Help Build The Coach House for Chicago Theatre

Storefront Theatre is a legacy of Chicago and has given rise to some of the most renowned companies and artists in the country. But the days of groups of ambitious and scrappy young artists pooling their cash to rent those vacated storefronts are behind us. Space is at a premium, and the Covid 19 Pandemic accelerated this change. In 2020, nearly 50 small and mid-sized local theatre companies shuttered their doors.

In 2011, I was a founding member of The Lincoln Loft, a group dedicated to providing rehearsal and performance space to the Chicago Theatre Community, free of charge. And while that space is now also a part of the city’s history, I had the honor of meeting so many like-minded artists and patrons and am inspired to continue.

The Coach House, a new endeavor, will continue the mission of providing low and no-cost rehearsal, training, and community space to emerging artists. Building on the network and experience I have gained, I plan to target those young creatives whose voices and talent will build the next generation of exceptional Chicago Theatre, but who lack only one thing: a space to do their work.

Here is what your donations will provide:

- Fees associated with filing as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, to take advantage of city and state incentives

- Materials such as chairs, lights, sound equipment, cameras

- Utilities costs to help us keep the lights on as we build and prepare the space

- Community engagement, to help us get word of our services to groups and artists

Here is what we intend to provide:

- Rehearsal space at low or no cost to small companies, so that they can produce work in local venues, and keep ticket costs for the public down!

- A community space to meet, plan and organize, with resources for office supplies and video-conferencing

- A network and home for teachers/coaches/choreographers to provide classes and instruction without high overhead costs of classroom rental

- Workshop space to build sets and props

- Casting services: hosting both in-person and remote casting sessions for companies and individuals self-taping.

- A base of operations for networking events and fundraisers

- Play readings and writers events to develop new work

Finally, the Theatre Community is also a vibrant part of our local communities. I am very proud of the work we have done in the past for local residents, organizations, and charities and plan to continue and expand on the following:

- Clothing exchanges

- Food/clothing drives

- Voter registration events

- Craft fairs

- Gallery events for visual artists

- Free entertainment events such as safe Trick-or-Treat, Pot Lucks, or Family Movie Nights.

A passion for Chicago Theatre is a passion for the work of the dedicated artists and technicians who create it. I hope to make The Coach House a home for that work. And I hope you’ll share it with us.

Thank you.