Posted 5 years ago in Arts and Culture by Jessica Cabe
The City of Chicago has designated 2019 the Year of Chicago Theatre, and just like the Year of Creative Youth (2018) and Year of Public Art (2017), Chicago Loop Alliance will be playing an active role in celebrating.
The Loop is home to the Chicago Theatre District, with iconic theatres like the CIBC, Cadillac Palace, Nederlander, Auditorium, Goodman, and more housing world-class plays, Broadway In Chicago productions, renowned dance companies, and various other forms of theatre. With destination marketing campaigns and programmatic tie-ins, Chicago Loop Alliance will elevate the celebration of this art form that makes the city shine.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Commissioner Mark Kelly, League of Chicago Theatres Executive Director Deb Clapp, and many other civic, arts, and theatre leaders announced in September plans to designate 2019 as the Year of Chicago Theatre. This citywide, year-long focus on theatre is the first of its kind in the U.S. The initiative will include theatre performances – including improv, dance, opera, puppetry, and more – and special events for the public at hundreds of cultural venues, theaters, parks, and neighborhood locations throughout the city.
The City of Chicago and its partners will also launch a marketing campaign that leverages a new brand for Chicago theatre; provide additional financial grants to theatre projects; encourage dialog around inclusion and equity; and call on civic, philanthropic, arts, and business leaders to support the theatre community.
“To truly fall in love with Chicago, you must go to our theaters. This is where the city bares its fearless soul,” said DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly. “From joy to heartache and every feeling in between, Chicago theatre tells stories that evoke big emotions. Stories that take risks, inspire awe, ask tough questions – and dare audiences to do the same. Through Broadway musicals or storefront plays and improv, the energy of the city comes alive in our theaters. And with a diverse collection of over 250 dynamic theaters throughout our neighborhoods, there’s always a seat waiting for you.”
The birthplace of storefront theatre and improv, Chicago is home to some 250 theatres downtown and in neighborhoods throughout the city. It boasts five Tony Award-winning theatres, the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation, and more world premieres than any other city.
To start the celebration off right, get your tickets now for Chicago Theatre Week. Presented by the League of Chicago Theatres in partnership with Choose Chicago, Chicago Theatre Week is returning for its seventh year and will take place February 7-17, 2019. Patrons will have the opportunity to choose from more than 100 productions with tickets on sale now for $15, $30, or even less!
Main Photo: Broadway In Chicago CIBC Theatre - Photo by Amy Boyle Photography
