Refrigerators Available To Interested Theatres

Steep Theatre has a couple of refrigerators they would like to pass on to another theater company. One full size, one medium. Email steeptheatre@gmail.com if interested.

Undersupplied

I read a blog earlier this week that referenced the notion of an “oversupply” of arts organizations. The idea being that there are too many arts organizations and not enough demand. As far as theatre in Chicago goes, I think that’s crazy talk. Part of what makes us so unique is that a person can graduate from college, move to Chicago and found a theatre, it might last a year or it might last 30 years, but for however long it lasts, there will be opportunities for artists to have a voice and that’s what keeps us on top.

BUT…last night I was part of a discussion where we talked about how there might be an oversupply of shows, particularly at certain times of year. Or should we call it an undersupply of audiences. It was an interesting discussion and I wonder if we could or would want to stagger some shows, but there is a definite perceived “best date” for opening, for instance, a fall show. But is that the best date if there is a ton of other shows opening on or around that date? Would it be easier to get the attention of audiences if a show opened in August? If so, then why doesn’t anybody do it? Can anybody really risk trying that?

The real trick is to get an oversupply of audiences. So many people clamoring to see plays that we can’t keep up with their demands for MORE THEATRE! We’ll work on that.

Deb

Industry Ticket Offers

Home - Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, is offering $10 industry rush tickets to every performance through December 19th. Rush tickets are $10 per person with proof of industry one hour before curtain, subject to availability.

A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration - Northlight Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd. is offering $10 industry tickets available for performances December 21-26. Call 847-673-6300 and mention the code INDUSTRY to reserve. Proof of industry (headshot, business card, etc) requested upon ticket pickup.

Produce It Workshop

The Institute for Arts Entrepreneurship invites you to Produce It; an intensive, practical boost for your next show. Whether you're still trying to come up with an idea, you're in the middle of rehearsals or you've just finished a run and aren't sure what to do next. There's enough risk in producing independent theater and putting your work in front of the world for all to see. Let us help you take a bit of that stress off and make sure that you're putting your best foot forward as you produce your own work!

If you want a practical boost for your next show, we can help!
Have your theater company featured!

This workshop offers your company the chance to work with Douglas Post, of the Dramatists Guild, in a 'quick-and-dirty' consulting session. This mini-session will break down your creative concept and find the pieces that you can use to connect to new types of audiences as we work together to reshape how you communicate.

Together, audience and participants learn from one another in this engaging and dynamic format.

January 15, 2011
10:30 - 12:30 p.m.
Gorilla Tango Theatre
1919 N. Milwaukee

$5 General Admittance
$20 for a featured spot on your project

Contact Jess@TheIAE.com to RSVP or to sign up. Space is limited.

Industry Ticket Offer

Hello, Dolly! - Light Opera Works at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson in Evanston, is offering half-price industry tickets on December 27 and 29 at 2 p.m., December 28 at 7 p.m. and January 1 at 8 p.m. For tickets call 847-869-6300 or visit www.LightOperaWorks.com and use code "Yonkers." Tickets must be purchased in advance. No door sales.

Industry Ticket Offer

Bri-Ko: All Silent All Funny - Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont is offering $5 industry tickets for tonight December 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. Must bring headshot/resume to box office.

Advocacy Roundtables

Mondays, December 20 and January 24, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
League offices, 228 S. Wabash, Suite 200
With the race to be Chicago's next mayor and many aldermen on, advocacy must be center stage for your theatre. We explain why and answer the who, what, when, where, and how in Arts Advocacy 101.
Training take-aways include:
· Why advocacy is essential for artists and arts organizations
· Who can engage in advocacy and the in-bound and out-of-bound activities for nonprofits
· What to expect when you engage decision-makers and elected officials
· How to design an advocacy strategy and select advocacy tactics that work
· The specific challenges and opportunities facing the Chicago theatre community

Presented by Arts Alliance Illinois, this training is full of stories, lessons learned from their own advocacy experiences, and role plays.

RSVP to ben@chicagoplays.com to attend one of these events

Don't Be Late, Advocate

We are going to be doing some advocacy workshops over the next couple of months. The first one is December 20 and Arts Alliance Illinois is going to lead the workshop. We will be learning ways to better connect with and advocate for theatre in Chicago. We are facing a Mayoral election in which we have a huge stake and an Aldermanic election in which we will see 20 new aldermen in Chicago. Making sure we are heard is a top priority for the League and I hope it is for you as well. Come to one of these workshops and learn how you can work to make sure you are heard by our local officials. Chicago has been very supportive of the arts for many years and we need to make sure it stays that way. You may think that this isn’t for you or it doesn’t matter to you but there are an infinite number of ways you can get involved and there are an infinite number of ways in which City policy affects your organization, it’s not just about CityArts grants.

Industry Ticket Offer

The Importance of Being Earnest - Remy Bumppo Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. (excluding 12/31 at 7:30 p.m.) Thursday 12/16 and Friday 12/31 at 2 p.m. For tickets click here or call the box office 773.404.7336 and use code INDUSTRY.

Babes With Blades Accepting Submissions for Joining Sword and Pen 2011-12

JOINING SWORD & PEN 2011-2012, a playwriting competition devoted to increasing the number of quality scripts featuring fighting roles for women, is soliciting scripts for production.

Organized by Babes With Blades; sponsored by SAFD Fight Master David Woolley

SCRIPTS DUE: FEBRUARY 28, 2011

WINNER ANNOUNCED: APRIL 1, 2011

SUBJECT: The 2011-12 theme is “ERINYES” by Chicago artist Victoria Szilagyi (view at http://www.babeswithblades.org/competition.htm). We are soliciting scripts for production that are inspired by this image. In order for a script to qualify for the competition, the scene depicted in the image MUST APPEAR within the script. The winning script will be produced in Spring 2012 as part of Babes With Blades’ 2011-12 Season. The winning playwright will receive a $1000 cash prize.

Visit http://www.babeswithblades.org/competition.htm for more information.

Space Availability at Oracle Theater

Oracle Theater has had a cancellation! Their loss is your gain. Oracle is offering the Prime slot, Thur-Sun at an incredible low price of $600 a week. Including all light, sound and tech. Special is good for runs between: 01/05 - 02/27. More info: http://oracletheatre.org/rentals.html or info@oracletheatre.org.

Space Availability at the Viaduct Theater

Viaduct Theater has Studio availability February 7- March 6 and Mainstage availability January 17- April 3. Prime-time rates as low as $600 per week! Let us know about your project! Contact whitney@viaducttheater.com.