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Showing posts with label help locally. Show all posts
Showing posts with label help locally. Show all posts

Thursday, November 16, 2017

HELP OUT: Gift Gala 2017 REVOLUTIONS Friday, December 1, 2017 at The Copernicus Center

The Gift Theatre is pleased to present its 16th annual benefit, GIFT GALA 2017: REVOLUTIONS on Friday, December 1, 2017 from 6 pm – 10 pm at the Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave. in Chicago. 


Since 2001 and over 70 productions, The Gift Theatre has pioneered the frontiers of the American theatre via the most intimate professional theatre in the country, leading to national acclaim and a cultural revolution on Chicago’s northwest side. Join The Gift family for this celebratory evening at the Copernicus Center, named after the astronomer whose theory about revolutions changed everything. Tickets for GIFT GALA 2017: REVOLUTIONS are currently available at thegifttheatre.org.

The elegant evening will feature hors d'oeuvres, irresistible auction items and delectable desserts. Entertainment will include live jazz and classical music, a DJ and dancing and a short performance charting The Gift’s evolving place in the cosmos from Copernicus to NASA, SpaceX and beyond. The evening also includes the presentation of the Sheldon Patinkin Total Gift Award, which recognizes a key supporter and friend of The Gift. The theatre is pleased to announce Greg and Anne Taubeneck will be the recipients of this year's award.

This Gala Co-Chairs include Michelle Boone, Chief Program and Civic Engagement Officer at Navy Pier Inc. and Chicago’s First Lady Amy Rule.

The Gala Committee incldues Lori Dimun, Laura Gale, George Karzas, Sharon Martwick, Rita Thornton and Shannon Wallace 

EVENT DETAILS:

Event: GIFT GALA 2017: REVOLUTIONS 
Date/Time: Friday, December 1, 2017 from 6 pm – 10 pm
Location: Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago
Details: Coctkails, hors d'oeuvres and dessert, auction items, live music, a DJ and dancing and a performance. Festive attire encouraged.
Tickets: Individual $150; Table $1500; VIP Table $3000. Tickets are currently available at thegifttheatre.org.

Gala food donors include: Gale Street Inn, Community Tavern, Pasta D'arte and Cafe Marbella.



About The Gift Theatre
The Gift’s 17th season consists of Stacy Amma Osei-Kuffour’s world premiere of Hang Man, directed by ensemble member Erica Weiss (February 9 – April 8, 2018); Shakespeare’s Hamlet, directed by Monty Cole (June 1 – July 29, 2018); and the Midwest premiere of Tony Award-winning playwright and ensemble member David Rabe’s Cosmologies, directed by Artistic Director Michael Patrick Thornton (October 12 –December 9, 2018). The Gift subscribers ("Gifters") receive admission to three shows, free parking at Gale Street Inn, free admission to all Wednesday night “Natural Gas” improv shows and invitations to special subscriber-only special events. Subscribe at thegifttheatre.org or by calling (773) 283-7071. 

Thursday, April 23, 2015

HELP OUT: Option Up! to host Chris’ Birthday Belt-Fest, A Benefit Concert for Howard Brown Health Center, May 10 Featuring Wicked’s Heidi Kettenring, Les Miserables’ Marya Grandy and more!

Option Up!, the acclaimed musical theater cabaret and talk-show, celebrates co-host Christopher Pazdernik’s birthday with Chris’ Birthday Belt-Fest, a concert to benefit Howard Brown Health Center on Sunday, May 10 at 7:30 in The Cab at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago. Featuring award-winning musical theater performers from across Chicago, the evening will be music directed by co-host Aaron Benham. Tickets are $10 and available by calling 773.327.5252 or by visiting www.stage773.com.



In February 2014, Jeff Award and Broadway World Award nominees Christopher Pazdernik and Aaron Benham teamed up to create a unique event for the Chicago musical theater scene.  A new show is performed one night each month, featuring both performances and interviews with guest musical theater performers alongside musical theater analysis and trivia. Over the past year, Option Up! has been featured in publications ranging from New City Stage to Glossed & Found, as well as a special mention from renowned theatre historian Peter Filichia.  

For the May 10 edition, leading ladies from every theater in town will join together to belt for a good cause, Howard Brown Health Center, in honor of HBHC’s medical care for Christopher since he was diagnosed HIV+ in 2009. Currently schedule to perform are multiple Jeff Award nominee Heidi Kettenring (Wicked in Chicago), Drama Desk nominee Marya Grandy (Broadway’s Les Miserables and off-Broadway’s The Great American Trailer Park Musical) and Jeff Award winner Alexis J. Rogers (Court Theater’s Porgy and Bess; Porchlight’s Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill) as well as Jeff Award nominee Charissa Armon (Porchlight’s Ragtime), Neala Barron (Griffin’s Titanic), Lillie Cummings (Paramount’s Les Miserables), Jeff nominee Landree Fleming (Drury Lane’s Spelling Bee), Kristen Freilich (Second City’s Jewsical!), Jeff Award nominee Angela Ingersoll (Chicago Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Windsor), Jessica Kingsdale (Paramount’s Grease), Molly Kral (Paramount’s Cats), Jeff Award winner Elizabeth Lanza (Marriott’s South Pacific; Chicago Shakespeare’s Sunday in the Park with George), Samantha Pauly (Marriott’s Godspell), Lauren Paris (Piven’s Melancholy Play), Jeff Award nominee Laura Savage (Porchlight’s Pal Joey), and Wisconsin actress Amanda Petersen Fails, one of Christopher’s life-long best friends. More performers to be announced shortly! (Line-up subject to change.)

About Howard Brown Health Center
Founded in 1974, Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC) is one of the nation's largest health care and research organizations, primarily serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) community and its allies. It is the largest such organization in the Midwest and serves adults youth and children throughout the region. An innovative and patient-centered health home, HBHC provides primary medical care, behavioral health services, and specialty chronic and infectious disease services, and conducts nationally-renowned clinical and behavioral research.

About the Hosts
Previous collaborations between Pazdernik and Benham include four hit cabaret revues at Davenport’s:  It’s an Art: the Songs of Stephen Schwartz; Nobody’s Side: Broadway’s Cult Classics (Vol. I)Un-Type Cast; and Carol and Patti: Together Again for the First Time. They also worked together on Anyone Can Whistle and City of Angels for Porchlight Revists—Porchlight Music Theater’s staged concert series of lost Broadway musicals.


Option Up: Chris’ Birthday Belt-Fest performs one night only on Sunday, May 10, 7:30 PM, at Stage 773—The Cab, 1225 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago.  Cover charge is $10. Cash bar is available one hour before and after the performance. Tickets are available by calling 773.327.5252 or by visiting www.stage773.com.

Monday, October 20, 2014

HELP LOCALLY: Razorhouse To Headline Yoga for Recovery benefit at the Lincoln Tap Room 10/23

Chi, IL Live Shows on Our Radar

Chicago’s Razorhouse will headline a Yoga for Recovery benefit at the Lincoln Tap Room on Thursday, Oct. 23, and drop the single “Girl Like a Hand Grenade” on Nov. 11, 2014. 

Come Out and Support A Great Cause!
- $5 Tecate & Cuervo Silver shot
- $4 Fat Tire pints
- $2 Hamms & Strohs cans
- $4 Fireball shots
- $5 Absolut cocktails
- $5 PBR Bottle and Jameson shot

Friday, September 13, 2013

HELP LOCALLY: About Face Presents THE BLACK AND TAN SUPPER CLUB 10/11/13 Exclusive 'Speakeasy Throwback' at Mystery Venue

About Face Presents
THE BLACK AND TAN SUPPER CLUB
Friday, October 11, 2013
Exclusive 'Speakeasy Throwback' at Mystery Venue



For one exclusive night, step back into the golden age of underground society as About Face Presents THE BLACK AND TAN SUPPER CLUB on Friday, October 11 from 7 pm – 10 pm.  This magical throwback to Chicago’s “black and tan” nightclubs of the 1920s will take place at a secret venue revealed just one week prior to the event, creating a singular experience of mystery.

Guests will experience a captivating line-up of gender-bending performances celebrating About Face Theatre’s Season of Transformation and its commitment to exceptional, innovative and adventurous work, hosted by Artistic Associate Paul Oakley Stovall. Classic cocktails and fine dining by J&L Catering complete this limited-seating, speakeasy send-off.  Tickets for THE BLACK AND TAN SUPPER CLUB are available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or by calling (773) 784-8565.

“Join us for an event that perfectly captures what About Face is all about and experience first-hand the theatre’s unique approach to entertainment that both challenges and enthralls,” comments Co-Chair Jim Andrews. “While this is sure to be an unforgettable evening, it’s also an opportunity to help support About Face in its mission to forge a new era of theatre and social change for the LGBTQA community,” adds Co-Chair Jason Held.

Proceeds from THE BLACK AND TAN SUPPER CLUB will support About Face Theatre programming, including its groundbreaking and acclaimed Youth Theatre, which creates a safe space for queer youth to tell their stories and create community.

Event:             About Face Presents THE BLACK AND TAN SUPPER CLUB
Date:               Friday, October 11 from 7 pm – 10 pm
Location:       Secret venue – to be disclosed to guests one week prior to event.
Details:           Exclusive one-of-a-kind benefit featuring gender-bending performances, fine dining, classic cocktails, and more.
Tickets:          $250 individual tickets. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For tickets and information, visit www.aboutfacetheatre.com or call (773) 784-8565.

The BLACK AND TAN SUPPER CLUB Co-Chairs: Jim Andrews and Jason Held.

About Face Theatre is one of Chicago’s most acclaimed theatre companies, and is a national leader in the development of new work exploring gender and sexual identity.  Since its founding by Kyle Hall and Eric Rosen in 1995, the company has premiered more than 48 world premieres by writers and directors who have been recognized with several Tony Awards, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama, The MacArthur Fellowship and dozens of Joseph Jefferson Awards.

The About Face Youth Theatre (AFYT) was created in 1998 as a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and allied young people to become activists and theatre-makers. Youth participants engage in a two-year process of sharing stories, conducting interviews, writing a script, and developing performances to create a full-length production that is produced in About Face Theatre’s mainstage season.


Monday, January 7, 2013

HELP LOCALLY: Sons of the Silent Age Play David Bowie to Combat Kids' Cancer 1/11



Sons of the Silent Age will headline a benefit for the Pablove Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research and to the empowerment of the families of cancer victims, at Metro Chicago, 3730 N. Clark, on Friday, January 11, 2013 (all ages show).

Check out all the details and get your tickets here at Metro's main site.


93XRT Welcomes…
A Benefit for Pablove Foundation/Rock For Kids
SONS OF THE SILENT AGE: playing the music of David Bowie, featuring SHIRLEY MANSON, MATT WALKER, CHRIS CONNELLY and more
WACO BROTHERS: playing T.REX
DEATH ON THE AUTOBAHN: playing KRAFTWERK
Tickets:
$20 in advance or $25 day of
Show date: Friday, January 11, 2013
Doors: 6:30PM | Show: 7:30PM
This is an all ages show
Tickets and venue: Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago
Learn more about Sons of the Silent Age 

Sons of the Silent Age was formed by vocalist Chris Connelly (Ministry) and drummer Matt Walker (Morrissey's band) and will be joined by guest vocalist Shirley Manson of Garbage fame to celebrate the music and aesthetic of the iconic David Bowie during the week of his 66th year on earth.





Artificial Madness

On Relapse Records, released November 8, 2011

Monday, December 3, 2012

HELP LOCALLY: The Bright White at Schubas 18+





 Photo credit http://thebrightwhite.com/gallery.php


Chicago's The Bright White have organized the second annual Warm, Safe and Sound, a concert/clothing drive featuring some of the city's top bands, including co-headliners Panda Riot and openers Panther Style. The show will take place on Thursday, Dec. 20 at Schuba's Tavern at 7PM. Cover is $8 with the donation of winter gear for the needy.

  • THURSDAY 12/20/2012 7:00 PM 
  • |
  •  
  • 18+
  •  
  • |
  • ($8 W/ DONATION OF WINTER GEAR)
Panda Riot formed in Philadelphia while Brian Cook and Rebecca Scott were working on some short films. Soundtracks turned into songs and Panda Riot was born. They picked up a drum machine, a couple of guitars, and the result was She Dares All Things, a collection of bedroom recorded songs. A move to Chicago saw the addition of Justin Cheng on Bass and Jose Rodriguez on Aux percussion. Last year they dropped the Far and Near Ep. This year they are currently working on a new record entitled Northern Automatic Music.
- - - - - - - - - -
Comprised of four working class guys who proudly wear their hearts on their sleeves, Chicago's The Bright White debuted in 2011. Frontman Matthew James and guitarist Joe O'Leary dreamt up the concept of combining elements of power pop and post-punk months before drummer Steve Zelenko and bassist Peter Krutiak responded to a Craigslist ad for a rhythm section.
The Bright White released their second album, Lose Yourself, in the summer of 2012. They look forward to connecting with audiences who have been waiting for sing-along choruses, fist-in-the-air guitar solos and the swagger of a band who knows its best days are ahead: "The Bright White make power pop music, with the power part made bold and underlined. This is a band that sounds hungry. Starving, even. For every catchy chorus and guitar hook, there's a sense of urgency--almost a ferocity--that goes along with it to make it clear that they know exactly what they want to do." (Windy City Rock)

Click here to order tickets

       

For more info, check out The Bright White's main site here.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Help Locally: Just a Few Tickets Left to Circus Soiree!


 
 Thursday is the biggest CircEsteem event of the year!  Buy your tickets now!
 
Check out the items from our silent auction.  Over 60 amazing packages to bid on.
 

It's CircEsteem like you've never seen us before at this fall's Circus Soirée!

Join CircEsteem on Thursday, October 18th from 7pm-10pm at Architectural Artifacts for an evening of inspiring performances, delectable food and libation, a spectacular silent auction- Whimsy, surprise and amazement around every corner!

VIP ticket holders can enjoy a private pre-party reception from 6pm-7pm in the Architectural Artifacts garden with special food, an open bar and exciting live performance as well as reserved VIP seating at the main event!
 
Learn more about the needs behind our fundraising-
clowns
$50,000 a year-  
CircEsteem offers free tutoring and circus instruction 3 days a week, 32 weeks of the year, through our 'HomeWork & CircusWork' program.This program is 100% free to participants and serves over 30 youth each week.
camp pyramid
20,000 miles a year to transport- 
CircEsteem transports 30 youth a week, picking them up at school and taking them home afterwards.  Money raised at Circus Soirée will help us buy a new van allowing more youth to participate.
Will YOU support CircEsteem and help us reach our goals?
Rackim Contortion 
 
40,000 participants
 
CircEsteem reaches over 40,000 people each year offering over 150 workshops and performances.  We crisscross the city and suburbs providing circus programs at 15 offsite locations 5 days a week. 
CE Grad hats

100% High School graduation rates-

CircEsteem has a 100% graduation rate from high school, with all of the students going on to pursue higher learning.  To date CE graduates have amassed over $600,000 in outside scholarships thanks to our partnership with Chicago Scholars.
Cornell on Wheel
 
$10,000 in matching funds-
CE has employed over 60 youth since the creation of the CircusTeens Job Program.
To date CircusTeens have been paid over $40,000 with almost $15,000 of it being saved for college. In addition CE has provided matching funds to encourage college savings totaling nearly $10,000.
 
There's still time to buy your tickets to Circus Soirée!
Nothing would please us more than having you join our fundraising efforts on Thursday, October 18th at Architectural Artifacts for our Circus Soirée!
Your contributions help make our free programming, youth employment efforts and community outreach a continued reality!

For more info, to purchase tickets or make a financial contribution 
please visit Brown Paper Tickets.  

Kindly,
Maribeth Joy
Executive Director


Monday, October 8, 2012

Tickets to Circus Soirée Benefit Still Available #CircEsteem



10 Days Until the Soirée!

Dear Bonnie,
Take a peek below to learn about our fundraising goals, how to buy tickets for Circus Soirée or to volunteer and/or participate at the event!


It's CircEsteem like you've never seen us before at this fall's Circus Soirée!

Join CircEsteem on Thursday, October 18th from 7pm-10pm at Architectural Artifacts for an evening of inspiring performances, delectable food and libation, a spectacular silent auction- Whimsy, surprise and amazement around every corner!

VIP ticket holders can enjoy a private pre-party reception from 6pm-7pm in the Architectural Artifacts garden with special food, an open bar and exciting live performance as well as reserved VIP seating at the main event!
Learn more about the needs behind our fundraising-
clowns
$50,000 a year-  
CircEsteem offers free tutoring and circus instruction 3 days a week, 32 weeks of the year, through our 'HomeWork & CircusWork' program.This program is 100% free to participants and serves over 30 youth each week.
camp pyramid
20,000 miles a year to transport- 
CircEsteem transports 30 youth a week, picking them up at school and taking them home afterwards.  Money raised at Circus Soirée will help us buy a new van allowing more youth to participate.
Will YOU support CircEsteem and help us reach our goals?
Rackim Contortion 
40,000 participants
CircEsteem reaches over 40,000 people each year offering over 150 workshops and performances.  We crisscross the city and suburbs providing circus programs at 15 offsite locations 5 days a week. 
CE Grad hats

100% High School graduation rates-

CircEsteem has a 100% graduation rate from high school, with all of the students going on to pursue higher learning.  To date CE graduates have amassed over $600,000 in outside scholarships thanks to our partnership withChicago Scholars.
Cornell on Wheel

$10,000 in matching funds-
CE has employed over 60 youth since the creation of theCircusTeens Job Program.
To date CircusTeens have been paid over $40,000 with almost $15,000 of it being saved for college. In addition CE has provided matching funds to encourage college savings totaling nearly $10,000.

There's still time to buy your tickets to Circus Soirée!
Nothing would please us more than having you join our fundraising efforts on Thursday, October 18th at Architectural Artifacts for our Circus Soirée!
Your contributions help make our free programming, youth employment efforts and community outreach a continued reality!

For more info, to purchase tickets or make a financial contribution 
please visit Brown Paper Tickets.  

Kindly,
Maribeth Joy
Executive Director


It's a family circus....Du-Jay and Sagezilla are performing with a slew of talented CircEsteem kids.   We'll be there shooting stills and video.   If you can't make it or don't live locally, you can still donate.   CircEsteem's doing amazing work.   Check it out!

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

HELP LOCALLY--CHIRP Radio and Potbelly In Lincoln Square 9/13



Dear CHIRP fan,
CHIRP Radio invites you to have dinner with us at Potbelly Sandwich Shop at 4709 N. Lincoln this Thursday evening, September 13, from 5-8 p.m. During that time, Potbelly in Lincoln Square will donate 25% of all their sales to CHIRP!

Swing by and grab a sandwich or salad, or bring the whole family for a fun night out!

We have a great lineup of local musicians playing live throughout the evening. Here's the schedule:

5:30-6 p.m. Abbi Rajasekhar
6:45-7:15 p.m. Briar Rabbit
7:30-8 p.m. Poor Elvis

We'll also be raffling off a cool Lincoln Square prize package, including gift certificates from the Old Town School of Folk Music, Laurie's Planet of Sound, On the Route Bikes, and more. We hope to see you there!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Help Locally: Pints for Pups Logan Square Dog Park Fundraiser 9/8/12




Event

Pints for Pups 2012
Come join your neighbors and fellow dog lovers for the Logan Square Dog Park Committee's second annual Pints for Pups fundraiser. The drinks will be flowin' and the prizes will be plentiful--be sure to check back at www.logansquaredogpark.com to preview our silent auction and raffle items!

Your ticket includes two full hours of unlimited red and white sangria, select beers, soda, coffee, and tea.

Friendly pups are welcome to hang out with us on the patio (but not inside Dunlay's)! :)

Reserve your spot now -- TICKETS WILL SELL OUT.

Bring your friends! See you at Dunlay's!

*The Logan Square Dog Park Committee is a 501(c)(3) through our affiliation with Friends of the Parks.




We have the plan - now lets put it into action!

After 4 public meetings, the Chicago Park District unveiled the design for the new Logan Square Dog Park!  As soon as the funds are in place, we are ready to make this park a reality!

Help us reach our fundraising goal today by becoming a sponsor of the Logan Square Dog Park.




Click here for their main web site, to purchase advanced tickets and see more details.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Steppenwolf Stepping Up To End Youth Violence & Intolerance

This morning, heads of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago Public Library and Facing History and Ourselves announced Now Is The Time, a season-long initiative to inspire a citywide conversation about making positive change in our communities to stop the trend of youth violence and intolerance.  The above photo is from this morning’s press conference.
CHICAGO
PUBLIC LIBRARY, FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES,
AND
STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCE
NOW
IS THE TIME

THREE
CHICAGO INSTITUTIONS UNITE ARTISTS AND YOUTH IN A SEASON-LONG,
CITYWIDE
CALL TO ACTION AGAINST YOUTH VIOLENCE AND INTOLERANCE

Heads of the Chicago Public Library, Facing History and Ourselves and Steppenwolf Theatre Company announced today a season-long initiative to inspire a citywide conversation about making positive change in our communities to stop the trend of youth violence and intolerance. These three Chicago institutions have joined forces for Now Is The Time (NITT), a themed initiative throughout 2012/13 linking major projects at each institution, including the Fall 2012 One Book, One Chicago selection, Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, a staged adaptation of Zusak’s book at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and a major Facing History and Ourselves exhibit titled “Choosing to Participate.” 
 

Each institution, through these major projects and under the Now Is The Time umbrella, will focus outreach and programming on questions of social activism and civic responsibility, particularly among Chicago’s youth. Also engaging in related programming will be DePaul University students and more than 15 Chicago-area theater companies, along with additional organizations to be announced later. The citywide project was announced during a press conference this morning at the Chicago Public Library.

“Violence involving young people has become all too common in our society,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.  “It’s time for all of us, in every community, to come together to talk about ways to resolve our differences without violence and how to treat each other with respect.  I applaud these three institutions and the funders of this initiative for creating the space for us to do just that, especially with our young adults.”

“In recent years, violence towards youth has become overwhelming. As theater artists working in schools, the teens we work closely with in the classroom are scared to be outside in their neighborhoods or face torment at school from bullying,” commented Hallie Gordon, Artistic and Educational Director, Steppenwolf for Young Adults. “As artists, we have a unique opportunity to help teens give voice to this epidemic. We encourage our civic partners and other cultural organizations to join us—now is the time.”

The initial roster of Now Is The Time projects includes:
August 27 – November 11, 2012: Facing History and Ourselves brings the powerful multimedia exhibit Choosing to Participate to the Chicago Public Library’s Harold Washington Library Center. This free exhibit encourages young people to recognize the importance of a democratic society through installations about people whose stories illustrate courage, initiative and compassion—including a display about local unsung heroes making a difference in Chicago.

Summer 2012 – Winter 2013: YOUmedia, a teen learning space housed at the Chicago Public Library, will use the themes of NITT for workshops on digital media creation, developing teens’ skills in critical thinking, creativity and tangible digital media skills, all the while engaging them in this conversation on civic responsibility.

October 2012: Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief is the Fall 2012 selection for One Book, One Chicago. The award-winning 2006 novel explores young people’s choices and their potential as civic participants. The author will visit the Chicago Public Library and participate in events with the public, with teachers and librarians, and with high school students.

October 16 – November 11, 2012: In Fall 2012, Steppenwolf Theatre Company will produce a stage adaptation of The Book Thief, adapted by Heidi Stillman, directed by Hallie Gordon, as part of the theater’s Steppenwolf for Young Adults program, combining play production with educational components to enhance arts education for young audiences, as well as their teachers and families.

February – March 2013: Oral histories about youth violence, collected from across the city by DePaul University students, will be used to create a play at Steppenwolf, curated by Professor Miles Harvey. Traveling to libraries in different communities across the city, each reading will be followed by a teen-led workshop.

September 2012 – May 2013: More than 15 of Chicago’s finest theater companies are also involved in NITT through their unique commitment to the campaign, Now Is The Time to A.C.T: Affect Change through Theater. Confirmed participating companies include: About Face Theatre, American Theatre Company, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Victory Gardens Theater, Writers’ Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Congo Square Theatre, Free Street Theater, A Red Orchid Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Adventure Stage Chicago, Chicago Children’s Theatre, The House Theatre of Chicago, Storycatchers Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, Raven Theatre and more. These companies have all pledged to focus their 2012/13 programming on issues of youth violence and will present productions, panel discussions and teen-centered community events in conjunction with NITT. A youth council will be drawn from teen members at each participating theater company.

“One Book, One Chicago has a 10 year history of bringing together Chicagoans of diverse backgrounds to discuss issues around a specific piece of literature.  While The Book Thief is set 70 years ago, sadly the topics it addresses are very much alive today:  intolerance and violence.  Now Is The Time offers all of Chicago a wonderful opportunity to create, as the Dalai Lama recently called for, ‘a century of dialogue.’  The Library is proud to partner with Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Facing History and Ourselves to start that conversation,” said Chicago Public Library Commissioner Brian Bannon.

"Facing History and Ourselves is thrilled to bring an exhibit to Chicago that examines the impact of racism and injustice and the consequences of choices we make every day to help build inclusive or exclusive communities,” said Bonnie Oberman, Chicago director of Facing History and Ourselves. “We know that the privilege of partnering with the Chicago Public Library and the Steppenwolf Theatre means that thousands of Chicagoans will have access to a citywide conversation around issues critically important to all of us."

The goal of Now Is The Time is to spur youth activism and creative self-expression around the themes of social responsibility and civic engagement. Youth involved in NITT will participate in skill-building around their interests such as design, spoken word, music, film, writing, performance and digital media creation which they can share with fellow citizens via the Now Is The Time website. Participating youth will be better prepared for the demands of citizenship by being supported to think critically, to empathize, to recognize moral choices, and to make their voices heard.

Now Is The Time provides ample opportunities for additional program partners, large and small, from around the Chicago area. Throughout 2012/13, NITT’s call to action will inspire themed activities from organizations engaged in theater arts, youth work, digital media, education; participants connect via the NITT website, nowisthetimechicago.org.

Now Is The Time is funded by the Hive Learning Network, an initiative of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; and the Smart Chicago Collaborative fund of the Chicago Community Trust.

ABOUT THE PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

Since first opening its doors to the public in 1873, the Chicago Public Library has maintained its status of one of the City’s most democratic of institutions — providing all Chicagoans with a free and open place to gather, learn, connect, read and be transformed. The more than 70 locations of the Chicago Public Library are at the forefront of providing innovative library services, technologies and tools Chicagoans need to achieve their personal goals and to establish the City’s role as a competitive force in the global marketplace. Through its rich and current book collections, state of the art technology and cultural and public partnerships, the Chicago Public Library is a thriving, engaged leader in Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods. Throughout its 139-year history, the Chicago Public Library has always encouraged Chicagoans of all ages to make reading a priority. Since the fall of 2001, One Book, One Chicago has encouraged Chicagoans of all backgrounds and ages to read the same book at the same time, and come together to discuss a great piece of literature. The Fall 2012 One Book, One Chicago is presented by the Chicago Public Library, the Chicago Public Library Foundation, Allstate and BMO Harris. For additional information, visit chicagopubliclibrary.org.

Facing History and Ourselves is a leader in history and civic education. For more than 35 years, the international education organization has been linking the past to the moral and ethical questions of our time through a rigorous examination of the root causes of antisemitism, racism, and other hatreds. The overarching goal is to help young people understand the importance of their choices in building a just, inclusive society and to empower them to be active, informed, compassionate citizens in their schools and communities. Facing History's quality resources, professional development, and public forums provide opportunities for students and adults to explore the connections between history and their own lives. Facing History reaches 1.9 million students each year through a network of 50,000 educators. In 2009, the Facing History and Ourselves website received more than 700,000 visits from people in 215 countries, with 2.6 million page views. The Chicago office of Facing History and Ourselves celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2010. More information is available at facinghistory.org.


Steppenwolf Theatre Company is one of the nation’s leading ensemble theaters, producing annually up to 16 productions and nearly 700 performances, readings and other events in its three Chicago theater spaces—the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat Garage Theatre. Formed in 1976 by a collective of actors, Steppenwolf has grown into an ensemble of 43 actors, writers and directors. Artistic programming at Steppenwolf includes a five-play Subscription Season, a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season and three repertory series: First Look Repertory of New Work, Garage Rep and Next Up. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community that has been its home for 36 years, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Off-Broadway, Broadway, London, Sydney and Dublin. Steppenwolf has the distinction of being the only theater to receive the National Medal of Arts, in addition to numerous other prestigious honors including a Pulitzer Prize for ensemble member Tracy Letts’ August: Osage County, an Illinois Arts Legend Award and nine Tony Awards. Martha Lavey is the Artistic Director and David Hawkanson is the Executive Director. Nora Daley is Chair of Steppenwolf’s Board of Trustees. For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre and twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr.

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