Thursday, March 31, 2011

Chicago and the World

We celebrated World Theatre Day on Sunday at the Greenhouse – a whole bunch of great people showed up for it and Christopher Piatt wrote and performed a monologue for us about Chicago theatre that looked at our past and our present and where we might go in the future – he talked about how much had changed in the past ten years and how much things have remained the same. We ate stuffed pretzels and drank coffee flavored beer and generally made merry. The point of World Theatre Day is that the entire world celebrates theatre on the same day and that got me thinking a little bit about what that really means. Well, for one thing it gives us a chance to celebrate ourselves. Yippee. But for another it gives us an opportunity to think about this art form being created all around the world and in every culture. Huh.

And then I went to see Black Watch last night. On a certain level, it’s about what it means to be Scottish. The play could not have been created in this country. It brought me closer to experiences I will never have and could never have and gave me a deeper understanding of the world. How wonderful that I get to have that experience. So, that brings me back around to what does it really mean, why celebrate World Theatre Day? – so we don’t forget that we are all a part of this incredibly beautiful pageant. So that we remember we are not the only ones, so that we look up the street and around the world at what others are creating and stay connected to the exchange of stories and ideas.

Deb

Panel: Literary Adaptation and Chicago Theater

Sunday, April 3, 2011 at approximately 4:30 pm (following the 2:30 matinee)
Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, Chicago

Explore the process of literary adaptation with Chicago artists working at the cutting edge of theater and performance. Featuring Seth Bockley (Director of 1001 and George Saunders’ Jon), Mickle Maher (Theatre Oobleck), and Leslie Danzig (500 Clown). Moderated by Neo-Futurist Chloe Johnston.
FREE ADMISSION

Industry Ticket Offer

Meet John Doe - Porchlight Music Theatre at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, is offering $15 industry tickets all weekend. Showtimes Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Call 773-327-5252 or go online to http://www.stage773.com/ and use the code LEAGUE.

One Flea Spare - Eclipse Theatre Company at The Greenhouse Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. is offering $8 industry tickets to all previews on April 7, 8, and 9 at 7:30pm. Also $10 industry tickets on April 14 and 15. Use codeword "industry". Tickets available by calling the Box Office at 773-404-7336. For more info, visit www.eclipsetheatre.com.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Chicago DCA Theater Industry Open House



The staff of Chicago DCA Theater invites you to an Industry Open House Join us for an evening of food and drink as you mingle with other theatre professionals and learn about the resources and benefits that DCA Theater brings to Chicago's Theatre community.

Monday, April 25, 2011
7 - 9 p.m.
DCA Storefront Theater
66 E. Randolph Street Chicago
The event is free; reservations are encouraged.

To make your reservation click here or call the DCA Box Office at 312-742-TIXS(8497). Discounted parking is available for $10 at the Interpark Garage located at 20 E. Randolph, across the street from Macy's. Please see DCA Theater staff for validation tickets at the event.

Food provided Phil Stefani's. Beer provided by Goose Island.

Chicago DCA Theater offers vibrant, itinerant theater companies the opportunity to expose downtown audiences to the Chicago off-loop theater experience. For more information, visit http://www.dcatheater.org/.

Industry Ticket Offers

Ethan Frome - Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave at Pearson, is offering $10 industry tickets for 7:30pm performances on Friday, April 1 and Tuesday, April 5. Use code "INDUSTRY" when purchasing online at http://www.lookingglasstheatre.org/ or call the box office at 312.337.0665. Tickets are subject to availability.

Virginia Woolf’s Orlando - Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis, is offering $10 industry rush tickets to every performance through April 10. Rush tickets are $10 per person with proof of industry one hour before curtain, subject to availability.

Death and the Powers, The Robots’ Opera - Chicago Opera Theater at the Harris Theater is offering $35 industry tickets in sections B, C, and D for opening night, Saturday April 2 at 7:30 p.m. Use promo code INDUSTRY at ChicagoOperaTheater.org or at 312.704.8414. For more info: http://www.chicagooperatheater.org/tix/season/powers.html

The Warriors - The New Colony at The Second Stage, 3408 N. Sheffield Avenue, is offering $10 industry tickets for the 7:30 pm performance on Friday, April 1. Use code "INDUSTRY" when purchasing in person, online at http://www.thenewcolony.org/ or over the phone at 773-413-0862. Tickets are subject to availability.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Jesse White Kissed Me

I’m going to Arts Advocacy Day in D.C. next week and that got me thinking. We have been doing a lot more work around advocacy lately and I have actually really enjoyed it. In fact, last week I got to go, thanks to the Arts Alliance, to Lt. Governor Sheila Simon’s birthday party over at the Thompson Center. The Governor was there and Jesse White (he kissed me) was there and Alderman Burnett and guess what, they talked about how important theatre was, that’s right, they did, just in conversation, there were no speeches or anything and admittedly they know who I represent, but I have to tell you it was very gratifying.

And here’s what I was thinking about…I know you depend on us to do advocacy work and naturally we will continue to do it, but I’m wondering if any of you have become more involved in advocacy and particularly in political advocacy and if you have enjoyed it. Can you let me know – comment, email or call.

I have to tell you, I never thought I would like it, not one bit. I am as politically involved as the next guy I guess, I vote and I care a lot about some issues and not at all about others. But, to do the work and keep talking about something I am passionate about and to try to share that passion without looking like a loon or a crackpot, it’s been challenging but rewarding.

Deb

Space Availability at Gorilla Tango

Rent a space at Gorilla Tango Theatre in Chicago (Bucktown); easily accessible by “L” or bus, ample street parking available. Basic marketing, box-office services (online and phone), and rehearsal space is included (FREE) for all weekday and weekend timeslots. GTT runs shows 7 days per week, multiple shows per day; greatest potential for profit and greatest protection from loss for any self-producing company or individual. Mainstage space has 80-seat capacity – for pictures and more information visit http://www.gorillatango.com and click on “Producers Wanted” page, or contact Dan Abbate at 773-598-4549 or dan@gorillatango.com.

Playwrights' Studio Classes at Chicago Dramatists

Spring 2011 Classes start April 2!

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, 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.

Space Availability at the Greenhouse Theater Center

Greenhouse Theater Center Down Main is available for rent! 6-7 week run from August 15-October 9, 2011. 195 seat theater 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, or at 773.404.7336 x 200.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Opening Doors: Building a Relationship with your Alderman

On April 7 at 6 p.m., join the League of Chicago Theatres and Arts Alliance Illinois as we welcome Alderman Vi Daley to the Richard Christiansen Theater at the Victory Gardens Biograph (2433 N. Lincoln). Alderman Daley has been a staunch ally and vocal advocate for arts and culture in her 43rd Ward since she took office in 1999. She's retiring from city government at the end of her term this May, but before she goes Alderman Daley has agreed to share her favorite "do's" and "don'ts" for connecting with your organization's alderman - as well as examples of successful public/private partnerships between organizations and city officials.

With accomplishments such as helping Victory Gardens obtain and renovate the Biograph, creating the Lakefront Sculpture Exhibit, and championing the Old Town Art Fair and the renovation of Lincoln Hall, Alderman Daley brings a wealth of knowledge and strategies to this discussion. We are grateful for her enthusiasm, and eager to share her wisdom with you.

Space is limited for this conversation - please RSVP to Ben Thiem: ben@chicagoplays.com.

And - as a bonus - please stay after the conversation and receive a special industry rate for that evening’s performance of Victory Gardens Theater’s production of Annie Baker’s Circle Mirror Transformation. Performance begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 with the code “Industry” and may be purchased in advance by calling 773.871.3000. Tickets subject to availability.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Industry Ticket Offer

The Goat or, Who Is Sylvia? -- Remy Bumppo Theatre Company at the Greenhouse Theatre Center, 2257 N Lincoln Ave. is offering $15 industry tickets for Friday 7:30 p.m. performances from April 1 through April 29, and Thursday 2:00 p.m. performances on April 7 and 21. Use code INDUSTRY at http://www.remybumppo.org/ or call the Greenhouse box office at 773-404-7336.

Passing Strange - Bailiwick Chicago at the Funky Buddha Lounge, 728 W. Grand Ave, is offering $15 industry tickets to the Benefit this Sunday, March 27 from 7 - 11 pm. Featuring house music from Chicago's own DJ Ron Trent and a live performance by PASSING STRANGE stars JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound. Cash bar available, or open bar (beer & wine) for an additional $15. Bring headshot / resume or business card at the door. Cash or credit accepted. For more info, visit http://www.bailiwickchicago.com/.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Not for Profit Incorporation and Tax Exemption Workshop

Lawyers for the Creative Arts
Thursday, May 5, 2011, 5:30-9 p.m.
213 W. Institute Place, Ste. 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. It will 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