Since they were theatre undergrads at Northeastern Illinois University in the mid-1990s, Michael Buino and Tina Haglund knew they wanted to form their own ensemble. In fact, Haglund was so determined, she recalls saying, 'I wanted a theatre company or a reasonable facsimile there of.' The facsimile part stuck. And since its founding in the fall of 2000, A Reasonable Facsimile Theatre Co. (ARFTCo.) has presented close to 20 productions in the mainstage format and at various local theatre festivals like Rhinoceros and Abbie Hoffman.

While no carbon copy, it has taken a journey that most small, non-Equity, non-profit theatre troupes can relate to. After graduation'and a few acting stints with the earlier incarnation of Sweetback Productions'Buino and Haglund envisioned establishing a theatre group that would center on character-driven plays (both original and established). More importantly, they wanted to grow as artists. Coming from Northeastern's hands-on theatre program, the pair had chalked up a lot of stage time, with Buino focusing on directing and acting; and Haglund an actress and costume designer.

ARFTCo. debuted in 2000 with Eugene O'Neill's Before Breakfast at Bailiwick Repertory's Directors Festival. By spring of 2001, it embarked on its first full-length play, Arthur Schnitzler's Anatol, at Great Beast Theatre'a play that was a catalyst for the formation of its now 20-member ensemble. That same year, the company was selected to perform at the first annual Lincoln Park Fall Theatre Festival. Shortly after, ARFTCo. staged the world premiere of Steven Simoncic's and Aimee LeBrie's Words With C at The Cornservatory, which has become something of a resident space.

But ARFTCo.'which doesn't receive big grants or corporate donations, has no subscription base and can't pay its artists'is driven, like many Chicago theatre practitioners, by a burning desire to create art that somehow speaks to the human condition. A lofty, if not unmarketable goal, it fills a need to foster, according to executive director Haglund, theatre that 'evokes feeling'that touches people.' The co-founders essentially fund their endeavor out of their own pockets, through ticket sales and annual benefits.

The latest work in their two-show mainstage season is the world premiere of local playwright Mike Spiegel's Off Stage, an abstract play in which mysterious people live out the dramas of their pain for an unsuspecting hostage. ARFTCo. collaborated closely with Spiegel on the revision process. Off Stage runs Nov. 7-Dec. 19 at The Cornservatory.

While artistic director Buino empathized with the script's 'human characters,' Haglund is intrigued by its central question of 'How responsible are we as human beings for other people's pain?'

Questions of a deeper nature energize these two artists who, over the past three years, have built a versatile ensemble willing to learn through trial and error'and feel safe taking risks. The theatre's strong ties to The Cornservatory on Lincoln Ave., an affordable space where ARFTCo. members also assist with its landlord's shows, have allowed for a stable presence.

In the past, especially for its sprawling World War II epic, Front, ARFTCo. has been forced to test its creative mettle on The Cornservatory's small stage against cramped environs with notoriously uncomfortable chairs. But Buino says he likes the theatre's stage because it has depth and different levels. Besides a recent and much-needed bathroom rehab, the Corn folks have installed cushioned seats. 'The theatre is still funky,' laughs Haglund. 'It's just comfy funky.'

Because of its extremely limited funds, the troupe chooses plays'like Free Will & Wanton Lust and Café Society'well suited to its ensemble and its resources. It's always on the look out for new scripts. The company and six-member board pitch in and multitask. Its publicity materials retain a professionalism and, even if a stage set may look low budget, the commitment of the actors and director is palpable.

So ARFTCo., which has not embarked on a capital campaign for its own space or crafted a slick five-year business plan, favors a more organic approach. It even chooses scripts that carry the company in new directions, rather than pigeonhole it. Future plans include more late- or off-night offerings, a new work by the women in the company, and children's theatre classes. The troupe's leaders are guided by the words of their theatre professor, director Richard Hessler: 'Let's go somewhere, anywhere, together.'

'Right now, we're concentrating on strengthening the ensemble,' says Buino, who also is the Illinois Theatre Association's office manager, 'building audiences and solidifying who we are.'

When asked why they've devoted their lives to such a labor-intensive profession with little to no financial rewards, the co-founders'both involved in theatre since childhood'cite the family or community of theatre artists and its inherent sense of tolerance. They also believe theatre can connect people on a profound level.

And they're in it for the long haul.

'We're not concerned with forcing things to happen,' stresses Buino. 'We're going to let things evolve. It's a lifetime commitment.'

For more information on A Reasonable Facsimile Theatre Co., call 773/282-9728 or visit www.ARFTCo.com.

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