSTRY or by calling the Silk Road Rising box office at 312-857-1234 ext. 201. Use coupon code "INDUSTRY." Limit of one ticket per industry purchase. Processing fee applies. DAY OF PERFORMANCE DOOR PURCHASES – Industry Tickets on sale at box office one hour before curtain (subject to availability). Must present headshot and/or resume. For more information visit www.silkroadrising.org.

Scarrie: The Musical - Hell in a Handbag Productions at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. is offering $15 industry tickets w/ resume through November 10 with code word 'llama' online or at the door for the run of the show. http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/264615.

Human Landscapes - The Joffrey Ballet, performing a mixed repertory program of 3 ballets at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 East Congress Parkway, is offering a limited number of $25 industry tickets in the first balcony. For tickets call 800-982-2787 or visit www.Joffrey.org/landscapes and use code “INDUSTRY”

Wasteland - TimeLine Theatre Company, 615 W. Wellington Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets to preview performances October 12 - 17.  For tickets call 773.281.8463 or purchase online and use code INDUSTRY. Visit www.timelinetheatre.com for more information.

Remy Bumppo Theatre’s Think Trivia - Mrs. Murphy's Irish Bistro is offering $10 industry tickets on Monday, October 22 at 7pm.  More info here http://bit.ly/RemyTriviaNight.

The Catholic Repertory - American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron is offering $15 industry rush tickets on Friday 10/12 - Sunday 10/14. DOUBT will be performed Friday & Saturday evening at 7:30pm, and Saturday & Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm. AGNES OF GOD will be performed Friday & Saturday evening at 9:15pm, and Saturday & Sunday afternoon at 3:45pm. Must present a headshot/resume, business card, or some other form of identification. Industry rush tickets will be sold starting 1/2 hour prior to curtain and can be purchased with both cash and credit cards (processing fees apply to credit cards.)

International Exchange

Further to my post a couple of weeks ago about international exchange, last week we had a luncheon with our excellent partners at the Museum of Contemporary Art to welcome Handspring Puppet Company to Chicago and introduce them to a number of Chicago artists. We did four of these lunches last year and this is our first of this year but they are really great for opening up dialogue and making friends with artists who are working on the other side of the world (Handspring is from South Africa). There was such a wonderful feeling of love and understanding in the room. We were actually allowed to go onstage and examine the puppets, which are extraordinary. When artists are all together in a room there is a wonderful feeling of love and understanding. I think theatre artists have a very special understanding of each other, a bond, even if they’ve never met before. Hearing the artists from Chicago and the artists of Handspring talk about the work and about how they came to see puppetry as essential to their work was a joy for me (turns out puppetry is something you most often fall into, not something you seek out), and hearing the artists from Handspring refer to puppetry in South Africa, half-jokingly, as the new rock and roll (Handspring is the company that created the puppets for WAR HORSE) reminded me that while we are all incredibly serious about this work we all have that ability to not take ourselves too seriously. They told us about the OUT THE BOX Festival in Cape Town – one of the largest puppetry festivals in the world where they don’t believe they have never seen an American company. What? Maybe some Chicago companies will apply in 2013.

Deb

Northlight Costume Warehouse Sale

Out with the old, in with the new! Northlight is cleaning out its closet just in time for you put together your smash hit Halloween costume!

Costumes will be drawn from the last 10 years of Northlight productions, ranging from the casual to the extravagant. A limited selection of props and posters will also be available.

Costume Warehouse Sale
Saturday, October 13 10:00am - 4:00pm
Sale takes place at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts - 2nd Floor
9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie IL
Prices range from $5 - $40 per item
Cash or check only
For more information, email vmartini@northlight.org

Theatre of Western Springs Studio Sessions

Few people realize that the Theatre of Western Springs (TWS) is a non-audition theatre. Graduating from a free acting class called Studio and a seven-play season subscription (pro-rated) are the only requirements to becoming a member of the acting company. This year, Studio sessions take place Oct. 20 through Nov. 11, at the theatre, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs.

Taught by Artistic Director Rick Snyder, a 30-year member of Steppenwolf Ensemble, Studio is a fun and educational workshop. It is open to anyone age 18 and up, and all experience levels are welcome. Once through Studio, an actor or actress can be cast as soon as the next play.

Studio culminates in a presentation of short scenes on the final night followed by a welcome reception in the lobby.Studio dates and times are:

• 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20
• 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23
 • 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24
• 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25
• 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 (guided tour of all backstage departments)
• 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30
• 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31
• 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1
• 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3
• 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6
• 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7
• 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8
• 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10
• 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 (graduation)

For more information or to register for Studio, call Joan at the TWS office at 708-246-4043.

Autumn Acting and Public Speaking Classes at Remy Bumppo

Take Center Stage: Executive Coaching with Linda Gillum Saturday, October 20, 2012, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Casting Director and Artistic Associate Linda Gillum uses theatre techniques that turn the monologue of a speech into a dialogue with the audience while taking the fear out of public speaking. Apply by Oct. 12.

Albee and Shaw Scene Study with James Bohnen Mondays, 6:30-10:00 p.m, November 5 – December 10, 2012
Artistic Director Emeritus James Bohnen helps you explore the secrets of Albee and Shaw texts, with a focus on combining textual clarity and emotional connection. Apply by Oct. 12

Shake Up Your Shakespeare with Nick Sandys Intensive I: 10:00am - 2:00pm, Saturday, November 17 & Sunday, November 18, 2012 Intensive II: 10:00am - 2:00pm, Saturday, December 1 & Sunday, December 2, 2012
Artistic Director Nick Sandys is your verse fitness coach to give your piece a tune-up, push you to the next level, or work up a new one. Apply by Oct. 26.

Visit www.remybumppo.org for details.

Rehearsal Space Available for Rent at Remy Bumppo

Remy Bumppo's rehearsal space at 3717 N Ravenswood has availability beginning mid-October. 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.

Industry Ticket Offers

The Skriker - Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont, is offering $15 industry tickets to all performances through October 20. Tickets are available at www.redtapetheatre.org. Use code KELPIE when checking out. Contact Myah Shein at myah.shein@redtapetheatre.org with questions.

Equivocation - Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave, is offering 2-FOR-1 industry tickets to all performances through October 7th. Tickets are available at www.victorygardens.org. Use code SMART when checking out.

Hoodoo Love - The Collective Theatre at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., is offering a $25 industry performance on Saturday, October 13 at 7:30 p.m. Mention this industry offer at the box office.

Stew and the Negro Problem - MCA Stage, 220 E. Chicago Ave., is offering a limited number of $10 industry tickets October 20–21, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available by phone 312.397.4010. Use promo code Industry when ordering.

The Catholic Repertory -- American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St, is offering $15 industry tickets for opening weekend. The schedule of performances is: Thursday, October 4 - Doubt at 7:30PM and Agnes of God at 9:15PM; Saturday, October 6 - Doubt at 2:00PM and Agnes of God at 3:15PM AND Doubt at 7:30PM and Agnes of God at 9:15PM; Sunday, October 7 - Doubt at 2:00PM and Agnes of God at 3:15PM. Please note that each play is sold separately. For tickets, please come to the box office half an hour before curtain. Must present a headshot, resume or industry ID.

Operetta’s Greatest Hits - Light Opera Works at Nichols Concert Hall (Music Institute), 1490 Chicago Avenue in Evanston, is offering half-price industry tickets on October 5 at 8 p.m., and October 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. For tickets call 847-920-5360 or visit www.LightOperaWorks.com and use code "strauss." Tickets must be purchased in advance. No door sales.

Butts in Seats?

Recently I had a conversation with someone about audiences and how we so frequently refer to them as “butts in seats,” and today I read this and it got me to thinking about how much time we put into thinking about our audiences after we have sold them the ticket. We would do almost anything to get them in the door, but once they’re there? Sure, we put on an awesome show but how many of us really think about the comfort, care and feeding (if you look at the comments, it’s kind of hilarious how many people talk about ice cream…I guess ice cream at the theatre is a thing in England) and genuine comfort of our audiences. If you get You’ve Cott Mail – you saw that today’s issue was about pre-show vs. post-show events – get them excited to see the show or let them talk about it afterward. I think I would argue that it’s both. We should be enveloping our audiences in the experience of going to the theatre, it is how we distinguish ourselves.

So, I can stay home and get virtually any entertainment in the world now available delivered to me on demand – I can eat and talk and smoke and wear my sweatpants while I look at it. OR, I can go to the theatre and have a singular, un-repeatable experience that includes communion with my friends and neighbors, making new friends, maybe learning something, maybe changing my life. I know which one we’d all choose, but we have to provide that experience to our patrons, we have to care about them, not just as butts in seats but as honored guests. I think we should treat every patron like they are our biggest donors. Every night should be an exercise in how much can we do for you?

Deb

Industry Ticket Offers

Wrens – Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, 5779 N. Ridge Avenue in Chicago , is offering a limited number of half-price $15 industry tickets for the following Thursday 8pm shows - 9/27, 10/4 and 10/11. Email Box Office Manager Trisha Hooper directly to reserve tickets - trisha@rivendelltheatre.org, or call 773-334-7728 (offer not available on website.)

Freshly Fallen Snow - Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave. is offering $15 industry/student tickets for Thursday and Sunday performances through October 28. For tickets or more information visit www.chicagodramatists.org.

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson - Bailiwick Chicago at National Pastime Theater, 941 W. Lawrence Ave. is offering $15 tickets to a special industry performance on Monday, October 29 at 8PM.  Must present a headshot, resume or industry ID. For tickets or more information visit www.bailiwickchicago.com.

Kota Yamazaki's glowing - The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan Ave. is offering $13 industry tickets for performances on Thursday through Saturday, September 27-29 at 8 pm. For details call 312-369-8330 and mention "INDUSTRY". For more information visit http://www.colum.edu/Dance_Center/performances/kotayamazakifluidhug-hug/.

Sator Duo – Chiesa Nuova at Ganz Hall at Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave. is offering a limited number of free industry tickets to the performance on Monday, October 1 at 7:30PM. Reserve your FREE tickets by calling 312.226.0983 and mention this industry offer.

My Baby Just Cares For Me - Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie is offering FREE Tickets for theatre industry professionals for this concert performance by Michael and Angela Ingersoll on Tuesday, October 2 at 8pm. Offer available by phone or walk-up, must mention the code INDUSTRY to reserve. Proof of industry (headshot, business card, etc.) requested upon ticket pickup. Box Office 847.673.6300.

The Catholic Repertory - American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St, is offering $10 industry tickets for preview performances this weekend. The schedule of performances is: Friday, September 28 - Agnes of God at 7:30PM; Saturday, September 29 - Doubt at 7:30PM and Agnes of God at 9:15PM; Sunday, September 30 - Doubt at 7:00PM and Agnes of God at 8:45PM. Please note that each play is sold separately. For tickets, please call the box office at 773.409.4125 or simply show up at least half an hour before curtain. Must present a headshot, resume or industry ID.

Another Idea!

Hey now we’ve got another idea. Sent to us by one of you. This one actually copies something that happened in New York this summer. It’s called Write Out Front and you can read about it here.

We think it would be very cool to have playwrights doing the same in a loop location. It does all kinds of things – gives people insight into the process, gets a playwrights name out there, it’s fun and engaging. What do you think? Should we do it?

Deb

pH Productions Seeking Donations for New Venue

pH Productions is opening a new theater and seeking to borrow some items before opening next month. If you are able to donate or borrow any of the items below please contact Mary Walsh at marycathleenwalsh@gmail.com.

Need to Borrow:
1. 2 or more clamps (for curtains)
2. 2 ladders at least 10 ft tall
3. cordless/electric drill
4. 2 or more saw horses
5. electric hand saws
6. extension cords
7. work gloves and safety goggles

Seeking Donations: 
1. 3 white stage wash lights
2. sound board

Industry Ticket Offers

Purple Fluffy Butter Bubbles – Stage 773 at 1225 W. Belmont Ave. is offering $5 industry tickets for their performance on Sunday September 23rd at 3:00pm. Please call 773.327.5252 and mention industry discount. For additional information on the show or to purchase online visit http://www.stage773.com/Show?id=25. To order tickets online enter code word "industry" on second page of ticket order.

The Skriker - Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont, is offering $10 tickets to an industry only performance on Monday, September 24 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available online at www.redtapetheatre.org with code KELPIE. Note the code must be entered first for the performance to appear. Contact Myah Shein at myah.shein@redtapetheatre.org with questions.
 
The National Theatre of Scotland’s Black Watch –Chicago Shakespeare Theater at the Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway is offering $25 cultural community tickets to performances on October 10, 11 and 12. For tickets click here and use the promo code SHARING. For more information on Black Watch visit www.chicagoshakes.com. 

Space Rental Availability at Profiles Theatre

Profiles Theatre has rental space available for their Alley Stage, 4147 N. Broadway beginning late October through December. Light and sound included, 65 seats, renovated lobby and two handicap accessible bathrooms. Available for rental for prime time, off and late night productions, rehearsals, classes and benefits. For further rental information, call Profiles at 773-549-1815.

It's Important

I know many of you reading this are young people, perhaps recently moved to Chicago from out of state, some of you are students, I know many of you also have interns working with you from out of state. Here’s what I have to say. I target young people because maybe you are from Indiana or Iowa or Wisconsin and your permanent address is still there. You should vote, because it matters. It is incredibly easy to register to vote and it is incredibly easy to get an absentee ballot. Even if you do not plan to go home before the election, it is easy.

Vote. It’s important. Even if you live in Illinois, vote, it doesn’t take any time at all. Lots of people died so we could have a government where the people have a voice. You may not approve of our government and you may not approve of the electoral college and you may not approve of your elected officials, but you actually have the power to change that.

Be informed about your voting. Learn what issues are at stake. Be in touch with the people you vote for. The politicians I meet are sincerely interested in constituents thoughts. Be involved in the future of this country. It’s important.

Deb

Babes With Blades seeking Submissions for Joining Sword and Pen Playwriting Competition

Babes With Blades is seeking play submissions for the 2013-14 Joining Sword and Pen Playwriting Competition. The winning script will receive a full production with BWBTC in 2014.The winning playwright will receive the Margaret Martin Award, which carries with it a $1000 stipend. DEADLINE FOR SCRIPT SUBMISSION: 2/28/13.

Click here for more details.

Gorilla Tango Theatre seeking 60-90 minute original scripts

Playwrights are invited to submit original 60-90 minute plays for consideration to be produced by Gorilla Tango Theatre (www.gorillatango.com) in 2013.

Guidelines:
1) Plays should be original work, notably parodies/spoofs of TV sitcoms, movies, pop culture, etc.
 2) Plays should have a unique component (ie music, dance, gymnastics, puppetry, etc.)
3) Plays should be sent in electronic format only (ie as a pdf or word attachment); links to plays will also be accepted. Submit plays to suzanne@gorillatango.com. Hard copies will not be accepted.
4) Please include a brief author bio.

Plays must be received by November 1, 2012. Please contact Suzanne Coors at suzanne@gorillatango.com.

Advocacy Roundtable

Monday, September 24, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
League of Chicago Theatre Offices, 17 N. Wabash, Suite 520
Election Day is just 56 days away. Voters will decide whether President Barack Obama stays in the White House, and here in Illinois, all 177 seats in the General Assembly and 18 seats in the U.S. House are up for grabs.

The winners of the 2012 elections will shape cultural policy for years to come. What can theatres do to engage in the democratic process and achieve meaningful policy victories for the arts? Find out in this special election edition of our arts advocacy training.

Presented by Arts Alliance Illinois, this training will cover:
 • What is in-bounds and out-of-bounds when it comes to election advocacy
• Ways to engage candidates and get their support before Election Day
• How to build relationships with elected officials after November 6
 Full of stories, role plays, and lessons learned from the Alliance's own advocacy campaigns, you'll leave this training with an action plan to participate in and benefit from the 2012 elections.

This roundtable is free for League members, but space is limited. RSVP to ben@chicagoplays.com to attend.

A Taste of Stage 773

The staff and board of Stage 773 are hosting a party to welcome you into our home on Tuesday, October 2. If you are free, we would love to lift a glass with you and share a "Taste of Stage 773".

The evening will start out at 6:00 with cocktails and networking. We then will move into a theater for a cornucopia of entertainment. The evening concludes with music and mingling.

Please R.S.V.P. as space will be limited based on seating in our theater. You can save your space by calling Jack at 773-929-7367 xt 112 or sign up at this link https://fs21.formsite.com/stage773/form9/secure_index.html.

Industry Ticket Offers

Voices of Strength - The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan Ave. is offering $13 industry tickets for performances on Saturday, September 15 at 3:00pm and 8:00pm. For details call 312-369-8330 and mention "INDUSTRY". For more information visit www.colum.edu/voicesofstrength.

Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie - Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie is offering $10 industry tickets for preview performances September 14-20. Offer available by phone or walk-up, must mention the code INDUSTRY to reserve. Proof of industry (headshot, business card, etc.) requested upon ticket pickup. Box Office 847.673.6300.

Edward Albee's Seascape - Remy Bumppo Theatre at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.  is offering $15 industry tickets to preview performances at 7:30 pm September 12 through 15 and 2:30 pm September 16. To reserve your seats, just visit www.remybumppo.org or call the box office at 773-404-7336 and use the codeword INDUSTRY.

Harebrained Scheme?

So, I was at the Fringe Festival last weekend and I met a young woman from Toronto who suggested that it might be a good idea to do an exchange program with her City. Chicago shows go to Toronto and vice versa. I have heard this idea before but, really on a larger scale than what she is talking about – this would be about exchanges of small theatres with somewhat of a local aesthetic. Then I brought it up in a League staff meeting and our brilliant staff came up with some other good ideas, why don’t we do it around World Theatre Day? And why couldn’t we expand it so that every year on World Theatre Day Chicago companies were performing all over the world. How cool would that be?

It could be a harebrained scheme. It could cost too much money. But I’m kind of excited about it. Worth exploring don’t you think?

Deb

ABT Seeks Submissions for Blue Ink Playwriting Award

American Blues Theater (ABT) seeks submissions for the annual Blue Ink Playwriting Award. The winner will be awarded a cash prize of $500.00 and receive a staged-reading of his/her manuscript by American Blues Theater. The winning play will be chosen by a selection committee comprised of ABT Ensemble members.

There is a $5 administrative fee. Please follow these guidelines:
1. Submissions must be original, unpublished full-length plays written in English. Translations and screenplays are not accepted. Adaptations allowed only if underlying rights are free and available.
2. Plays that received fully-produced productions are not eligible.
3. Blue Ink Playwriting Award is open to all subject matters. All playwrights are encouraged to submit.
4. The manuscript must begin with a title page that shows the play’s title and your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and page count; a second title page which lists the title of the play only; a list of characters; a list of acts and scenes; and (if applicable) a list of acknowledgments.
5. Please include playwright’s bio/resume in a separate attachment.
6. Playwrights may submit only one (1) manuscript per each year.
7. Submissions and questions are accepted by email only to blueink@americanbluestheater.com
8. Please send as a Word Document or PDF File only.
9. Send $5 for the administrative fee to: American Blues Theatre c/o Blue Ink: 800 W. Cornelia, Suite 204, Chicago, IL 60657. You may send a personal or cashier’s check, or cash.
10. The submission process begins on July 1, 2011. Submissions must be received no later than October 1, 2011.
11. The winning play will be publicly announced by ABT no later than March 31, 2013. The winning playwright will be notified directly, prior to public notification. The winner and finalists will be posted on ABT’s website immediately following the public announcement.
12. ABT reserves the Right-of-First-Refusal to produce the World-premiere of the winning play for one year’s time beginning on the date of the winning playwright announcement.
13. From the time of your submission through the winning announcement date, if your play receives or is scheduled for a professional production, please contact us.

For more information regarding ABT, please visit www.americanbluestheater.com.

Industry Ticket Offers

Illegal Use of Hands -- American Blues Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, is offering a limited number of $10 industry tickets for September 7, 8 and 9. Call (773) 871-3000 and mention this offer. Visit http://www.americanbluestheater.com for more information.

Good People - Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, is offering $20 industry tickets for preview performances Thursday, September 13 through Friday, September 21 in the Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre. Excludes Saturday night, September 15.Use code “INDUSTRY” online at www.steppenwolf.org or call Audience Services at 312-335-1650. Tickets must be reserved at least one hour before performance. Subject to availability.

Dirty - The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave. is offering $22 industry tickets for Sunday matinee performances September 23 -November 18 at 2:30 p.m. Click here for tickets or visit www.thegifttheatre.org.

The Skriker - Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont is offering $10 industry tickets to preview performances September 13 - 15 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at www.redtapetheatre.org. Use code STUINDP when checking out. Contact Myah Shein at myah.shein@redtapetheatre.org with questions.

Sweet and Sad -- Profiles Theatre at the Main Stage, 4139 N. Broadway is offering $15 industry tickets to any Thursday 8 pm performance or Sunday 7 pm performance through October 7, plus special added performance on Tuesday, September 11 at 8 pm that includes post show talk-back. Call (773) 549-1815 and mention this offer or visit www.profilestheatre.org for more information.

After -- Profiles Theatre at the Alley Stage, 4147 N. Broadway is offering $15 industry tickets to any Thursday 8 pm performance or Sunday 7 pm performance through October 14. Call (773) 549-1815 and mention this offer or visit www.profilestheatre.org for more information.

Industry Ticket Offers

A Class Act -  Porchlight Music Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont. is offering a limited number of $10 discount tickets for the Monday, Sept. 3 at 7:30 p.m. performance. Call the box office at 773-975-8150 or www.theaterwit.org and mention code Industry. Limited to two tickets.

The Lady With All The Answers - Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, is offering $10 industry tickets for all performances Sept. 7 to 23. 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.

Hot 'N' Throbbing by Paula Vogel - Interrobang Theatre Project in residence at the West Stage of the Raven Theatre Complex, 6157 N. Clark St. is offering a limited number of $10 industry tickets to all performances September 20 through October 21 using the code "INDUSTRY" at the Raven Theatre box office. Limited to 2 tickets.

Crucial Support for the 21st Century

A couple of weeks ago I posted my testimony for the Illinois Arts Council and I have been asked by a few people to write a more detailed blog on the importance of general operating support for our theatres.

I realize I am preaching to the converted and I would never presume to tell anyone how to do their job, but I think we are at a critical point in the world of support for our organizations. In order for our organizations to adapt to 21st century realities, we are going to need to be able to experiment, particularly in the area of structure. We can no longer build theatres the same way they were built 50 years ago and we are going to need support from grant making entities and that support must take the form of general operating support so that our organizations can be nimble enough to take advantage of opportunities and adapt to change. We cannot do with less operating support and we must have more. I think project grants are important and impactful but I think we should take another look at operating support and its impact on the field.

There are very few organizations providing general operating funds to arts organizations. Grant making organizations are under pressure to hold grantees accountable and to show impact through their grant making. In addition, grant makers feel that artistic quality is a subjective judgment and so cannot make grants based on that criteria, leading to some funders making “democratic” grants – i.e. dividing up the pie among qualified applicants based on budget. I understand these issues but believe that we can work together to show that general operating grants in fact have the greatest impact on an organization and that new criteria be developed that can show that impact. If the “democratic” method isn’t working for grant makers, then we can work together to develop criteria for that as well. I am actually not a big fan of everybody gets the money. I think there should be specific criteria and I think it wouldn’t be very difficult to develop them.

General operating support grants are the support that allow us to be innovative, to take risks, and to experiment. While it may seem to a funder that small grants to small organizations have no impact, in fact, it is nothing less than what enables them to continue to do their work. In the unique ecology of Chicago theatre, we are nothing without our small and mid-sized theatres, our small and mid-sized theatres are where our artists grow and learn where new work is de rigueur and where audiences are engaged on a level that is not possible in larger institutions. As I said in my testimony, it’s not sexy, and it’s not an intellectual approach to grant making, but it is vital to our continued survival. If we want theatre to continue to thrive in Chicago, an investment in our theatres through general operating funds is the absolute best way to go about that.

Project grants are important, no doubt about that, but project grants do not pay the rent, they don’t cover expenses, in some cases, they may lead to increased capacity for the organization but in many cases, I’m afraid they simply don’t. In some cases I argue that project grants actually have the opposite effect, stretching an organization so thin that their capacity to make art actually decreases while the company resources are fulfilling the grant. In addition, companies twist themselves up to fit the criteria for these grants.

As an example, take a theatre with an operating budget of under $1 million, probably 10-20% of their income comes from general operating support. Not much, right? Not too big of an impact? Wrong. Losing those grants mean cuts, end of story. At that budget size, operations are lean in the extreme and there is no overhead to cut so the cuts come from staff or production, leading to a further spiral and that in turns lead to further reductions in income. The snowball effect of the loss of even a “small” grant cannot be underestimated.

So what can you do? Fight the fight. When grant makers send you surveys, let them know how important general operating grants are to you. If you have good relationships with your foundation funders, talk to them; ask them to try to influence their colleagues. When you do your final reports, make specific statements about impact. On the City, State and Federal level, talk to your elected officials, talk about what these investments bring to your communities.

Deb

Illinois Arts Council Strategic Plan Survey

From the Illinois Arts Council:

Dear Friend of the Arts,

As part of our Strategic Plan process we are conducting a survey. This confidential survey will take about 10 to 15 minutes of your time and is to be completed by 5p.m. on August 28, 2012.

We strongly encourage people to become engaged in this process, and to inform others they know who also have an interest, but might not ordinarily participate. We are making every effort to involve the broadest range of people throughout Illinois because of the value the Illinois Arts Council places on diverse perspectives concerning the arts in our state.

If you have questions or comments, please contact Jerome Grand, Strategic Plan Operations Manager, at jerome.grand@illinois.gov or at Illinois Arts Council, Thompson Center, 100 W Randolph, Ste 10-500, Chicago, IL 60601.

Your input is crucial to the development of our 2013 - 2020 Strategic Plan. The plan is targeted for completion in mid-November 2012 and will be made available on our website.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Industry Ticket Offers

Iphigenia 2.0 -- Next Theatre Company at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St, Evanston, is offering $12.50 industry tickets for Thursday, Sept 6 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, September 7, at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, September 8 at 8 p.m. For tickets, call 847-475-1875 or visit www.nexttheatre.org and use the code “Industry.”

Chicago Fringe Festival - August 30-September 9, is offering an industry/Chicago Plays discount toward the cost of the Fringe entrance button to the 2012 Fringe Festival. Tickets just $10/performance. Visit https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/store/29475/pr/54244 for the discount. Buttons must be picked up at Fringe Central (600 W. Cermak) half an hour prior to performances.

A New Season

I can't believe that it's the end of August already and another fall theatre season is here. A few of you early birds have even opened your first show already and in the next few weeks many others will join you. We recently compiled and sent out a press release of fall show highlights and there is so much to look forward to in the coming months. It's going to be another amazing year of Chicago theatre with dozens of world and Chicago premieres, new musicals, re-envisioned classics, and lots of great comedy and improv.  We couldn't be more proud to support and promote this theatre community and all of the work that you produce. We look forward to seeing you at the theatre this fall.

Chicago Dramatists Fall 2012 Classes

Always Wanted To Write But Didn’t Know Where to Start? This Fall: Become a Playwright at Chicago Dramatists

A 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 environment. Most classes include a mixture of lecture, discussion, writing assignments (both in and out of class), reading and critiquing participants’ work.

A teacher or acting-school student? Receive 15% off and if you’re a theater undergrad or grad student, receive 40% off! Discounts for seniors and first timers are also available along with the full listing of classes at http://www.chicagodramatists.org/.

Hurry! Registration is limited!

Industry Ticket Offers

Illegal Use of Hands -- American Blues Theater at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, is offering a limited number of $10 industry tickets for previews Friday August 31, Saturday September 1, and Sunday September 2. Call (773) 871-3000 and mention this office. Visit http://www.americanbluestheater.com for more information.

33 Variations - TimeLine Theatre Company at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets for preview performances on August 24, 25 and 29 at 8PM and August 26 at 2 and 7 PM. Tickets are $15 (plus applicable fees through Stage 773) when you use the code “Industry”. Call the Stage 773 Box Office at 773.327.5252 or purchase online at http://boxoffice.printtixusa.com/stage773/eventcalendar. For more information: http://www.timelinetheatre.com/33variations.

Savage Land - Nothing Special Productions at The Den, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. is offering $12 industry tickets for performances through September 2. Click here for tickets

That's Voiceover! - Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph is offering a $75 industry ticket price (regularly $225) for the event on Saturday, August 25. For tickets click here and use code ChicagoPlays.