LEAGUE OF CHICAGO THEATRES ANNOUNCES FIVE FINALISTS FOR THE 2014 BROADWAY IN CHICAGO EMERGING THEATER AWARD

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The League of Chicago Theatres announces the five finalists for the 2014 Broadway In Chicago Emerging Theater Award.  This is the eighth year of the award, which provides $5,000,consultation with Broadway In Chicago staff members, and a marketing package that includes advertising support.

The award was created in 2007 to encourage, support and promote young theaters in Chicago that have demonstrated great ability and promise, artistic excellence and fiscal responsibility in business practices. The honoree will be selected from this group of finalists by a majority vote of member companies of the League of Chicago Theatres.

The 2014 finalists are:

Filament Theatre

Jackalope Theatre

Oracle Theatre

Pavement Group

Sideshow Theatre Company

Applications for the award were accepted during April and May of 2014.  Eligible companies must be a member of the League of Chicago Theatres, have been incorporated at least 3 and no longer than 10 years, and have demonstrated artistic excellence, fiscal responsibility, community leadership, and potential for future growth.

A nomination committee comprised of Chicago theatre industry professionals and educators reviewed the applications and selected five finalists. The finalists will be presented before the entire League membership for a final vote in May.  The award recipient is determined by majority vote from the entire League membership and will be announced prior to the League of Chicago Theatres Annual Gala to be held this year on June 9. Each member company is permitted to cast one vote toward the finalist of their choice.  The House Theatre of Chicago, Silk Road Theatre Project, the side project, Steep Theatre, The New Colony, Theatre Seven of Chicago and 16th Street Theater are previous recipients of the award.

“Broadway in Chicago is fortunate to be a part of the Chicago theatre community, one of the most vibrant theatre communities in the world,” comments Lou Raizin, President of Broadway In Chicago.  “It gives us great pleasure each year to recognize theatre companies that are emerging and distinguishing Chicago with their great work.  The Emerging Theater Award celebrates the extraordinary spirit of mentorship that is unique to our city.”

 

Deb Clapp, Executive Director of the League of Chicago Theatres adds, “The League of Chicago Theatres is once again partnering with award sponsor Broadway In Chicago to present The Emerging Theatre Award to a Chicago theatre company.  The award is a testament to the collaborative and supportive nature of the Chicago theatre community.  This award has made a significant impact on the emerging companies it supports and we are thrilled to honor a company in this manner.

 

The award will be presented at the League of Chicago Theatres Annual Gala, an elegant one-night-only event that brings together friends of Chicago theatre to raise funds for programs to support Chicago’s 240 member theatre companies.  This year’s event will be held on Monday, June 9, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. at Swissotel Chicago, 323 E Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago.

Tickets are available for $300 per person, and all proceeds benefit The League of Chicago Theatres which promotes, supports and advocates for theater in Chicago.  To purchase tickets, or for sponsorship opportunities and participation information, visit www.chicagoplays.com or call 312-554-9800.

About Chicago theater

Chicago is the cultural leader in the U.S. with the largest and most diverse theater community that produces more world premieres than anywhere else in the world. Chicagoland boasts more than 250 professional theaters and consists of a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theaters to the most renowned resident theaters in the country, including 4 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theaters serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million – and no other city in the country has such a creative, respected and thriving theater community. Chicago’s theater industry, with both its exceptional theater and an extraordinary talent pool, has long been the envy of the world’s top theater cities and is second to none in number and innovation.

The League of Chicago Theatres’ Mission Statement

The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theaters which leverages its collective strength to promote, support and advocate for Chicago’s theater industry locally, nationally and internationally. The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the art of theater in the Chicago area through audience development and support services for theaters and theater professionals.