Hurry! Do it!

Innovate! Do it now! Why aren’t you more innovative!

I’m tired, that’s why. Why don’t you innovate?

It’s your job! Do it! Hurry!

I don’t know how – can you tell me how?

No.

Those kinds of conversations although completely imagined by me give an idea of the kind of pressure I’m feeling to do this thing. So that led me to think about a definition of innovation so I looked it up and you know what it said “something new or different introduced.” What? I do that every freaking day. Ben Cameron, in a recent speech, gave a definition that made sense to me “Innovation equals pathways to value delivery that are discontinuous. Innovation is not a new way to do an old thing, innovation is something that changes organizational assumptions.” But first you have to know what your organizational assumptions are.

I wish we could all put aside two things – that is a certain amount of time to spend each week on innovation and some money to put towards innovation – like a certain percentage of our budgets just so we could try something out if we had a good idea. How many times a month/week/day do you say – oh that’s a good idea…if only we had the dough. What if we put aside that dough for risk capital, built it into the budget and held onto it through all the cuts we have to make. What if we held onto that time every week to think and dream. Maybe we could figure out how to change our organizational assumptions and truly innovate. Just the doing of it would be innovative.

So, now go forth and innovate.

Deb

Industry Ticket Offers

Collected Stories - American Blues Theater at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater 2433 North Lincoln Avenue is offering a limited number of $10 industry tickets for the following performances: Friday, Apr. 26 @ 8pm, Saturday, Apr. 27 @ 8pm, Sunday, Apr. 28 @ 2:30pm. Call 773-871-3000 and mention this offer. Visit http://www.americanbluestheater.com for more information.

Woman in Mind - Eclipse Theatre Company at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport is offering $10 industry tickets on Thursdays and Fridays through May 19th. Please mention code INDUSTRY at the Athenaeum Box Office when purchasing tickets. For more information, visit http://www.eclipsetheatre.com.

Creditors - Remy Bumppo Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets for all Friday night and Thursday matinee (matinees are May 2 & 16) performances in May. Tix available at www.remybumppo.org or by calling the Greenhouse at 773-404-7336 and use codeword Industry.

Head of Passes + SONO Sunday's - Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, is offering $25 tickets to Head of Passes + SONO specials! Just use code “13536” for $25 tickets to ANY Sunday evening performance. Through June 9, 2013. PLUS, show your ticket stub at SONO (1582 N Clybourn) before the show for half-priced bottles of wine and one complimentary Bruschetta per person.

The Exonerated - Next Theatre Company and the Theatre and Interpretation Center at Northwestern University in the Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Drive, is offering a $5-off discount with the code EXONERATED13. Discount valid on advance purchase only; may not be used at the door. (847) 491-7282 or www.tic.northwestern.edu/exonerated.

Tea with Edie and Fitz - Dead Writers Theatre Collective  at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through June 9. Mention the code LEAGUE to secure your tickets at 773.404.7336. Tickets based on availability.

The Happiest Song Plays Last By Quiara Alegría Hudes - Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, is offering $10 industry tickets for performances April 28 at 7:30pm through May 12 using promo code FRIEND at GoodmanTheatre.org/HappiestSong*. *Offer available online only. Please note that promo codes are not available through our mobile site. Not valid on previously purchased tickets or in combination with other offers. Expires 5/12/13.

Astor Piazzolla's Maria de Buenos Aires - Chicago Opera Theater at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph, is offering buy one get one for tickets for Friday April 26 at 7:30 pm and Sunday April 28th at 3:00 pm. (Excludes Section A+) For tickets call box office 312-704-8414 and use code Nuevo Tango.

Arts Work Fund

Arts Work Fund
Deadline: June 17th, 2013, 6:00pm

The Arts Work Fund invites proposals from multi-cultural and culturally-specific arts organizations that have not previously received a grant from the Fund.

The Arts Work Fund will award grants in three areas of organizational development:
organizational planning
marketing
financial management

Grants support consulting fees and associated project costs related to working with outside experts.

Grants will range in size from $3,000-$15,000. Consideration for funding at $15,000 will be reserved for applications that have deep organizational impact, or multiple collaborative partners.

Full RFP is at www.artsworkfund.org. Questions? Call or email Marcia Festen at the Arts Work Fundonal needs. Marcia can be reached at 773-296-2601 or marcia@artsworkfund.org.

The Two Pence Lab: It’s Not A Workshop - It’s A Workout

The Two Pence Lab: It’s Not A Workshop - It’s A Workout
You Bring: 10 - 15 lines of Shakespeare’s text, Comfy Pants, A Generous Spirit // Two Pence Brings: A Guided Warmup, Space to Play, Fresh Perspective
NEXT LAB IS: Sunday April 28 7:30-9:30pm
HOW MUCH: By donation, every time
WHEN: Every Second and Fourth Sunday, 7:30-9:30pm
WHO: Anyone interested in their inner Shakespeare
RSVP to Kathryn@twopencetheatre.org
THEN: Show up. or check out: facebook.com/TwoPenceTheatre www.twopencetheatre.org

Breaking Down Walls

I was at a conference last week and had the great privilege of hearing Jane Golden, director of the City of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program speak. This woman has turned mural painting into a signature program for the City, the largest program of its kind in the nation and taken what was originally intended to be an anti-graffiti program into a model for community development and an important program for social justice. It is astonishing what she has been able to accomplish. There has been so much talk about innovation lately and there was at this conference as well. This woman has what it takes for real innovation – the willingness and the fortitude to keep breaking down walls (or painting them) until something happens.

There were three things she said that made an indelible impression on me. The first is that she believes that every citizen deserves art and anything less is unacceptable. The second was that in her work she found that in the same way that a broken window can lead to crime in a neighborhood that a work of art can lead to an increase in caring about a neighborhood.

And finally, she approaches the work with Rigor and Love – you can see it in the work and you can see it in the neighborhoods she has changed and you can see it when she speaks. She was absolutely inspiring, and I hope to approach my work with something approximating the rigor and love she brings.

Deb

Working with the Musical: From Audition to Closing

Actors’ Equity Association’s Equal Employment Opportunity Committee and the Members Education Committee presents 
“Working with the Musical: From Audition to Closing” 

Designed to discuss and unravel the mysteries of musical theatre, “Working with the Musical: From Audition to Closing” will discuss the appropriate preparation for the musical audition; the appropriate preparation of songs, roles, and characters once you are cast in a musical; and will give guidance to those actors and dancers that have a desire to move into musical theatre.

Our highly respected panel includes; Jaret Landon (Musical Director) Doug Peck (Musical Director) Andy Hite (Artistic Director, Marriott Theatre) Bill Osetek (Artistic Director, Drury Lane Oakbrook) Jim Corti (Artistic Director, Paramount Theatre) Rachel Rockwell (Director/Choreographer) Sam Samuelson (Stewart Talent) Joel Hall (Joel Hall Dance Company) Randy Duncan (Choreographer) Michael Weber (Porchlight Music Theatre)

Where and When: Saturday, May 25, 2013 / 8:00AM to 12:00PM / Goodman Theatre

“Working with the Musical: From Audition to Closing” is open to all Equity Members, Equity Member Candidates, and (if space permits) non-Equity Actors

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED / RSVP to Brittany Steiger at bsteiger@actorsequity.org

Special Offer for LCT Members with the Grant Park Music Festival

Reach the Grant Park Music Festival’s passionate, arts-loving annual audience of more than 300,000 patrons when you advertise in our concert program books. Customize your ads to promote your season in one or all five of our books. The Grant Park Music Festival is the nation’s only free, summer-long classical music series of its kind, and returns to Millennium Park June 12—August 17. Contact Leila today at 312.742.7640 or leila.scheinman@gpmf.org for special rates for League members when you book by April 26.

Free Beer

Stage 773 has 900 cases of Guinness Black Lager to donate. Conditions include signing a waiver stating the beer may not sold and shall not be given to anyone under 21 years of age. Make arrangements to pick up 12-4pm on Fridays 4/26, 5/3 or 5/10 by contacting Brian Peterlin at peterlin@stage773.com. 

TUTA Theatre Master Class: Advanced Scene Study

TUTA Theatre Master Class: Advanced Scene Study with Artistic Director Jacqueline Stone, runs May 14 - July 2, 2013, Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30pm, $250 for 8 weeks. Register by April 30th and receive a $25 discount! TUTA’s advanced scene study master class will provide experienced actors with a unique approach to exploring the two main types of text TUTA is known for: well known classics that can be newly approached and European plays rarely produced in the US. Actors will be guided through a self-discovery process that will focus on voice, movement, and the musicality of text. All scenes will be handpicked by the instructor for the students accepted, and follow a TUTA rehearsal process including table readings and a final performance that will be open to family and friends, allowing ample time for one on one feedback. The complete plays of the selected scenes will be provided by TUTA. All master classes are limited to 12 students each. Admittance by instructor approval only. To apply, please submit H/R to jackie@tutato.com. Classes held at TUTA Studio Theatre, 2010 West Fulton Ave, Chicago

Not-for-Profit Incorporation and Tax Exemption Workshop

Tuesday, May 7, 2013. 
5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 

Lawyers for the Creative Arts will again present its workshop on Not-for-Profit Incorporation and Tax Exemption at its office at 213 W. Institute Place, Suite 403. The cost is $100 for one person, and $125 for two people. This workshop will discuss whether to start a NFP, how to establish a NFP, as well as certain recurring operating problems. We also cover in detail how to obtain a 501(c) (3) tax exemption and discuss several legal issues regarding maintaining tax exempt status. A full package of documents is included. Although this workshop is intended for artists of all types, it has been very popular with lawyers as well as it provides comprehensive coverage of the subject.

Please call LCA at 312-649-4111 to register.

Industry Ticket Offers

Collected Stories - American Blues Theater at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 North Lincoln Avenue is offering a limited number of $9 industry tickets for the following previews: Friday, Apr. 19 @ 8pm, Saturday, Apr. 20 @ 8pm, Sunday, April. 21 @ 2:30pm. Call 773-871-3000 and mention this offer. Visit http://www.americanbluestheater.com for more information.

Woman In Mind - Eclipse Theatre Company at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport is offering $8 industry tickets for Thursday April 18th and Friday April 19th. Performances are at 7:30pm. Mention code "INDUSTRY" at the Box Office. For more info call 773-935-6875 or visit http://www.eclipsetheatre.com.

Maude Maggart: A Cabaret Concert - Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd. is offering $15 industry tickets on Saturday, April 20 at 9:00 p.m.This celebrated singer, who started her performing career in the clubs of New York and Los Angeles, has exploded into one of today's most compelling cabaret artists. Use the promo code AMBER to receive this discount (Regular price $45). Box Office: 847-673-6300 or northlight.org.

Blood and Gifts - TimeLine Theatre Company, 615 W. Wellington Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets to preview performances April 30 - May 8. with code INDUSTRY, subject to availability. Industry tickets may be purchased online via http://www.timelinetheatre.com/tickets or via the box office by phone at 773.281.8463 x6.

NET Professional Development Webinars

The Network of Ensemble Theatres is pleased to announce two professional development webinars as part of our Ensemble ABCs program. These interactive online classes are specifically designed to build knowledge and to allow participation regardless of where you are located!

20% discount to NET webinars for League of Chicago Theatre members!

Board of Directors 
For 5/23 session, use code: P4G5PH6K

Today's Touring Landscape 
For Part 1 use code: MXPXCXJ9
For Part 2 use code: FL3DT2CX

Board of Directors: Fundamentals for Ensembles 
with Lisa Mount, Director, Artistic Logistics
BIO >

Why must you have a board? What are the expectations of an ensemble’s board? How do you get a board to do what you want them to do?

This one hour session is specifically designed to look at how boards work, how ensembles can make the best use of their board of directors, and how to manage some of the particular challenges ensembles face with their boards. The ideal participants are ensemble members wanting to make sure they are making strategic choices about board structures and roles, or companies that are just thinking about becoming a 501(c)(3) and wanting to know how a board functions.

Participants will receive helpful links and resources at the end of the session.

Wednesday, April 24th 1:00pm – 2:00pm EDT
REGISTER NOW >
OR
Thursday, May 23rd 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
REGISTER NOW >

COST DISCOUTED RATE for NET Members: $20
For 4/24 Use Code: QLCMR2ZU
For 5/23 Use Code: P4G5PH6K

Today's Touring Landscape
What does it take to tour? What do I need to know before going out on the road? PART 1 National Performance Network's Doin' it on the Road Today's Touring Landscape with MK Wegmann, President & CEO National Performance Network
BIO >

Tuesday, April 30th 4:00 - 5:00pm EDT
REGISTER NOW >

Part 1 offers practical information and strategies for successful touring in today’s landscape including contracts, budgets, insurance, tech riders, etc. Participants will receive helpful links and resources at the end of the session.

PART 2

The Nuances of Touring 
Wednesday, May 1st 4:00 - 5:00pm EDT
REGISTER NOW >

Part 2 is a conversation with individuals representing various aspects/expertise (e.g. presenters, agents, peer touring artists, etc.) of the touring ecology and aims to investigate what presenters "do" and what they're looking for.

COST DISCOUTED RATE for NET Members: $20
For Part 1 use code: MXPXCXJ9
For Part 2 use code: FL3DT2CX

Industry Ticket Offers

Rabbit - Stage Left Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont is offering $15 industry tickets on Thursdays 4/25, 5/2 and 5/9. For tickets call 773-875-9150 and use the code "chimes." Visit www.stagelefttheatre.com for more information.

Havana Blue: River North Dance Chicago with Orbert Davis' Chicago Jazz Philharmonic -Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, is offering half-priced industry tickets in Sections IV ($21), III ($27.50), and II ($33) on April 13 at 8pm. Use code INDUSTRY. Tickets available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by calling (800) 982-2787, or at the box office at 50 E Congress Pkwy.

A Permanent Image - LiveWire Chicago Theatre at Chicago DCASE Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph St. is offering $12 industry tickets on all performances, now through May 5. Tickets can be purchased online using the code 'INDUSTRY' at livewirechicago.brownpapertickets.com. For more information at www.livewirechicago.com.

The Whale - Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets to the performance on April 14th at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are available over the phone at (773) 871-3000 and online at VictoryGardens.org. Use code "FAMOUS" when checking out.

The Silent Language - TUTA Theatre Chicago at TUTA Studio Theatre, 2010 W. Fulton, is offering a suggested donation of $15 for all industry and free spots to theatre interns/apprentices for previews 4/11 – 4/18, Thurs – Sat at 8pm and Sat and Sun at 4pm and for performances 4/19 – 5/19, Fri and Sat at 8pm and Sat and Sun at 4pm, and a special industry night on Mon, April 29th at 8pm. In exchange, please bring H/R or business card, and a willingness to sign up on our mailing list. Spots are extremely limited. Reservations are required and must be emailed to boxoffice@tutato.com stating your name, the date you are requesting, and the password “INDUSTRY” or “INTERN”. Spots are based on availability and must be claimed 15 minutes before show time or they will be released. For more information www.tutato.com.

May/June Space Rental Availability

Profiles Theatre has a great last minute opening for rental of their Alley Stage at an incredible price for May/June. 65 seats, lights, sound and tech included. Call 773-549-1815 for more information.

Passion and Need

So, by now you have all seen this piece by Todd London which I think is fantastic and says many things that are true and right and will help the American theatre but there is one area that I want to emphasize because I think this could easily be taken as a piece that speaks against larger or more institutionalized theatres, although I don’t think he does, I think that impression could be had.

We need an ecology that supports all types of theatres. Some of that is happening here – larger institutions presenting or producing the work of smaller theatres, definitely we all see each other’s work – but, it’s really in the money isn’t it? Someone I once worked for said “Nobody aspires to be poor and obscure,” truer words were never spoken but how can we aspire to greater heights without thinking of greater money and if our only example is an institutional theatre then how can we not aspire to that. Theatre audiences are created across the spectrum of theatre making so I believe that theatres with big marketing budgets will bring audiences to theatres with small budgets. But, I also believe that there needs to be a place created for experimentation and learning and growth that doesn’t mean a constant struggle to survive. That becomes that and only that. I agree with Todd in that I am beginning to think that the model lies somewhere in the ensemble theatre movement, that it is not going to be a model built on economics as, in fact, the regional theatre movement was not built on economics. I think it will be built on passion and a need in our society for more and deeper human connection and I think the economics will come.

Deb

One State Together in the Arts

One State Together in the Arts
June 24-25, 2013
Quad Cities, IL
Convened every other year by Arts Alliance Illinois and the Illinois Arts Council Agency, One State Together in the Arts is the only statewide, multidisciplinary conference for arts leaders, advocates and practitioners in Illinois.

One State isn’t your ordinary conference. Rather than lots of plenaries and concurrent sessions, One State has a total of ten dynamic, electrifying storytellers who, in a 20-minute talk or performance, share big ideas and big inspiration.

Internationally acclaimed artist and urban planner Theaster Gates will keynote the conference. Through initiatives like the Dorchester Projects, Rebuild Foundation, and Arts and Public Life initiative at the University of Chicago, Theaster is putting theory into practice and transforming the well-being of individuals and communities through the arts. Drawing on an expanded artistic practice that includes space development, object making, performance, and critical engagement with many publics, Theaster’s keynote will illuminate our theme and explore, from the inside out, what happens when arts and community engage.

Scholarships and group discounts are available. For more information and to register, go to http://onestateillinois.com.

Multicultural Chicago Theatre Network Kick-Off Mixer

Industry Ticket Offers

Still Alice – Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Water Works at 821 N. Michigan Ave, is offering exclusive $15 industry tickets for Wednesday, April 10th at 7:30 p.m only. Use code INDUSTRY when calling 312.337.0665 or visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org to purchase tickets. Discount and seating are subject to availability.

Red Hamlet- Red Theater Chicago in Stage 773 at 1225 W Belmont Ave is offering exclusive $5 industry tickets for performances on Thursdays April 4th and 11th at 8pm; and Sundays April 7th and 14th at 3pm. Use code RG when calling (773) 327-5252 or visit http://www.stage773.com/tickets/ to purchase tickets.

Concerning Strange Devices from the Distant West - TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets for performances April 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m., April 5 at 8 p.m. and April 6 at 4 p.m. For tickets call 773.281.8463 and use code INDUSTRY.

The Lake Effect - Silk Road Rising at the Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W. Washington, is offering 50% industry tickets to all previews and the first Thursday and Friday of the run April 23, 24, 25 at 7:30 p.m.($12.50), Friday, April 26 at 8:00 ($12.50), Thursday, May 2 at 7:30 ($17.50), Friday, May 3 at 8:00 ($17.50). There is a limit of two per person and we ask the customer to supply a resume or headshot when picking up the ticket. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at (312) 857-1234 or buying online at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/917613/prm/Industry.

Woman in Mind - Eclipse Theatre Company at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. is offering $8 industry tickets to preview performances April 11-13. For tickets call the Athenaeum Theatre Box Office at 773-935-6875 and mention this industry offer. Must present headshot, resume or business card at the box office.

Neighborhood Ball: Andersonville - Theatre Seven of Chicago's Benefit Party at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N Clark St, is offering 30% off industry tickets on April 13th at 7pm. For tickets, please visit www.theatreseven.org or call 773-853-3158 and use the code INDUSTRY.

Young Jean Lee’s Theatre Company Untitled Feminist Show -  MCA Stage, 220 E. Chicago is offering $22 industry tickets for all performances, Thursday, April 18 through Sunday, April 21, at 7:30 pm. Purchase tickets online or call the MCA Box Office, 312.397.4010 and use the code YOUNG. Learn more.

Linklater Workshop

Silk Road Rising in association with Teatro Luna invites Chicago's professional actors of color to join Stage Director and Designated Linklater Voice Instructor Timothy Douglas in a 3-evening movement / voice / text workshop inspired by Kristin Linklater's Freeing the Natural Voice. Limited to 20 participants.

Location:
The Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington St. Chicago, IL

Dates: 
Tuesday, April 9th, 6pm - 9pm. 1st Floor Garland Room at the Cultural Center.
Thursday, April 11th, 6pm - 10pm. 1st Floor Garland Room at the Cultural Center.
Friday, April 12th, 6pm - 10pm. 4th Floor Conference Room at the Cultural Center.

Fees:
A Love Offering ($25.00 minimum suggested donation per session)

Register:
To register, email Alex Meda at Teatro Luna at alexmeda@teatroluna.org or, call Alex at 773-819-5862.

THE NUTS & BOLTS: 
No prior Linklater experience required (but would surely enhance the experience). Participants agree to 'learn by heart' 5 - 8 lines of Shakespearean Verse FROM A PLAY (no sonnets or dramatic poems please). Participants need only memorize and 'make sense' of the text - but keep to an absolute minimum any compelling character/actor choices - and please DO NOT work on pieces you've worked on before! In choosing your text, you need not concern yourself with gender, race, age, etc. ... simply choose something that 'speaks to you'.

Participants should come dressed for MOVEMENT ... NO tight clothing (except leggings, workout wear, etc.), NO belts or anything else that might constrict the belly area - and ideally NO jeans. Some exercises may require laying on the floor and participants are welcome to bring a towel. The topics covered each evening build upon one another, so all participants MUST attend the April 9th session in order to participate in the sessions on April 11th & 12th.

The Love Offering / Suggested Donation is exactly that ... no one turned away who cannot pay - as long as there is a slot available.