The City of Chicago announces a kickoff event for the Year of Chicago Theatre — “It’s Showtime, Chicago” on Monday, February 11

The first-of-its-kind initiative will kickoff on February 11 at the Chicago Cultural Center as part of Chicago Theatre Week

Chicago, IL, 2019-Jan-14 — /Travel PR News/ — Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and the League of Chicago Theatres are pleased to announce “It’s Showtime, Chicago” – a kickoff event for the Year of Chicago Theatre on Monday, February 11, from 6–8pm at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.). Coinciding with Chicago Theatre Week, the free admission, building-wide celebration invites everyone – from the curious to seasoned theatre-goers – for an inspiring and surprising look at the “fearless soul” of our city – Chicago’s theatre community. Participating artists and theatre companies include: The Second City, Walkabout Theater Company, Free Street Theater, Chicago Youth TheatreFest, Chicago Children’s Choir and many others presenting interactive performances, live music, youth project showcases and more. The Year of Chicago Theatre is a citywide, year-long focus on theatre and is the first of its kind in the U.S.

“The Year of Chicago Theatre will connect more Chicagoans with the life-changing experience of the live performance arts that Chicago is world famous for,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Chicago has long set the standard for creative, original and inspiring theater, comedy, music and art, and I am thrilled that this year the spotlight will shine on arts and culture downtown and in neighborhoods throughout the city.”

The event will also be held in conjunction with the 7th annual Chicago Theatre Week, taking place February 7–17. Presented by the League of Chicago Theatres in partnership with Choose Chicago, Chicago Theatre Week offers discounted tickets to more than 100 productions and invites residents and visitors to sample the extraordinary range of theatrical offerings in Chicago. For details, visit ChicagoTheatreWeek.com.

“To truly fall in love with Chicago, you must go to our theatres. This is where the city bares its fearless soul,” said DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly. “From Broadway shows to storefront plays and improv, the energy of our city will come alive on stage in 2019. And with a diverse collection of dynamic theatres throughout city including five Tony Award-winning theatres and more world premieres than any other city, there’s always a seat waiting for you.”

Since the Year of Chicago Theatre was announced in September, plans are taking shape for theatre performances and special events for the public at hundreds of cultural venues, theatres, parks and neighborhood locations throughout the city. DCASE will present theatre activations and a theatre-themed Film Series throughout the summer at Millennium Park and theatre-themed public programs and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center. Additionally, theatre-themed events will take place in all 77 community areas, as part of the Chicago Park District’s ‘Night Out in the Parks’ series.

Additional highlights of the initiative will include “Theatre is the fearless soul of Chicago,” a marketing campaign that leverages a new brand for Chicago theatre; $200,000+ in financial grants to support local theatre projects; and a call for civic, philanthropic, arts and business leaders to support the theatre community. The initiative will also encourage dialog within Chicago’s theatre and philanthropic communities around inclusion and equity issues – documenting the current spaces, places and people that support and sustain theatre in all corners of the city and seeking to expand the geographic scope of Chicago theatre, especially on the city’s south and west sides. The project is also developing a process for capturing and reporting on data to measure the impact of the Year of Chicago Theatre inclusion, arts education and neighborhood audience development projects.

City-wide partners for the Year of Chicago Theatre include: Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library, Chicago Public Schools, Choose Chicago, FCB Chicago, Chicago Loop Alliance, Magnificent Mile Association and the Illinois Restaurant Association.

The Year of Chicago Theatre follows the success of 2017 and 2018 initiatives celebrating Chicago’s public art and its creative youth. Its mission is to make 2019 a year in which the city of Chicago emphasizes the prominence of its expansive and innovative theatre industry.

For more information about the Year of Chicago Theatre, visit ChicagoPlays.com and join the conversation on Social Media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) @ChicagoDCASE and @ChicagoPlays (#2019isYOCT #ChiTheatre).

2019 Year of Chicago Theatre

The City of Chicago and the League of Chicago Theatres have designated 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 includes performances 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; 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 theatres. This is where the city bares its fearless soul. From Broadway musicals to storefront plays and improv, there’s a seat waiting for you at one of our 200+ theatres. Book your next show today at ChicagoPlays.com.

League of Chicago Theatres

Theatre is essential to the life of a great city and to its citizens. The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theatres which leverages its collective strength to support, promote and advocate for Chicago’s theatre industry.  Through our work, we ensure that theatre continues to thrive in our city. For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago Theatres website, ChicagoPlays.com.

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors.

Contact:
Mary May
mary.may@cityofchicago.org
312.744.0576

Christine Carrino
christine.carrino@cityofchicago.org
312.744.0573

Source: City of Chicago

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