Your Weekly Broadcast

December 28, 2023 | Opportunities, events, and resources for League members

League Updates & Upcoming Events

Check out our last Broadcast at leagueofchicagotheatres.org

League of Chicago Theatres 2023 Wrap-Up

Hello Family,

As we wrap up this year there is a feeling of completion and renewal in the air. Time flies when you are busy and more quickly when you are having fun, so I hope you enjoy every moment with your loved ones during this season.

Speaking of special moments, I recently took a look back in my gallery from January through the year. It is so easy to forget everything we have survived, achieved, and celebrated when we get bogged down by the day to day, but the League and all of its members have worked hard to keep our stories on stages in our communities across Chicago and that is something to be noted. So, this final newsletter of the year highlights some of the moments we have shared, and I want you to get rested and get ready, because we have many more memories to create as we embark on the League’s 45th anniversary in 2024.

Check out all we did this year:

28 new members joined
Over 46,000 Hot Tix tickets sold including 2,900 tickets sold during the first ever Half-Price Holidays promotion and over 2,300 tickets sold during the first ever Chicago Theatre Week Continued promotion
15 events hosted including our first ever Career Fair with over 400 attendees!
Our first Gala since the pandemic and the introduction of the Spotlight Initiative and Backstage Champion Award
1,175 event attendees
53,000 Theatre Guides distributed
Over 20,000 Chicago Theatre Week tickets sold for 2023 and the launch of Chicago Theatre Week Bingo!
765 jobs posted on the League Job Board
Participating in the Theatre Season Fall campaign
New Board Committees
New Hot Tix Commission Structure
New Membership Model

Industry Podcasts:

League Events:

Career Fair at Loyola University – July 17, 2023
Annual Meeting/Chicago Theatre Week Kick-off at the Den Theatre – February 13, 2023
League of Chicago Theatres Annual Gala: It’s Showtime! A Celebration of Chicago Theatre at Amazing Space – September 19, 2023
Arts in the Dark Parade on State Street – October 21, 2023
New Member Mixer at Theatre Y – November 3, 2023

Industry Events:

A New Year for Theatre: New Leaders, New Directions, and Exciting New Productions at Harold Washington Library – February 6, 2023
E-Waste Drive, Networking Event & Industry Night of Raven Theatre’s The October Storm – June 8, 2023
Congo Square Industry Night for Welcome to Matteson – September 28, 2023
Theo Meet & Greet for Baked! The Musical – October 5, 2023
Community Night with A Red Orchid Theatre at Revolution Brewing – October 25, 2023
Millenium Park Sing-a-Long ft. Starkid Productions and Strawdog Theatre – December 15, 2023

Festival Season:

Switch on Summer – Downtown – May 11, 2023
Andersonville Midsommarfest – Andersonville – June 9-11, 2023
Square Roots Festival – Lincoln Square – July 7-9, 2023
DCASE Summer Film Series – Downtown – July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22
Argyle Night Market – Uptown – July 13 & August 31, 2023
Sundays on State – Downtown – July 16 & August 13, 2023
Woodlawn Health Fair – Woodlawn – August 5, 2023
Taste of Chicago – Downtown September 8-10, 2023
Hyde Park Jazz Festival – Hyde Park September 23-24, 2023
Navy Pier Live – Downtown – September 23-24, 2023
DCASE Summer Film Series – Downtown – July 11, 18, 25, August 29, 2023

= 130 Hours Spent with the Community!

Brand Ambassador Program:

Weekly Visits to Hotel Concierges
Arts in the Dark Parade – October 21, 2023
Block 37 Activation Performance – December 12, 2023
Christkindlmarket – Holiday Theatre Guides
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival/Millennium Park Tree Lighting – November 17 & 18, 2023
Holiday Sing-a-Long – December 1, 2023

Professional Development:

Public Relations Training for League Theatres at Steppenwolf Theatre Company – January 24, 2023
Virtual Trans-Inclusive Casting Workshop for League Members – March 21, 2023
Hot Tix Program Update Meeting with Marissa – June 12, 2023
Virtual Lawyers for the Creative Arts Sexual Harassment Prevention Trainings – May 19, 2023 & December 8, 2023

Thank you for the memories!

Send Us Your MLK Day & Black History Month Programming

In anticipation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 15th, and Black History Month in February, we would like to put together a list highlighting the work of member theatres related to these celebrations. Please let us know about your productions, events, and educational programs for us to include in our outreach efforts. Email kara@chicagoplays.com to submit your programming.

Vote Now On 2024 Board Slate

The Board of Directors of the League of Chicago Theatres is pleased to present to the League Membership the following candidates to fill current Board vacancies. View the candidates here. All ballots must be submitted here no later than Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Download candidate bios here. Only one vote per organization.

2024 Chicago Theatre Week – Toolkit Now Available and Call for Media Assets

The Chicago Theatre Week Marketing Toolkit is now available, with box office instructions, logos, graphics for social media, sample text, and more. If you need any additional information or image sizes, we would be happy to provide them if you send an email to hayley@chicagoplays.com with your request. Access the Marketing Toolkit here. Help us plan and promote your show by submitting your marketing materials here! All media is welcome!

Pay it Forward!

Support the League of Chicago Theatres as we enter our 45th year with a donation in any amount to help us continue to make sure that theatre thrives in Chicago. Your support helps us continue programs like Chicago Theatre Week, Hot Tix, the Samuel G. Roberson Fellowship, and more! Make a contribution here, or help us spread the word by posting this graphic on you social media accounts.

Community Announcements

DCASE’s 2024 Individual Artists Program (IAP) grant application is now open. The deadline to apply is January 16, 2024 at 5:00pm CT. IAP Grants support the creation, development, or presentation of artwork, and professional development, for artists across all

disciplines including Film & Media Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts (Theatre/Dance), Music and Visual Arts/Design. Visit chicagoculturalgrants.org to sign up for an info session and apply.

DCEO's B2B New Business Program is now accepting applications for up to $30,000 from businesses and nonprofits that began after January 1, 2020. Did you start a creative business or organization during the pandemic? For the first time ever, Illinois is offering a grant program for new businesses or nonprofits that started during the pandemic. Visit DCEO’s program website, to access complete eligibility information, FAQs, and the application. There are also webinars happening regularly throughout the application period. Learn more and apply here.

Send Us Your Community Announcements!

If you have a submission, question, or suggestion, please use this entry form or contact our Membership Manager, Kara Jackson.

Featured Business Affiliate

Carol Fox & Associates (CF&A) is an award-winning PR, branding, digital marketing and events agency. Fully integrated to meet the demands of an ever-changing industry, our team is plugged in, switched on and ready to elevate your brand. View the full list of League Business Affiliates here.

League Resources & Helpful Links

Post Your Shows on ChicagoPlays.com

Post all of your upcoming shows on ChicagoPlays.com to be featured on our patron facing website, social media platforms, seasonal theatre guides, “ChicagoPlays Extra” emails, and more.

Sell Discount Tickets on HotTix.org

Grow your audience by offering discount tickets through Hot Tix. Your performances will be featured on the Hot Tix website, social media platforms, and included in email blasts to a large list of loyal subscribers. Contact Hot Tix for more information on how to take advantage of this service.

SmarTix Free Student Tickets Program

Send us your show information and we will email a large list of Chicago area college students a complementary email invitation to select performances at your theatre. Contact Kara Jackson if you are interested in taking advantage of this program.

View/Post Industry Offers

Go to our Industry Ticket Offers page to see all current available offers. Current offers posted from Teatro ZinZanni, Music Theater Works, Northlight Theatre, and Court Theatre. To add your industry offers to our website, use this form, or contact Kara Jackson .

Review the Opening Night & Gala Calendar

Our opening night & gala calendar is the go-to information source for press outlets, critics, and theatres across the city. Make sure that you check this calendar before planning your press openings or galas and add them to this calendar as soon as they are scheduled. Use this form to submit your press opening or gala performance information or contact Kara Jackson with any questions.

Add Performances to the Access Calendar

Make sure to enter the dates for your upcoming access performances when you submit your shows to ChicagoPlays.com. These performances are compiled and searchable on our Access Calendar . If you have any questions, contact Kara Jackson.