2018 Michael Merritt Awards And Design Exposition

The 25th Annual Merritt Awards for Excellence in Design and Collaboration will take place on Monday, May 14th, 2017 at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. 5:00pm-10:00pm

Broadway, film, television and regional theatre Costume Designer Toni-Leslie James(Come From Away, August Wilson's Jitney)will receive the 2018 Merritt Award. Draper Beth Uber, Projections Designer Rasean Davonte Johnson, , and Technical Director Becca Venablewill receive major awards in addition to student and exhibition prizes.

The Michael Merritt Awards and Endowment Fund honors the memory of a brilliant designer and inspirational teacher. This national award, unique in its emphasis on excellence in both design and collaboration, has been presented annually since 1994 to outstanding professional theatrical designers. The Endowment Fund recognizes and encourages the work of young professionals and students through a national design exposition and prizes to promising theatrical design students.

The Merritt Awards thanks the theatre community for its ongoing support and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre for hosting. We invite theatre professionals, students and the public to join us for this exciting celebration of our collaborative art form.

Tickets
Student - $ 5.00
General Admission - $ 20.00
Book tickets online at merrittawards.com
General Public is welcome.
Food, wine and beer are included in the ticket price. Funds go to support the awards endowment fund.

Schedule:
THEATRE DESIGN EXPOSITION
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Showcasing the works of Chicago-area young professional theatrical designers and graduating design students from Chicago's best theatrical design programs. Attended by many of Chicago's artistic directors, production managers, and industry professionals.

DIALOGUE WITH THE DESIGNERS
7:00-8:00 p.m.
A panel discussion featuring the award recipients exploring current issues of interest to theatre professionals and students.

AWARDS PRESENTATION AND CELEBRATION
8:15-8:45 p.m.
Presentation of prizes for best student and professional exhibits, four academic prizes, The Emerging Technical Collaborator Award, The Michael Maggio Emerging Designer Award, The Robert Christen Award for Excellence in Technical Collaboration, and The Michael Merritt Award for Excellence in Design and Collaboration.

Food, wine, beer and fellowship until 10:00 p.m.

Rental Space Availability at the Greenhouse Theater Center

Almost fully booked. Only a few slots remain for 2018. We are offering the following dates and theaters at a discounted rate.
Upstairs 190 seat main stage theater fully booked
Downstairs 195 seat main stage theater from 8/6-9/16
Upstairs 58 seat studio theater fully booked.
Downstairs 58 seat studio theater from 8/20-9/23.
We also have some week long and weekend fill in slots for special events along with daytime and late night rental opportunities in all theaters.
Contact: wmspatz@gmail.com

Industry Ticket Offers

Guards at the Taj - Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, is offering $20 tickets for performances: May 31 at 7:30pm; June 1 at 7:30pm; June 2 at 3pm; June 3 at 3pm; June 9 at 3pm & 7:30pm and June 10 at 3pm. Use code INDUSTRY online at steppenwolf.org or call Audience Services at 312-335-1650. Tickets must be reserved at least one hour before performance. Subject to availability.

The Gentleman Caller – Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark Street, is offering $15 tickets to theatre industry professionals for any Thursday evening performance thru May 27. Offer available online, by phone or walk-up, must use the code INDUSTRY15 to reserve. Proof of industry (headshot, business card, etc.) required upon ticket pickup.

How to Use a Knife - Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave, is offering $15 industry tickets to all Thursday performances April 26 through June 9 AND for the added performance on Wednesday, May 9. Tickets are available online at theaterwit.org using code INDUSTRY or by calling the Theater Wit box office at 773-975-8150. Not valid on previously purchased tickets.

Space Availability with Chicago Theater Workshop

Chicago Theater Works is seeking productions in need of an intimate (175 capacity) cabaret style venue in Chicago.

Chicago Theater Works opened in 2016 and has hosted two long-running productions. WE GOTTA BINGO (an interactive dinner theater show) ran for 15 months and TONY N TINA’S WEDDING is currently in its 17th month. The 6000 sq/ft venue features a lobby, a 3500sq/ft performance space, dressing rooms with private bathrooms, laundry facilities and a small prep kitchen.

The performance space has a flexible layout and staging and can seat up to 175 cabaret style.

The venue has Public Place of Amusement (PPA) and full liquor licenses. Owner is open to straight rentals or creative proposals. Venue is also a member of the Belmont Theater District, a strategic marketing initiative supported by both local Chambers of Commerce, and designed solely to drive traffic to BTD theaters.

For more info, see ChicagoTheaterWorks.com, or contact 312-391-0404.

Industry Ticket Offers

The Cake - Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, 5779 N. Ridge, has added a special industry performance on Wednesday, May 9th at 8 PM. There are $20 industry tickets available with code BUTTERCREAM, and a limited number of “pay what you can” tickets available while they last. Email trisha@rivendelltheatre.org or visit rivendelltheatre.org!

Natural Affection - Eclipse Theatre Company at The Athenaeum Theatre. 2936 N. Southport Ave., is offering $15 industry tickets to all Thursday and Friday 7:30pm performances through May 18th. Mention code word INDUSTRY at the box office. For more info, visit eclipsetheatre.com or call 773-935-6875.

How to Use a Knife - Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave, is offering $15 industry tickets to all Thursday performances April 26 through June 9. Tickets are available online at theaterwit.org using code INDUSTRY or by calling the Theater Wit box office at 773-975-8150. Not valid on previously purchased tickets.

Space Availability at the Mckaw Theater

Mckaw Theater, 1439 W. Jarvis
July/August 2018 availability for shows, rehearsals, auditions or classes
Always for special events
contact Tony at tony@theatreatl.org for more info

Managing a Life in the Biz: Career Strategies for Industry Professionals

For most people in creative arts and entertainment, work is episodic. “Survival work,” taken on to make ends meet, can be draining and distract from leading your best creative life.

In our workshop, Managing a Life in the Biz: Career Strategies for Industry Professionals, we’ll show you how you can find “survival work” that suits your values, uses your preferred skills, and complements your life in the biz.

WHERE: The Actors Fund Office, 8 S. Michigan Avenue
WHEN: Monday, May 21, 2018, 5:30pm-8:00 pm
Tuesday, May 22, 2018 - 10:00pm – 12:30pm
*or*
Tuesday, May 22, 2018 - 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Register for one time slot of your choice and learn more at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/managing-a-life-in-the-biz-career-strategies-for-industry-professionals-tickets-45104583022
www.actorsfund.org

Free Yoga Classes at Berger Park Cultural Center

These are free classes for EVERYONE!
All levels and skill sets are welcome!
Yoga mats will be provided.
Classes will take place outside, weather permitting.

Donations are accepted and appreciated and will go directly to the instructor and Nothing Without a Company's Berger Park Programming Fund.

Industry Ticket Offer

Memphis - Porchlight Music Theatre at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Ave is offering a limited number of $20 tickets to the Tuesday Industry performance Tuesday, April 24 at 7:30PM . Call and mention PMTINDUSTRY at 773.777.9884 or stop by the box office to purchase your ticket. One ticket per order, proof of theatre industry affiliation required at box office when claiming tickets. For more information go to porchlightmusictheatre.org.

Read More, Be More: A Celebration of Arts & Literacy - Emerald City Theatre at Alhambra Palace, 1240 W Randolphis offering $50 off individual tickets on Thursday, April 26 at 5:30 PM. Use code IND18 at EmeraldCityTheatre.com/ReadMoreBeMore. Limited tickets available.

The Doppelganger (an international farce) - Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, is offering $20 tickets for the following performances: April 22, 7:30pm; April 24, 7:30pm; May 6, 3pm & 7:30pm; May 20, 3pm; and May 22, 7:30pm. Use code SLATERSHOW online at steppenwolf.org or call Audience Services at 312-335-1650. Tickets must be reserved at least one hour before performance. Subject to availability.

Yoga at the Auditorium Theatre

The Auditorium Theatre has partnered with yoga instructor Melanie Tull to offer $10 yoga classes every Monday at 4PM to all theatre professionals in their Katten/Landau studio space located at 425 N Wabash, 4th floor (Roosevelt University’s Wabash Building.) You must RSVP for class to attend, and you will need a picture ID to enter the building. Please RSVP to Colleen at cflanigan@auditoriumtheatre.org.

Producers Using Chicago Area Theatre (CAT) Agreement

Please join fellow PACT (Producers Association of Chicago Theaters) Producers for a discussion regarding the upcoming negotiation of the Chicago Area Theatre (CAT) agreement. The current CAT agreement expires on June 24, 2018.

Please come prepared to discuss your use of the CAT agreement.

Wednesday April 18th at 6 PM

At Steppenwolf Theatre’s 1700 Theatre at 1700 N Halsted (behind Front Bar)

Please RSVP via this link https://goo.gl/forms/MMQXKFhojDQQ8ssg1.

Please contact Elizabeth Auman with questions elizabeth@timelinetheatre.com.

"The aesthetic of transformation” by David Psalmon

“The aesthetic of transformation” by David Psalmon (Augusto Boal´s Theatre of the Oppressed Methodology) June 11th to June 16th · 10:00am to 3:00pm

Boal´s disciple and award wining director (Dublin Fringe Festival), David Psalmon, comes to Chicago for this intensive workshop that will train actors on Boal´s “Theater of the Opressed” technique focused on “Forum Theatre”.

“Forum Theatre” is a weapon for social change. It is based under the assumption that its protagonist – an oppressed individual- wishes for something that is obstructed by its antagonist – an oppressor. During its representation, the “spect-actors” (audience) are invited to go on stage and replace the protagonist. The “spect-actor” will try to create a dialogue with the antagonist and find a solution to the problem exposed in the play by proposing new ways of acting-reacting with the antagonist.

During the workshop we will explore corporeal and theatrical expressions. We will devise work by sharing personal experiences and analyzing/selecting them with the ensamble. “Image Theatre” will also be explored to learn how tableaus can be used for a devising process. Students will be introduced to “Forum Theatre” roles like the oppressed, the oppressor, the joker, the spect-actor, and learn their characteristics. We will learn Improv skills particular to this form of theatre for actors to improvise with audience members, always form the character´s ideology. A show will be devised after the workshop and performed around the city.

Contents:
-Performative and ludic games; improvisation and its rules.
-Devising scenes and texts based on “Image Theatre” and “Forum Theatre”.
-Staging the scenes and putting together a small show mediated by the “Joker”
-Public presentation of the show and “forum” of it at the Studio.
-Students interested in developing the show will have the opportunity to rehearse during one more week with the help of a Forum mediator (Joker) and perform in three different places around the city.

Limited to 10 actors.

Tuition:
$550

Payment plans:
Students can pay in 2, 4 or 6 installments.

Where: Performing Arts Studio (630 W. Webster Ave. Chicago, IL. 60614)
Info and registration: performingartsstudio.com/workshops
Scholarships available.

info@performingartsstudio.com
(773) 857-0577

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 all remaining performances through closing of April 15th. Mention code word INDUSTRY at the box office. For more info, visit https://www.greenhousetheater.org/merchantonvenice or call 773-404-7336.

Natural Affection - Eclipse Theatre Company at The Athenaeum Theatre. 2936 N. Southport Ave., is offering $10 industry tickets to all previews on April 12th, 13th and 14th at 7:30pm in addition to Thurs April 19th an Fri April 20th at 7:30pm. Mention code word INDUSTRY at the box office. For more info, visit eclipsetheatre.com or call 773-935-6875.

How I Learned to Drive - The Artistic Home at 1376 W. Grand Ave, Chicago is offering $15 industry tickets on Thursdays, 7:30 curtain, through May 3. Go to theartistichome.org for tickets and use the code INDUSTRY or email artistic.director@theartistichome.org. When picking up tickets, buyer must bring a union card, a headshot/resume, tech resume, or business card indicating employment in the theater business.

L'Imitation of Life - Hell in a Handbag Productions at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets for Monday, April 30 at 7:30PM. Use code word industry15 online at https://www.stage773.com/show/limitation to reserve.

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical – Emerald City Theatre at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N Lincoln Avenue, is offering $10 industry tickets to all performances of Knuffle Bunny through Sunday May 27th, using the code LEAGUE (max. 2 tickets). For tickets, buy online or call the box office at 773.935.6100.

You are Invited: Be among the first to see The House's new Headquarters

The House Theatre of Chicago is pleased to invite members of Chicago's theatre community to visit their new headquarters, located at 4020 N Rockwell St. This informal "Open House" will take place Saturday, May 12, 2018. Drop in anytime between 5:00 and 9:00 pm to mingle and tour the new facility that includes a rehearsal hall and scene shop, both of which are available to rent, as well as a costume shop, storage and administrative offices.

Please RSVP here: https://madmimi.com/signups/6b9b5a361674498589c560400b59a0e2/join

Industry Ticket Offers

Midsummer Night's Dream - The Joffrey Ballet at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, is offering 50% off industry tickets on select dates including April 27, May 3 and 4. Tickets are available online at joffrey.org only using code INDUSTRY. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Restrictions apply.

Road to Carnegie Hall concert – Young Steinway artist Thomas Nickell & Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago in free open rehearsal for Carnegie Hall debut; Friday, April 13, 1-2pm, at Jones College Prep, 700 South State Street. Reservations required at https://www.thomasnickell.com/performances/.

Stephen Sondheim's Company - Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 North Southport Avenue, is offering $20 tickets on Thursday, April 12th at 7:30pm. Members of the theatre community are invited to join us for $20 and may reserve tickets in person at the box office with their resume/headshot.

Victory Gardens Theater presents Town Hall: #NeverAgainChicago

Sunday, April 15 at 6pm
Začek McVay Theater at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue 
Victory Gardens Theater, in association with Natural Shocks National Project and HowlRound Theatre Commons, presents Town Hall: #NeverAgainChicago to discuss the call to action taking place across the nation by students and allies to end gun violence. #NeverAgainChicago, which also features a reading of an excerpt from Lauren Gunderson’s new play Natural Shocks, will be held in the Začek McVay Theater at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue on Sunday, April 15 at 6pm. This event is FREE and open to the public. HowlRound Theatre Commons will livestream the event and can be viewed at www.howlround.tv.

This event is held in response to conversations happening around the world about gun violence, the upcoming National School Walkout on April 20, and the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting. Donations will be accepted for Everytown for Gun Safety, Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, and Cure Violence. #NeverAgainChicago is made possible by the support of The David Rockefeller Fund.

Applications Open for High Concept Labs' Fall/Winter 2018 Artist Programs

High Concept Laboratories NFP (HCL), a Chicago-based arts service organization, today announced that it is now accepting applications for the 2018 Fall Sponsored Artist Program, HCL’s flagship artist and project incubator; and the 2018/19 Winter Intensives, a new short-term residency for working artists. Applications for both programs are open April 1 to May 13, 2018 and can be accessed at highconceptlabs.org/apply/.

The 2018 Fall Sponsored Artist Program runs from August 1 to November 30, 2018. Now in its ninth year, the SAP promotes the growth of artists and their work through the donation of customizable, no-cost support services including studio space, administrative and marketing assistance, workshops, mentorship, networking and artistic consultation. SAP projects are chosen twice a year and last for a period of four months.

The 2018/19 Winter Intensives will take place in one- and two-week durations from December 1, 2018 and January 31, 2019. As a new biannual opportunity offered by HCL, the Summer and Winter Intensives provide artists with a dedicated studio space to develop their projects. Through the intensive, artists will have the opportunity to create visual installations, durational performances, exhibits and other "activations" of the HCL studio at Mana Contemporary.

All applications will be reviewed by HCL’s recently expanded Artistic Advisory Council (AAC), an experienced, volunteer panel of Chicago’s leading arts practitioners, critics, writers, and thinkers who help guide the direction of HCL’s artist programs, including mentorship, programming and general artist support.

The 22 members of the AAC represent the fields of dance, film, music, sound art, theater, visual art, multimedia, and performance. Newly added AAC members include:
• Eliza Bangert (former HCL Sponsored Artist), Music
• Kim Davis, Dance
• Jenn Freeman, Dance
• Amanda Gutierrez, Film/Media
• Damon Locks, Visual Arts/Music
• Seth Parker Woods, Music
• Vershawn Sanders Ward, Dance
• Michael Zerang, Music

There is a $15 application fee for the 2018 Fall SAP and the 2018/19 Winter Intensives. Applicants may also be considered for HCL’S Institutional Incubation Program, a long-term invitational program that allows SAP participants to extend their residencies for continued project development.

To apply to the SAP or Intensives, or learn more about program criteria and the AAC, visit highconceptlabs.org/apply/.

About High Concept Laboratories NFP
High Concept Laboratories NFP supports artists and facilitates dialogue between artists, audiences, and staff members. This increases access and transparency to the artistic process and fosters transformational experiences in an environment of experimentation and discovery.