BY LUCIA MAURO
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Okay, some might argue that the Storefront Theater–located in the Loop and operated by the City of Chicago–is not what one would think of as an authentic storefront theatre. It’s more polished and tidy than some of the old liquor stores and warehouses converted to charmingly grungy theatres around town. And instead of being stationed in a residential neighborhood, it’s smack dab in the heart of the downtown theatre district–a stone’s throw from the Ford Center for the Performing Arts and the Cadillac Palace Theatre. But it couldn’t be more different than its glitzy theatrical neighbors. Take a closer look at this comfortable, attractive and flexible performance space, and the Storefront Theater (which is attached to the City’s Gallery 37 arts education facility at 66 E. Randolph) takes on admirable dimensions.
A variety of dance, theatre and music performances take place at this unassuming venue, with state-of-the-art technical facilities and an open black-box stage surrounded by catwalks that can be used for experimental configurations. The acoustics and sight lines are among the best in the city. And there isn’t an obstructed seat in the house.
"Our goal is to provide a space for small- to mid-size theatre companies to perform," says Colleen Sims, program director of the Storefront Theater/Department of Cultural Affairs. "We provide a different contribution to the Chicago theatre district. The Storefront is not very formal, so it lends itself to various kinds of performance, like dance and music in addition to theatre."
The theatre has only been operating for just over a year, and it has already presented an impressive mix of avant-garde, traditional and youth-oriented programs–both original works and "second stagings" of critically acclaimed local productions. The facility opened in the spring of 2000 with Jenny Magnus’ Kurt Weill Cabaret Nights followed by The Neo-Futurists’ Devolution.
More recently, the Storefront Theater hosted the Rhino Fest, Theater Oobleck, Stage Left’s remount of David Rush’s award-winning Police Deaf Near Far and the Youth Theater Festival. Plasticene has debuted two pieces here, and the Storefront Theater seems to be turning into a popular incubator/performance arena for modern dance troupes (especially Hedwig Dances, which is based at the Chicago Cultural Center across the street). Next season will usher in the "Winter Dance Festival," featuring five small dance troupes premiering new pieces.
Over the past year, Sims and her colleagues have been able to test the waters. They’ve found that audiences are receptive to more experimental music events on dark nights (Mondays and Tuesdays), so they will program more of those types of shows, as well as more dance and literary events. She also is planning an additional "dark night" series for emerging theatre, dance and music companies to try out new material–basically a workshop with audience members offering feedback.
Sims has taken note of what works best. "We’re finding that companies enjoy performing in this space," she says. "They think it’s an accessible outlet for new audiences to see their work. Another goal is to introduce audiences to these companies at a central location. If they like their work, they can seek them out in the neighborhoods where they are based."
Sims envisions more opportunities for arts-education partnerships. Since Gallery 37 is located in the same building, most arts groups on the performance roster can teach master classes or workshops. This past season, students from Gallery 37 have built and painted scenery for shows, then have the opportunity to attend performances and experience the artistic process. Plus, performers can team up with students from the City’s public schools initiative in which students receive advanced placement credit for participating in arts activities.
"It’s wonderful to see the students’ arc of discovery," adds Sims. "Especially when they’ve attended a ShawChicago production and then see a Plasticene show."
The Storefront Theater will increase its artists-in-residence program. Writer-performer Donna Blue Lachman spent part of the year creating a biography-style performance piece with students at Gallery 37.
So how do theatre artists get to perform here? Sims and her associates at the Department of Cultural Affairs go out and see a lot of theatre, and invite troupes they believe need to be seen in this more centrally located venue. They also welcome proposals and applications. Artists are presented by the Storefront Theater and are not charged rent.
Sims is in the process of programming the 2001-02 season. But she confirmed the following productions: Breathing Underwater, remount of Running With Scissors’ abstract, puppet-based work that debuted at Theatre on the Lake this summer (Sept. 7-30); Shattered Globe’s mercurial production of Bruce Graham’s capital punishment-themed drama, Coyote on a Fence (Oct. 4-28); Prop Thtr’s revival of 1,001 Afternoons in Chicago, based on the writings of Ben Hecht (Nov. 7-Dec. 8); and the Winter Dance Festival (Dec. 13-16).
Companies interested in performing at the Storefront Theater should request an application by calling the box office at 312/742-TIXS. The theatre is also developing a Web site (www.storefronttheater.org) which will include information on how to apply.