karajackson

Moonshot Report

Making theatre repertoire decisions is complex, high-risk, and difficult work. These decisions set the trajectory for all that follows, and the process of making them deserves far more attention. After decades of audience erosion, the future of theatre clearly depends on more people choosing to attend. But that will require far more than continuing to invest in improving marketing and fundraising functions. It will require holistic new strategies to produce work compelling enough to artists and audiences to overcome the significant underlying social, cultural, and economic changes that have driven the erosion. …

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The Saints Arts Grants Program Is Back

The Saints encourage theater, dance, and music organizations to apply for our grant assistance to be used for artistic development or production-related purposes. Some examples applicants can request funding for but are not limited to: Covid compliance, costumes/puppetry, the commissioning or licensing of works, improvements to applicant-owned premises, community engagement and enrichment projects, showcasing the talents of diverse or culturally specific artists, or computer and technical items such as sound or lighting needs. Budget requests for grants up to $5,000 will be considered for projects occurring from June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2024. Requesting organizations must be established …

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Black History Month Theatre Events

Check out these events and shows happening at member theatres around the city for Black History Month this February 2023! Goodman Theatre Presents: the ripple, the wave that carried me home, a Co-Production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre. A family responds to injustice and a daughter reckons with her political inheritance in this new play by “a poet, a playwright to pay attention to”. Runs Jan 13 – Feb 12, 2023. https://chicagoplays.com/event/the-ripple-the-wave-that-carried-me-home/ Redtwist Theatre Presents: The Great Khan, a revolutionary, multicultural play about the effects of systemic racism on two Black American teens. The …

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MLK Day 2023 Theatre Events

Check out these events and shows happening at member theatres around the city for Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2023! Auditorium Theatre Auditorium Theatre is presenting Step Afrika! on January 14. This production highlights the preservation of history through exceptional dance, as well as continuing and growing traditions through art. Learn more at https://auditoriumtheatre.org/events-details/step-afrika/. Fleetwoood Jourdain The Music Institute of Chicago and the Fleetwood Jourdain Theatre will present a free musical celebration of Dr. MLK, Jr., on Sun., Jan. 15 at 3 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave. Learn more …

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Ideas from Meet & Greets 

 Member Resources Bring back working committees through the League where members can get more involved and help the League push forward Bring back the PAV Fund or provide resources for similar services  Resources for best practices in providing Internships and Apprenticeships  Collective insurance and healthcare for small theatre companies so that everyone can pay less  Can we leverage bargaining power to receive better rates for insurance?  Connecting with TAP – Theatre Advocacy Project  Coalitions of theatres by size or neighborhood for more collaboration Covid standards and masking recommendations by theatre size  Affinity …

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The Artistic Home Call for Submissions

Submissions are now open for the 20th Cut to the Chase one-act play festival, presented by The Artistic Home Studio.  A staple of Chicago’s theater community for 20 years, Cut to the Chase presents six new plays, showcasing moment-to-moment acting in an intimate theater space. This year’s Cut to the Chase will celebrate the theme:  the importance of connection.  Performances will take place Jan. 26 – Jan. 29, 2023 at The Den Theatre in Chicago. Play submission should meet the following requirements: – One-act plays of no more than 12 minutes – Previously unproduced in Chicago – Writers are encouraged to …

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Cook Country Grow Grant and Webinar

The Cook County Small Business Source Grow Grant provides $10,000 grants to small businesses, coupled with advising and coaching services, to foster their recovery and resiliency from the pandemic, scale their operations and thrive in Cook County. For artists, creative professionals, and for-profit creative businesses eligible for a $10K grant from Cook County. Deadline is October 31. Offered in partnership with the League of Chicago Theatres and the Chicago Federation for Musicians, we will be hosting a webinar to provide detailed information on The Source Grow Grant offered to Cook County small businesses. Fri, October 28, …

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