Free Event

Michael Merritt Award Ceremony on May 17, 2021

The Michael Merritt Award, a national award unique in its emphasis on excellence in both design and collaboration, is presented annually to professional theatrical designers. The Michael Merritt Awards announces that on Monday May 17, 2021 the award ceremony will be a virtual event that will highlight two designers who are powerhouse advocates of inclusion and equity in employment. The Merritt Award for Design and Collaboration will be presented to Clint Ramos; Designer, Educator, Activist and Creative Producer. The Merritt Award’s first Arts Advocate Award will be presented to Elsa Hiltner, Costume …

Read more

We Will Chicago Artist Encounter on March 10

Chicago theaters have been shuttered for a year. The pandemic has revealed the city’s systemic, economic inequalities to be as devastating as ever. The City of Chicago is embarking on a new comprehensive, citywide plan—the first of its kind in over 50 years—called We Will Chicago. Join Goodman Artistic Associate and director Henry Wishcamper in conversation with Maurice Cox, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development as we dive into the vital role Arts and Culture plays in this historic initiative on March 10 at 5PM. Read More.

Coming Back Stronger: Using the Shutdown to Rebuild Audience Loyalty

Thursday, February 18, at 11:00 a.m. PST, hosted by Arts Reach Presenters: Michael Mael & Karen Freeman Led by The Advisory Board for the Arts’ Michael Mael & Karen Freeman, this session will offer: • Practical steps for attracting and retaining new loyal audiences at this moment • Data to back up these recommendations and create a path to move forward • Tangible tools to help your organization effectively market to, communicate with and engage audiences during this extended pandemic period Research from past downturns and crises shows that audiences typically don’t …

Read more

Game Jam with Compass Creative Dramatics

As an ideas exchange for the teaching artist/educator community (and—let’s be honest—an excuse to play!), Compass Creative Dramatics hosts a monthly Game Jam! April is our second time hosting virtually – which means we can reach beyond our typical geographical limitations of Chicago to include folks from all over. The games for this month will include ideas that can be done in a virtual setting with students. We’ll also be holding space during the event for educators to share their current questions or hurdles they’ve been experiencing. Each month, one awesome teaching …

Read more

Free Chicago Performing Arts Virtual Retreat on April 8

COVID-19 has caused a seismic shift in the operations and plans of Chicago’s arts organizations. To bring together Chicago performing artists and administrators to address their shared concerns and challenges, several organizations are collaborating to present a Chicago Performing Arts Virtual Retreat Wednesday, April 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This FREE event is open to everyone involved in the Chicago performing arts community. Registration is available at eventbrite.com/e/chicago-performing-arts-virtual-retreat-tickets-101321134240. Representatives from the retreat’s producers—Chicago Dancemakers Forum, the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, Harris Theater for Music and Dance, High Concept …

Read more

FREE Flu Shots at the Simon Casting Annual Blood Drive – Feb. 10th – 10am-4pm

Flu season is not over yet! Get your free flu shot, sponsored by the Actors Fund and administered by Howard Brown Health, on Feburary 10th at the Simon Casting Annual Blood Drive. For years, Simon Casting has called on the entertainment community to do their part and donate blood to those in need. Be a health hero and become a blood donor, be a health-conscious citizen and help prevent influenza, or be both! A full-service agency specializing in Film, Television, Theatre, and Commercials, Simon Casting offers a creative eye, an attentive ear, …

Read more