|
Happy New Year!
As we embark on this new season, we have some exciting programming ahead. We are entering 45 years of the League working towards its mission of promoting, supporting, and advocating for the theatre industry in Chicago. We have a full year of engagement on stage, and in community, planned for the membership.
For the past couple of months, the League has been partnering with DCASE to create working groups, including theatre professionals, business partners, and funders, to address the challenges we are facing in our industry. These working groups cover several key focus areas, including Audience Engagement and Marketing, Shared Resources, Financial Resources, and Development of the Creative Workforce. These meetings will begin this month, and continue throughout the first quarter of the year. We have also been partnering with TCG in preparation for the national theatre community coming to Chicago in June, with Chicago-led committees engaging around programming, leisure, and communications. We have some new additions to the team, with colleagues who love the work we do, so we are making sure to introduce them to you below for full support.
This year will be all about unifying and advocating together to uplift everyone represented in our industry. Check out some of the things we have planned below, and we look forward to engaging with you this year!
Warmly,
Marissa Lynn Jones
| |
|
Introducing Our 45th Anniversary Programming
The League of Chicago Theatres is excited to invite you to its 45th Anniversary celebrations taking place all throughout 2024. The League is thrilled to be curating a monumental year of programming, including our Chicago Theatre Week Kick-off, the return of the League’s Career Fair, our Annual Gala, and our inaugural Community Empowerment Series. Click here for our list of events.
| |
| |
|
LOCT Annual Membership Surveys
The League of Chicago Theatres is initiating an annual survey amongst the membership to help improve our advocacy efforts, communications with theatres, resource gathering, program building, and membership marketing strategies. Access Surveys Here: Annual Membership Surveys
We are asking that each member organization please complete and submit ALL surveys by January 31, 2024. If you have any questions regarding any of the surveys, please contact Tony Bondoc, Director of Programming, at Tony@Chicagoplays.com.
| |
| |
|
Introducing Our Team
We would like to welcome and introduce our newest staff members on the League of Chicago Theatres team.
This includes our Brand Ambassadors, who run our festivals and help with League programming, as well as our Ticketing Services Associates, who support our Hot Tix program. View our updated staff page here!
We would also like to welcome our newest consultants:
Chad Hoosier, Lobbyist
Nicole Kenner, Accountant
As we work to implement policy and programming that is beneficial to our membership, please take a look at your House Representatives and State Senators who you can reach out to about these changes! A PDF with this information can be found here. You can also conduct your own search here.
| |
| |
|
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 – Tickets on Sale Next Tuesday, Jan. 9!
Chicago Theatre Week is quickly approaching! Value-priced $15 and $30 tickets go on sale on ChicagoTheatreWeek.com next Tuesday, January 9.
The Chicago Theatre Week Marketing Toolkit is now available, with box office instructions, logos, graphics for social media, sample text, and more. Access the Marketing Toolkit here.
We also have posters and flyers available for pick up at the League office at 17 N Wabash Ave, Suite 520 during business hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Contact hayley@chicagoplays.com to coordinate pick up.
| | |
|
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.
| |
| |
|
The 37th Young Playwrights Festival features four dynamic one-act plays that explore bias across time and space. The Festival runs Thursday, Jan. 4 – Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at Chicago Dramatists, 798 N. Aberdeen.
Be sure to witness the amazing results of these writers professional debut and enjoy an evening of theater from tomorrow’s stars. Buy Tickets here.
| |
| |
|
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 webinars happening throughout the application period. Learn more and apply here. | |
| | |
|
Featured Business Affiliate
Cathy Taylor Public Relations was founded with the goal of promoting Chicago’s incredible theaters and has earned an expert reputation when it comes to strategic communication and media relations. Every CTPR publicity campaign is crafted with each client’s specific needs, mission, desired public image, and target audience in mind. Dedicated to providing each client with the personal service and attention they deserve, CTPR remains an intentionally small firm working with some of the city’s leading arts organizations. View the full list of League Business Affiliates here.
| | |
|
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, 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.
| |
Professional Development Opportunities | | | | |
