Category: Financials
Theatre Building Chicago changes hands
LUKABA PRODUCTIONS FINDS A HOME
Lukaba Productions announced today that it will be the primary tenant of the Theatre Building Chicago, at 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Lukaba has committed to a long-term lease with 1225 West Belmont Avenue LLC, who this week signed a contract to purchase the building from Theatre Building Chicago.
Under the contract announced this week, Theatre Building Chicago will sell its property in Lakeview, containing three 148-seat theaters, to 1225 West Belmont Avenue LLC, according to Charles H. Jesser, manager of record for the entity. Jesser also stated that the purchaser intends to make substantial upgrades to the building. (Yeah!) The transaction is expected to close in May.
Lukaba executive producer Brian Posen stated, “We are excited about the opportunity to have our own space where we can collaborate with other artists and offer audiences accessible, affordable and exceptional entertainment.”
Lukaba Productions, under Posen’s leadership, has a long history of theatrical production in Chicago. Lukaba’s flagship product is the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, the world’s largest such festival that has taken place at TBC each January since 2002. In addition, Lukaba is the parent company of the Cupid Players, the musical sketch comedy troupe that lays claim to the title of longest-running sketch revue in iO Theater’s history. Posen has also produced a number of theatrical productions. Those presented at TBC include the Chicago premiere of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, Noises Off! and How the Other Half Loves.
“We have spent the last several years searching for a permanent home that can serve as a base for our own productions, as well as helping us fulfill our mission of serving and nurturing Chicago’s theatrical artists. We will continue TBC’s tradition of offering Chicago’s off-Loop companies affordable performance space so that the building will continue to serve as an incubator for Chicago theatre,” said Lukaba board chair Laura Michaud.
See more updates on this story at Chris Jones’ blog.
If what you really wanna do is produce… Here’s a chance to pick the brains of the industry’s elite
So you wanna be a producer? Mark the weekend of March 19 – 21 and plan on attending the Chicago Producing Intensive Conference at the Goodman Theatre’s Owen Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. A $350 ticket ($275 for members of the League of Chicago Theatres) includes access to presentations and networking opportunities with a who’s who of heavy-hitter producers and general managers from blockbuster shows in Chicago and on Broadway as well as national tours.
Presenters scheduled for the conference include Tom Viertel, partner with Scorpio Entertainment (A Little Night Music); Allied Live Managing Partner Laura Matalon (Broadway’s Hair, Billy Elliot, Mama Mia and Legally Blonde, among others); Broadway in Chicago Vice President Eileen LaCario; Jujamcyn Theatres Creative Director Jack Viertel; Steppenwolf Theatre Executive Director David Hawkanson; David Richards of Richards/Climan (general managers for Broadway’s Blithe Spirit and All My Sons, among others) and Goodman Theatre Executive Director Roche Schulfer.
Presenters are slated to address audience development, script and story development and promotional strategies and marketing techniques, among others topics.
The conference is open to anyone interested in producing, co-producing or investing in the theater, be it in Chicago, New York or for national tours. Aspiring general managers and investors are also invited. Program planners say the weekend will be of special interest to anyone exploring relationships between the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors in the development of a theater project.
The Commercial Theater Institute, now in its 29th year, is a project of Theatre Development Fund (TDF) and The Broadway League, Inc. Dedicated to training the next generation of commercial theatre producers, CTI strives to provide resources and guidance to people interested in creating commercial productions for the stage.
Join in a creative arts conversation with Emerging Leaders Network Chicago at Lookingglass
When: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 | 5:30 pm
Where: Lookingglass Theatre | 821 N. Michigan
With four distinctly different generations now in the workforce and leadership coming from top to bottom and bottom to top, the need to bridge the generation gap among members of the arts community is essential. The rise of social media, lack of programming aimed towards young adults, increase in number of arts administration BA and MA programs, and discrepancy in the school of thought between generations all provide fodder for discussion.
The evening will include food and drinks, networking, and a facilitated discussion between emerging and veteran leaders—all for a suggested donation of $10.
Please join the Emerging Leaders Network Chicago (ELN Chicago) for a Creative Conversation in honor of National Arts and Humanities Month.
(And don’t forget to join us on Facebook at "ELN Chicago")
RSVP by Monday, October 26 by clicking HERE. Space is limited!
Think Fast: “High Fidelity”, Jude Law in “Hamlet”, oyster-eating at the theatre, “Spiderman” schadenfreude, etc.
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Think Fast: Cleveland Playhouse, All State Arena, Harlem Summer Shakespeare, Lincoln Park Arts Festival
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SONIA DADA LIVE IN SANTA MONICA,CA…………..
$18.5 million later, “Mary Poppins” flies out of Chicago
MARY POPPINS
Flies high in Chicago
with 300,000 Audience members
and 18-weeks of performances
Well, this is quite an accomplishment – Chicago’s “favorite nanny” has opened her umbrella and followed the winds eastward after an extremely successful 18 week engagement at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Ending its Chicago stay on Sunday, July 12, 2009, MARY POPPINS performed for an amazing 300,000 theater patrons and grossed over $18.5 million at the box office. Mary Poppins opened on March 11th to rave reviews from both fans and critics.
From Lou Raizin, President of Broadway in Chicago:
“We are thrilled to have had MARY POPPINS choose to launch their national tour in Chicago with nothing less than an extraordinary production. The popularity of this show further established Chicago’s reputation as a national tourist destination for theatre this summer. Clearly theater continues to be a welcome stimulus in these economic times as evidenced by this successful 18 week run and the consistent activity in the Theatre District that it created.”
A co-production by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, this stage production is based on P.L. Travers‘ cherished stories and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film. The show includes the Academy Award®-winning music and lyrics of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. The stage production has been created, in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes, who has written the book, and the Olivier Award-winning team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, who have composed new songs and additional music and lyrics.
2009 Creative Chicago Expo – Saturday at the Cultural Center!
2009 Creative Chicago Expo
Info for artists on
Space • Housing • Business • Community
Saturday, April 4 10 AM – 4 PM
Chicago Cultural Center
Admission free ~ bring a friend!
20+ Workshops | 100+ Vendors | 40+ Consultants
Services for all Artists, Arts Businesses and Organizations
Dance | Fashion | Media | Music | Theater | Visual Art | Words
Once a year, the Creative Chicago Expo presents Chicago’s top resources, services and expertise specifically for people in the arts. Featuring workshops and vendors for individuals and arts organizations, the Expo is also an important opportunity to network and build community. Join over 3,500 artists who will make their way through the Cultural Center on Saturday April 4. The Expo is brings Chicago’s cultural community together under one roof!
CONSULT-A-THON!
Pick an expert on something you need — career coaching, legal or accounting issues, portfolio or grant review, casting agents, even organizational development and business issues for non-profits.
Schedule a 25 minute appointment for one-on-one consulting for only $10. Over 40 consultants will be available for appointments. Click here for the complete consultant list and to make an appointment. Limited to 3 appointments per person.
WORKSHOPS
Presented by top local and national service providers all day:
• Affordable Housing in Chicago
• Art Festival How-tos
• Benchmarking 101: Outcomes & Measurements
• Building a Board of Directors
• Business Licensing Basics
• Cultivating Individual Donors
• Finding Live/Work Space
• Fiscal Sponsorship
• Forming a Non-Profit
• Health Insurance Advice for Artists
• Marketing For the Cash Strapped and Time Poor
• Meet your Arts Service Agencies
• Obtaining Capital for your Creative Industry
• Reaching New Audiences
• Space Development Starter Kit for Non-profits
• Starting an Arts-Based Business
• Strategic Planning for Non-Profits
• Time Management for Artists
• Tips for “Successful Grant Applications
• Winning Public Art Commissions
• Your Credit Score: Re-Building Your Financial Health
Workshop Presenters include: Arts and Business Council of Chicago, Amdur Productions, Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, The Center for What Works, Columbia College Chicago Arts Entrepreneurship Center, Community Media Workshop, Communication Society, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Executive Service Corps, Fractured Atlas, Future of Music Coalition, Illinois Arts Alliance, Illinois Association of Mortgage Professionals, Illinois Facility Fund, International Academy of Design and Technology, Lawyers for the Creative Arts, Inc., League of Chicago Theatres, Mission Paradox, and others.
Read complete workshop descriptions and schedule here
All 2009 Vendors after the fold.
News from CAR (Chicago Artist’s Resource) – Theatre Mir, Ra Joy of IAA, and Rasaka Theatre
| »» | Opening next week - “The Arab-Israeli Cookbook“, presented by Theatre Mir, brings Arab and Israeli voices together in the stories of ordinary people living in a rich yet divided world in Israel and the West Bank. Based on real-life interviews by playwright Robin Soans and directors Tim Roseman and Rima Brihi, this deeply human play weaves the stories and recipes of more than forty characters who reveal common culture and experiences amidst the daily conflict. In restaurants, shops, cafes, and homes, everyone has a story to tell and a recipe to cook. “…Cookbook” runs March 5 – April 5 at the DCA Theatre in the Loop. More info here. |
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Ra Joy, Executive Director, Illinois Arts Alliance (IAA)
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| »» | Ra Joy, Executive Director of the Illinois Arts Alliance (as well as artist!), speaks out about the importance of arts advocacy; speaking out and supporting the arts and arts-friendly policies. |
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| Developed out of CAR’s Incubator program, Rasaka Theatre Company, the Midwest’s first South Asian American ensemble, will present the nation’s first South Asian short play festival on March 30th at 7:30pm, at the downtown DCA Studio Theatre. All of the short plays were created during Rasaka’s first annual ‘Playwrighting Bootcamp’ held over a weekend in August 2008. (Buy tix here) | |
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Workshops for Arts Organizations and Individuals: |
Key organizations who provide assistance to artists and arts organizations:
• The Actors Fund • Arts & Business Council of Chicago • Chicago Artists’ Coalition • Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs • Chicago Dance and Music Alliance • Chicago Filmmakers • Chicago Music Commission • Columbia College Chicago eCenter • Executive Service Corps • Guild Literary Complex • Illinois Arts Alliance • Illinois Arts Council • Independent Feature Project • Lawyers for the Creative Arts • League of Chicago Theatres • Links Hall • NARAS – The Recording Academy • Reeltime • UIC Health in the Arts Program •
Valentines: The House Theatre’s "Love-O-Rama", Giordano Dance Company toasts Valentine
Love-O-Rama to benefit The House Theatre
Hosted by The Vanguard, the Young Professionals Board of The House Theatre of Chicago, Love-O-Rama is an annual pre-Valentine’s Day benefit. The party is on Thursday, February 5th at Nick’s Uptown (4015 N Sheridan Rd) from 7 to 11 p.m. Guests can mingle with company members of The House as they enjoy drink specials throughout the evening along with a DJ, dancing, raffle prizes, a make-out booth and other surprises! Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.loveorama.net. Proceeds benefit The House Theatre of Chicago.
Centre East presents Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago Valentine’s Day
Centre East, in Skokie, will present the critically acclaimed Evanston-based Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. They will perform an encore of selections from their acclaimed program of new and revived works by choreographers mentored or inspired by the late founder Gus Giordano, including:
- Jon Lehrer’s “A Ritual Dynamic.”
- Gus Giordano’s solo piece “Wings,” recreated by former GJDC dancer Susan Quinn Williams.
- Sherry Zunker’s “The Man That Got Away.” a “pas de deux for one”
- “Giordano Moves” (2005) co-choreographed by Nan Giordano and former GJDC dancer and company Associate Director, Jon Lehrer. This piece features 10 dancers performing to an original jazz score by George McRae.
The evening will be capped with Post-Show Champagne with the dancers!
Congressional Arts Report Card – Illinois
Americans for the Arts Action Fund has released this year’s Congressional Arts report card. I have posted the Illinois delegation below. I’m very proud to say that my representative, Jan Schakowsky, possesses the top report card score of A-plus. It’s great to be represented by such an amazing friend-of-the-arts. Way to go Jan!
| District | Representative (Party) | Score | Grade |
| 8 | Melissa Bean (D) | 80 | B+ |
| 13 | Judy Biggert (R) | 86 | A |
| 12 | Jerry Costello (D) | 86 | A |
| 7 | Danny Davis (D) | 98 | A |
| 5 | Rahm Emanuel | 80 | B+ |
| 4 | Luis Gutierrez (D) | 74 | B+ |
| 17 | Phil Hare (D) | 86 | A |
| 2 | Jesse Jackson Jr. (D) | 94 | A |
| 15 | Timothy Johnson (R) | 88 | A |
| 10 | Mark Kirk (R) | 86 | A |
| 18 | Ray LaHood (R) | 80 | B+ |
| 3 | Daniel Lipinski (D) | 88 | A |
| 16 | Donald Manzullo (R) | 6 | F |
| 6 | Peter Roskam (R) | 20 | D |
| 1 | Bobby Rush (D) | 90 | A |
| 9 | Janice Schakowsky (D) | 100 | A+ |
| 19 | John Shimkus (R) | 80 | B+ |
| 11 | Jerry Weller (R) | 40 | C |
Note: Rep. Bill Foster (D), of the 14th District, is not listed as he did not take office until 3/11/08.
You can see the entire Congressional Arts Report Card, including tabulation methods, here.
More info on the status of arts in our nation can be found at ArtsUSA.org.
Steppenwolf’s Tina Landau wins $50,000 fellowship
Congratulations are in order for Tina Landau, Steppenwolf ensemble member and star director. She has been selected to be one of 53 nationwide artists awarded a coveted 2007 United States Artists fellowship. Within the Theater Arts category, Ms. Landau is one of only six recipients. As part of the award, this talented thespian and director will receive $50,000 for her accomplishments.
