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AMERICAN BLUES THEATER Artistic Affiliate Camille Robinson and Ensemble member Ian Paul Custer at 2018 Blue Bash. Photo by Jennifer Girard. ABOUT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER
Winner of American Theater Wing’s prestigious National Theatre Company Award, American Blues Theater is a premier arts organization with an intimate environment that patrons, artists, and all Chicagoans call home. American Blues Theater explores the American identity through the plays it produces and communities it serves. American Blues Theater follows three guiding values both on and off its stages – to be accessible, responsible, and true.
Our diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second oldest professional Equity Ensemble theater in Chicago. Our Ensemble has nearly 600 combined years of collaboration on 34 stage. As of today, our theater and artists received 204 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations ENSEMBLE MEMBERS (as of June 30, 2018) that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 36 Black Theater Alliance Awards. Our artists are honored with Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards, and numerous other accolades.
American Blues Theater is committed to developing the classic plays and musicals of tomorrow. Our new work development consists of a variety of programs – including world and regional premieres, the Blue Ink Playwriting Award, Blueprint commissions, and Ripped: The Living Newspaper Festival of new short-plays. More than half of our mainstage productions are world and Chicago premieres.
DEFINITION OF “ENSEMBLE” An Ensemble theater is a group of individuals dedicated to collaborative creation and committed to consistently working together over years to develop a distinctive body of work and practices. Ensemble members, both artists and administrators, are empowered to help shape their theater’s artistic direction and organizational structure.
BUILT BY THE AMERICAN BLUES FAMILY 13 American Blues Theater was founded in July 1985 by a director, playwright, designer, and actor. MEMBERS RESIDE The company dedicated itself to new and classic American plays. Richard Christiansen of the Chicago Tribune cited American Blues in his editorial “Chicago Theater Forges New Standards of Glory.” OUTSIDE CHICAGO In August of 1993, the company leased a warehouse on Byron and Lincoln. In 38 days, James Leaming led a community-based 90+ volunteer crew to transform the space into an intimate 134- seat theater. From 1994-1997, the Ensemble was lauded with numerous Joseph Jefferson Awards and After Dark Awards.
LEADERSHIP FROM OUTSIDE THE ENSEMBLE From 1997-2009, the company was led by Artistic Directors from outside of the Ensemble. Under the leadership of Brian Russell and Damon Kiely (‘97-‘07), the theater’s name changed to American Theater Company (ATC), the mission statement was revised, and the business expanded greatly. In 2008, under new management, the Ensemble theater practice was dismantled. After 18 months of talks with the new management, all four Founders and every Ensemble member prior to 2008 chose to leave the ATC organization (now obsolete) in March 2009 citing “major administrative and artistic differences”.
BLUE SKIES AHEAD The Ensemble reformed under its original name American Blues Theater. Founding Board members reconstituted the Board, giving tremendous support and guidance. Ensemble member Gwendolyn + Whiteside became the Artistic Director. Whiteside further diversified the Ensemble, ushered in 7 Artistic Affiliates, the annual Blue Ink Playwriting Award, Blueprint Development, implemented TYPES OF community service into the company’s mission, and adapted the free arts education program The ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES Lincoln Project for Chicago Public Schools which serves 3,000 students annually. REPRESENTED AT BLUES (acting, directing, writing, “Feels like home.” – The Wall Street Journal “One of our favorites in Chicago!” – Dean Richards, WGN designing, stage & production “Ensemble founded one of Chicago’s most venerable off-loop theaters.” – Chris Jones, Chicago management, composing, & more) Tribune
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS - ”THE BEAT GOES ON”
Artistic Affiliate Wandachristine in Beauty’s Daughter. Photo by Michael Brosilow. MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS - ”THE BEAT GOES ON”
CHICAGO PREMIERE JULY 7 - AUGUST 5, 2017 Written by Dael Orlandersmith Directed by Ron OJ Parson Starring Artistic Affiliate Wandachristine
This Obie Award-winning depicts one woman’s incredibly 5 emotional journey through life’s obstacles in an East Harlem WEEKS neighborhood. Artistic Affiliate Wandachristine takes on 6 different characters during the course of this solo play – some broken, some on the way down, and all memorable.
AWARDS & REVIEWS Black Theatre Alliance Award for Leading Actress (Wandachristine) African American Arts Alliance of Chicago Award nomination for Solo Performer (Wandachristine) Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for Projection Design (Artistic Affiliate Paul Deziel)
“3.5 stars (out of 4)” – Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
“Electrifying theatrical magic finessed by Wandachristine.” – Chicago Sun Times
“Profound lyricism…Wandachristine is a powerhouse…Ron OJ Parson delivered.” – Let’s Play
“Wandachristine is a sorceress, transforming herself with ease.” – Newcity
“Triumph…agile grace.” – Windy City Times
“Powerful” – Around the Town Chicago 22 “Revelation…deft sound design & potent projections.” – Stage & Cinema PERFORMANCES “A tribute to the liberating power art has in people’s lives.” – Picture This Post “Acting and directing are both sublime.” – Chicago Theatre
“Stunning heartfelt performance…brilliant storytelling.” – Chicago Critic
“Superb solo performance.” – Spotlight on the Lake “Any audience will thoroughly enjoy Wandachristine.” – PerformInk
COMMUNITY SERVICE We offered complimentary tickets and held post-show events for The Night Ministry, Young Chicago Authors, Chicago Public School students, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and donated proceeds of “Pink Previews” to The Lynn Sage Foundation for cancer research.
1,292 PATRONS
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS - ”THE BEAT GOES ON”
Ensemble member James Leaming in This Wonderful Life. Photo by Michael Brosilow. MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS - ”THE BEAT GOES ON”
CHICAGO PREMIERE NOVEMBER 2 - 26, 2017 Written by Steve Murray Directed by Ensemble member Carmen Roman Starring Ensemble member James Leaming
Ensemble member and Chicago’s original “George Bailey” 4 James Leaming inhabits every role in this hilariously touching WEEKS stage adaptation of the iconic holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life”. James’s performance has toured the United States – Asolo Repertory Theatre (FL), Syracuse Stage (NY), Cleveland Playhouse (OH), Laguna Playhouse (CA), North Coast Repertory Theater (CA), and numerous locations in Colorado.
AWARDS & REVIEWS Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for Solo Performance (James Leaming)
“James Leaming is brilliant. Virtuosic performance!” – Chicago Reader “Wonderful is an understatement – EXTRAORDINARY” – Chicago Theater & Arts “One man powerhouse” – Chicago Now 22 PERFORMANCES
COMMUNITY SERVICE We offered complimentary tickets, transportation, lunches, and held post-show events for Chicago Public Schools. We offered all staff, patients, and families of Lurie Children’s Hospital complimentary tickets. We raised funds for Season of Concern and donated proceeds of “Pink Previews” to The Lynn Sage Foundation for cancer research.
1,113 PATRONS
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS - ”THE BEAT GOES ON”
Artistic Affiliate Zach Kenney and Ensemble member John Mohrlein in It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! Photo by Michael Brosilow. MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS - ”THE BEAT GOES ON”
16th ANNIVERSARY NOVEMBER 17, 2017 - JANUARY 6, 2018 From Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” Directed by Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside Music Directed by Ensemble member Michael Mahler Original composition by Ensemble member Austin Cook
8 Chicago’s original! The incredible cast takes the audience back WEEKS to a 1940s radio broadcast of the holiday classic with live Foley sound effects, an original score, and holiday carols. After the show, the entire audience is served milk and cookies by the cast.
REVIEWS Seen & heard on ABC, CBS, NBC, WGN, FOX, WXRT, WBEZ, WBBM, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Magazine, Newcity, Chicago Reader, Time Out Chicago, Windy City Times, and many more!
Dean Richards recommended “This show nourished me in a way no other play has. American Blues Theater gave me a profound lesson in generosity.” – PerformInk “More than a play, it’s an incredible experience! Don’t leave this off your must see list!” – Newcity 45 “Holiday favorite – makes the bell ring every time.” – Chicago Tribune PERFORMANCES “Blues brings the holiday magic we’ve all been missing.” – Chicagoland Musical Theatre “American Blues Theater’s production would’ve made Mr. Capra proud.” – Chicago Theatre Review “Undeniable charm!” – Times Square Chronicles “Life-changing experience” – Chicago Now
COMMUNITY SERVICE We honored one military personnel per performance with a “Soldier Spotlight”. We partnered with the USO, U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs, and Blue Star Theatres to offer complimentary and deeply- discounted tickets to military families. We also gave complimentary tickets to Misericordia residents, family, and staff with a dedicated performance. We donated proceeds of “Pink Previews” to The Lynn Sage Foundation for cancer research.
5,067
PATRONS
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS - ”THE BEAT GOES ON”
Monica Orozco and Ensemble member Manny Buckley in Six Corners. Photo by Michael Brosilow. MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS - ”THE BEAT GOES ON”
WORLD PREMIERE FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 24, 2018 Written by Keith Huff Directed by Gary Griffin
Late one night, two burnt-out violent crimes unit detectives try their damnedest to close the puzzling murder of a CTA 6 employee. What should be a simple open-and-shut case, WEEKS however, evolves into a horrifying mystery and unearths a legacy of violence stretching back years.
AWARDS & REVIEWS Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for New Work—Play (Keith Huff)
“3 1/2 stars. You won’t look away for a moment.” – Chicago Tribune “Huff’s work sticks with you long after the curtain falls.” – Windy City Times “Unflinchingly staged” – Stage & Cinema “Staggering and unforgettable. The cast is superb.” – Chicago Theatre Review “Quintessentially Chicago” – Third Coast Review “The acting is substantial; performances are authentic.” – Daily Herald 27 Top 5 Things to See – Newcity Chicago PERFORMANCES “Thoroughly worthwhile”- PerformInk “Highly recommended. Entertaining roller-coaster ride.” – Let’s Play “T.I.C.” – Top Rated Shows in Chicago – Theatre in Chicago
COMMUNITY SERVICE We offered complimentary tickets all personnel working in the Chicago Police Department. We partnered with Chicago Public Schools, YMCA of Metro Chicago, the Exoneration Project, and the Family Institute at Northwestern University. We continued our “Pink Previews” which donates proceeds to The Lynn Sage Foundation for cancer research.
2,860 PATRONS
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS - ”THE BEAT GOES ON”
Lauren Vogel, Alex Goodrich, Cisco Lopez, Daniel Riley, and Zachary Stevenson in Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story. Photo by Michael Brosilow. MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS - ”THE BEAT GOES ON”
CHICAGO’S SMASH HIT APRIL 27 - MAY 26, 2018 (+ June 29 & 30)* Book by Alan Janes Directed by Lili-Anne Brown Music Directed by Ensemble member Michael Mahler
Before the Beatles or the Rolling Stones ever played a note, 6 rock & roll was forever changed by the bespectacled kid from WEEKS Texas. Buddy tells the true story of Buddy Holly through his *only weeks in FY18 short - yet spectacular - career and features classics songs “That’ll Be the Day”, “Peggy Sue”, and many more.
AWARDS & REVIEWS Joseph Jefferson Award for Midsize Production—Musical Joseph Jefferson Award for Ensemble—Musical or Revue Joseph Jefferson Award for Director—Midsize Musical (Lili-Anne Brown) Joseph Jefferson Award for Music Director (Michael Mahler) Joseph Jefferson Award for Performer in Principal Role in a Musical (Zachary Stevenson) Alta Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical (Cisco Lopez) Alta Award for Outstanding Choreography (Jon Martinez)
“You’ll have a blast!” – Chicago Tribune “Buddy Holly can easily compete with any musical on or off Broadway!” – WTTW 26 “The one musical you must see! High octane, infectious, and electrifying energy.” – Let’s Play PERFORMANCES “Highly recommended. Prepare for one fabulous night of theater!” – Chicago Theater & Arts “Music direction is sheer perfection.” – Around the Town Chicago “Superb revival.” – Third Coast Review “Performed to perfection.” – Windy City Times “T.I.C.” – Top Rated Shows in Chicago – Theatre in Chicago
COMMUNITY SERVICE We offered complimentary tickets to Chicago Public Schools and Guitars Over Guns. We partnered with the Family Institute at Northwestern University. In addition, artists performed music at Rush University Children’s Hospital, University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital, Friedman Place, CJE SeniorLife, The Chicago Lighthouse/VisionQuest. We also continued our “Pink Previews” which donates proceeds to The Lynn Sage Foundation for cancer research.
3,549 PATRONS
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 RIPPED: THE LIVING NEWSPAPER FESTIVAL
Clockwise: .Penelope Walker, James Farruggio, Ensemble member Suzanne Petri, Scott Buechler, Randy Steinmeyer, & Ada Cheng. Photos by Maia Rosenfeld. RIPPED: THE LIVING NEWSPAPER FESTIVAL
17th Edition MAY 6, 2018 - one-night-only event
Based on the 1930s WPA era program that brought Orson Welles, Arthur Miller, and Clifford Odets into public attention, Ripped presents short plays inspired and ripped from today’s 10 headlines. Since 2009, we’ve produced 17 events and utilized PLAYS over 500 artists.
2018 PLAYS Education Not Deportation by CPS students Eneyda Berrum, Esmeralda Valerio, & Yaritza Chavez Let It Sear, Blister, and Burn by Ensemble member Darren Canady We Want an Oscar by Artistic Affiliate Wandachristine Upload by Brynne Frauenhoffer Self-Made Man by Ensemble member Michael Mahler WABT Nightly News by Sarah Nowak, Tyson Carter, Josie Higgins, and Sean Porter 53 Locker Room Talk by Grace McLeod ARTISTS What I Wanted to Tell My Mother by Ada Cheng Gender Reveal by Ensemble member Manny Buckley Data Refuge by Bret Angelos
COMMUNITY SERVICE All proceeds of the event benefit our free arts education The Lincoln Project in Chicago Public Schools. The winning CPS students in our The Lincoln Project Playwriting Award contest are given 123 a professional workshop and production at this event. PATRONS
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 BLUE INK PLAYWRITING AWARD & FESTIVAL
Playwrights, directors, and actors of the 2018 Blue Ink Playwriting Festival. Photos by Elyse Dolan. BLUE INK PLAYWRITING AWARD & FESTIVAL
2018 BLUE INK PLAYWRITING AWARD Welcome to Matteson! by Inda Craig-Galván
Welcome to Matteson! was selected from a pool of 606 submissions across the world. Playwright Inda Craig-Galván (Los Angeles) received a $1,000 cash prize and staged-reading 606 in Chicago. SUBMISSIONS “I am incredibly honored to have my work selected by
American Blues Theater,” said Inda Craig-Galván. “Being able to ‘emerge’ as a playwright in the city I grew up in is, of course, a great feeling.”
2018 BLUE INK PLAYWRITING AWARD FINALISTS & SEMI-FINALISTS Featured Finalists Jennifer Barclay (Yellowstone: the ballad of the red-state man), Harold Ellis Clark (Run No More), Roy Conboy (A Song at Night), & Silvia Gonzalez (An Evening with Joaquin Murrieta – ‘My Quest for Justice’).
Finalists Benjamin Benne (querencia: an imagined autobiography about forbidden fruits), Janet Burroway (Headshots), Gina Femia (Allond(r)a), Jeffrey Fischer Smith (When the Son is Shining), Edith Freni (The Mystic), Adam Kraar (The Karpovsky Variations), Randy Neale (Last Rites – Detroit 1967), Caridad Svich (Life Jacket), Jenny Rachel Weiner (Part and Parcel), Ashley Rose Wellman (You Are 25 the Blood), & Alisa Zhulina (Algorithm). FINALISTS & SEMI-FINALISTS Semi-finalists Will Abery (Heroes of the Fourth Turning), P.G. Brody (Callaway), Timothy Guillot (Secondary Front Line), Arthur Holden (The Past), Elizabeth M. Kelly (Kitty, Cappy, Gypsy, & Snake), A. Emmanuel Leadon (Short Rib), Edward Morgan (So You Can Look Ahead), Edgar Sanchez (How Peter Changed the World), Adam Seidel (Original Sound), & Kyle Therral Wilson (Yucca Corridor).
2018 BLUE INK PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL JUNE 9 - JUN 12, 2018
5 staged-readings of featured finalists & the award winning script
June 9 A Song at Night by Roy Conboy co-directed by Spencer Diedrick & Jorge Silva
An Evening with Joaquin Murrieta - “My Quest for Justice” by Silvia Gonzalez S directed by Jon Martinez
June 10 32 Welcome to Matteson! by Inda Craig-Galván ARTISTS directed by Krissy Vanderwarker
June 11 YELLOWSTONE: the ballad of the red-state man by Jennifer Barclay directed by Artistic Affiliate Elyse Dolan
June 12 Run No More by Harold Ellis Clark directed by Ensemble member Heather Meyers
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 THE LINCOLN PROJECT
Clockwise: CPS 2018 winning play at Ripped Festival; Frederick Ford Beckley; The Lincoln Project Award winners; CPS student during in-classroom visit. Photos by Maia Rosenfeld. THE LINCOLN PROJECT
INNOVATIVE, INTEGRATED, FREE ARTS PROGRAM 2017-2018 CPS SCHOOL YEAR
Our free program aligns with Illinois Learning Standards to engage 5th through 10th graders of the circumstances leading to the Emancipation Proclamation. Students watch scenes performed by professional actors, participate in 3kCPS STUDENTS discussions, and most importantly discover their voice by writing their own short plays. SERVED We increased our service 50% from the 2016-2017 school year.
STUDENT & TEACHER FEEDBACK “I love how the plays were about real life situations. You taught us to think about real world problems and write about them. We learned and had fun.” - Adryanna Rodriquez, 7th grade student
“I learned that I can work very well in a group!” - Natalia Alvarez, 7th grade student
“They were energized to write and excited by the opportunity to write about their lives and 88 perspectives.” CLASSROOMS - Patrick Toomy, CPS teacher
“[My students] are always eager to express themselves creatively and reflect on issues that impact them. This week gave them an authentic opportunity to do both!” - Priya Shah, CPS teacher
NEIGHBORHOODS SERVED BY ZIPCODES (# of schools) Ashburn (5), Archer Heights, Armour Square, Auburn Gresham (2), Austin (2), Avalon Park (4), Avondale, Belmont Cragin, Beverly (2), Bridgeport (2), Brighton Park, Burnside, Calumet Heights (4), Chatham (3), Chicago Lawn (3), Clearing (3), Douglas (2), East Garfield Park, East Side (3), Edgewater, Englewood (2), Fuller Park, Gage Park (5), Garfield Ridge (4), Grand Boulevard (2), Greater Grand Crossing (4), Hegewisch (3), Hermosa (3), Humboldt Park (4), Hyde Park, Irving Park, Kenwood, Lincoln Park (2), Lincoln Square, Logan Square (3), Loop (2), Lower West Side, McKinley Park (3), Near North Side, Near South Side, Near West Side (2), New City, North Center, North Lawndale (2), Norwood Park, Oakland, O’Hare, Pullman (2), Riverdale (2), Roseland (5), South Chicago (3), South 90% Deering (3), South Lawndale, South Shore (2), Uptown, Washington Heights (4), Washington Park (2), UNDERSERVED West Elsdon (3), West Englewood, West Lawn (5), West Garfield Park, West Pullman (2), West Town (3), Woodlawn COMMUNITIES Approximately 90% of performances and writing workshops reached underserved students and community members. Approximately 35% of performances and writing workshops were in classrooms where English is a second language for the majority of students.
We served 11 Communities in Schools of Chicago Schools (About CISC: More than 85% of Chicago Public Schools students come from low income homes. Many students lack access to the resources and support that help them succeed academically. CISC offers a solution by connecting students and their families with free programs and services that address students’ unmet needs.)
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 FINANCES
2017 - 2018 REVENUE
$299,496 $1,343,764* $3,843,764 with endowment TICKET SALES
$923,130*^ CONTRIBUTIONS
$101,323 SPECIAL EVENTS
$19,815 OTHER SOURCES OF INCOME *To accurately show the fiscal year’s operating budget, we did not include a $2.5 million endowment gift made in Spring; the funds had not been invested nor drawn upon during this fiscal year.
^Includes 2nd of 3rd payment of “Path to Premier” grant; a one-time gift of $1 million, payable over 3 years.
From the most recent audit conducted by Mann Weitz & Associates LLC (Oct 2018), American Blues Theater has total net assets of $3,590,828. FINANCES
2017 - 2018 EXPENSES
$1,077,769
$814,256 ARTISTIC PROGRAMS
$126,804 MANAGEMENT & GENERAL $136,709 FUNDRAISING
American Blues Theater is carefully managed and has never run a deficit nor has any liabilities.
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 Donor Jeanne Martineau with Shaun Whitley at the opening of Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story. Photo by Elyse Dolan. DONOR RECOGNITION—INDIVIDUALS, FOUNDATIONS, CORPORATIONS, & SPECIAL EVENTS
We are honored to recognize the following contributors who enable American Blues Theater’s artistic programming, arts education, and community service. This list includes donations from our True Blue Annual Fund, GutterBall, Blue Bash, production sponsors, and other contributions given from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018.
$25,000 and above $1,000 - $2,499 cont’d $250 - $499 cont’d Anonymous Exelon Foundation Jean and Rick Weber The Chicago Community Trust Craig & Linda Grannon Mary-Ann Wilson The Davee Foundation Jim and Lori Hock The MacArthur Foundation for Arts & Culture Keith Huff $100 - $249 at Prince Charitable Trusts Gitta K. Jacobs Roz Alexander and Sam Grozdin Burt and Sheli Rosenberg Chris Johnson Gordon and Scott Gordon Anonymous Ruth D. & Ken M. Davee General Operation James Joseph Rotchford Barker Support Fund Keith and Erica Karlson Sue Bowker Matt and Jen Kueker Lawrence Broutman $15,000 - $24,999 Anne and Keith Moffat Kate Buddeke Paul M. Angell Family Foundation Ben and Nancy Randall Michael Cainkar Anonymous Suzy and Tim Robertson Mary Cameron ComEd Leonard X and Arlene Rosenberg Meg and Thomas Claggett Kimberlee Herold Libby and David Savner Dennis Cockrum The Shubert Foundation Howard Walker Jeanette Cole Darrel and Shirley Whiteside Mike Colky $7,500 - $14,999 Ted Cornell Anonymous $500 - $999 Aaron Culberg Phil and Jill Calian Actors’ Equity Foundation Thomas and Rebecca Custer Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation Peter and Bari Amadio Gary and Janet Davis Edgerton Foundation Sarah Borgeson and Adam Bueling Joe and Paula Dempsey The Illinois Arts Council Agency Larry Brandenburg Rita Dragonette Gwendolyn Whiteside and Ian Van Handel Wendy Donahue Deanna Dunagan Matt and Hillary Ebach Lorenzo Favela Jr. $5,000 - $7,499 Gina Foley Marilynne Felderman Lee Ayers Lloyd A. Fry Foundation Forefront Eurex Ray Garza Bernard Garbo Brenda and James Grusecki Monica and Matthew Hendrickson Joanne Girardi Amanda and Matt LoPresti Sarajane Johnson Adrienne Gomez The Northern Trust Company Reimer Dobrovolny & Karlson LLC Lisa Grant Matthew and Sharon Tassone RMB Capital Carole Griggs Vai Shah Heather and Roger Grum $2,500 - $4,999 Barbara and Randy Thomas Teresa and Michael Haught Anixter Foundation Michelle and Glenn Holland Heather Barnfield $250 - $499 Mary and David Hood Brian Carothers Anonymous Barbara Hufnus David and Sissy Coffin Manny Buckley and Steve Wroten James Jensen Eileen and William Conaghan Craig and Karen Carothers Philip Earl Johnson Matt and Beth Hafter Dan Collins Donald Kurasch Mike and Trudy Kelly Bill and Judy Goldberg Jim Leaming and Carmen Roman Laura and Leonard Loventhal Mary and Michael Goodkind Mitch Marinello and Dr. Nancy Young Andrea McNaughton Paul Grossman Greg Martin Seyfarth Shaw LLP Joe Hartness and Troy Baresel Betsy McCann Kerry Straub and Neil O'Callaghan Kathryn Keenan Marcie McVay and Dennis Zacek Jean Klingenstein April Meyers $1,000 - $2,499 Ed Kross John Mohrlein Dawn Bach and Rawl Thurman Larry Levin Mira Mrcela Benjamin Rosenthal Foundation Michael and Cara Levinson Patrick Murray Ed and Laura Blatchford Michael Mahler and Dara Cameron The New Group Lane Brady David and Agnes Murdoch Mary O’Dowd Chris and Ingrid Burrichter Ted and Julie Sausen Bill and Rachel Payne Tyson Carter and Sarah Nowak Larry Schulman and Chris Poggianti Roxanne Perillo David deCastro LaBonney Taylor Suzy Petri and Robert Breuler
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018
DONOR RECOGNITION—INDIVIDUALS, FOUNDATIONS, CORPORATIONS, & SPECIAL EVENTS
American Blues Theater is grateful for every contribution. We regret that due to space limitations we are unable to list donations under $99. Please accept our deepest appreciation as your donation makes a difference!
$100-$249 cont’d In-Kind Contributions cont’d In-Kind Contributions con’d Merril Prager and John Levine Chicago Symphony Orchestra Michael Mahler Marge Punter Chicago White Sox Marriott Theatre Steve Rankin Chicago Wolves Heather Meyers Tana and Kevin Reich Chula Vista Resort Anne and Keith Moffat Cindi Roeters City Winery John Mohrlein Editha Rosario and Alexios Moore David and Sissy Coffin Navy Pier Maia Rosenfeld Comedy Sportz Theater Christopher J. Neville David and Stacey Ross ComEd Newberry Library Sarah E. Ross Court Theatre Northlight Theatre The Saints Ian Paul Custer NPR Tom Sawyer and Betsy Hanisch Davis Theater The Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts Roche Schulfer and Mary Beth Fisher Dinkel's Bakery & Café Peninsula Players John Smith Elyse Dolan Porchlight Music Theatre Mark Tomasino Eye to Eye Interiors Ray’s Bucktown B&B Dave Wall Drury Lane Theatre Remy Bumppo Theatre Company Ann Whitney Evolve and Elevate Revolution Brewing Charlotte Ziporyn Exhale Jonald Reyes Fey & Co. Jewelers Rivendell Theatre Ensemble In-Kind Contributions First Ascent Rivers Casino A Red Orchid Theatre Frasca Pizzeria Suzy Robertson About Face Theater Gene Siskel Film Center Burt and Sheli Rosenberg Douglas J Aveda Institute Tom and Kate Geraty Sarah E. Ross Lee Ayers Gibsons Restaurant Group Shattered Globe Theatre Dawn Bach The Goodman Theatre Side Show Theatre Eric Backus Kathryn and Chris Gordon Silver Poplar Studios Heather Barnfield Jaclyn and Shawn Goudie Southport Grocery & Café Scott Buechler Kimberlee Herold Steep Theater Company Blue Man Group iO Theater Steppenwolf Theatre Company BOKA Restaurant Group Jackalope Theater Stomp and Shout Oak Park The Book Cellar Gitta K. Jacobs Kerry Straub and Neil O'Callaghan Michael Brosilow The Joffrey Ballet StudioUs Kate Buddeke Philip Earl Johnson Tag’s Bakery Wilson Cain Sarajane Johnson Matt Tassone Dara Cameron Lindsay Jones TimeLine Theatre Darren Canady Keith Karlson Victory Gardens Theater Greg Carlin Steve Key “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” Brian Carothers Katy King Walt Disney World Tyson Carter KOVAL Distillery Wandachristine CH Distillery Ron Krema WBEZ Cheesie's Pub & Grub Lagunitas Gwendolyn Whiteside and Ian Van Handel Chicago Architecture Foundation Lettuce Entertain You White Sox Charities Chicago Botanic Gardens Logan Theater Willamette Valley Vineyards Chicago Cubs Lookingglass Theatre Company Steven Williams Chicago Industrial Arts & Design Center The Lyceum Theatre Windy City Playhouse Chicago Shakespeare Theater Lyric Opera of Chicago Wishbone Restaurant Writers’ Theatre
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 LEADERSHIP (JULY 1, 2017 - JUNE 30, 2018)
Board of Directors Ensemble Members Artistic Affiliates Matthew Hafter Dawn Bach Eric Backus President Ed Blatchford Dana Black
Burton X. Rosenberg Matthew Brumlow Laura Coover Vice-President Kate Buddeke Kristin DeiTos Sarah Burnham Joe Dempsey Phil Calian Dara Cameron Paul Deziel Vice-President Casey Campbell Elyse Dolan Kerry Straub Darren Canady Olympia Dukakis Treasurer Rick Cleveland Tom Geraty Austin Cook Jared Gooding Keith A. Karlson Ian Paul Custer Christina Gorman Secretary Lauri Dahl Shawn Goudie Lee Ayers Joe Foust Sarah Hughey Heather Barnfield Marty Higginbotham Izumi Inaba Sarah Borgeson Jaclyn Holsey Philip Earl Johnson Manny Buckley Lindsay Jones Samantha C. Jones Christopher Burrichter Nambi E. Kelley James Joseph Brian Carothers Kevin Kelly Zach Kenney David Coffin Steve Key Kathryn Lochert Kimberlee Herold Ed Kross Eric Lynch James Hock James Leaming Rohina Malik Andrea McNaughton Warren Levon Cara Parrish Lawrence Schulman Michael Mahler Camille Robinson Matthew Tassone Heather Meyers Grant Sabin Gwendolyn Whiteside John Mohrlein Richard Shavzin Honorary members Christopher J. Neville Sandy Shinner Joan Esposito Suzanne Petri Rick Sims Ross C. Hemphill Carmen Roman Chuck Smith Gitta K. Jacobs Editha Rosario James Still Gerald Pauling Sarah E. Ross Michael Trudeau Gwendolyn Whiteside Shandee Vaughan In Memoriam Wandachristine Chip Pringle Emeritus Dennis Zacek Dennis Cockrum William Payne
Staff Gwendolyn Whiteside Artistic Director
Melissa Rose Managing Director
Ben Thompson General Manager
Sarajane Johnson Director of Development
Suzy Robertson Director of Patron Services Keith Huff, Ensemble members James Leaming & Gwendolyn Whiteside. Elyse Dolan Photo by Jennifer Girard. Associate Producer
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 2017-2018 SNAPSHOT
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 4809 N RAVENSWOOD, SUITE 221 CHICAGO, IL 60640 AMERICANBLUESTHEATER.COM