Before we begin your discussion this week, please read the following article entitled
“5 Definitions of Storefront Theater”
written by Martin Martinez, August 1, 2016, for TodayTix.com
5 DEFINITIONS OF STOREFRONT THEATER
Chicago locals and tourists alike are very familiar with the glamorous theaters that populate the Loop, from the internationally renowned Goodman Theatre to the PrivateBank Theatre. However, far fewer know about the vibrant Off-Loop scene that extends from Rogers Park to Jefferson Park to Pilsen and beyond.
Which is why today we toast what the industry lovingly refers to as “Storefront Theater.”
What is “Storefront Theater,” you ask? Well, if you ask five different people for the definition, you’re likely to get five different answers. While the precise definition is elusive, everyone can agree that it’s a place where emerging artists can experiment and take adventurous risks.
Too vague for you? Here are five different answers to the question of what exactly is “Storefront Theater” (and why it is so awesome.)
1. A Storefront Theater is a small, intimate house, and literally might be in a storefront.
The beauty of a building like the Civic Opera House can quite easily take your breath away, but what about a sword fight that’s so close, you can feel the air move as the weapons swing by? Or an actor that performs a heartbreaking monologue mere inches from your face? This is what many of Chicago’s intimate spaces, like American Theater Company, The Gift Theatre and Raven Theatre can offer. You may associate basements with 30-year-olds who still live with their mothers, but we associate them with some of the most visceral theatrical experiences we’ve ever had. (Looking at you, Chopin.)
2. A Storefront Theater is a training ground for younger artists.
Ever wonder where actors like Michael Shannon, David Schwimmer and Gary Sinise got their starts? They all co-founded and began acting in their own storefront companies: A Red Orchid Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre and Steppenwolf Theatre, respectively. While the latter two have grown into major Tony Award-winning regional theatres, A Red Orchid still occupies its storefront space in Old Town. Young actors who get their start in Chicago often train by gaining experience with these smaller Storefront Theaters before playing in the city’s big houses.
3. A Storefront Theater is a company that takes risks.
You thought American Psycho was controversial? You ain’t seen nothin’ until you’ve seen some of Chicago’s grittiest storefront theaters. Chicago doesn’t shy away from the darker side of the human experience, even if it makes the audience squirm in their seats.
4. A Storefront Theater is a theatre that showcases particular voices or types of work.
Chicago is home to over 250 theatre companies. That means there is room for companies to dedicate themselves to a specific canon of stories. About Face Theatre and Pride Films and Plays present pieces about the LGBTQ community. Teatro Vista specializes in world premieres by Latinx playwrights and reinterpretations of classic works through a Latinx lens. Silk Road Rising offers a similar experience, highlighting South Asian stories. Rivendell explores the work of female theatre artists. Because these small theaters are almost omnipresent, it allows institutions to focus on a particular niche and share their individual stories with the greater community.
5. A Storefront Theater is connected with and gives back to its local community.
Storefront Theaters are just as closely knit with their immediate community as any other local business. Jackalope Theatre Company uses its Edgewater storefront both as a performance venue for small projects and also as an event space, while The Neo-Futurists hosted the most recent Andersonville Honors Gala to recognize outstanding business for their contributions to the neighborhood.
https://www.todaytix.com/insider/chicago/posts/5-definitions-of-storefront-theater
For this discussion you are to find a community-based storefront theater anywhere in the United States that is performing and creating work that you identify with (politically or socially). Their mission statements or body of work should speak to a greater purpose then just “I like them, they make plays”. The theater you choose to research should line up closely with these five definitions of a storefront theater provided in the article:
Small and intimate space in a storefront or non-conventional location (less than 100 seats)
Provide an education program or be known for training young and aspiring theater artists.
Takes risks in performing plays that are not conventionally done or push the bounds of their audiences intelligence and comfort zone.
They showcase a particular Voice or type of work, often from a Multicultural perspective (LGTBQA, Latinx, African American, Native American, Feminism, Non Traditional Adaptations, etc).
The theater is ingrained in the community and gives back supporting community events, and is often a non-profit 501 3 C.
I understand it is a tall task to try and nail down all five of these ideals based on information provided on the internet or theater websites. However, there are plenty of resources or reviews out there to help you, do not hesitate to email a theater company either (most all companies are approachable and will answer questions for students). do not feel limited to any particular city or state. Challenge yourself to look Nationwide, Canada, Mexico, an even broader International companies if you see fit. Provide pictures of the theater space, and/or previous productions if available.
Questions that should be answered in your discussion post:
What drew you to this theater and what about their work interests you?
Do you have anything in common with the company mission statement, politically or socially, or do you simply enjoy their aesthetic?
Provide a minimum two paragraph background of the company, any notable alumni or ensemble members, as well as any awards and brief production history (html links also help).
Last Completed Projects
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