THE RUCKUS ANNOUNCES ITS CLOSE AFTER SEVEN SUCCESSFUL SEASONS

THE RUCKUS ANNOUNCES ITS CLOSE AFTER SEVEN SUCCESSFUL SEASONS 1 After seven seasons of championing new theatrical works through workshops, readings, and full productions, The Ruckus announces its close. The Ruckus’ first full production season of 2009 included new work by Chicago-area artists, beginning with HEIST PLAY by Mitch Vermeersch. This focus on supporting new and developing work continued throughout the next seven years, culminating in this season’s two world premieres (HOME BEFORE DARK by Will Goldberg and FROM THESE FATAL LOINS by Dan Caffrey) and a six-play new work reading series, “A Moste Appropriatte and Ladyelyke Festivale of Playes by Laedeyes” showcasing female playwrights and directors.

After seven seasons of championing new theatrical works through workshops, readings, and full productions, The Ruckus announces its close. The Ruckus’ first full production season of 2009 included new work by Chicago-area artists, beginning with HEIST PLAY by Mitch Vermeersch. This focus on supporting new and developing work continued throughout the next seven years, culminating in this season’s two world premieres (HOME BEFORE DARK by Will Goldberg and FROM THESE FATAL LOINS by Dan Caffrey) and a six-play new work reading series, “A Moste Appropriatte and Ladyelyke Festivale of Playes by Laedeyes” showcasing female playwrights and directors.

Pictured for The Ruckus's Midwest premiere of Barbecue Apocalypse by Matt Lyle are: (L to R) Andrew L. Saenz (Win), Christine Vrem-Ydstie (Glory), Bryan Bosque (Ash), Kevin Lambert (Mike), Jillian Rea (Lulu), and Allison Hendrix (Deb). Photo: Jeff Bivens. 2014.

Pictured for The Ruckus’s Midwest premiere of Barbecue Apocalypse by Matt Lyle are: (L to R) Andrew L. Saenz (Win), Christine Vrem-Ydstie (Glory), Bryan Bosque (Ash), Kevin Lambert (Mike), Jillian Rea (Lulu), and Allison Hendrix (Deb). Photo: Jeff Bivens. 2014.

As the curtain closes on a vibrant seven years, Artistic Director Derek Van Barham says, “The Ruckus has been an important artistic playground for so many of Chicago’s creative minds. It has been exciting to build new worlds together, creating work that is dangerous, visceral, and playful. While I expect many of us will continue to collaborate as artists, it will not be as The Ruckus. I look forward to seeing the future projects and new partnerships of our ensemble members, the talented and dedicated individuals who helped us create a ruckus.”

Executive Director Catherine Bullard remarks, “The opportunities to devise new work, help develop existing plays, and give new life to hot-off-the-presses scripts allowed all of us at The Ruckus to grow as artists and administrators. During our time as a company, many of us gained more clarity about our roles in the Chicago theatre community and how we might move forward as theatre creators. We are sad to say goodbye to The Ruckus, and we’re thankful for the experiences and energy it gave us.”

The Ruckus will invest a portion of its remaining funds and its assets back into the Chicago theatre community.d

About The Ruckus

Founded on the principle that the best art comes from fearless collaborations, The Ruckus is composed of multi-disciplinary artists from across the country and around the globe. We aim to create a company without borders—a theater that blends the lines between playwright and actor, audience and ensemble member. The Ruckus Theater is led by Artistic Director Derek Van Barham, Executive Director Catherine Bullard, and Associate Artistic Director Stevie Chaddock.

Founded on the principle that the best art comes from fearless collaborations, The Ruckus is composed of multi-disciplinary artists from across the country and around the globe. We aim to create a company without borders—a theater that blends the lines between playwright and actor, audience and ensemble member. The Ruckus Theater is led by Artistic Director Derek Van Barham, Executive Director Catherine Bullard, and a company and ensemble of twenty-seven.

The Ruckus, a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) organization, is supported by the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the MacArthur Funds for Arts & Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, The Saints, the League of Chicago Theatres and Wolf’s Lair, and our generous individual donors. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

See how we make a ruckus all over the Internet at facebook.com/theruckustheater; view our perfectly squared photos at instagram.com/theruckustheater; and follow our tweets at twitter.com/ruckustheater. The Ruckus is a proud member of the League of Chicago Theatres.