American Idiot

The Musical?

[via C&L]

At least it's not a movie. It could be quite good.

Meta Theatre

There was a good set of links and discussion on Metafilter the other day about the economics and viability of theatre.

Wonder of the World

Apparently I'm lucid.

About Face Theatre

So I've worked on a couple of shows for About Face Theatre and they need everyone's help. They not only do good work but they focus on LGBTQ issues which I believe is important in this culture.

Here is their pitch:

Due to the economic downturn and debt from previous years, we have now reached the point where we cannot pay staff, pay down our debt and continue our artistic or youth programs.
To confront this immediate crisis, About Face has launched a national “FACE THE FUTURE” campaign to save the organization and ensure its future. The About Face Board of Directors is asking for immediate financial contributions in order to keep its doors open, staff paid, and the youth theatre program intact.

About Face Theatre creates exceptional, innovative and adventurous plays to advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity If About Face does not survive, the country will lose one of the few high-profile theaters making new work by and about the LGBTQ experience. The award-winning About Face Youth Theater serves queer youth by providing artistic experiences and leadership training. In order to avoid the tragic folding of this beloved LGBTQ institution, we are reaching out to people around the country who care. Here’s what you can do:

-DONATE NOW www.aboutfacetheatre.com

We have already taken bold action. We’ve cut our budget by 30%. Last weekend the About Face Theatre Board voted to postpone our third show to next season. These responsible acts are still not enough to keep us afloat.

About Face needs all who have been touched by our work and our mission to fight on our behalf. Our LGBTQ youth program is training the artists and leaders of tomorrow – if you believe this is essential to the future of the planet, please support us. We are looking for financial donations of any size to raise $300,000.

Donations can be made at www.aboutfacetheatre.com, by calling (773)784-8565, or by mailing a check to the theatre at 1222 W. Wilson, 2^nd Floor West, Chicago, IL 60640.

I think they are important and worthy of some help so if you can please do.

Introduction

I'm starting this blog to get in on the conversation on theatre in Chicago. I'm currently in the process of designing lights for Wonder of the World with LiveWire at the side project. It's a zany comedy with a clown marriage couseler, a helicoptor dog fight and Niagra Falls with a barrel. It should be the good times. I'm also on tour with Chicago Shakes' SS Midsummer Nights Dream durring tech week so I'm looking forward to 19 hour days.