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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Feb. 26, 2021
CHICAGO—The COVID-19 pandemic has shuttered the city’s Theatre District downtown in the Loop, leading to concerning economic implications. According to Chicago Loop Alliance’s Arts in the Loop Economic Impact Study, there are around 35,000 seats in Loop performing arts venues, $90 million spent by visitors on Loop tickets and admissions, $233 million spent by Loop performing arts institutions on operations, and nearly 6,000 full time equivalent jobs supported by Loop performing arts. Chicago Theatre Week, presented by Choose Chicago and the League of Chicago Theatres and running Feb. 25-March 7, offers an opportunity to support these organizations when they need it most.
“Theatre Week is always one of our favorite times of year in the Loop, and while things are quite a bit different this year, we hope people in Chicago and beyond support their favorite performing arts institutions,” said Chicago Loop Alliance President and CEO Michael Edwards. “We’ve been collecting data on a monthly basis throughout the pandemic, and the numbers for the Loop are still pretty grim. Pedestrian activity on State Street in the Loop is down by about 70 percent compared to last year. And unfortunately, it’s just not financially viable for our theaters to operate with current capacity restrictions. The virtual offerings for Theatre Week this year are fantastic, and I hope our theaters get much-needed support.”
Chicago Theatre Week has become a staple in the city, but given the COVID-19 pandemic, there are new ways to enjoy performances and support theaters in 2021. Typically during Chicago Theatre Week, value-priced theatre tickets are offered for $15 or $30. This year, donations in those amounts are encouraged.
Chicago Loop Alliance has curated a list of Loop performing arts institutions participating in Chicago Theatre Week this year. Check out the listings below for highlights.
In-person tours are back at the Auditorium Theatre. The Auditorium Theatre, designed by famed architects Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler, opened on December 9, 1889, and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1975. Hourlong Historic Tours take patrons behind the scenes to view it as few do. Tours are limited to 10 people. Schedule a tour here.
During Chicago Theatre Week, value-priced Auditorium tickets are typically offered for $15 or $30. Donations in that amount to support this organization can be made here.
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and, over the past 20 years, has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. Broadway In Chicago operates in five theatres: the CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.
This theatre has opted to direct donations to the League of Chicago Theatres’ Chicago Theatre Workers Relief Fund. The Chicago Theatre Workers Relief Fund provides one-time grants to Chicago theatre workers who have lost work or have been unable to find work due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Donations can be made here.
Founded in 1891, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is consistently hailed as one of the greatest orchestras in the world. Engage with CSO during Theatre Week by checking out CSO Sessions Episode 14: Beethoven & Price. CSO Sessions is your front-row seat to the exceptional artistry of the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing the works of composers of the past and of today.
During Chicago Theatre Week, value-priced CSO tickets are typically offered for $15 or $30. Donations in that amount to support this organization can be made here.
Goodman Theatre, Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theater, has won international renown for the quality of productions, the depth and diversity of artistic leadership, and the excellence of its many community and educational programs. Engage with the Goodman this Chicago Theatre Week by streaming “The Secretaries” at 7 p.m. CST on Saturday, Feb. 27. Reserve your free ticket here.
During Chicago Theatre Week, value-priced Goodman tickets are typically offered for $15 or $30. Donations in that amount to support this organization can be made here.
Considered one of the premier companies performing today, the Joffrey plays a vital role in the dance community as the largest dance company and dance education provider in Chicago and the greater Midwest region. During Chicago Theatre Week, tune into the free live stream of Boléro at 7 p.m. CST on Feb. 26.
During Chicago Theatre Week, value-priced Joffrey tickets are typically offered for $15 or $30. Donations in that amount to support this organization can be made here.
Lyric Opera of Chicago is one of the world’s great opera companies, presenting a fusion of spectacular music and riveting theater. During Chicago Theatre Week, tune in for a free virtual concert, Lawrence Brownlee and Friends: The Next Chapter. Presented by Lyric’s Ryan Opera Center, the concert celebrates the depth and breadth of Black artistry, hosted by world-renowned tenor Lawrence Brownlee, who also serves as artistic advisor for the event. Learn more here.
During Chicago Theatre Week, value-priced Lyric tickets are typically offered for $15 or $30. Donations in that amount to support this organization can be made here.
Silk Road Rising is a community-centered art-making and arts service organization rooted in Asian, Middle Eastern, and Muslim experiences. During Chicago Theatre Week, enjoy a free screening of “Black Teens Lives Matter,” a virtual project in four acts that draws on monologues and short plays written by Black teens in Silk Road Rising’s EPIC (Empathic Playwriting Intensive Course) program from 2017-2020. Tune in at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, and 7 p.m. Monday, March 1. After that, the video will become available to watch at any time for free.
During Chicago Theatre Week, value-priced Silk Road Rising tickets are typically offered for $15 or $30. Donations in that amount to support this organization can be made here.
Find all Loop theaters participating in Chicago Theatre Week here.
About Chicago Loop Alliance
Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA)’s mission is to create, manage and promote positive and inclusive programs that attract people to the Loop and accelerate economic recovery. CLA is a membership organization as well as the sole service provider for Special Service Area#1-2015, and the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation produces public art projects and events. For more information, please visit here.
About Choose Chicago
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city and its member business community. Follow @ChooseChicago on Twitter and on Instagram @choosechicago. Like them on Facebook. For more, visit www.choosechicago.com. #ChicagoHome | #Only1Chicago
About the League of Chicago Theatres
The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theatres which leverages its collective strength to promote, support, and advocate for Chicago's theatre industry locally, nationally, and internationally. The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the art of theatre in the Chicago area through audience development and support services for theatres and theatre professionals. For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago Theatres website, ChicagoPlays.com. For photos and additional press information, visit ChicagoPlays.com/press.
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