DirectorsLabChicago announces 2018 Lab

Artistic Director Wm Bullion is pleased to announce the 2018 DirectorsLabChicago to be held Sunday, August 19, through Friday, August 24, 2018, at Victory Gardens Theater on Chicago’s north side. The theme for this year’s Lab is All Art is Political: Empathy, Identity and Intention in the Theater.

DirectorsLabChicago offers this annual week-long Lab as its flagship program. Now in its fourteenth year, the Lab has hosted 185 U.S.-based and 43 international directors, exploring themes such as The Language of the Stage, The Power of Myth and Ritual and The Kinetics of Directing. Previous presenters have included Robert Falls (Goodman Theatre), Martha Lavey (Steppenwolf), Leon Ingulsrud (SITI Company), Anne Cattaneo (Lincoln Center Theater), Chay Yew (Victory Gardens), and many more.

The Lab gathers directors from all over the world for a week of in-depth investigation of a single topic from multiple angles. It is geared toward professional directors in early- to mid-career stages, who are selected through a rigorous application process. As in years past, the Lab will consist of workshops and panel discussions with master artists, peer-led sessions, and visits to various Chicago productions.

DirectorsLabChicago was founded in 2005 by stage directors Elizabeth Margolius and Karin Shook as a result of their experience at the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab in New York. The artist service organization is very generously supported by the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, as well as by Victory Gardens Theater, our primary host for the 2018 Lab.

More information about this year’s theme, including details about eligibility and the application process, are available at directorslabchicago.com/this-years-lab. Applications will be accepted through Sunday, May 6, 2018.

Questions about the Lab may be directed to Bullion at billy@directorslabchicago.com. Learn more about DirectorsLabChicago at directorslabchicago.com and facebook.com/DirectorsLabChicago.

Art as Activism

Stage 773 located at 1225 W. Belmont, presents an all-new, quarterly Artists Professional Development Series, beginning on Monday, April 2. Hosted by the Young Professionals Board of Stage 773, these events will be an open forum for art enthusiasts and the public alike to discuss a range of topics dealing with the theater community. Throughout the series, topics will include diversity and inclusion, educating all levels of artists in the business of art making, exploring new ways of enhancing Chicago theater, providing the tools needed to make integration the goal at Stage 773 and the community it serves, and focusing on important issues that not only affect the art community, but the entire city.

The inaugural event on Monday, April 2 will begin with a networking session in the Stage 773 lobby at 5:30 pm, followed by an open panel discussion about diversity, inclusion, and the strategies needed to create an open dialogue within the theater community. The panel will feature a selection of Chicago powerhouse artists and art professionals leading the discourse, including Daryl Brooks, Associate Director at Black Ensemble Theater; Becca Browne, Artistic Development and Group Sales Manager at Victory Gardens; Shelby Jo at The iO Theater; and more to be announced. To finish off the evening, guests will have an opportunity to further the discussion during an interactive Q&A session. Other new panelist: David Cerda Artistic Director and founder of Hell in a Handbag, and Dina Nina Martinez, nationally acclaimed standup comedian, actor and speaker.

The quarterly events are free to the public, and will take place on Monday evenings. More information is available online at www.Stage773.com, by phone 773.327.5252, and in person at the Stage 773 box office, located at 1225 W Belmont.

Industry Ticket Offers

Plantation! - Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave. is offering $20 industry tickets to select performances including March 30, 31 and March 31 and April 1 at 2PM. Use code INDUSTRY to access $20 tickets (in all sections) for the performances listed above. Available online at lookingglasstheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at 312.337.0665.

MusicNOW: Savior – The Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Harris Theater, 205 E Randolph is offering $15 industry tickets to the Monday, April 2, MusicNOW concert. Order online at cso.org with promo code INDUSTRY.

hang - Remy Bumppo Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln is offering $15 industry tickets to performances on March 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, click here or call the Box Office at 773.404.7336 and use code INDUSTRY.

To Catch a Fish - TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets to all previews April 25 - May 2 when you use the code INDUSTRY15. Buy tickets online or call the TimeLine box office at 773.281.8463 x6.

The Beauty Queen of Leenane - Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie, is offering $15 Industry Rush Tickets for all performances through April 22. May be purchased in person only, 2 hours before performance. Must provide proof of industry. Limit 2 tickets per Industry ID. Excludes Premium section and Opening Night. To check availability call our box office at 847.673.6300

Collaboraction Studios is Accepting Submissions for Resident Companies

Collaboraction Studios is accepting submissions for resident companies for The Salon in Wicker Park. If you're a theatre, music, or comedy company seeking a place to call home then The Salon might be the perfect fit for you. The Salon, Collaboraction's newest performance space, is a versatile, room of warmth and energy perfect for late night comedy, live music, spoken word storytelling, out of the box theatre, dancing, and just hanging out. Located at Collaboraction's home in the Flat Iron Arts Building of Wicker Park, The Salon is easily accessible by the Blue Line as well as the 56, 70, and 72 Buses. Ideally, this residency would begin in late June. Go to https://www.collaboraction.org/the-salon or email info@collaboraction.org for more details.

In Conversation with Q2Q Cartoonist Steven Younkins

Mon, April 2, 2018 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM CDT
Steppenwolf's Merle Reskin Rehearsal Space 
 1624 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60614
The Stage Managers’ Association (SMA), in partnership with The League of Chicago Theatres, presents In Conversation with Q2Q Cartoonist Steven Younkins on Monday, April 2nd in Chicago, Illinois. The conversation will be held at Steppenwolf's Merle Reskin Rehearsal Space and led by Joe Drummond.

This is an opportunity for the Chicago Theatre community to learn about Steven's inspirations and the backstories for his Q2Q characters.

The event is free and open to the public, but all attendees must have a ticket. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended as seating is limited. Limit 1 ticket per person/email address.
Click here to RSVP

Spring and Summer Space Availability at the Royal George

The Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted, has spring and summer slots available for the 50 seat Gallery Theatre, prime time 3 – 6 week rentals. Great price and location, right across the street from Steppenwolf. Ticketing, house staff and bartender included. For further information or viewing appointment, contact Joe at 312-988-9105.

Space Assistance Grants from Theater Wit

We're really excited to announce that Theater Wit is offering space assistance grants for 2-4 newer/smaller companies in 2018/19. Theater Wit has always worked to make our home a contributing member to the general ecosystem, opening our three stage facility at cost to dozens of theaters. As part of our ongoing commitment to the wider Chicago Theatre Community, we are offering a limited number of space assistance grants for the 2018/19 season to bring in new companies and voices who might not otherwise be able to produce in our facility. We hope that this can open the doors to both audience discovery and company growth.

Space Assistance is available for new/emerging companies looking to produce primetime work at Theater Wit in the 2018/19 season. Applicants with projects led by artists of color and/or women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Grants are restricted to companies that meet the following criteria:
* Have produced two full length works in the last two years
* Have an annual budget of $400K or less
* For runs with a minimum of 16 performances
* Are operating as or under the auspices of a 501(c)(3)
* Have not performed at Theater Wit in the last two years.

Funding
Space assistance grants start at $2000. They do not exceed 40% of regular primetime rental rates and are calculated based on annual and project budget sizes.

Go check out the details and apply at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/spaceassist

Industry Ticket Offers

Mary's Wedding - First Folio Theatre at Mayslake Hall, Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W 31st St, Oak Brook, is offering $10 tickets to Industry Professionals on Weds. evenings at 8 PM and Thursday matinees at 3 PM from March 28 - April 29. Tickets are on an "as available" basis and may be purchased online at www.firstfolio.org with the code IND. When picking up tickets, buyer must bring a union card, a headshot/resume, tech resume, or business card indicating employment in the theater business. Price is good for the theater professionals and up to one guest each. Tickets may be purchased by calling 630-986-8067.

A Moon for the Misbegotten – Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe, is offering a special “Last Chance” Industry Comp Offer for the final 3 performances of A Moon for the Misbegotten from March 23 through March 25. May be requested on the phone at 847-242-6000 or in person at the WT Box Office. Please bring proof of industry status when picking up tickets. The WT Box Office is open from 12pm-5pm on Sunday and Monday, and 12pm-6:30pm Tuesday-Saturday. These tickets cannot be purchased online.

The Cake - Rivendell Theatre, 5779 North Ridge Ave. is offering $20 Industry Tickets to performances Thursdays through Saturdays 4/19-5/20. Must provide proof of industry when picking up tickets. Limit 2 tickets per Industry ID (self + guest). Subject to availability. Call 773.334.7728 or visit Rivendelltheatre.org & use box-office code: INDUSTRY.

Time Is on Our Side - About Face Theatre at Theatre Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. is offering $20 Industry Tickets to remaining performances, 3/23/18 - 4/7/18. See more information and purchase tickets at https://www.theaterwit.org/tickets/productions/350/performances using discount code "INDUSTRY20."

Space Availability at The Buena

The Buena, a 60 seat theater in the Pride Arts Center, is available from August 12 through Dec 31. Find more information at www.prideartscenter.com, or email pfprental@gmail.com, or pridefilmsandplays@gmail.com.

Announcing the ComEd Powering the Arts Program

Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 ComEd Powering the Arts Program. Recognizing that access to art in our communities is a crucial element of the quality of our lives, ComEd has partnered with the League of Chicago Theatres to administer the ComEd Powering the Arts Program. Through this program ComEd and the League of Chicago Theatres look to reach audiences throughout the ComEd service area that have otherwise been unable to access arts and cultural offerings.

The ComEd Powering the Arts Program awards grants of up to $10,000 to arts and culture organizations supporting their efforts to reach underserved audiences in ComEd’s service area of northern Illinois. Grant recipients can use the Powering the Arts grants in combination with other funding sources to cover a portion of the expenses associated with developing and/or supporting their programs for reaching underserved audiences.

Eligible Applicants are nonprofit arts and cultural intuitions that are located within ComEd’s service territory, and must be in good standing with ComEd related to provision of utilities, and cannot have previously received grant/sponsorship funding from ComEd or Exelon within the past two years.
The application period closes on May 25, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. CST.
Click Here for More Information

Announcing the opening of the 2018 Saints Grants Program

The Saints invite and encourage theater, dance, and music organizations to apply for this grant assistance to be used for artistic development or production-related purposes. Here are some examples Saints Grant applicants can request funding for but are not limited to: costumes, the commissioning or licensing of works, improvements to applicant-owned premises, community engagement and enrichment projects, or computer and technical items such as sound or lighting needs.

Budget requests up to $5,000 will be considered for projects covering the performance year from June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2019. Requesting organizations must be 501(c)(3) and have been established for a minimum of two years.

The Grant Application is available at www.saintschicago.org. Online applications will only be accepted through April 16, 2018.

Direct inquiries to the Saints Grants Commission: Grants@saintschicago.org.

Stage 773 Comedy Prep School

The producers of The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival and Chicago Women’s Funny Festival are proud to present the return of Comedy Prep School (CPS), a one-day festival for young comedians on May 12, 2018. It includes workshops taught by professional performers and teachers from Chicago’s world-class comedy institutions, opportunities to learn, play, and perform with 100+ fellow young comedians, and an exclusive performance by hilarious, high-caliber comedy group, Ms. Mistoffelees. CPS will focus on Advanced Improv, Comedic Song Writing, Physical Comedy, and Writing for Diverse Voices.

Individual students and groups ages 12-17 are welcome (chaperones requested for large groups). The cost of registration is $100 per student and includes all workshops, performances, lunch, and snacks.
Click Here for More Information

Saint Sebastian Players announces 10 Minute Play Festival 2018

This festival in its inaugural year will be presenting 8 - 10 original short works from playwrights young and old from the greater Chicagoland area. All presentations take place on Thursday through Sunday from June 21 - July 1 at St. Bonaventure Oratory, 1625 W Diversey Parkway, Chicago IL on the lower level. At least two shows each will be reserved for high school playwrights and college playwrights. Plays must have an 8 – 12-minute run time, be original plays (not musicals), and must constrain to SSP submission guidelines for plays as follows:

As stated in SSP Bylaw 5, the show must take our church location into consideration and avoid excessive adult language and strong adult content. Nudity is prohibited.

 Shows will have a $50 costumes and props budget and there will be a festival sound designer and a lighting designer. Set pieces will be from a set stock of blocks, chairs, and tables. Shows will be allowed to have rehearsals at St. Bonaventure starting two to three weeks before the festival. In addition, each performer and crew member will receive two comp tickets and have access to a cast and crew ticket discount link.

Group auditions will take place the week of May 27. First tech would be either June 18 or 19 (participating plays will be divided between the two nights). Final Dress for all shows will be on June 20.

Playwrights whose works are accepted for festival participation and their directors are the producers. SSP expects playwrights to take charge in the development of their works. SSP will appoint an Executive Producer of the festival, who will provide guidance when necessary.

The deadline for submission is May 1st, 2018.

SSP began producing theatre in 1982. During its history, the company has produced original and previously produced dramas, comedies and musicals; original audience-participation mysteries for special events; and the Monologue Matchup Competition, as well as provided support for smaller Sebastian Studio Projects produced by company members.

Our emphasis is on collaborative theatre development that brings together actors, directors, writers and technical crews in a supportive environment that fosters learning and growth.

We believe in theatre as a way for people of all ages, from all walks of life, to more fully understand themselves and each other, both on stage and off.

To submit your play, please click here: http://goo.gl/v8NTqo.

Stage 773 Accepting Applications for DiversifiCABtion Series

Stage 773, located at 1225 W. Belmont, is excited to announce applications are now open for its DiversifiCABtion Series. This new series allows Chicago performance groups and artists the opportunity to use the Stage 773 services and facilities to produce their artistic projects for free throughout the 2018 year.

“The DiversifiCABtion Series is a way to showcase and incubate those that mirror the demographics of our city,” says Jill Valentine, Executive Director of Stage 773. “We want to give resources and support to expand what we see on our Chicago streets and give opportunities to all voices.”

Applications considered for the DiversifiCABtion Series must prominently feature women, POC, LGBTQIA+, and/or differently-abled individuals in cast, crew, or content. Performances can include but are not limited to sketch, improv, staged readings, clown, dance, drag, performance art, and magic. Each group accepted into this series will receive free space, marketing, Box Office support, tech support, discounts at the bar, and a cut of Box Office proceeds after expenses.

To apply, please visit this link. For more information, please contact Meaghan Morris at Meaghan@stage773.com.

About Stage 773
Stage 773 is a vibrant anchor of the Belmont Theatre District and home to Chicago’s finest off-Loop talent. As a performance and tenant venue, our four stages provide entertainment for everyone: comedy, theatre, dance, musicals and more. We are a not-for-profit, connecting and catalyzing the theater community, while showcasing established artists and incubating up-and-coming talent.

Industry Ticket Offers

Merchant on Venice - Rasaka and Vitalist Theatres at The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., is offering $15 industry tickets to previews on Tues March 20th and Wed March 21st at 7:30pm in addition to Thurs March 22nd and Fri March 23rd at 7:30pm. Mention code word INDUSTRY at the box office. For more info, visit https://www.greenhousetheater.org/merchantonvenice or call 773-404-7336.

Cornerstone - Nothing Without a Company, at Artspace 8 in the 900 North Michigan Shops, 900 N. Michigan Ave, 3rd level, is offering half-price industry tickets ($12.50) for their entire run with discount code "Industry" - beginning Thursday, April 5th at 7pm to Sunday, April 29th at 6pm. To purchase, visit www.NothingWithoutaCompany.org.

That's Weird, Grandma: Stories That Groove - Barrel of Monkeys, performing at The Neo Futurists Theater (5153 N Ashland), has $10 industry tickets available for their annual musical revue. Mondays at 8 p.m. through April 9. Purchase tickets at www.barrelofmonkeys.org/shows using the code INDUSTRY.

The Brink! (or Nobody's Ever Kissed Me Like That) - Walkabout Theater is offering $10 industry tickets to any performance March 16 - March 31. All performances at 7:00PM at Link's Hall, 3111 N. Western Avenue. Purchase tickets online and select Industry tickets at checkout.

An Evening of Alejando Cerrudo - Hubbard Street Dance Chicago at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress, is offering $25 industry tickets on March 23 and 24th with code INDUSTRY online. *Not valid on premiere or section 5 seating. Limit 2 tickets per person. Not valid in combination with any other offer or on previously purchased tickets.

Industry Ticket Offers

On Your Feet!- Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Broadway In Chicago and On Your Feet! are offering a buy one ticket, get one free for March 21-22, March 27-28 performances. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online with offer code INDUSTRY. For tickets or more information visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

The Merry Widow - DePaul Opera Theatre at the Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo, is offering $5 (balcony) and $25-$30 (mezzanine and orchestra levels) tickets to performances on Friday, March 9 at 7:30PM and Sunday, March 11 at 2PM; use code “industry” to save $5 on any seat on the mezzanine or orchestra level. Tickets and Information: http://bit.ly/depaul-opera.

Kingdom - Broken Nose Theatre at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee, is a entirely Pay-What-You-Can company; set your own ticket price for any performance. Previews begin this Thursday, March 8, and performances run until Saturday, April 7. For tickets, buy online or call the box office at 773-697-3830.

BREACH - Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., is offering $15 industry tickets for the following performances: Wednesday, March 7 at 7:30pm, Friday, March 9 at 7:30pm, Saturday, March 10 at 3pm & 7:30pm, and Sunday, March 11 at 3:00pm (CLOSING PERFORMANCE) Click here or call 773.871.3000 and mention code INDUSTRY

4th Annual National Jewish Theater Foundation Holocaust Theater International Initiative Remembrance Play Readings

We invite you to participate in the 4th Annual National Jewish Theater Foundation (NJTF) - Holocaust Theater International Initiative (HTII) Remembrance Play Readings the week of Yom Ha Shoah April 8-15, 2018. By registering you will be recognized as part of this International initiative that has already included two UK HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY events held on 1/27/2018 at Londons' Park Theatre and Goodenough College. To register go to http://www.njtfoundation.org/participate-readings.