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03-63
Resolution No. 03-63 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A SPECIAL EVENT CO-SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT WITH TALISMAN THEATRE (Shakespeare in the Park) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that Olufemi Folarin, Interim City Manager, and Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk, be and are hereby authorized and directed to execute a Special Event Co-Sponsorship Agreement on behalf of the City of Elgin with Talisman Theatre for performances of Shakespeare in the Park, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference . s/ Ed Schock Ed Schock, Mayor Presented: February 26, 2003 Adopted: February 26, 2003 Vote : Yeas : 6 Nays : 0 Attest : s/ Dolonna Mecum Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk Special Event Co-Sponsorship Agreement THIS AGREEMENT made and entered into this 1/771-- day of , 2003, by and between the CITY OF ELGIN, an Illinois municipal corporation(hereinafter referred to as the"City") and TALISMAN THEATRE, an Illinois not-for-profit corporation(hereinafter referred to as"Talisman Theatre"). WITNESSETH WHEREAS, Talisman Theatre, is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation located in Elgin, Kane County, Illinois; and WHEREAS, Talisman Theatre has proposed a special event in the form of two Shakespearean plays (hereinafter referred to as"Shakespeare in the Park")to be held Wednesday through Sunday from June 28 through August 9, 2003 at the Wing Park Bandshell(also referred to herein as the"Subject Special Event"); and WHEREAS, Elgin Municipal Code Section 13.25.020A requires special events to be sponsored and conducted by not-for-profit corporations or associations or by public bodies; and WHEREAS, Talisman Theatre has requested that the City cosponsor the Subject Special Event; and WHEREAS, the City has determined that the Subject Special Event will attract additional interest in the Elgin area and will assist in promoting further quality programs for the City of Elgin; and 1 WHEREAS, the City Council has further determined that it is in the best interests of the City to share in the costs of the Subject Special Event with Talisman Theatre in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Co-Sponsorship Agreement; and WHEREAS, the City of Elgin is a home rule municipality as defined in Article VII Section 6a of the 1970 Constitution of the State of Illinois; and WHEREAS, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs. NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises and undertakings contained in this agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows: 1. The foregoing recitals are hereby incorporated into this Agreement in their entirety. 2. The City and Talisman Theatre agree to share the cost of the Shakespeare in the Park from June 25 though August 9, 2003. Shakespeare in the Park will be located at the Wing Park Bandshell and shall be conducted between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. from June 28 through August 9, 2003, with performances Wednesday through Sunday. The City's only cost for Shakespeare in the Park shall be $25,000. It being agreed and understood that Talisman Theatre shall be responsible and pay all other costs associated with the Subject Special Event. Talisman Theatre is prohibited from applying for or receiving any additional monies from the Cultural Arts Commission. 2 3. The City shall pay such $25,000, referred to in paragraph two, to Talisman Theatre on or before March 30, 2003. The Talisman Theatre shall utilize the above-mentioned $25,000 solely for cost for the production of Shakespeare In the Park, also referred to herein as the Subject Special Event. 4. Talisman Theatre shall be responsible for applying for and obtaining special event permits as provided for under Elgin Municipal Code Chapter 13.25. The City Manager shall provide all necessary signatures on the special event application to evidence the City's co- sponsorship for Subject Special Event. Notwithstanding the City's co- sponsorship of the Subject Special Event, the parties hereto understand and agree that Talisman Theatre shall be solely responsible for conducting the Subject Special Event and for all costs associated with the Subject Special Event including but not limited to the fees and costs identified in Elgin Municipal Code Chapter 13.25.090. 5. Talisman Theatre shall be strictly liable for the acts of its agents, volunteers, officers and employees and that Talisman Theatre to the fullest extent permitted by law shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City, its officers, employees, agents, boards and commissions from any claims, suits,judgments, costs, attorney's fees, damages or other relief arising out of or in any way connected with the Subject Special Event or any acts or omissions of Talisman Theatre, its agents, volunteers or employees. Nothing herein affects Talisman 3 4 Theatre's duty to defend the City. In the event of any action against the City or its officers, employees, agents, boards or commissions covered by the foregoing duty to indemnify, defend and hold harmless such action shall be defended by legal counsel of the City's choosing. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive any termination and/or expiration of this agreement. 6. Talisman Theatre shall also provide, without cost to the City, the insurance required pursuant to Elgin Municipal Code Section 13.25.070 naming the City as a primary, non-contributory co-insured with limits of not less than $500,000 per occurrence and excess coverage of not less than $5,000,000 covering general liability including personal injury and property damage. This insurance shall apply as primary insurance with respect to any other insurance or self- insurance programs afforded to the City and shall be written in occurrence form. There shall be no endorsement or modification of this insurance to make it excess over other available insurance, alternatively, if the insurance states that it is excess or pro rata, it shall be endorsed to be primary with respect to the City. 7. In consideration of Talisman Theatre being solely responsible for conducting the Subject Special Event and for all costs associated with the Subject Special Event as provided herein, the parties understand and agree that Talisman Theatre shall be entitled to retain any income received from the Subject Special Event. 4 8. Talisman Theatre at its sole cost shall apply for and obtain all necessary permits, including amplifier permits, for any entertainment to be conducted in conjunction with the special event. Any entertainment and use of amplifiers shall be in compliance with all applicable regulations. 9. Talisman Theatre at its sole cost shall be responsible for providing all toilets and other sanitary facilities, necessary electrical power and litter facilities, litter control and clean-up for Shakespeare in the Park. 10. The Talisman Theatre wishes that a not-for-profit art group known as "Art for All" be allowed to participate in Shakespeare in the Park. "Art for All's" participation in this event will consists of the construction and maintenance of a large tented"gallery" on the grass area closest to the lower level parking lot wherein twelve artists will display various forms of art from 6 to 10 p.m. during each day of the special event. Talisman Theatre hereby assumes strict liability for the acts or omissions of all agents, representatives, employees, artists or representatives of"Art for All". Talisman Theatre further agrees that it shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City of Elgin for any claims relating in any way to"Art for All's" participation in Shakespeare in the Park. In the event of any action against the City, its officers, employees, agents, boards or commissions covered by the above-described agreement to indemnify, defend and hold harmless, such action shall be defended by legal counsel of the City's choosing. 5 The provisions of this paragraph shall survive any termination and/or expiration of this Agreement. 11. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to relieve Talisman Theatre, its officers, agents or employees, as well as any other participants in the Subject Special Events from complying with all applicable laws and regulations of the City, State and United States, including but not limited to obtaining any other permits or approvals as required by law. 12. The City shall be recognized as a sponsor of Talisman Theatre and shall receive the benefits of sponsorship consistent with the level of support provided. At minimum, the City's support shall be acknowledged in print materials promoting the organization or event, radio advertising, WEB page information and event programs. Three samples of this acknowledgement shall be provided to the City. A logo provided by the City shall be used for this purpose. 13. This Agreement shall not be deemed or construed to create an employment,joint venture, partnership or other agency relationship between the parties hereto. 6 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this agreement on the date and year first written above CITY OF ELGIN TALISMAN THEATRE BY 6. BY _ !: Femi F ari ity Manager ITS ATTEST: ATTEST: Mee,444—. City Clerk 7 OF f4Ci Agenda Item No. st City of Elgin -arw E L ' February 21, 2003 G _ --�.,. N TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council ANOCULTURALOPPORTUu1T1E5 FOR AI l rIT17 FNG FROM: Olufemi Folarin, Interim City Manager SUBJECT: Purchase of Service and Special Event Co-sponsorship Agreement with the Talisman Theatre PURPOSE The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Mayor and members of the City Council with information to consider entering into a purchase of service agreement with the Talisman Theatre for Arts Infusion at State Financial Bank from April 5- 26 and a co-sponsorship agreement with the Talisman Theatre for Shakespeare in the Park for June 28 through August 9, 2003 . BACKGROUND Representatives from the Talisman Theatre have submitted a City of Elgin Special Event Application to hold Arts Infusion at State Financial Bank, 16 N. Spring Street, from April 5-26, and Shakespeare in the Park at the Wing Park Bandshell from June 28 through August 9, 2003 . Talisman Theatre is a non-profit professional theatre company committed to producing classic plays and original works. An event budget is attached. Staff from Parks and Recreation has met with the Talisman Theatre to review event logistics and a budget . Several years ago Talisman relocated, moving from Chicago to Elgin, and is in the midst of its fifth year of production here. They produce, with the City' s cooperation, an annual Shakespeare Festival that generates regional attention and draws people to Elgin. In previous years this event has been held at the Wing Park Bandshell from August 8-September 2 . This year' s event would run from June 28 through August 9, 2003 . In addition, this year the Talisman Theatre is requesting $6, 783 for "Arts Infusion. " As a part of the City' s support of this ell- Special Event Agreement February 21, 2003 Page 2 event, a purchase of service agreement is proposed per corporation counsel since the event is being held on private property. Talisman Theatre held its first Arts Infusion in 2002 . Arts Infusion is three short plays held April 5-26, Thursday through Saturday at State Financial Bank. Talisman Theatre transforms the lobby of State Financial Bank to a theatre and art gallery. The plays explore the delightful complexity of romance in our time with a theatrical edge that is uniquely Talisman. Comedy, poetry and passion fill the plays which illuminate loves power to bind us together. The plays will be presented in one evening. The Talisman Theatre has requested support from the City for this years Shakespeare in the Park of $25, 000 . As a part of the City' s support for this event, a co-sponsorship agreement is proposed per corporation counsel since the event is held on City property. The proposed agreement will be similar to the one used for last year' s Shakespeare in the Park event . The proposal has been reviewed by staff from operating departments and does not present overwhelming logistical problems. The Parks and Recreation Department will provide barricades and fencing for Shakespeare in the Park, and assistance from one staff person during the event at a cost not to exceed $2, 000 . There will be no charge to the Talisman Theatre for this service. The Talisman Theatre will provide insurance for Shakespeare in the Park naming the City as a primary, non-contributing co- insured with excess coverage of not less than $5, 000, 000 covering general liability, including personal injury and property damage. COMMUNITY GROUPS/INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED Talisman Theatre. iI\FINANCIAL IMPACT There are sufficient funds budgeted and available ($31, 780) in account number 275-0000-791 . 80-45 for these events in the amount of $31, 780 . Special Event Agreement February 21, 2003 Page 3 ,�,I� LEGAL IMPACT V None. ALTERNATIVES 1 . To approve the purchase of service agreement with Talisman Theatre for operating Arts Infusion and the special event co- sponsorship agreement with Talisman Theatre for operating Shakespeare in the Park for a not-to-exceed amount of $31, 780 . 2 . To not approve the purchase of service agreement with Talisman Theatre for operating Arts Infusion and the special event co-sponsorship agreement with Talisman Theatre for operating Shakespeare in the Park for a not-to-exceed amount of $31, 780, thus not allowing the event to be held. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council approve the purchase of service agreement with Talisman Theatre for operating Arts Infusion and the special event co-sponsorship agreement with Talisman Theatre for operating Shakespeare in the Park for a not-to-exceed amount of $31, 780 . Respectfully submitted, 4010 Olufemi .lari Inte 'i •anager JC/dm Funds Supported by City of Elgin Purchase Service Agreement Arts Infusion 6,783.00 Shakespeare 25,000.00 Total $31,783.00 Breakdown of expenses Arts Infusion Promotional costs Combined Markekting Promo pstcd, flyers, 15,0 1,500.00 Mailing service 120.00 Programs 150.00 Postage 1,950.00 Advertising 1,913.00 Total Marketing 5,633.00 Graphic Design 1,150.00 Total Arts Infusion Covered by City $ 6,783.00 Shakespeare in the Park Generator/fuel 4,920.00 Lights&Towers 3,000.00 Sound rental 4,000.00 Advertising 6,000.00 Postcard postage, see# 6,200.00 Postcard printing, flyers 2,400.00 Total Shakespeare Items $26,520.00 City Contribution $25,000.00 Balance Covered by Talisman $ (1,520.00) Arts Infusion/Downtown Elgin Cash Budget One Acts Laurel&The Daydrearr Actors $1,400 7 700 7 700 Stage Managers $400 1 200 1 200 ASM/Sound Operators $0 1 0 1 0 Playwrights $450 3 350 1 100 Directors $300 0 0 0 300 Set Design $600 1 200 1 400 Lighting Design $300 0 150 0 150 Costume Design $700 1 350 1 350 Graphic Design $1,150 1 1150 1 0 Set Construction $150 1 0 1 150 Costume Construction $150 1 0 1 150 Crew,(load in&strike) $100 1 50 1 50 Sound $400 300 100 Properties Construction $50 0 0 1 50 Total Fees $6,150.00 $2,700.00 Costumes $1,200 300 900 Equipment Rental $250 250 Costume Maintenance $75 0 75 Scenery $1,300 500 800 Props $100 50 50 Truck Rental $150 75 75 Performance Venue Rent $0 Total Technical $3,075.00 $1,900.00 Combined Markekting Promo pstcd,flyers,15,000 $1,500 Mailing service $120 Programs $150 Postage $1,950 Advertising $1,913 Total Marketing $5,633.00 Total Production $14,858.00 Budget-Shakespeare In the Park 2003-Midsummer&Two Gents Cash In kind Total Actors $ 7,000.00 $ 5,500.00 $ 12,500.00 Directors $ 4,000.00 $ 500.00 $ 4,500.00 Set Design $ 800.00 $ 500.00 $ 1,300.00 Sound Design $ 900.00 $ 500.00 $ 1,400.00 Lighting Design $ 800.00 $ 500.00 $ 1,300.00 Costume Design $ 1,600.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 2,600.00 Intern Coordinator $ 700.00 $ 700.00 $ 1,400.00 Visual Artists $ 200.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 2,200.00 Graphic Design $ 750.00 $ 150.00 $ 900.00 EccTuition $ 1,200.00 $ - $ 1,200.00 Fight Choreographer $ 600.00 $ - $ 600.00 Asst-Director(s) $ 300.00 $ 800.00 $ 1,100.00 Stage Managers $ 1,600.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 2,600.00 Technical Director $ 1,000.00 $ 700.00 $ 1,700.00 Instructor Fee $ 200.00 $ - $ 200.00 Sound Operator $ 300.00 $ 400.00 $ 700.00 Set Construction $ 600.00 $ 500.00 $ 1,100.00 Costume Construction $ 400.00 $ - $ 400.00 Wardrobe Mistress $ 150.00 $ - $ 150.00 Set Load Strike $ 400.00 $ 1,200.00 $ 1,600.00 Props Master $ 350.00 $ 200.00 $ 550.00 Asst Prod.Coord/master elec? $ 150.00 $ 500.00 $ 650.00 Elec Load strike $ 500.00 $ 200.00 $ 700.00 Producer $ 500.00 $ 2,500.00 $ 3,000.00 Assoc.Producer $ - $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 Total Personnel Salaries&Fees $ 25,000.00 $ 20,350.00 $ 45,350.00 Community Art materials $ 150.00 $ - $ 150.00 Scripts $ 250.00 $ - $ 250.00 Scenery $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 Props $ 1,000.00 $ - $ 1,000.00 Costumes $ 4,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 5,000.00 Costume Maintenance $ 300.00 $ - $ 300.00 Generator/fuel $ 4,920.00 $ - $ 4,920.00 Lights&Towers $ 3,000.00 $ - $ 3,000.00 .�. Sound rental $ 4,000.00 $ - $ 4,000.00 Technical Contingency $ 500.00 $ - $ 500.00 ECC Rent,Hse Mgmt&Ticketing service $ - $ 3,122.00 $ 3,122.00 Additional rehearsal rental $ 250.00 $ 2,080.00 $ 2,330.00 Production tents $ 300.00 $ - $ 300.00 Housing $ 2,000.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 8,000.00 General Contingency $ 250.00 $ - $ 250.00 Truck Rental.Hauling $ 400.00 $ - $ 400.00 Production Materials,Services $ 23,320.00 $ 12,202.00 $ 35,522.00 Advertising $ 6,000.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 12,000.00 PR Consult $ 1,000.00 $ - $ 1,000.00 Programs $ 1,200.00 $ 1,200.00 PR materials costs $ 300.00 $ - $ 300.00 Postcard postage,see#below $ 6,200.00 $ - $ 6,200.00 Postcard printing,flyers $ 2,400.00 $ 1,200.00 $ 3,600.00 Printing pstrs,flyer $ 1,500.00 $ - $ 1,500.00 Mailing Service $ 1,250.00 $ - $ 1,250.00 Other postage $ 300.00 $ - $ 300.00 Supplies $ 500.00 $ - $ 500.00 Photography $ 200.00 $ - $ 200.00 Banners/sign $ 1,000.00 $ - $ 1,000.00 Reception/enteratinment $ 300.00 $ - $ 300.00 Total Marketing $ 22,150.00 $ 7,200.00 $ 29,350.00 50010 Insurance $ 2,600.00 $ 500.00 $ 3,100.00 Security $ - $ - $ - Concessions $ 1,000.00 $ - $ 1,000.00 Water $ 300.00 Actor Meals $ 600.00 Portable Restrooms,Waste removal $ 3,250.00 $ - $ 3,250.00 Total Safety&Hospitality $ 7,750.00 $ 500.00 $ 8,250.00 Total Production Costs $ 78,220.00 $ 40,252.00 $ 118,472.00 OPE( ��` �� C>4 Memorandum 4 City of Elgin — - ir pry / I 1 1 00' \'' DATE: November 18, 2002 TO: Councilmembers Marie Yearman & John Walters; / FROM.. Sean R. Stegall RE: Talisman Theatre Attached please find information from Mark Hardiman to supplement his presentation at the November 20th City Council meeting. At that time I am sure he will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Attachment SRS/dr I 1 • _ • • • • • • Proposal for City of Elgin • • • Talisman • If Satre • • • • •• • • • • • • • • Talisman Theatre • In Residence at Elgin Academy 350 Park St. • Elgin,IL 60120 • 847-214-8000 • • • • • • dim • • • • Overview • For the past 4 years Talisman has been producing Shakespeare in the Park in Elgin's Wing Park. Additionally, last year,Talisman began a new project called Arts Infusion/Downtown Elgin. Both • these events have demonstrated that they have enormous potential. Talisman Theatre events have _ received a great deal of editorial coverage from the print media and have received both critical and public acclaim. They have served to demonstrate that there is high quality of life available in • Elgin,they have created a media buzz adding a palpable example expression of the"It's • happening here,"positioning statement. Merchants locally have benefited both from the costs of production and the spending of those who attend.As an example, 28.44%of ticket purchasing • attendees to Arts Infusion purchased a meal using a discount coupon provided at the time of • purchase. • This proposal details how the city of Elgin and Talisman can work together to achieve maximum • benefit from these events.Following are key points contained in the packet. • Expanding Shakespeare in the Park • • Talisman proposes expanding Shakespeare in the Park into a regional festival by performing in multiple plays in rotating repertory. This will: • • • Compel people from outside the region to commit to overnight stays in the Elgin area. • Overnight guests will patronize area restaurants • • Ovgrnight guests will patronize area stores • • Elgin will have an event that establishes it as a tourist destination • • Increased marketing and P.R. will result in further improving Elgin's image • • Afford us the ability to package the event more effectively with Elgin area entertainment and amenities • • The problems that keep this from happening are: "' • Funding which the Cultural Arts Commission capped • • Funding necessary to make up for lack of amenities at Wing Park or other locations • Scheduling with Park District IP • Continuing Arts Infusion/Downtown Elgin • This program that was new this year shows significant promise.Again State Financial Bank has • agreed to host the event in its lobby,bringing a fusion of arts and business to Downtown.As Arts • Infusion is a comparably new event we propose that we continue with what we established in 02 and make plans for expansion in the following production year. • • Talisman further proposes to receive its funding directly from the City of Elgin. This will: • • Serve as an incentive for corporations and other funding sources to back the project • • Enable Talisman to engage in long-term planning and promotion • • Allow Talisman to expand programming and seek funds for saleable items like higher profile talent and artistic quality. • Provide a concrete means by which Talisman Theatre and the City of Elgin can begin working closely together to ensure mutual benefit from its programming. • • 2 • 1111 • • • • Alk The funding request: • Based upon our projections,Talisman will be able to expand its programming significantly over • the next three years,bring in a higher level of name talent from the Goodman Theatre and others • with a reasonable increase in funding. The request is as follows: • Shakespeare in the Park 35,000 • Arts Infusion 6,783 41,783 a4 • Oh 4.6 • • • • /11 • • • • • • • S S S S S S S S S 3 • • a 4111k Table of Contents a �► Overview 2 Introduction 6 Brief History 7 Shakespeare in the Park—The Opportunity 9 Expanding the Festival a Challenge that Benefits the Community- 9 Potential Benefits to The Elgin Area 11 a • Producing Shakespeare in the Suburbs-The Elgin Advantage 12 • Shakespeare in the Park Key Strategies for Success 13 • • Arts Infusion a Community Event 14 • • Current Funding Challenge 15 • Shakespeare in the Park 15 • Arts Infusion 15 Funding Solution 15 411. Shakespeare in the Park Scheduling Challenge 16 Shakespeare in the Park Scheduling Solution 16 • Resources Requested 17 • Shakespeare in the Park 17 • Arts Infusion 17 EP Appendix A S.W.O.T. Analysis Shakespeare in the Park 18 • • Appendix B Shakespeare in the Park Marketing Outline 21 • • Appendix C Budget Projections 22 • Shakespeare in the Park 22 • Arts Infusion/Downtown Elgin Cash Budget Projections 25 • Appendix D Arts Infusion 2002 Statistics 27 S S • 4 • • flik • Ilk Ilk Appendix E Calendar 28 • Proposed Production Calendar 29 lini Appendix F Other Shakespeare Festivals 32 416 4k Oregon Shakespeare Festival-History 32 Oregon Shakespeare Festival Facts and Figures 37 Ali Oregon Shakespeare Festival Economic Impact Data for 2001 38 Ilk Utah Shakespearian Festival History and Background 39 11111 Illinois Shakespeare Festival 41 Ali Appendix G Talisman Theatre Press Selections 45 AI AI 4 111 • 4k 41 • 04 0 • • • • • S S 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 S 9 S IP 5 9 i • • • 11111 • Introduction • • Elgin is poised at a unique point in its history. It has made conscious steps toward redevelopment • of the downtown area.New amenities are being added that will make quality of life better for its residents and make Elgin an attractive are for the entire Fox Valley. • `► While Elgin has a number of hotels locally, it lacks a significant reason for people from outside • Elgin to come to the city and spend more than a day. • Our plan addresses that very issue. Using resources that are already present and market potential • that has been demonstrated by Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Carbondale,which draws 12,000* people every summer, and American Players Theatre, Play in the Woods which is the second largest outdoor classical theatre festival in the country, we believe that the City of Elgin has the • potential to work with Talisman Theatre to create a major regional outdoor classical theatre festival. 4111 411111 What makes both the above festivals most appealing to audiences and their respective communities is that they present plays in rotating repertory. This means that several plays are presented in the same performance week at the same location. Thereby those interested in • classical theatre are compelled to spend an overnight in the city where the plays are located to Ali enjoy more than one play.** The communities reap the benefits of the festival by capturing tourist dollars. In a recent project,Arts Infusion/Downtown Elgin over 28.44%*** of ticket • buying patrons dined at two area restaurants offering discount packages. This extrapolated into a regional festival with thousands attending,could provide significant benefit to Elgin. dek Examples where this has been successful are the Oregon Shakespeare festival in Ashland Oregon, • Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City as well as Illinois Shakespeare Festival and American • Players. • Our plan draws from all the above and uses the unique location and facilities Elgin has to make • the festival a success.With advance planning and minimal infrastructure over the next three years, Elgin and Talisman Theatre can expand Shakespeare in the Park and begin reaping the rewards. • Talisman began this year a new program,Arts Infusion/Downtown Elgin. This high profile event • combines the efforts of area organizations,businesses and arts organizations in festival like atmosphere that also includes multiple theatrical productions. This program is in its nascence but • shows enormous growth potential. *Appendix F Page 39 **Appendix F Page 36 • *** Appendix D Page 25 S S • • • • 9 • 6 • a • • • • • • Brief History • • Talisman Theatre incorporated in 1988 as a 501c3 not-for-profit professional theatre company. • Since its inception Talisman has dedicated its efforts to producing classic plays and new works. From its beginnings in the fertile storefront scene in were Talisman successfully produced • Shakespeare,American classics and new plays by area authors to its present home in Elgin • Talisman's work has garnered praise by critics and audiences alike. • Talisman moved to Elgin in 1998,and offered the region an original play by Chicago stand-up • comic Tim Joyce, Tell Me About Ireland, as its first production in its new home.Ireland opened to much acclaim at Elgin Community College's Visual&Performing Arts Center's SecondSpace Theatre.Talisman began Early Stages,a series of pilot book-in-hand performances of new plays 411 followed by dessert and discussion with the playwright,actors,director and audience offering area residents the chance to observe and participate in the development of new work. "l' For the past four years, Talisman Theatre has produced Shakespeare in the Park in August in Elgin's beautiful Wing Park. Over 6500 people have now attended this annual event that has become an Elgin tradition.In 2001 Talisman expanded the number of performances to include 4 weekends running through the Fine Arts Festival. dak a This year Talisman was invited to perform its production of Shakespeare in the Park at the Prairie Center in Schaumburg 3 performances. s► ,k Talisman combined the event with a strong educational component.In 2002, 13 area high school interns received professional intensive training in acting, Shakespeare, scenic construction and performed side-by-side with area professionals. Talisman interns have gone on to work with other .h professional theatre companies and are now attending widely respected colleges. In the spring of'01 Talisman working State Financial Bank,The Fox Valley Arts Council,The s Downtown Neighborhood Association,Elgin Area Visitor's and Convention Bureau,The Cultural Arts Commission,two area restaurants and an area hotel Talisman created Arts • Infusion/Downtown Elgin a unique, collaborative event where visual arts met the performing arts a over the course of 6 weekends in downtown. This high profile event brought to life a new production and readings of 4 other new plays as well as converted the lobby of State Financial Bank into an art gallery experienced by over 17,000 people. 46, Talisman consistently garners large amounts of positive press for this event including front-page photos in both the Herald and The Courier.Many feature articles are published for each show and 41' are prominent in position and are almost always accompanied by color photos. a Financial support from the community has been strong and continues to increase. Funds were received this year from the following businesses totaling over$11,000: • Grand Victoria Foundation State Financial Bank Elgin Financial Foundation . Cindy Rauschenberger D.D.S. Elgin Junior Womans Club • Burnidge and Cassell Architects S 7I • II • • Café Magdalena • Al's Café&Creamery • In-kind and cooperative sponsorships included this year alone: 4111 The Daily Herald$12,400 • Elgin Community College$2000 St. Paul's United Church of Christ provided rehearsal space valued at$1000 4' Elgin Academy Provides Office Space Valued at$1200 • Individual donations this year were over$2000. • Additional income not related to ticket sales included$3000 from the Village of Schaumburg by • touring its production to the Prairie Arts Center for 3 performances. • Talisman has received consistent acclaim and recognition, from its days in Chicago where it • garnered multiple Joseph Jefferson nominations to our Elgin Image Award that we received in the spring of this year. • igi The effect of Talisman's work extends well beyond Theatre productions. Talisman Theatre artists have taught master classes at Larkin Academy and we are currently in residence at Elgin 4' Academy where we have already begun working with students. Talisman began in '01 a special .k Benefit Ticket program whereby area not-for-profits can raise funds without risk. Talisman # worked hard to bring entertainment to Springfield for Elgin Day this year. • Throughout the past 4 years,Talisman has worked hard to form strong bonds with the Elgin • Community. We are now poised to partner with the City of Elgin to expand our programming and events to bring outside dollars into Elgin. • w► • • • • • 4k • • • • S S S S S 8 I • Shakespeare in the Park—The Opportunity • Talisman and Elgin are now poised for growth as never before. With the inauguration of the Centre, Elgin will begin serving the entire Fox valley area,drawing to the city individuals who • prize a higher quality of life.Changes in Elgin's downtown will help fuel growth of restaurants and shops making Elgin an attractive destination for the entire region. 411 • With our competitors either far away or insignificant in scale,Talisman and the City of Elgin are 4 in a unique position to establish Shakespeare in the Park as a major Shakespearian/Classical • Theatre festival. • By producing earlier in the season and adding additional plays to the summer can bring • significant benefits to Elgin. • Having more than one show in production and running in rotating repertory will have the effect • of: • Drawing thousands of new visitors regionally • • Generating overnight stays in area hotels • • Sending business to Elgin restaurants • Sending business to Elgin area stores • Positioning Elgin as a location where a high quality of life is both accessible and .11 affordable. The financial benefit to the community is substantiated by our recent experience with our spring • project,Arts Infusion/Downtown Elgin.Over 28%of the ticket purchasing audience dined at downtown restaurants. • Expanding the Festival a Challenge that Benefits the Community: • Talisman must expand summer season to include two shows in rotating repertory for the next two • years and three for the following three. This would present different Shakespeare plays within the same week bringing overnight guests, increasing audience participation and establishing the Talisman's festival as a major event in the region. 41 Solution: 411 Talisman will continue to develop staff and programmatic changes that it began with this year's 4111 production.This will include: a • Advance auditions and design interviews at Chicagoland Colleges. lk • Further expansion of high school intern program ,► • Recruitment and hiring of additional professional directors and designers from established Chicago theatres like the Goodman, Steppenwolf,American Blues and Victory Gardens. 2 Talisman will increase marketing efforts to expand audiences to include entire Chicagoland Area. • Work with participating colleges P.R. departments to expand coverage. I I 9 I 406 4111 • Use theatre departments mailing lists to expand direct mail campaigns to proven arts- 'i buyers • Work with the editorial staff at an expanded list of publications to ensure increased coverage. 4111 • Expand advertising through the League of Chicago Theatre's program to include the • Chicago Tribune • Work to create group packages and tours with the Visitor's and Convention Bureau • Create discount packages with area hotels and restaurants to emphasize value of product — in the market 411 • Ali • • • • • 4 • 416 411 dikk o S S S S S S S 110 S 10 I IP • • • • Potential Benefits to The Elgin Area • Talisman will expand upon potential partnerships by working with area businesses to encourage • commerce. As stated earlier,28.44%of Arts Infusion ticket purchasers of used a coupon they • received as in an area restaurant.Talisman will work to with area businesses to establish an Arts • Infusion-style promotion plan for restaurants,and hotels.All of this is in addition to doubling audience participation by offering more products to the established audience. • • The Shakespeare/Classical Theatre festival would: • • Compel people from outside the region to commit to overnight stays in the Elgin area. • • Overnight guests will patronize area restaurants • • Overnight guests will patronize area stores • Elgin will have an event that establishes it as a tourist destination • • Increased marketing and P.R. will result in further improving Elgin's image • Accounting for cash flow from the production and commerce directly related to Arts Infusion, $4 • for every dollar spent by consumers of Arts infusion was spent directly in the Elgin. • • Our goal in the next 5 years is to reach attendance figures comparable to the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. • • Extrapolated into an average of$12.00 ticket price over 11,000 people the potential benefit to the community could exceed$528,000 per summer.This figure does not include the impact of having 0 a large-scale festival, its staff,working in Elgin which would add to the positive impact in the • area. • 0 0 0 0 0 ID 0 0 0 ft • • • 9 I IP II 11 41111 w Producing Shakespeare in the Suburbs-The Elgin Advantage At this time there are no major Shakespeare festival locally that presents plays in rotating 40. repertory.The two closest events of significant scale are the Illinois Theatre Festival in • Carbondale and American Players Theatre; Play in the Woods in Spring Green, Wisconsin. We are centrally located within the Fox Valley, in a convenient location for commuters. From the north and south it is accessible easily via Randall Road, Rt. 31 and Rt.25. From east and west it is well served by I-90 a significant advantage over Carbondale or Spring Green. • Metra's Milwaukee West line is conveniently accessible and can be used to bring patrons to the 41 area. Packages with transportation via shuttle to area hotels and the performance venue can be built. 411 • By combining familiar routes to the venue,with services and an attractive location with the • burgeoning services soon to be available in Elgin the Festival will help area residents and out of town guests gain the most of their Elgin experience. • 41 Family entertainment in the area like Santa's Village to the north and City of Elgin run golf courses can add daytime entertainment for visitors to the festival and the growing number of • entertainment options in the area can benefit from additional tourist trade. • Talisman Theatre is currently evaluating 3 areas where our performances could be held. • Wing Park • Our traditional location • Attractive environment in' • Parking accessible • Campus of Judson College nn • Immediately accessible from expressway • Attractive campus + • Parking available • • Association with a 4-year college • Burnidge/Wolff Forest Preserve 4 • Attractive location • Insulation from traffic noise • Potential for developing permanent space that would meet our exact performance needs • With options like the above, Talisman has the options that existing competitors don't. While each area has drawbacks they all have strong advantages. 1 5 12 S a r Ink dik Shakespeare in the Park Key Strategies for Success Based upon 4 years of past success, and developing our model from other successful events we believe this proposition can be successful and that despite Talisman's size, it has the potential to • serve a larger scale event and use it to further expand its infrastructure. • Talisman implemented successful strategies for Shakespeare in the Park which provide the • groundwork for expanding the event: • • Expanded internships: We offered over 15 internships to area high school and college • interns.This brought Talisman a motivated talent pool of students. Students were offered • classes taught by theatre professionals, small roles in the show and college credit through Elgin Community College. We plan to expand this program significantly as a natural extension of our nascent residence at Elgin Academy. 4111' • Relationships with colleges: This year we employed several recent graduates from • Columbia College's highly regarded theatre program to augment the professional company. These trained,motivated actors and designers enabled Talisman to maintain 46, high artistic standards while cutting costs and to build a base of support that included another major educational institution. We plan to extend performance opportunities to • theatre students of other major colleges in the region and foster those relationships to enhance Talisman's support structure. • • Relationship with area businesses: Talisman held its first-ever corporate event in which a • corporation, State Financial Bank,purchased an entire night's performance for a significant contribution. This strategy can be replicated with other area businesses. • Extensive media sponsorship: Talisman received a significant media sponsorship from a► the Daily Herald. This motivated significant press coverage and editorial attention. • Community based-programming: Talisman began a program with the Gail Borden Public a Library which was an opportunity to connect with new potential audience members. • Educational programming: Talisman began a new program in conjunction with the 41\ library which addressed potential audience's"fear of Shakespeare"This unique program also drew significant press coverage. • With the combined strategies and expanding upon them,we will be able to establish our festival # as the premier outdoor Shakespeare/Classical repertory festival in the area. • • • 13 ak dik Arts Infusion a Community Event What originally began as a festival of new plays one in production and readings of four others expanded considerably. By working with the Cultural Arts Commission and The Fox Valley Arts Council Talisman expanded the event to become Arts Infusion/Downtown Elgin. • Arts Infusion/Downtown Elgin brought business and arts together in a completely new way. By forging links between performances and visual arts, by combining discounts to two area �• restaurants with ticket purchases,Talisman broke the mold and was able to demonstrate in a • palpable fashion the benefits both tangible and intangible between the arts and business. • By holding the event in the Lobby of State Financial Bank Talisman brought attention to the downtown area.To further benefits to the community Talisman formed partnerships with The Downtown Neighborhood of Elgin,two area restaurants,an area hotel.Discount coupons were M' created and distributed to ticket purchasers for the restaurants.These were amazingly popular, 28.44%of purchasers used the discount coupons at the restaurants. ak Talisman produced and mailed 12,000 high profile brochures that was in such demand that a a► second printing was required for businesses and vendors to have them in their stores. • The Daily Herald offered a major advertising sponsorship. Their contribution in cooperative ad buys was$6400.00 netting a total of$8000.00 worth of advertising for an investment of around • $1600.00. • This event got significant press coverage in multiple publications ads and articles combined • tallied over 550 column inches of coverage. • Again this year State Financial Bank is willing to host the event that is slated to begin in April. • • • EP • • • • • • • • • S S • 14 5 S • • • • Current Funding Challenge • Shakespeare in the Park • The Wing Park space is a beautiful location for Shakespeare in the Park, but it lacks basic technical resources and audience-oriented amenities that are required for the festival,as does • virtually every site we are considering. Everything from Port-o-lets to electricity and water are • brought in by Talisman for our annual production and we anticipate this remaining the same for • the immediate future. Talisman has received between$20-25,000 annually(approximately 35% of the budget)for this production from the Cultural Arts Commission(CAC).Average spending *\ on these resources and amenities devours 86%of the CAC grant. Talisman matches those funds • with ticket revenue,other government and foundation grants, individual gifts and corporate sponsorships. • elk This year the CAC voted to limit annual funding to any one arts organization to a maximum of 10%of the total available CAC funding. Total funding available is difficult to predict due to a 4111l number of factors including: • • How much the City of Elgin chooses to allocate to the CAC • • Whether the CAC considers the$35,000 pre-designated to Elgin Symphony into its 10% figure • • Whether the CAC chooses to set aside funds for special projects it wishes to accomplish • By our estimate the maximum grant available to Talisman from the CAC could be • as low as $7,000 and be capped at$13,000. This level of funding is insufficient to provide the necessary infrastructure to continue producing at a level sufficient to ensure the future of Shakespeare in the Park in Elgin and the health and safety of its audience. a • Arts Infusion • The theatre portion of what became Arts Infusion was supported by grant from the Commission �• in the amount of$2283,when Talisman took on the expansion of the project to include Fox • Valley Arts council and the development of the concept of Arts Infusion and promotion of a combined event the Cultural Arts Commission added$4500 of funds. • • Funding Solution • We propose that Talisman receive funding directly from the City of Elgin to foster the growth of • Shakespeare in the Park,and to institutionalize Arts Infusion,which will directly benefit Elgin residents and businesses. • • Such support lacks no precedent as Elgin Symphony and Elgin Enrichment Series both receive funding directly from the City of Elgin.Talisman will require funding that is less than the bike race,cost less in terms of infrastructure and provide greater service to residents and tourists. • • • • • 15 • • • • 41. Shakespeare in the Park Scheduling Challenge - Because of current Park Programming and policies, Talisman has been placed at a significant disadvantage over its competitors. a w • Currently Talisman applies for use of Wing Park in late fall,and use is approved in March-or later.To effectively compete against the other regional festivals we must begin marketing the next year's festival as soon as the current year is up and running. We �► need earlier confirmation of use of the park. ,k • Talisman cannot begin production until all the free Wednesday Concerts in the Park are completed,placing the event during the most volatile weather of the year. This schedule 4 1' also renders it difficult for college students to participate as most return to school in mid- w August. w Shakespeare in the Park Scheduling Solution Scheduling and advance season planning must begin to be done 3 seasons ahead,with space availability predetermined. It is imperative that Talisman use each current season to announce the w following season. We propose that Talisman and the City of Elgin recognize Shakespeare in the Park as an annual a City-sponsored event. a Should we choose to continue at Wing Park,we propose that the Parks and Recreation Aft Department work with Talisman to resolve space conflict issues regarding the Wednesday concert *► series. a w Ak w a w AA a a 16 • AI • • • Resources Requested • Shakespeare in the Park • Last year Talisman received a grant for$25,0000 through the Cultural Arts Commission. Talisman requests support of Shakespeare in the Park in the amount of$35,000 for fiscal year'03. • This will serve to cover additional costs for equipment rental of and audience amenities. It will 41. also be used for promotion of the expanded event in a wider regional marketing campaign aimed at bringing in overnight stays in the Elgin area. •, Talisman will actively be working to develop additional funding from individual,corporate, foundation and expand funding from the Illinois Arts Council and local businesses for • sponsorships and marketing crossover opportunities. • • Arts Infusion • Arts infusion is a relatively new event. It has considerable potential, but the issue of location and O. expansion it intimately integrated with the development of the Elgin's downtown area.As dining and entertainment venues increase it is conceivable that the event could grow. At present • Talisman requests only the funds that were allocated to it last year which were a combined • amount of$6783. • Total Resources: • Shakespeare in the Park 35,000 411. Arts Infusion 6,783 • $41,783 • • • • • • S S '*1 414 • • • • • • 17 • • • Appendix A S.W.O.T. Analysis Shakespeare in the Park Alb A small,non-professional company in Batavia recently began to produce outdoor Shakespeare 4111" performances. Although this company has an advantage over Talisman in that they can open their show earlier in the summer-avoiding the volatile weather in August and getting a jump on audiences-their productions lack professional actors and the professional production values- costumes, lighting sets and sound-that characterize Talisman's critically acclaimed work. This example makes clear that a timely and decisive step must be taken now to achieve preeminent position in the market. Talisman Illinois Shakespeare American Players Batavia Group Festival Theatre Talisman Strengths Location: Talisman at Wing Location: Location: Location: Park is easily accessed Carbondale is not Spring Green is Not at end of I-90. �► and convenient generally considered a isolated.That is part Though convenient to location Chicago and bedroom community of its charm however , Randall Rt. 25 41. surrounding suburbs. to Chicago. It is not at over 100 miles corridor. Many commuting on a convenient, and from Elgin it is not a ,k suburbanites already well-used artery. significant Threat use this route so it is familiar. Aft Cost to Value Ratio Talisman has the As they are better APT is an equity Amateur company advantage of being established,they have company. This is not without a proven track administratively chosen to move up the a guarantee of quality record of efficient. Our long scale in talent hired. of product and is adds achievements. 411 association with This will add cost greatly to cost. Volunteer talent Ail Chicago talent means without effectively makes them efficient we can draw increasing quality of but only a threat as a professional and early product. marketing liability. Mk career talent to — provide comparable services at exceptional cost. 411111 Media Support Talisman, since Strong relationship A bit far away from Limited coverage no moving to Elgin has with area press Chicagoland to proven track record. Al traditionally received achieves major receive coverage in �., wide print media coverage and reviews the Herald or Tribune. support. This by the Chicago Some media attention extended to Tribune and others. is given but does not �► sponsorships with the impact local Daily Herald this communities. year. We just got Reader ,Aft coverage this year. 18 .111 O 411/ History of Organization Talisman has a 13- Long history and Second largest New year history of infrastructure. They outdoor classical producing classics and have established festival in the country. • new plays.A fact themselves with a Long established and • frequently referred to large community of credible with the in positive light by people who come into community,the press Jack Helbig,drama Carbondale. and with talent. • writer/reviewer for the Credibility is Daily Herald,Reader, unquestioned. Tribune and others. • Threats • Audience Perceptions of Theatre and Location Talisman despite its Established and long Established and long Limited due to history of 13 years history. Have ability history. Have ability Amateur nature. But • needs to market its to bring in high to bring in high has loyalty of a credibility with profile talent. Larger profile talent. Larger desired target market. audiences. Audiences production budgets production budgets • will begin to regard validate validate Also has advantage of Talisman more performances. performances. ambiance of Batavia seriously when we vs.troubled ideas of • bring in established Carbondale perceived Spring Green is Elgin as a place of 011) "Name"talent as as college town,safe perceived as a get- gang activity and planned. and elite. away location. crime. Remoteness is an • Elgin has bad rap as asset. .w. having gang activity and crime. • Financial Infrastructure • Financial Established financial Established Minimal as it is a infrastructure growing infrastructure. Still volunteer effort. slowly. Funding came has to pay off portion primarily from of new theatre Cultural Arts installed this year. al Commission which is volatile and undergoing a revision of its mission. Talisman is now 41111 developing corporate • sponsorships in a • community that is suspicious of spending on arts. • Physical Space • Current Wing Park New 3 million dollar Elegant seating in No seating.No proper location is beautiful. theatre. rustic area. stage area. • Seating is bare bones • and is uncomfortable. Audience area Audience area Performs in daylight. • • 19 • • • AIM Many patrons contained for contained for • complain.Location of maximum visibility maximum visibility seating is poor for and experience of and experience of • theatrical production. performance. performance. • Benches too far apart to accommodate Light and sound Light and sound • audiences of any size infrastructure. infrastructure. • and force audience to • sit too far away from stage. • ,- Audience area not • contained. • No light, sound infrastructure. • Insufficient electrical • power. • Considering relocation of event. • By this analysis, it is clear that Talisman is significantly challenged financial infrastructure and 4111 performance space that are in the process of being addressed. • • Other issues are addressable through marketing and careful artistic and financial planning which are being addressed as well. • Aft 41111 • • • • a. • • • • Oh • • • • • 20 Oh OA Oft /1" Appendix B Shakespeare in the Park Marketing Outline • Market Picture • Arts marketing strategy is at a turning point. The effects of the economic recession, September 11 and the trend to cocooning have resulted in a drop of overall arts attendance. Advance sales are • diminishing while ticket office sales remain high and some venues have shown some • improvement.Vacations that traditionally were one to two weeks long are tending to become • shorter and vacation marketers are stressing smaller 3-day inclusive packages. • How We Fit • Elgin is convenient and our prices are affordable.Elgin area has a number of amenities that • include not only adults but kids too. We are easily reached,compared to our competitors and • therefore shortened travel time means more vacation for less time. • Target Market • Adults and families throughout Chicagoland who enjoy or would like to learn to enjoy • Shakespeare and&Outdoor theatre who are looking for ways to get that experience in a O` convenient,family-friendly and affordable way. • Areas to Stresses • �► • Family friendly(Kids Free performances on Wednesdays and Sundays) • • Affordability(We are lower priced than competitors,cheaper shorter travel distances, affordable package deals with hotels, attractions through purchase of tickets which • include information and discounts for golf,area attractions,hotel and restaurants.) • • Convenient location,just offI-90 a familiar travel rout. • Public education(We will establish hostel type programming through Judson and • participating colleges that combines, education, lectures and performance) • • Strategy • • Working with Elgin Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau to expand P.R. campaign • • Advertising stressing packages created through Elgin Area Convention and Visitor's bureau • • Direct mail trade data with participating college theatre departments emphasizing • packages • • Create elder and youth hostel programs in conjunction with area colleges hosted at Judson College and Elgin Community College. • a. a. • a. a► a► 21 • ak AM 41116. Aft Appendix C Budget Projections AftShakespeare in the Park Aft Shakespeare in the Park 2003-2005 Preliminary Projections 411) 03 04 05 w Actors $ 7,000.00 $ 7,000.00 $ 10,000.00 Directors $ 4,000.00 $ 4,000.00 $ 6,000.00 a. Set Design $ 800.00 $ 800.00 $ 1,200.00 ai► Sound Design $ 900.00 $ 900.00 $ 1,500.00 • Lighting Design $ 800.00 $ 800.00 $ 1,000.00 Costume Design $ 1,600.00 $ 1,600.00 $ 2,500.00 a. Intern Coordinator $ 700.00 $ 700.00 $ 1,000.00 • Visual Artists $ 200.00 $ 200.00 $ 3,000.00 Ilk Graphic Design $ 750.00 $ 750.00 $ 1,000.00 Ecc Tuition $ 1,200.00 $ 1,200.00 $ 1,200.00 a. Fight Choreographer $ 600.00 $ 600.00 $ 900.00 • Asst. Director(s) $ 300.00 $ 300.00 $ 900.00 ,x Stage Managers $ 1,600.00 $ 1,600.00 $ 2,400.00 Technical Director $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,500.00 Instructor Fee $ 200.00 $ 200.00 $ 300.00 'R Sound Operator $ 300.00 $ 300.00 $ 900.00 Set Construction $ 600.00 $ 600.00 $ 600.00 Costume Construction $ 400.00 $ 400.00 $ 700.00 Wardrobe Mistress $ 150.00 $ 150.00 $ 300.00 Set Load Strike $ 400.00 $ 400.00 $ 400.00 Props Master $ 350.00 $ 350.00 $ 550.00 M, Asst Prod. Coord/master elec? $ 150.00 $ 150.00 $ 150.00 Elec Load strike $ 500.00 $ 500.00 $ 500.00 Ilh Producer $ 500.00 $ 500.00 $ 500.00 • Assoc. Producer $ - $ - $ 500.00 • Total Personnel Salaries& Fees $ 25,000.00 $ 25,000.00 $ 39,500.00 a. a. Community Art materials $ 150.00 $ 150.00 $ 300.00 a. Scripts $ 250.00 $ 250.00 $ 350.00 Scenery $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00 a. Props $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,200.00 '- Costumes $ 4,000.00 $ 4,000.00 $ 6,000.00 a• Costume Maintenance $ 300.00 $ 300.00 $ 600.00 o, Generator/fuel $ 4,920.00 $ 4,920.00 $ 5,500.00 Lights &Towers $ 3,000.00 $ 3,000.00 $ 3,500.00 • Sound rental $ 4,000.00 $ 4,000.00 $ 4,500.00 411, Technical Contingency $ 500.00 $ 500.00 $ 500.00 ,.. ECC Rent, Hse Mgmt&Ticketing services $ - $ - $ - Additional rehearsal rental $ 250.00 $ 250.00 $ 250.00 Production tents $ 300.00 $ 300.00 $ 300.00 "h Housing $ 12,000.00 $ 12,000.00 $ 12,000.00 • • 22 • OM • • p a. General Contingency $ 250.00 $ 250.00 $ 250.00 411111 Truck Rental, Hauling $ 400.00 $ 400.00 $ 400.00 a. Production Materials, Services $ 33,320.00 $ 33,320.00 $ 37,650.00 oh • Advertising $ 6,000.00 $ 9,000.00 $ 12,000.00 ! PR Consult $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 Programs $ 1,200.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 1,200.00 PR materials costs $ 300.00 $ 300.00 $ 300.00 Postcard postage, see# below $ 6,200.00 $ 9,300.00 $ 12,400.00 a. Postcard printing, flyers $ 2,400.00 $ 2,400.00 $ 2,400.00 Printing pstrs, flyer $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00 AM Mailing Service $ 1,250.00 $ - $ - • Other postage $ 300.00 $ 300.00 $ 300.00 a. Supplies $ 500.00 $ 500.00 $ 500.00 Photography $ 200.00 $ 200.00 $ 200.00 Ift Banners/sign $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 • Reception/entertainment $ 300.00 $ 300.00 $ 300.00 a Total Marketing $ 22,150.00 $ 27,300.00 $ 33,100.00 a. Insurance $ 2,600.00 $ 2,600.00 $ 2,600.00 a. Security $ - $ - $ - a. Concessions $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00 Water $ 300.00 $ 300.00 $ 300.00 a. Actor Meals $ 600.00 $ 600.00 $ 600.00 a. Portable Restrooms, Waste removal $ 3,250.00 $ 3,250.00 $ 3,250.00 a► ,o Total Safety& Hospitality $ 7,750.00 $ 7,750.00 $ 7,750.00 a. a. Total Production Costs $ 88,220.00 $ 93,370.00 $ 118,000.00 i► Income I. Admissions $ 35,640 $ 41,466 $ 49,137 Touring $ 6,000 $ 6,000 $ 9,000 Concessions, food & beverages $ 1,150 $ 1,150 $ 1,500 Ad Sales $ 500 $ 1,000 $ 1,000 a. Corporate Support $ 8,000 $ 12,000 $ 17,000 Grants $ 35,000 $ 35,000 $ 35,000 40. Sponsorships $ 1,500 $ 1,500 $ 3,000 ab Individual Contributions $ 2,275 $ 2,275 $ 3,500 a Total Income $90,065 $100,391 $119,137 00. Balance $1,845 $7,021 $1,137 • • 1- _..) a. r % Earned Income 56.95% 61.38% 65.17% # perfs 33 33 37 Tickets 90 90 90 'l' Ave price 12 11 11 /► Tix Projection in $ 35640 41465.6 49136.824 Ticket Projection Quantity 2970 3769.6 4466.984 4111 Mailing Pieces 50,000 75000 100000 Additional Audience- Mailing 1% 1.0000% 250 500 Additional Audience-Advertising 0.5000% 15 15 • Additional Returns packaging * .015 1.5000% 534.600 621.984 • Additional Audience Through Marketing 800 1,137 41. 4. • • • • • • • • • • Alk • • • • • • Alk • • • • "4 • r 41111 4 ink Arts Infusion/Downtown Elgin Cash Budget Projections Actors $2,100 Stage Manager $400 ASM/Sound Operator $300 Technical Director $0 Director $900 Set Design $400 Lighting Design $100 4111 Costume Design $250 do' Graphic Design $250 • Set Construction $150 Costume Construction $200 Crew, (load in & strike) $200 Properties Construction $50 Total Fees $5,300 Costumes $500 Equipment Rental $1,400 Costume Maintenance $150 411 Scenery $700 Props $214 Truck Rental $150 Performance Venue Rent $0 • Total Technical $3,114 Promo pstcd, flyers, 15000 $3,776 Aft Mailing service $400 o Programs $250 Postage $4,300 Prof Sery $750 Total Marketing $9,476 New Plays in New Places Total $17,890 111111. Income 41. Admissions $ 4,800 Touring $ 1,000 Concessions, food & beverages $ 350 Ad Sales $ 500 Benefit/corp event $ 1,000 'ft Grants $ 10,223 ,., Sponsorships $ 250 Individual Contributions $ 250 Total Income $18,373 Balance $483 4/0 25 Oh Oh Earned Income 41.64% #perfs 16 Tickets 25 Ave price 12 Tix Projection $ 4800 411. • r.. 41111 Mk A f Oh I► • 11111 Oh Oh 41111 • Oh Ilk 26 40. 410 ♦ ♦ 40' Appendix D Arts Infusion 2002 Statistics .r. Statistical Breakdown of Arts Infusion/Downtown Elgin Total Attendants Plays 545 Opening 120 Soiree 50 Bank Traffic 16400 Total Attendants 17115 014Restaurants Avg Meal Avg Bev Dessert Gratuity Avg Meal Total Café M 110 20.00 3.00 3.00 3.90 29.90 $3,289.00 Al's 45 20.00 3.00 2.50 3.00 28.50 $1,282.50 ♦ Combined Total $4,571.50 ♦ Art Purchased Cassell Door 250.00 ♦ Von Her Blue Shadow 125.00 a Combined Total $375.00 Talisman Tickets&Concessions $5,065.50 Total Economic Return $10,012.00 41.♦ Restaurant Meals 155 41104Percentage of theatre attendance at restaurant 28.44% Press Coverage Articles, Reviews and Advertising Column Inches* 550 �. *Not including listings or all publications 411. Alt ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 4111. 41) Alk ♦ -'7 ,/► Aft lh Appendix E Calendar The following calendar will provide an example of what a performance schedule that included plays in rotating repertory might be like.This calendar example is for two shows in rotating repertory ending in a. early August. This allows for expansion into August when the number of plays expands to three shows. It also avoids the 4111, costly breakdown and set-up for the Free Fine Arts Festival Concert. This calendar allows overnight guests to see more than one play over a span of two nights. By investing in a single set and single light and sound plot,Talisman maximizes value on artistic infrastructure. • Aft 1111 • 411111 • • 4/11 1111 • • • • 011114 d• Ph • • • • • • • • • 28 • • • • Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Aft1 2 3 4 5 6 7 _ 411116 a. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 a. a. 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Load in Load in Technical Technical Show 1 Show 1 Rehearsal Rehearsal Show 1 Show 1 _ 4.1 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 4011k Technical Technical Technical Dress Dress Preview Open _ Rehearsal Rehearsal Rehearsal Rehearsal Rehearsal Show I Show I Show 1 Show 1 Show I Show 1 Show 1 _ a. 41111) 29 30 Show I Technical Rehearsal Show 2 111111111: = 2003 - aft Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 4111, 1 2 3 4 5 4111k • Technical Tech. Dress Dress Preview Open Show Rehearsal Rehearsal Rehearsal Show 2 Show 2 Show 2 Show 2 Show 2 aft aft aft 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 - Show 1 Show 2 Show 1 Show 2 Show 1 — 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 aft Show 2 Show I Show 2 Show I Show 2 4011 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 4116. Show 1 Show 2 Show 1 Show 2 Show I — 27 28 29 30 31 pm* Show 2 Show 1 Show 2 2003 - Aft dlh Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 • �► Show 1 Show 2 - - 4 5 6 7 8 9 - Show 1 Show 2 Show1 Show 2 Show 1 - - 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Show 2 Show 1 Show 2 Show 1 Show 2 Show 1 1718 19 20 21 22 23 +No 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 2003 t Ph • 104 • • Appendix F Other Shakespeare Festivals *► Oregon Shakespeare Festival-History The Oregon Shakespeare Festival traces its roots back to the Chautauqua movement,which brought culture and entertainment to rural areas of the country in the late 19th century. Ashland's • first Chautauqua building—erected in 1893, mostly by townspeople—saw its first performance on July 5. In 1905,the building was enlarged to accommodate an audience of 1,500. Families traveled from all over Southern Oregon and Northern California to see such performers as John .m. Phillip Sousa and William Jennings Bryan during the Ashland Chautauqua's 10-day seasons. In 1917 a round,dome-covered structure was erected in the place of the original Chautauqua 4111 building. The structure fell into disuse, however, when the Chautauqua movement died out in the early 1920s. The dome was torn down in 1933, but the cement walls remain standing • today;covered with ivy,they surround the Elizabethan Theatre. Angus L. Bowmer, an enthusiastic young teacher from Southern Oregon Normal School (now Southern Oregon University), was struck by the resemblance between the Chautauqua walls and some sketches he had seen of Elizabethan theatres. He proposed producing a "festival"of two plays within the walls, in conjunction with the City of Ashland's Fourth of July celebration. The City cautiously advanced Bowmer a sum"not to exceed$400"for the .• project. SERA(State Economic Recovery Act) funds provided a construction crew to build • the stage and improve the grounds. "' The Oregon Shakespearean Festival was officially born on July 2, 1935 with a production of Twelfth Night. The Festival presented The Merchant of Venice on the 3rd and Twelfth Night • again on the 4th. Reserved seats cost$1,with general admission of$.50 for adults and$.25 for children. Even at these prices,the Festival covered its own expenses. The Festival also • absorbed the losses of the daytime boxing matches that the City—which feared that the 411k— plays would lose money—held onstage. • Here's a brief look at some of the major events that followed the Festival's inception in ilk 1935: 1937 Oregon Shakespearean Festival Association is incorporated. • 1939 The Festival takes a production of The Taming of the Shrew to the Golden Gate Exposition in San Francisco. Angus L. Bowmer later credits the s• nationwide radio broadcast and resultant publicity for helping enable the Festival to resume production after World War II. 1941-46 OSF closes during World War II. • 1947 OSF resumes production as a new, larger Elizabethan Stage is built to • replace the stage damaged by a 1940 fire. As the reputation and critical • acclaim for the productions grew, so does the Festival; more performances • • • 32 4111 4111 • • — are scheduled, and the company becomes larger. The Institute of • Renaissance Studies(the forerunner of the current education department,the OSF Institute)becomes a part of OSF. • 1952 The Tudor Guild, the Festival's first volunteer organization, is • incorporated. • 1953 OSF hires its first, full-time, paid employee: General Manager • William Patton, who later becomes Executive Director. Richard L. Hay is • appointed Designer and Technical Director. • 1958 With its production of Troilus and Cressida, OSF completes the • Shakespearean canon for the first time. Following the season, the 1947 .1Ik stagehouse—which had, for several years, barely met fire codes—is torn down. Mk • 1959 New Elizabethan Stage opens. Designed by Richard L. Hay, the stagehouse • is patterned on London's 1599 Fortune Theatre. • 1960 OSF produces its first non-Shakespearean play,John Webster's The Duchess 4 l of Mali. • 1963 Attendance tops 50,000. • 1970 The 600-seat indoor Angus Bowmer Theatre,designed by Richard L. • Hay, opens March 21 with Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. Completion of the theatre enables OSF to expand its season into the spring and fall; helps generate much-needed income; and accommodates • more playgoers, many of whom were previously turned away due to a lack of seating. • 1971 Angus Bowmer retires. Jerry Turner is appointed Producing Director. • Attendance tops 150,000. • • 1977 A third theatre—the 140-seat Black Swan, designed by Richard L. Hay— .. opens February 11 with Shelagh Delaney's A Taste of Honey. This intimate theatre allows OSF's directors and actors to experiment with plays which ak cannot be sustained in the larger theatres, but are still worthy of serious �• production. The flexible seating plan provides for experimentation in design, acting and staging techniques. • 1978 With Timon of Athens, the Festival completes the Shakespearean canon for • the second time. • 4111, • 33 • • *. • • • 1983 Festival wins Antoinette Perry("Tony") Award for outstanding achievement • in regional theatre and National Governors' Association Award for distinguished service to the arts, the first ever awarded to a performing arts • organization. Attendance tops 300,000. • • 1984 OSF negotiates a special contract with Actors' Equity Association, thereby increasing the number of Equity actors in the company while continuing to give new actors the opportunity to accrue experience and professional • credits. • 1985 OSF celebrates its 50th anniversary. • 1986 Festival volunteers receive the President's Volunteer Action Award at the • White House. • 1987 OSF welcomes its five millionth visitor. Board of Directors accepts • invitation from the City of Portland to establish a resident theatre company in the new Portland Center for the Performing Arts. 4111 1988 OSF Portland opens November 12 with a production of George Bernard Shaw's Heartbreak House. The expansion makes OSF the largest not-for- profit theatre in the country. The Oregon Shakespearean Festival changes its • name to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. • 1989 Richard L. Hay, OSF's Principal Scenic and Theatre Designer, receives the �► Oregon Governor's Award for the Arts. • 1990 OSF launches $5.2 million fund-raising campaign to build Elizabethan • Theatre Seating Pavilion. Board of Directors refuses $49,500 grant from • National Endowment for the Arts due to restrictive language. OSF subsequently receives 1990 American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Commendation and 1990 Open Book Award for First Amendment Courage 411111 from American Society of Journalists and Authors(ASJA). ink .. 1991 Jerry Turner—who receives the Oregon Arts Commission/Governor's • Award for the Arts—retires and Henry Woronicz is appointed Artistic Director. Construction begins on the Allen Pavilion of the Elizabethan • Theatre. • • 1992 The $7.6 million Allen Pavilion of the Elizabethan Theatre is completed in June. The Pavilion encircles the seating area and provides improved • acoustics, sight-lines and technical capabilities. Vomitoria (entryways for • the actors from under the seating area to the stage) are added, increasing • staging possibilities. Seating capacity does not change, but several hundred seats are raised onto a roofed balcony. The theatre remains open to the sky. • • • 34 • • • dlk • 1993 William Patton receives the Oregon Arts Commission/Governor's Award for Alk the Arts. Board of Directors and Portland Advisory Council—who agree • that the current arrangement is exhausting the artistic energies of both operations—announce the future independence of the Portland company, to which OSF will provide transitional support for a two-year period. illk 1994 The Festival's operation in Portland becomes an independent theatre company—Portland Center Stage—on July 1. 1995 William Patton announces his retirement in March after 47 years with OSF. Patton later receives the Mark R. Sumner Award for a distinguished achievement from the Institute of Outdoor Drama. Henry • Woronicz announces his resignation in June: Libby Appel, the Artistic Director at Indiana Repertory Theatre, is named Artistic Director; and OSF General Manager Paul E.Nicholson is named Executive Director. • 1996 Artistic Director Emeritus Jerry Turner is presented the St. Olays Medal by the Norwegian Consul General on behalf of King Harald of Norway. Oh Oh 1997 OSF receives an invitation to bring its world premiere production of Lillian Garrett-Groag's The Magic Fire, commissioned by OSF, to the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in November 1998. Festival's third • rotation through the Shakespeare canon is completed with Timon of Athens. al 1998 The Festival celebrates Executive Director Emeritus Bill Patton's 50th year with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. OSF's production of • Lorraine Hansberry's Les Blancs is videotaped for the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center's Theatre on Film and • Tape Archives (TOFT), and the Festival's production of Lillian Garrett- Groag's The Magic Fire plays at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. • from November 10 through December 6. It is selected by Time Magazine as • one of the year's Ten Best Plays. • 1999 OSF's season attendance reaches a record 374,246 or 93 percent of capacity. • Its 1999 productions of William Shakespeare's Pericles and Henrik Ibsen's • Rosmersholm are videotaped for the New York Public Library for the • Performing Arts at Lincoln Center's Theatre on Film and Tape Archives • (TOFT). • 2000 Season attendance sets a new record of 380,101 or 95 percent of capacity. The Festival's 2000 production of Euripides' The Trojan Women is videotaped for the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center's Theatre on Film and Tape Archives (TOFT). • • 35 • 011 r ph Groundbreaking for the New Theatre to replace the Black Swan occurs on November 17. 2001 10 millionth ticket holder welcomed in September. Black Swan closes its doors as a performance venue on October 28. New Theatre constructed, the product of a successful $21 million Capital Campaign. OSF hosts annual American Theatre Critics Association conference. Information provided by: 11116 Robert Hackett Media and Marketing Associate Oregon Shakespeare Festival 15 S.Pioneer St. • Ashland,OR 97520 S S S S S S S • • • • S S S I S S e • lb lb lb S 36 S 411* 4111* daft Oregon Shakespeare Festival Facts and Figures ak • Established in 1935, OSF is among the oldest and largest professional regional ,ek repertory theatre companies in the United States. •• • Has the oldest existing full-scale Elizabethan stage in the Western Hemisphere, built on the site of the old Chautauqua theatre established in 1893. • Presents an eight-month season of 11 plays—five by Shakespeare and six by classic and contemporary playwrights—in rotating repertory in three theatres: the outdoor Elizabethan Stage (seats 1,190), the Angus Bowmer Theatre (seats 601), and the intimate New Theatre (seats 260-350). • • In 2001 reached a total attendance of 368, 776 and 91% of capacity in all three • theatres, the third highest in the Festival's history. Patrons see an average of 3.5 shows, making the total number of visitors to the Festival each year approximately . 105,000. Eighty-eight percent of its audience travels more than 125 miles to attend the Festival. • • Presents 794 performances in 2002. • • • Operates in 2002 on a budget of $19,277,300, 77% of which is realized through earned income. • • In 2001 the Festival had an economic impact of$118,534,300 on the region. • • • Received the 1983 Antoinette Perry ("Tony") Award for outstanding achievement in • regional theatre and the 1983 national Governors' Association Award for distinguished service to the arts. • • Received 1990 American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Commendation and 1990 • Open Book Award for First Amendment Courage by American Society of Journalists • and Authors(ASJA),New York. • • Offers a school visit program which annually sends actors to more than 275 schools, • presenting performances and workshops in Shakespeare and modern literature to • more than 165,000 students in Alaska, California, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, • Oregon and Washington. • • Employs approximately 450 theatre professionals from all over the country. • • Has a volunteer staff of nearly 750, which received the President's Volunteer Action • Award in Washington, D.C. in 1986. 0 37 Aft 40. I► ak OREGON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL ECONOMIC IMPACT-2001 Festival Operations Individual Parties Groups School Groups Total ticket sales for the year 283,409 77% 13,488 4% 71,879 19% 368,776 • %of Visitors Who Come Specifically to Attend the Plays 238,064 84% 13,488 100% 71,879 100% Ticket Sales to: Local Groups 35,710 15% 1,753 13% 6,469 9% • Visiting Groups 202,354 85% 11,735 87% 65,410 91% Average number of plays seen 3.8 2.8 2.7 • Therefore the Number of Individuals Seeing the Plays is: • Locals 9,397 626 2,396 12,419 . Visitors 53,251 4,191 24,226 81,668 1 Average Number of Nights Stayed Visitors 3.7 2.2 1.7 Average Daily Expenditure for Visitors Excluding Theatre Tickets: $ 95.13 $ 95.13 $ 83.14 • • Therefore Total Expenditures For Visitors $18,743,874 $877,122 $3,424,061 $23,045,057 9 • Festival's Budgeted Expenditures for the Year $17,828,840 •' Total Direct Impact $40,873,897 • Oregon Multiplier x 2.9 • • Total Economic Impact of Festival Operations $118,534,300 • One Time Construction Expenses of New Theatre and Parking Structure In 2001 t Total Direct Impact 7449380 • Oregon Multiplier x 2.9 • Total One Time Impact of New Theatre and Parking Structure In 2001 $21,603,202 • Grand Total Economic Impact for 2001 $140,137,502 41111 38 • P P f Utah Shakespearian Festival History and Background • The Utah Shakespearean Festival was founded in 1961 and presented its first season in 1962. It was started in response to two influences: summer tourists desiring more evening activities after visiting the area's six national parks, and a young actor's desire to produce great theatre. Festival Founder Fred C. Adams,having just come to Cedar City after trying out the New York theatre scene for a few years, was new to the College of Southern Utah(now Southern Utah University) in 1959. However, seeing 150,000 annual summer tourists to the area,he knew he had a great potential audience for a theatre festival. • • Excited by the idea,he packed up his notes and ideas and visited Ashland, Oregon,the • site of the granddaddy of all Shakespeare festivals,the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. While there,he closely observed operations and was befriended by Angus Bowmer,the • OSF founder,whom Adams interviewed extensively. On the long ride back to Cedar • City,the Utah Shakespearean Festival was born. Shakespeare was a natural choice for Cedar City. Historically,the people of southern • Utah have a love for drama and especially the works of Shakespeare. Adams proceeded • with his new company and presented The Taming of the Shrew, Hamlet and The • Merchant of Venice that first season(1962). A small company of college students and townspeople produced the plays on an outdoor platform backed by a partial replica of an • Elizabethan stagehouse. Between rehearsals,volunteer actors wielded hammers and • scissors,building their own stage,props and costumes. The initial two-week season attracted an excited 3,276 spectators, yielded a much needed • $2,000 on which to build a second season, and demonstrated the cooperative relationship • between college and community which still flourishes today. This partnership is one of • the reasons for the Festival's consistent growth. In 1999, over 150,000 ticket-holders viewed 185 performances in two landmark theatres during the ten-week season. The • Festival is now a year-round operation with a full-time staff of 26 and a budget • approaching$5 million dollars, as well as an ongoing educational outreach program, • including workshops and a touring version of one of Shakespeare's popular plays. • The Festival's well-known outdoor theatre materialized in stages. The Adams Memorial Shakespearean Theatre, located on the campus of Southern Utah University and one of • the most authentic Elizabethan theatres in the world, began as a stagehouse; but in five • years' time was gradually surrounded by its permanent orchestra and gallery seating. The • Adams Theatre was dedicated in 1977. The theatre is so closely resembles Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London that the British Broadcasting Company chose it as the location • for some of their filming of their Shakespeare series. The Adams Theatre features three plays each season(usually Shakespearean), mounted by professional directors, designers, • and actors from around the world, along with graduate students from top professional graduate schools. • Ir • 39 • • • • • • • The indoor, state-of-the-art Randall L. Jones Theatre opened its first season June 23, • 1989,offering classics of world drama. Its repertoire has spanned more than three • centuries of playwrights and has included the classics of France, England,Norway, and • the United States. Within a decade,additional buildings near the Randall Theatre, including two more • theatres and a Renaissance study center,will complete the Utah Shakespearean Festival • Centre for the Performing Arts. The land for the center, which spans one and one-half • city blocks, is nearly completely purchased and construction is ready to begin. A full model display of the center was unveiled during the 1995 season and will continue to be on display in the theatre lobbies until the project is completed. e • In 1992 the Festival started the groundwork(and has built on it for every year since) for what will eventually become the program of its third theatre. Staged readings of new • Plays-in-Progress are presented free to Festival patrons who desire an opportunity to view • the current work of some of today's best playwrights. The program will eventually evolve • into fully-mounted, modern plays, by"the Shakespeares of tomorrow,"presented in a small, state-of-the-art flexible theatre that will be part of the Centre for the Performing • Arts. • • As part of its commitment to great theatre, the Festival fosters activities that bring • Shakespeare and other great playwrights to new audiences. Through theatre, and the activities surrounding it, entire eras come to life and enrich people of all ages and from • all walks of life. • The Utah Shakespearean Festival remains a total "experience" for its patrons,many of • whom have been coming to every season for thirty-six years and now bring their children • and grandchildren to the Festival. This feeling of partnership with the audience(which • extends so far that the Festival even offers child care during the plays)is a trademark, • inspiring patrons to speak of it as "their Festival." Striving to satisfy our modern audience's desires, the Festival works hard to remain accessible and to keep alive that • bright and shining view first envisioned by Fred C. Adams nearly four decades ago. • Information obtained from Utah Shakespeare Website: • • www.bard.org • • • • • • • • • 40 S • • • • • • • Illinois Shakespeare Festival • The Illinois Shakespeare Festival represents a long-established tradition of professional • theatre devoted to performing the plays of Shakespeare. The Festival originated in 1978 • as a joint enterprise of the Illinois State University Department of Theatre and the • College of Fine Arts, in cooperation with the Illinois State University Foundation(a not- for-profit enterprise). From the beginning the productions have been performed in an open-air, Elizabethan-style theatre constructed on the site of the abandoned tennis court • on the grounds of Ewing Manor in Bloomington Original Artistic Director Calvin Pritner saw the tremendous potential for a Shakespearean festival at Ewing Manor through the sense of celebration that is built into the grounds,house,and entire estate. Since its completion in 1929,Ewing Manor, a Channel Norman style mansion with �► formal English and Japanese gardens,has been a Bloomington-Normal landmark. Built by Hazle and Davis Ewing,the manor itself was originally named "Sunset Hill" and was the home for Mrs. Ewing, a pioneer in the fields of women's rights, community action and world peace,until her death in 1969.Now administered by the Illinois State • University Foundation,the property is maintained through an endowment willed to the 41111 foundation by Hazle Buck Ewing. Since the first productions in 1978 of As You Like It,Macbeth, and Twelfth Night, the • Illinois Shakespeare Festival has undergone much growth and expansion. After thirteen years with the Festival, Calvin Pritner said his good-byes in 1990. The 1991 season • ushered in Artistic Director John Sipes, who also served as Festival Fight Coach and • Movement Coach. Sipes directed the productions of Richard 11(1993),Henry IV,part 1 (1994), and the 1995 production of Henry IV,part 2. The current Artistic Director, Calvin MacLean,joined the Festival in 1996,re-dedicating the Festival towards the artistic — quality and presence of a major regional theatre. MacLean is head of the directing area in *► the Theatre Department at Illinois State University, and is well known in Chicago for direction which has earned him several Joseph Jefferson awards. From a start of 20 performances, the Festival has grown to around 40 performances, !. including Saturday matinees performed in Westhoff Theatre in Normal. Having Westhoff Theatre available has also helped the Festival fulfill its commitment of performing as scheduled, as it serves as an alternate space in inclement weather. The Festival has reached an annual attendance of over 12,000, with close to 10%of the audience traveling �► from the Chicago area. A large number of patrons already journey from such cities as Indianapolis, St. Louis,the Quad Cities and other regional areas, and more each year travel long distances around the countryjust to visit the Festival, aswell asgroups from England, Chile, and other places who include the Festival in their itinerary. Not only does the audience come from a wide area, but the company travels great • distances to be a part of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. The company of actors, �► directors, designers, and staff are recruited from all over the nation, as well as from other • countries. Over the years the number of employees has grown from just over fifty in 1978 S S • 41 S to well over one hundred in recent seasons. Plus, since 1992, the Festival has a core of over 40 loyal volunteers. tab The Festival took a major step toward becoming a major regional theatre in 1998 through • its association with Actors' Equity Association Theatre(U/RTA contract),providing the • Festival with a mix of experienced union actors along with the top rising talents moving • into the professional field. • The cornerstone of the Festival is the nationally acclaimed performances of works by William Shakespeare. The quality of work has been recognized in the Chicago and New • York media and written about and discussed in scholarly Shakespeare journals and libraries as far away as England. In addition to the notable productions,the Illinois • Shakespeare Festival encompasses an entire mood of festive celebration. While the • names of the plays change each year, the spirit of the Festival never does. The audience is • invited to picnic on the grounds and be entertained nightly by strolling Madrigal singers or other entertainers and a Greenshow performance. • Over the years, the Illinois Shakespeare Festival has developed a host of additional • activities to add to the experience, including: • • Post-Performance Discussions-After certain Sunday night performances the • Artistic Director and many of the actors are available for questions and comments from audience members. • • • Monday Night Concerts -Each Monday in July during the Festival, free concerts are available on the Illinois State University Quad through the Music Department • of Illinois State University. Aft • Museum Exhibit-Ewing Manor hosts a different exhibit each year focusing on a particular aspect of the history or culture of Shakespeare's plays. .. • Educational Video Series-A highly successful series of educational videos have been produced under the auspices of the Illinois Shakespeare Society. They are a broadcast on public stations and in school districts throughout the country. In �► 1982,the Festival undertook with Illinois State University TV-Services and WILL-TV, Urbana,to develop an instructional television series: "Shakespeare on Stage." The "Shakespeare on Stage" series joined by two more educational series: "Simply Poetry" and "From Page to Stage: Julius Caesar." • Workshops -Various workshops and classes are held in conjunction with the Illinois Shakespeare Festival each year, including Madrigal Camp, Shakespeare on Stage class, Illinois Summer School for the Arts, plus vocal workshops and more. 41. The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is known nationally in the theatre community as one of the top Shakespeare Festivals. The Illinois Office of Tourism nominated the Illinois Shakespeare Festival as one of the top 120 attractions in the country. The Mayors of 42 • • • • • • Bloomington and Normal, in their proclamation establishing "Shakespeare Festival • Week", noted that • The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is to be highly commended for the • creativity,talent and resourcefulness exhibited in making this summer • theatre a successful addition to the attractions of our cities; and in addition • to supplying quality entertainment for our own residents, Illinois Shakespeare Festival attracts tourists and adds greatly to the enjoyment of • vacationers and guests who visit our area. • In August 1999, groundbreaking occurred on the grounds of Ewing Manor for a new • permanent structure for the Festival, which was completed in June 2000 in time for the • 2000 summer season. • The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is continually growing in conjunction with its mission • to provide quality and excellence in Shakespearean theatre. This aspect of the Festival is • one that will never change throughout the years. ILLINOIS SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL • 1978-present • • 1978 -As You Like It, Macbeth, Twelfth Night • • 1979-Hamlet, King Henry IV part 1, The Taming of the Shrew • 1980- The Merry Wives of Windsor, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo and • Juliet • • 1981 - The Comedy of Errors, Julius Caesar, The Winter's Tale • • 1982 -King Henry IV part II, Love's Labour's Lost, Othello • 1983 -Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing, The Two Gentlemen of Verona • 1984-Pericles, The Merchant of Venice, The Taming of the Shrew • • 1985 - Cymbeline, King Lear, A Midsummer Night's Dream • • 1986-As You Like It, Hamlet, The Tempest • • • 1987-Measure for Measure, Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night • • 1988 -All's Well That Ends Well, The Comedy of Errors, Richard III • • 1989-Henry V, The Merry Wives of Windsor, She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver • Goldsmith • . 1990-Julius Caesar, Much Ado About Nothing, The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan • • 43 S a ,r. • • ink • • 1991 -Antony and Cleopatra, Othello, The Taming of the Shrew • • 1992 -Macbeth, As You Like It, The Winter's Tale • • 1993 -Richard II, Pericles, A Midsummer Night's Dream • • 1994 -Romeo and Juliet, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Henry IV part 1 • • • 1995 - Cymbeline, Henry IV,part 2, The Comedy of Errors • • 1996 - Twelfth Night, The Tempest, The Triumph of Love by Marivaux • • 1997-Hamlet, All's Well That Ends Well, Rosencrantz& Guildenstern are Dead • by Tom Stoppard • 1998 -Much Ado About Nothing, Measure for Measure, The Falcon's Pitch • adapted by Jeffrey Sweet • • 1999- The Merry Wives of Windsor, Richard III, Wild Oats by John O'Keeffe • • • 2000- Taming of the Shrew, King John, The Three Musketeers by Eberle Thomas • and Barbara Redmond • • 2001 -Love's Labour's Lost, Othello, Coriolanus Information obtained form the Illinois Shakespeare Website: • www.thefestival.org S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S 44 S • /Oa • • • Alb Appendix G Talisman Theatre Press Selections • Following you will find a selection of press clipping from past seasons of Shakespeare in the Park and last season's Arts Infusion/Downtown Elgin. Represented here are just a few of the literally hundreds of column inches of coverage Talisman Theatre has received for this project. The overall impact of this coverage is significant if one considers the cost of mounting an advertising • campaign that would consume an equal amount of coverage. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 45 S iMM AM • •- FRIDAY, AUGUST-9. 2002 . • a. R• IDAY, erald - CanlaiXtii 2 : 4211, CumdDti„da 3 • .•. a. ®dallyborald.ee■ - . — a. a e need not ear .. . • t e wor o es Bare • ....„ , . .4, Talisman Throat di to pmsent complete IIII,0 Taming of theShmzo' ;� ,, b 4461,4 BY AMY E.WILLIAMS `" •� Doti Herald Staff w,„„ . �' So you're teady to impress yourdate by taking '" ,a=ra% c S a I her to Shakespeare in the park this weekend IBut,admit it.you're scared you'll screw up ?'`, r. your whole cultured Image when she expects 000 - you to discuss the play over coffee afterwards. .... Dont fear, the Talisman Theatre, which ;' '� diii debuts its production of"Tuning of the Shrew" l ' rinElgn'sWurgPark this weekend,ishere tohelp. irI : � s For Shakfspeere-phobes,the Talismanispre- ; -, ;4, E IBening its first ever "Brush Up Your Shakespeare"at 3 p.m.Aug.18 . i The ab•. version of Timing of the - A , ":' .► Shrew'is• •to assist those new to Shalee- aY �4 ' spectre as I as those looking fora deeper11111 gounderstanding of the writer. : f0 F '.. i ^�, It not only features key scenes from the play, but lighthearted explanations,some history of s fhe Bard himself,and tricks for more out of his plays without all of the a ••stress. Ng. •,$`-�` , ie. Tb top it off the production is only$5,and the •.,;411, % 1 talisman will give you a$5dismtmtcoupon for : the full production of the play.So when it comes �..rJ €sr. ., i ,y ., : `.a r time to head to the evening performance that PHOTOS 6Y ShakePATRICspeare l YiD ducesILS NEPALI) 1 same night,or even later in the month,youTl The Talisman's production of'Taming of the Shrew"also features dm often-cut introduction to the play in which Shakespeare introduces the Tor have everything �. play within a play.Performances at the Wing Part band shell continue through Sept 1. "Over the years we've gotten some calls from People who have what we call'fear of Shake- + • $ fr pease," Talisman Artistic Director Mark 11 you�0... What"Brush Up Yo r '"abridged k_ Hatdiman said."They've had bad experiences '� version of'Taming of the Shrew' as Mose for �'tiecanse they learned it from English teachers in Whet Talisman Theatre's Shakespeare in the . piece park:Taming of the Shrew those new to deeper spears as well ore dose .,drool and didn't understand it as aof t.�°, 4�'>. drama and fun. looking for a deeper uhdersiandthg•d the e -They feel lice re Where 7:30 p.m.Wetrhesdays trough writer. Y hate when people go to the theaterwand feel �' ,and 6:30 p.m.Swhdays Melt 3 p.m.Aug.18 # 4 to id.We thought we'd make this lots of fun Where:Wing Park Band Shell,1000 Wing St, Ticks*$5 for the abridged version,including ' and accessible for le of all ages r ��� (t, The watered down version will be presented H9h e P 4... A 1. ' .ug.I8,the fug production runs now through Tickets:$14 to$16.Tickets at the door are For scurfs or kifonnation for j Sunday,Sept.1. $18.Children 12 and younger are admitted free both proonotiontECC Ticket office at • 1r" Even those not attending"Brush Up Your on Wednesdays and Sundays. (847)622-0300 ti ahak speare" should enjoy "Taming of the a t,.shrew,"Hardiman said He said it's a fast-paced comedy,with well- meets Petruchio,who baits her into playing the the Wing Park Bandshell,1000Wing St.Elgin. ��drawn characters and easy-to-understand game of love. Advance tickets are$14 to$16.Tickets at the nruggtrrraaggee makes it one of Shakespeare's most The Talisman's production also will feature door are$18. Kate,as Aurora resident adri"csible works the often-cut introduction to the play,in which Children 12 and under are free on Wednes- ' tam Samantha�.�R imam to glue anyone ,. The play features the struggle for power Shakespeare introduces the play within a play days and Sundays a piece of her mind Talisman alre ..etween men and women,and shows how it is; Performances are Wednesdays through Sat- For tickets and information. call the ECC Theatre's S ,,manifested in courtship and marriage.It tells!tadays at 730 p.m.and Sundays at 630 p.m.at Ticket Office at(847)622-0300. Park:Taming of the ." In the .e story of Kate,the daughter of awealthy gen- tleman,who rejects all of her suitors until she e . A\ IP •• Fox Vall • The Courier News Sunday,August 18,2002 • SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK • ) .41 • -' ti 3rk*" rE y n 'S` int ,i 1 :,,.. ie;;;:.' III • / 4.4t 14 ti r T 1; F: . 1III . • '„:i - , VI 1 ' . 11 " c��,l Vit,•� _ a• c • U �r ; d • . r .Y . AV . • PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SMART/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Chad Kodiak,who portrays Luc.etio,jokes with cast 111011161111 before a Friday night performance of this summer's Shakespeare hi the Park • presentation of Ms Taoist of the Skiver at Wing Park hi Elgin. • . Battle o e sexes . drawn out In 'Shrew • ttaa . - :z, confusing as it sounds.The play is By George 3 4 - one of the Bard's best comedies, SPECIAL TO THE COURIER NEWS R . _ •'..01 {_ rollicking and raucous when done ight• ed p rollsacross a wood- n from beginning to encL I i ht nng Shakespeare al fresco e reserve. In the moonlight tall can be fun,too. trees look like cathedral There are a number of enjoy- , spires.Veiled shadows hang _ able moments in the Talisman from limb to limb,each one Theatre production of The Tam- e more contorted than the nextlag of the Shrew,directed by And on a nearby stage,the Mark Hardiman,the company's voice of an accomplished actor 1 founder and artistic director. • courses from left to right 11 He's a Shakespeare savant,re- • There's that feeling of electricitygarded as someone who under- in the air. stands the universal and un- All hail Shakespeare in the .... changing themes braided • Park,an annual event in Elgin. through the plays,which were Talisman Theatre's outdoor written about 400 years ago. • staging,The Taming of theStaying cozy mender a starry sight sky km Ws Wing Pa t,Tray His youthful ensemble cast is Shrew,continues through Sept 1. liter Tacked of West Dundee watch the TalismanMs energetic bunch,giving The Fridays performance,present- Theatre's performance of Me Taming of the Shrew duds(this sem- Taming of the Shrew a measure ed at the Wing Park bandshell, epees Shakespeare hl the Park. of its spirit • was a reminder that the battle of Best of the group Friday were the sexes essentially is an un- geous.He's a swaggering,self- many Kate,a way to help his two young actresses,Samantha winnable thing—too much frat- confident gentleman of Verona own friend,Hortensio,who Figura as Kate and Patricia • emizing with the enemy. It's a play-within-play.Char- wants to many Bianca before Austin as Bianca. Who wrote the book of love, acters change identities.One of any other suitor settles in.She's Figura had several spitfire • by the way? them Lucentio,is captivated by a pretty popular maiden. moments.Austin delivered a Shakespeare's comedic chap- Kate's younger sister,Bianca The action goes back and nicely shaped performance. • ter,The Taming tithe Shrew, She can t many,however,until forth' orth with secrets shared and For further information or tells the story of Kate and Peter her father unloads the shrew. uncovered. tickets to The Taming of the • chic.She's shrewish and outra- Petruchio agrees to woo and Don't be frightened,it's not as Shrew,call(847)622-0300. ala- /k Obi The Courier News • Thursday, '- August 15,2002 PI ■raaaaieaapdgat AArtaMs.meaall' 2 adarY�re segs 4 e -1.: rykrs srasrLPIN owed 3► er9rywd saaaew►aareYdWandaisn ands Phis isarlisillssaAs missies aYakrYr a,m.ny,wavSinylCroat .1 dimi Mak Meissner ossag sms.assidsa Is Masks.' are IbeiasenAasode'd+.Are Main s Amy o ar.stir eh SHREW From Pagr D] Oh 1101...,:, " - her equal and her opposite.He goes out esti fight wars,and he's • r interesting and dynamic and he's -6 not afraid m stand up to her.his a matter of her learning a new game' • • '• Janus Theatre regular Jason Creighton of Emiun sten a Petruchio. IL • 9 dont think of it as being anti- woman,"he said.But 9 an definitely see it can be construed • that way. 'Plain and simple,Kate is not even a good person,'he explained.• 1 __ The bullying f Petruchio forces her to see how it Geek to be treated badly,he said. Feisty forever • idilh s . Aurora's Samantha Figur,who lS stars as Kate,said the shrew never loses her feistiness 'I don't think she's ever going to • change,especially at the ending monologue.She's pretty much • w. showing off and doing it toe shock value.It's tike an inside joke :,'.' between her and Petruchio.She goes,'Pm going to say d,and we • - both know 1 don't really mean it' Many productions hen made • 7 the mistake of allowing Petruchio 9 to gloat upon"conquering"his bride.But Hardunan lets Shakespeare's metaphor of the • Mow bi)Hi flissAsw,tai Mlay ad Lar CratgiYa pace a as bar Task g ef ls am,risk r be passim kin Talmo lbaaba at falcon and the falconer guide bin M Wks Ma Wim 1M pAeercas started Pawl and eaMYs TsasO fast 1. interpretation.Traditionally, falconer• -....—— keeping mined their bends by keeping them awake until both • bird and birder were worn out. So it goes with the Bard's • battling couple,he said. Man "ether actually ga througha journey together and come out • together and form a newwkind tof bond. 'I don't think he ever treats her with a lack of respect,'he • ... the way he if Mout look at • versusaaaagmatliiqbia arrests, g 1. kittens who's equal to' S . s i �•1� I` 'ti .aro.it's always been on a search r I'' Inc someone to stand up to him.' ♦a� Talisman's production dude • , Shakespeare's offdncarded 'f induction'or introduction to that: under the stars phitopherSarhol�ed • �{,. out; a Lave Sly band been t- • d a tavern.A band of fun- loving lords discovers the passed- ..— - , sat Sly and dresses tun ap as a But who *wink.MIAMI oaks.Aropretwain cat a pl a{ Nabob.at tib aura f Wrapaaa la Oa M psialta.a�MI Mob Maar, STAFF ware+ offeringReser P • reallyrias Frisks sad Nur Ceaaerrs iaas a alb cascades ds l Frli4 all's saAsre�ca Toari�lg ojtlu Sorer.Sly joins both wins Eti 's Kate to stay home and of fills of w lLaa the audience and the cast of the play-within-the-play.Passionate and strong-willed,she gets her Shakes�00 S kicks from hematites and enraging everyone around r ?i - '`�—— - r end • f her,until she fin*meets her match in Petruchb. ':.: .. - ,... Hard®an said."tit makes a more But,contrary to her problematic final monologue,she ':'"Y . j significant and less theatrical in • sever really submits to the patriarchal conventions d .1 - - come ways' 2 her .eta,said Mark Arid'®m,bmdersod director of -, 1 ` /� Sty vanishes about a quarter ofcomed�/• the Tafismas 13eatre. . ` igniting specvatron as m what 9 dent think Kate never really becomes subservient ri "'� _-_ the ws9 thra�on PUY.long • to Petrncuio,'be aid'Ithink she leans a' _{•. '' happens to him.Hardmim thinks to play the game roily well sad she ik It, ' 44 - s be knows The befuddled Sly joins • learns to manipulate the game in order to _ 4. .P` the short-staffed company. get what she wash' .� '�,, , 'So he has to act like lie can't +A�e Tawiag o'W Sarno is the 'tr^.. r� act,' said,"Hence • )iik Talisman's fourth annual In comedy ensues.There are V the Park in the Weng Park B peon where the other actors The Bard's rnVirking portrait of the M P coach him' power stniggle between men and women • mkrom Wag Parrs romp esgsaqtlk!Tmkiy d the 8:30 pm StaWaY, u all this confusion tender gnus ♦CW Mai, Hardman N.J.Sweeping spates call for big comedies .. 1ShrewM Ta Shakespeare-shy,Talisman is a Garb, 9t always seems to strike a chord,particularly m ,, p Ms Tallman Theatre 7:30 p.m.Wednesday. offering Brad fly Year • gsada a tkaefi comtemorary society,'Hardenm said.'It's always i Mise Wk g Park Band- Aug.28,to Semir y, ans n newcom� longtimeboth sar•st troublesome,pfrUcvkrq poeti�a ne movement h shed l000 Wry St. Aug st �with fig rt the ed • b _lslse ticks some people ofe "- t�7:30 pm.today. 6:30 p.m.Sunday. la a prfaarinta Sims ha loos been charged with misogyny, Fliers lilt fads,orb step d sort Friday and Saturday Sept 1 explanations and tricks for a deeper understanding.This partienlarbr when Kate seems to acquiesce to the d llskri,tde r cat armies Brush Up Your Shake- Mabee 814418 in ad- abridged version of arm will be • p� e patriarchal altitudes of the time.But she's too strong Mr.Gil Amy Canapes,Valerie spears 3 p.m.Sar vacs;$18 at the presented at 3 pm Sunday. and ten slurred to adapt a traditionally female role, Ikab=awl Mods gaseez. i dm.35 door • • i •SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2002 Time out! Extra DAILY HERALD SECTION 1B PAQE7 • 0.F1241 • Shakesneare'Tis a fair time for outdoor festivals • BY JACK HELBIGUM D •Aon Herald Conrspa+dmt X Mf M There is something special 8 � .,, ,-;',:+, ];'71'... - summer sun about seeing Shakespeare per- n M�y • formed outdoors in the summer. yr,t cow ' I• goes down, Y ago �4 y the lights 1Welve ears o there was only one theater company per- w eo t for '�. Shakespeare • g the Bard al fresco in the city and suburbs:Oak Park's Fes- wisnEIa+RD. 4: at Wing Park •tival Theatre. fix' . .r in Elgin. This year there are four comps- $� -_,. a. Hies Chicago across the Chica `. DAILY HERALD . area.In DuPage County we have First Folio Shakespeare Festival in • Y •Oak Brook In Lake County we have Lake Forest's Shakespeare on the Green at Barat College. > And in Elgin we have Shake- NI 1\ • ' • •speare in the Park. »� Each company has its w In trait strengths.The Festival Theatre v•• •has long nurtured its ties to the "gni so. vibrant off-Loop theater in F 3 ` •nearby Chicago.Over the years, DAILY HERALD FILE PHOTO Festival Theatre shows have i In Lake sorest the 11- old assured,asserdve er of a sea- •starred such local talents as Tom > yam " Mula.David Darlow and Henry ''cavo t j Shakespeare on the Green has soned company. is because Godinez.mk Under the leadership of E both strong ties to the Chicago the festival's sponsoring theater, • Chicago veteran Dale Calandra i i theater scene(Scott Parkinson, the Elgin-based Talisman The- these ties have become only Oak Park i� Craig Spidle)and a performing atre,cut its teeth in Chicago's • tighter. space to die for,under the trees off-Loop scene,where it had a The 6-year-old First Folio LAKE sr, on the carefully bermed front reputation for intelligent,Iow- a'Shakespeare performing space:a iv 1.—Y� Chicago's only free summer plays before moving to Elgin platform set in a meadow on the o.i Broot - 'rt Shakespeare show in every show, where the company's founders t 1 Oak gorgeous Peabody Estate in Fulani_ the actors perform to the equiva- Mary Hatch and Mark Hardiman, Mayslake Forest Preserve.The /oweRoOK FO. "ST 7ksatia lent of a full house. found life more to their liking. •company,made up of transplants - The youngest company in the Four companies,three corners RAIL\'HI:RALD lot,the 4-year-old Shakespeare in of the metro area Theraedays you firm Chicago's scrappy off-Loop grit F . � Yom- Pe •theater scene,is also constantly the Park in Elgin,is also the feisti- have to work hard not to see an innovating.In 2000 they started • Furls0- \ est company.Performing in the outdoor Shakespeare show. performing two shows a summer, of band shell in Elgin's Wing Park, this year they will be stretching Hlmdale Shop the Service Directory former site of Elgin's old-time their repertoire to include the Hiawatha Festival,the folks at •classic Greek tragedy Antigone." DAILY HERALD (83in the Daily Herald Shakespeare in the Park bring to In Lake Forest the 11-year-old I I their productions the edginess of •Shakespeare on the Green has an off-Loop company and the e • • • • • • • a 1111/11„ 4 at the theatre . com :, Shakespeare in the Park Taming of the Shrew Illi 4116 0 Oh e . -- ,_..,.. ., .. x. . . _...„ , ,, ‘, !Iti_,..1 • • • Jason Creighton as Petruchio Patricia Austin as Bianca(Right) Jason Creighton as Petruchio and Samantha Figura as Kate in and Samantha Figura as Kate in and Samantha Figura as Kate in • Talisman Theatre's Taming of the Talisman Theatre's Taming of the Talisman Theatre's Taming of the Shrew Shrew Shrew • Photo Credit: Mary Hatch Photo Credit:Mary Hatch Photo Credit:Mary Hatch • The challenge of any review of'Taming of the Shrew' is that people have already made up their mind about Shakespeare. Those who like him, will notice that the • evening temperature is perfect for this outdoor production. The theater is in a • beautiful bowl location of gentle hills covered with oak trees. Talisman Theatre's production has an experienced and talented cast that is comfortable with the • language of Shakespeare. The players are all audible, even in the park. The • costumes are terrific and the set is vibrant as the evening's entertainment unfolds. Those who do not like Shakespeare may judge this production as • museum theater. That's the challenge for a reviewer who is either preaching to • the choir or to the true unbeliever. But a more careful consideration, may lead even an unbeliever to check out this Shakespeare in the park. • 'Taming of the Shrew' is most simply about a woman made to yield to the will of • a man. Given the theme, director Mark Hardiman has wisely made the decision • to include, the often left out, induction of the play. In the induction we learn that the play is being put on for Christopher Sly, a stupid, drunken vagrant. Since we • the audience are not stupid, not drunk, and we deserve to relax on the weekend • after a week of work, the framing of the play in this manner serves to distance it from us, and to give us an objectivity we might not otherwise have. "It is only a • play"we are told, so we laugh freely at pies being thrown, as if we were just • going along for the ride, for the benefit of Sly. • The additional objectivity we gain from the play within a play, enables Shakespeare to have us consider with less resistance, an unromantic view of • marriage. In 'Taming of the Shrew', the disagreeable Kate, is at first a mate no • one wants Later the chanced Kate is a model wife The implication is that • • • a • • • • perceptions of who is a desirable mate and who is not, not only can be wrong, but are wrong so often that a marriage of convenience has just as much likelihood of succeeding as a romanticly inspired one. No wonder Shakespeare framed this play carefully. • Another benefit this framing opens up, is the possibility of sneaking a private Aft laugh at one of the many diverse characters that cross the stage in 'Taming of the Shrew'. Remember, you are watching people, watch a play. So you can, if you like, watch this play with a free imagination, and as one of the characters catches your fancy, use the looks or sound of the voice of the actor to imagine the character as a difficult person you really know well. This is not Shakespeare in school. It's fun in the park, or at least it is for me. Kevin O'Donnell 'Taming of the Shrew' Talisman Theatre Wing Park Bandshell 1000 Wing Street, Elgin, II • (847)622-0300 or www.talismantheatre org • Through September 1,2002 also... • Brush Up Your Shakespeare (abridged 'Taming of the Shrew with humorous narrative • Sunday August 18 • (847)622-0300 or www.talismantheatre.orq • 'Taming of the Shrew' • Talisman Theatre Production Praire Arts Center • 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, ll • Wednesday August 21, Friday August 23 (847)895-3600 • • ' • T801111811 • 4eatrek •• • • • • • di• • • • • • DAILY HERALD FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2002 Theater _., . Helbig: _ i ..i., , ,-y -� Continued from Page 24 1 ...-\...-) Then one day the two of them were walking through Wing Park. \_\.,-\_\--\-\—\\ "We saw the bandshell,"Hardi- man remembers,"and Mary got up on the stage and started shouting speeches from Shakespeare.I just started walking backward to test Vite*10 the acoustics and I really liked what • peard.I said we have to Shake- speare o s here we really havee to do Speare here.We applied for • { the use of it and we got it' Hardiman can't That was how Shakespeare in • the Park was born.Their first pro- duction was"'IWelfth Night." • hide his excitement That was fouryt ago and the theater is still going strong.This • year they are prod one of about Shakespeare 's e Taming• Shrew."But then` Director Mark Harriman,founder of Harriman has never been a personto back away from a challenge. • Elgin's Shakespeare in the Park,is one ofreShakespeare. those people who clearly gets tamed on by We really respect Shakespeare. • Shakespeare.He's loved directing Shake- And any time there is an interest- speare since the early'80s.And talk to him Ing challenge with Shakespeare,I today about his current project,a production try to figure out what was going • of"The Taming of the Shrew,"which opened on in his head" Thursday at Wing Park in Elgin,and he Hardiman's production will • sounds as excited as a kid in a candy store. emphasize the many ways Shake- "I specifically like the way Shakespeare speare plays with the idea of a 'fuses action and poetry" play-within-a-play in"Shrew" Harriman says,his voice Not only is the main story,about • r speeding up as he gets the difficult Kate and the man deeper into his favorite who"tames"her,told as a story • , topic:Shakespeare."He within story,but that story,too, combines them in very contains plenty of other stories • dynamic ways.And he offers within stories. Jack so much for an actor to work "The play is full of variations on • with.He gives you a lot of that theme,"Hardiman says Helbig information about a charac- Then he proceeds to elaborate, On ter,who he is,why he does describing in detail every . theater something.He provides you instance in the play.As he speaks I .........= so much to work with" can hear the excitement rising in • Hardiman is not just a his voice. talker.He's been directing Shakespeare since •"The Taming of the Shrew"runs he was in school.In the early-to mid-'90s, Wednesdays through Saturdays at • Hardiman made a name for himself,and for 7:30 and Sundays at 6:30 thru his fledgling company,Talisman Theatre, , Sept I at the bandshell in Wing • directing high-quality productions in a tiny Park,Elgin.For tickets and reser- storefront theater on Chicago's North Side. rations,call(847)622-0300. • Actually,the theater wasn't in a storefront,it was in a living room,in a tiny first-floor apartment in the Bucktown neighborhood. • To this day,the best production of As You Like It"I've ever seen was the$1.99 produc- • tion Hardiman did in that tiny space. "After we outgrew that space,which hap- pened almost immediately,we started • looking for other places we could perform," he says. • For a while Harriman and his wife and co- founder ofTalisman,Mary Hatch,talked to • the city of Arlington Heights about moving the theater there and starting up a summer Shakespeare Festival,but that didn't work • out.They had friends who had encouraged them to look beyond the city for their new • location,and said that the suburbs offered an opportunity an arts organization just couldn't get in the crowded Chicago theater scene. • "We did a survey and discovered an astounding number of our audience mem- • hers were driving into the city from the suburbs."Hardiman laughs,"So we turned • our sights on the suburbs." Hardiman and Hatch eventually moved the company to Elgin and begin producing • shows in the winter.Harriman still dreamt about directing outdoor Shakespeare but"we • had a hard time finding an outdoor location." See MEM on PAGE 25 • • di DAILY HERALD WEDNESDAY,JUNE 26, 2002 Talisman Theatre p resents outdoors Shrew• ' Talisman Theatre's fourth of the play that includes humorous the Shrew, with a loveable rascal light-hearted explanations,a little annual Shakespeare in the Park explanations,will be presented at 3 named Christopher Sly. Sly is about Shakespeare himself and • presents the rousing comedy p.m. Aug. 18 at the Wmg Park tossed from a drinking establish- tricks for getting more out of his "Taming of the Shrew"with open- Bandshell. For tickets and more ment and falls asleep.A band of plays. • ing night at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8 in information call the ECC Ticket fun-loving lords happen upon the Tickets for "Brush Up Your Elgin'sWing Park. Office at(847)622-0300. sleeping Sly and scheme to dress Shakespeare" are $5, and those Performances will continue "Taming of the Shrew"is one of him up as a noble. attending this special show will through Sept.1.Performances run Shakespeare's most popular plays. When he wakes from his stupor receive a coupon for $5 off their • at 7:30 p.m.Wednesdays through Its fast-paced comedy,well-drawn they convince him that he has tickets to the full production. Saturdays and 6:30 p.m.Sundays. characters and easy-to-under- been befuddled for years and is This March,Talisman received a Advance tickets are $14 to$16. stand language make it one of the actually of noble birth. A touring prestigious Elgin Image Award for Tickets at the door are$18.Tickets Bard's most accessible works. troupe of players appear and offer Shakespeare in the Park.Talisman • are available through the Elgin At its core,it features the struggle to present a play for the lord, Theatre is a 13-year-old, not-for- Community College Visual and for power between men and Taming of the Shrew.In Talisman's profit professional theatre di Performing Art Center box office at women and how this is manifested production,Sly will join the audi- company committed to producing (847)622-0300 or on the Web site in courtship and marriage. ence, and eventually, the classic plays and developing and • at www.talismantheatre.org.Tick- The daughter of a wealthy gen- play-within-the-play. producing original works which ets go on sale July 1. tleman, the strong-willed Kate, "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" have classic qualities. Kids 12 and younger are admit- repels all suitors until she meets was designed to assist those new to Talisman Theatre's Shakespeare ted free on Wednesdays and her match in Petruchio,who mis- Shakespeare as well as the Bard's in the Park:Taming of the Shrew is • Sundays. chievously baits her into playing fans deepen their knowledge and sponsored in part by the city of An added attraction this year is a the game of love. understanding of the play.Suitable Elgin,Elgin Cultural Arts Commis- specially-designed performance Talisman Theatre's production for adults and kids, this special sion, Elgin Community College for those suffering frpm fear of will feature the often-cut induction show will be an hour long. Visual and Performing Arts Center, 44 Shakespeare. "Brush Up Your in which Shakespeare introduces The performance will feature key Grand Victoria Foundation and Shakespeare,"an abridged version the play-within-a-play,Taming of scenes from"Taming of the Shrew," Elgin Financial Foundation. • • • • • - DAILY HERALD FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2001 ie Hardiman and Hatch,it turns out,were me,1the heart and soul of the company and when As%U L• they moved to Elgin they took the theater with them. 4 Talisman did not specialize in doing Shakespeare;they produced many more — contemporary plays.But their version of"As fillUtikiltillYou Like It"was one of the funniest I have ever seen,bristling with intelligence and wit. • For the past few years,the folks at Talis- • man have been producing one of Shake- speare's plays in the bandshell in Wing Park. • See HELM on PAGE 21 i • _ i •• Talismans `Romeo' = - k. e • is clean and simple t C i • Before moving to Elgin in 1998,the Talis- , : man Theater was a well-regarded off-Loop _ 5 company working out of a small space in x� Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. fi f:" • And when I say small,I mean it was tiny. . — -. �•� The space was so small � "' t" • there was barely enough -# room for two rows of folding 4:., • chairs set around the space .- �r • like ata kid's birthday party. ' And if they indulged and ` • . A put in more,it really cut into Melissa Lewis is Juliet and Michael A. Jack their performing space. Wollner plays Romeo In Talisman Theater's • Helbig Yet they did some great production of Shakepeare's classic. theater in that space.I re- * On member in particular a real- illIk theater ly terrific shoestring produc- emmommo tion of"As You Like It,"di- • rected by Mark Hardiman and starring Mary Hatch as the female lead. Theater DAILY HERALD SECI'1ON 6 PAGE 29 A C Helbig. classic is clean and simple.Over- chestra,and more than a little M all,his actors deliver Shake- swashbuckling,choreographed — speare's poetry clearly with con- by Brian Le"l'raunick. fidence and grace. Its great to see Talisman up Continuer I jrrm►Mgr 26 Melissa Lewis is especially one, and running the boards again.I warm and likable,as Juliet.And can't wait to see what they have This year they are doing Michael A.Wollner has the for us during their regular sea- • "Romeo and Juliet."As someone spunk and youthful charm of an son. who remembers them from their adolescent in love. • Chicago incarnation,it is great to The show also contains some . "Romeo and Juliet"runs see them again. wonderful musical interludes, through Sept.2 in Wing Park,El- • Hardiman's direction of this performed by a three-person or- gin. (847)622-0300. IIP • • • NW Chicano Tribune,Thursday,Mint 3. 2000 • ' • Northwest Entertainment • • . . .:,,,,,,,,, 11,-, ArtE• • , - a. _, fir' • • , a • Photos for yr Tribune Of SeMn Tranru • Bernice Ferraro(left),costume designer for Merry Wives of er' Windsor checks the fit of actor Mike Wollns hat • Shakespeare re a to Elgin • • Talisman Theatre tackles"The Merry Amy Pease,13,of • Wives of Windsors"in its second summer lake in the. Hills • showcase of the Bard of Avon's work. rehearses for his role Si • Tom one� SPECIAL TO TeuauNs ' a. _ Wives of This play Is written so , Windsor.' Commission a play In 14 days that It Is men - Talesman • and you can't expect to get Shak- espeare, understandable to til! v Theatre's right?Wrong. • That's what Queen Elizabeth average person rather second v� 't Shakespeare reportedly did in Mr and the than the normal blank playwright obliged�� verse.' 411V* kilt: in the Park • with"The M y r and ctlon sot" Mark Hardiman,artistic direct opens The plat this year's pick for tor Talisman Theatre t I #s„ Thursday at • Shakespeare in the Park,will be y i rg Park in presented by the Talisman The- 'I etre group starting Thursday in people,over seven performances, * •f .- • Wing Park in Elgin. to the Wing Park Hand Shell at The two-act play follows the an- 1000 Wing St on the west side. , • tics of Falstaff as he tries to The 17-member cast includes 't "woo"two women at once,with Daniel Ruben,who plays Falstaff ?. comedic results. ,while Amanda Howard is Mis- eat • The Queen had seen the Fal- tress Quickly and Vicky Riego staff character in"Henry IV"and del Rios plays Mistress Ford. wanted to see him in love in his Tom Thomas is Evans,a Welsh • own play priest,and Tim Joyce plays the The result was a play in which French doctor Luis. Michael rector and Talisman co-founder Arts Center ticket oma, 1700 Falstaff,having lost the support Wollner plays the gregarious Mark Hardiman. Spartan Drive and at the park • of Prince Hal,tries to find new owner of the local pub. Performances are scheduled starting at 8 p.m, backers for his bad habits.He at- One reason the play was cho- for 8 p.m., Thursday through Tickets for rained-out perform- tempts• to win the love of not one sen is that it was written in the Sunday and at 8 p.m.,Aug.10 antes will be honored at sol ee- but two rich ladies in hopes they vernacular of the time rather through 12. will be ao blinded by love they than the blank verse like most of Advance tickets ar8, stn- went 111more information or ad- wall provide for him financially the Bard's plays dents and seniors are$14.Tickets vance tickets,call 847-23-0800. • "Ma yety Wives" follows last "This play is written so that it are 118 at the door There are re- Additional information onTal- ar's "twelfth Night," Tells- is more understandable to the av- duced rates for groups. ismer Theatre and Shakespeare • man's first Shakespeare in the erage person rather than the nor- Tickets may be purchased at in the Park is available at Park production that drew 1,700 mal blank verse,"said artistic di- the ECC Visual and Performing wwwtalismanthestre.ors. • - • • I C O P L E Y NEWSPAPER • • The CourierNews 1111 11 77te ring (:. of truth "Shakespeare will always be popular because he has so much to say to us." INA Michele Machowfcz,English teacher at St Edward High School in Elgin Ow 000!lin• tp p, A • gi R • yy • IP • . yr • t, g, !✓. • _ dY - - s • Y. • • ..$ PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER T.ASSAF/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER • Preparhug kr a duel,Fabian Llama Lovett)helps Viola,disguised as Cesatto(Shot Gam),Dat on a Poe fate alai Thursday's opening-eight psefo write of Shakespeare's/Weak k The Talisman Theatre's production at the Wing Part band shed le confirms through Sunday, • then will no spin Tlursday through Atw 1S. • Enduring • • Timeless classics of William Shakespeare live in literature, • film, modern retellings ... and now in Elgin • p,Dave Cadman buster which,of course,beat y out even Tom Hanks and - �"' • STAFF WRRER Steven Spielberg to claim this ' or,. �''i = tet.. Ia►a Drop into Elgin's Wing Park year's Oscars for best picture , • about 8 o'clock tonight—or and best actress. e Y this Thursday through Sunday At the Barrington Square —and you'll find the band shell Theaters,a teen-age romance f'" • has been transformed into a hit named 10 Things 1 Hate street from 16th-century Illyria, About You uses the basic plot of - mei., Talisman Theatre Co.actors Shakespeare's Taming of the ' • are performing an outdoor ver- Shrew,reset among kids in a lit- +r• r+ 2A,- sion of William Shakespeare's erature class at Padua High • comedy Twelfth Night School in modern California. . 'f- e , , , J� Roll 120 miles down Illinois Just a few weeks ago,local the- , I i • 47 and Interstate 55 and you'll aters were playing the latest v' • r;. find a whole summer festival of star-studded film version of A '��• p•s4 • Shakespearean plays,staged MidsuminerNigbt'sDream. s`�•. `�r�` '*�► outside a castle in downstate And those three were just -..-40; I +d` • Bloomington. the latest of at least 14 movies s_...7&`.,%,r `� lit 4 Drop into Blockbuster Video in the last decade that either on Tuesday and the longest restaged one of the Bard's 1-lie thaw e many ose around then,Patricia Wald and David Rod of We • shelf will be occupied by the plays or turned one of his plots leave behind the stuffiness often associated with a Shakespearean play, just-released video Shakespeare into a modern story,or featured esioflng food,drink sad conversation with Mends w,lle seated on the grass • in Love—the box office block- +Turn to ENDtIR1N6,AS at the Wing Part hand shell in di • • SUMMER FUN — • Open-air comedy • Aft `Merry Wives' , • , 4011 ;promises• y merry time ,: i r f allk r at Wing Park , +A BvAran Joaeaoa ;'r`'� - ,^c- _ r, W OHenld Sul Writer P r Mb. - t 4 For Larkin High School student Sarah Goldman,the Talisman Tho , .`e f/' 'a` } ' Alb atre's summer Imo."The ` all. f Merry Wives of Windsor,"is more w� a.:. than just another Shakespeare in thedill , i r-Park performance. boo. -,,-.a ,f It's the last thing the 16-year-old thinks about before she goes to bed at '..-+�" - � _ night and the first thing that pops in -.. 7 r her head when she wakes in the •A. J. • mGol�dman is the Elgin-based profes- sional Ls " .i +.', .theater company's summer '0 < • "' ♦ s intern and is serving as the play's ar 1 ri I! • s, • assistant director.Her smile radiates rJ.�t , when she talks about the production. y rr! f• r i r• •te ' cF "It's(Shakespeare in the Park)such r • ,t t.r+ % . ,• '< an awesome thing for Elgin and the is' 7 It community,"she said"I have never a ,,a"• ....t,..••�' learned so much than this summer." r r• ' ` The play,which opens tonight, �..)>"�• "/% "�` s • transforms Wing Park on Elgin's west a '" side into an intimate settm8 PM- nirs,candlelight,wine and,of course, 4 • classical theater. " . "'. The Merry Wives of Windsor," which Shakespeare and his company • were said to have written in 14 da ._! ' on command from the queen,is the theater company's second Wing Park ''''''':i... q - >, x" :Ii.:.• Shakespeare in the Park perfor- , 4V p Last ye the Talisman presented • least ,7 Night"to an audience of at Y least 1,700 people during its five nights at ishe part. The Talisman Theatreproduction"Shakespeare in the Park:TheWives of Windsoropens tonight • 'Elgina rgrectoratt and one Pe Merry the play's artistic director and one of in the Wing Park band shell in Elgin.Here,Falstaff,portrayed by actor Daniel Ruben,rehearses a scene the founders of the Talisman Theatre, with Mistress Ford,played by actress Vicki Riego de Dios,on Monday. Davy He,an Peas Dave Tonga Mark Hardiman."It is really the Fox • Valley hotbed for entertainment." to.' The theater company,which was The Merry Wives of Windsor • founded a decade ago by Hardimanm and his wife,Mary Hatch,moved to . " • What:Elgin's professional the door for$18 per ticket.Picnics, Elgin about two years ado, theater group,the Talisman which include a choice of entree, • Its first major production was .-- Theatre,presents William Shake- blueberry scone and either a soda "Twelfth Night,"and Hardiman hopes -« -"4111441i speare's'The Merry Wives of Wind- or bottled water,are available for the company will continue to grow. y soy in the open-air concert setting advanced purchase from Lynn's "Our goal is to make this a tradition --. -- --.. of Wing Park. Garden Cafe for$8.They must be • in Elgin,"he said."And we're hoping w •-•••• ■When:Today through Sunday ordered by 4 p.m-on Wednesday to do more performances in the and Aug.10 through Aug.12.Ali for Thursday performances and by future." stows begin at 8 p.m. 4 p.m.on Thursday for Friday ns features is - - --- •Wham:Elgin's Wing Park band through Sunday performances. that it is the only professional theater shell,1000 Wing St. Cat(847)622.2233 for more in Elgin The band shell has been changed ■Cost:Advanced tickets cost information. • Many of its actors and actresses Into a full-blown theater set, $13-$16 and can be purchased at •Information:For details,call have extensive experience and are Including lighting,for"Shake- the ECC Visual and Performing Art Mary Hatch at(847)622-0300 or well-known in their field spears in the Park." Centerlicket office.Cat(847)622- check out the Talisman Web site at • For example,Chicago actor Daniel 0300.Tickets also can be bought at httpJRatsmarttheatre.org. Ruben,who stars in the lead role of "It(being a professional theater( Falstaff,has performed in the Step. enables us to bring in quality actors. ..,,,,_ penwolf Theatre's productions of"Tgives us a leg up and attracts talent • _ _ Berlin Circle"and"A Clockwork from all areas,"Hardiman said. _ Orange"and on CBS and ABC sit- For the past six weeks,the cast and I ' • corns;his other Chicago credits crew have worked for several hours ' include"Adventures in Herculina" each evening rehearsing Three days and"Front Page." before the performance.dressed In III • Other performers include actor and full costume with nearly the entire set - stand-up comedian Tim Joyce as Doc- complete,the players worked out thes for Caius,Michael A.Wollner as the kinks. • Host,Ryan IGtiey as Ford and Elgin ---- _ ' native Jim Hinton as Shallow. See WIVES on Page 3 . • „ M . ,,,,4r-- 4 r- F '4.% • Ron Fararo of _ Crystal Lake, ,' • and Kathy ' - Bruhnke of C " Woodstock, , _` 'Klk ' " • work backstage ! ;: + r on a costume Cr • for the monster • :'1 :-r r,«t' ,� of theforestthe 1a1-,'. � l • production of k.r 1' 40. "The Merry Wives o} Director Mark Hardiman shares a laugh with the cast of"The Merry Windsor." _ ,. Wives of Windsor." P P • • tr !I•" I► _ _ SIDETRACKS–NORTHWEST HERALD Friday,July 28,2000 I` a- 01. • . ek Olk a - 011 • at Diane Maly(left) ,�iM�'' ie- ,, • • appears as ,fir 1= Anne Page and F �' . lasJason Lovett as ,r Fenton in 0 r Theatre`• Shakek e speare in' ' t • • _ the Park producthcstr>yT "` "The Merry_ .7 . t . JS, Wives o, N ,.. , /...4,....fWindsor.". :. ,..'"�r. 3, .4,,s i s • ROCKFORD—Midway . Village&Museum Center will host the 10th Annual WAd West d Owl noon to 5 p.m.Aug.12-13. an 50 re enactors in I' ii, WMoreestern th period dress,along with 20 horses,will portray bank rob- erryi farce bers,sheriffs,and shopkeepers • from the late 180s.Eventh- 9 0lights include live western music Talisman 'theatre to debut 'Windsor • by KG.&the Ranger,a mount- ed cowboy shoot competition,a •I' HERALD NEWS SENvice -lady.He woos two-women Entree choices:smoked turkey bank 'a hang simultaneously.Unbeknownst to sandwich,chicken Caesar salad • the lady in town,the bat a alisman Theatre opens him,the women know each and veggie wrap. trialof IsEdway ' s its second annual Shake- other and work together to turn Picnics must be ordered by 4 and more. Admission is$5 for adults speare in the Park with the scheme back on Falstaff. p.m.Wednesday for Thursday • and$3 for chiklre,ages 3-15. the"The Merry Wives of Area artists will be on hand performances,and 4 p.m.Thur•- Museum members in the family Wince•'' to paint their impressions of the day for Friday through Sunday category are admitted free. The farce,directed by Talis- event.Patrons may add brush performances.Patrons may also The village is located at 6799 man's artistic director Mark strokes to the community can- purchase light snacks,coffee, I Guilford Road,one mile from I- Hardiman,will run Aug.3-12. vas. champagne,beer,wine or soda 99.Ear information can(815) Performances are at 8 p.m. Also,Art for All will offer a in the park. • 347-9112,Ext.101,or check Thursdays through Sundays in tent"gallery"exhibit beginning Tickets and picnics may be • www.midwayvillage rnm Wing Park,corner of Wing Park at 6 p.m.each day.The exhibit purchased at the ECC Ticket • Boulevard and Wing Street. will feature the works of more Office,1700 Spartan Drive,at • WOO —The The play is'preceded at 7:30 than a dozen juried artists avail- the park 90 minutes before the contemporary Children's choir p.m.by a pre-performance able for sale. show or by calling(847)622- e of McHenry County will host its "green show"of song,provided Patrons are encouraged to 0300 to order tickets and picnics. anal summer diy tamp by area students and theater arrive early and bring a picnic. For information,visit • anal Mg.14-18 at the Crystal Lake professionals. Gourmet picnics from Lynn's www.talismantheatre.org pMontessori School,1300 Coun- "The Merry Wives of Wind- Garden Café are available for Tickets for rained-out perfor- try Club Road. sor"revolves around the rotund advance purchases through the manes will be honored at subse- • The camp sessions run daily Falstaff,who must scheme and ticket office.Cost is$8,which quent performances.Those who from 8:30 a.m.to 2:30 p.m scramble for funds to support his includes choice of entree,home- purchased picnics in advance • Serious singers who wit bc various bad habits.He decides made blueberry scone and a will be contacted by the café to eng gra 3 gin to use his charms to woo a rich . choice of soda or bottled water. reschedule delivery. • • IP • • • • • • • • • ELGIN, Sours ELGIN 411k . Dalbriletald NEIGHBOR . , ,5. datheraldaom Friday,Jub'21,2000 Wifii NEWS OF THE PEOPLE AND EVENTS OF E1Gi1 AND SOUK i1JJN ' imapatzmin h ,r .jestival to bang 'Merry Wives to stage :_ Tickets see on sale now for Tabs- has announced it will distribute " ,,4 A(. 14 " ' 1 man Theatre's Shakespeare in the santi3,773 to 22 local health and a Park festival,scheduled to begin human care service agencies dating ,r.,34tit. 'a Ane.7 at the Wing Park band shell. Burnett fiscal year 2000-2001. Vii— Talisman will present "The , "These agencies provided needed s fi= r. s • Merry Wives of Windsor,"a hilaii- =-- services to h�rin�ds of redden d `e z � '„s, ous farce that centers on the City heat Dundee Township," said Diana '�. 6_ . ,,4 Imo rotund Falstaff,who woos women Miller,chairperson of the budget j ., 4 in an attempt to win their love—. and allocations committee."it was • and their money. ■ ■ ■ very dddcult to deckle bow muds to n ' """ �i�'°' #: 4 Written in common vernacular Convention head to resign: to eacha�e�y.Afiprovide such . , •q ' A °. 4, WI rather than the bard's usual blank Diane Ramsay,the long-time men- Important se na." a ,, .y , verse,`The Merry Wives of Wind- utive director of the Erin Area Coo- Among the agencies receiving seek,; M sor"is considered one of Shake- vention and Visitors Bureau, funds are theAssedation for leen IIP ,, '.I + i W speare's"most accessible plays," announced hut week she will resign nal Development,Sig Bretbera/Big -f said Mary Hatch,Talisman's pro- from her position later this summer. Sister of Um FoxCentro.de c y-"• . ,.„•Aa, c,i during director. in a ietfer to city aerials,Ramsay 1nformeciao,Community Valley,crisis(co- ; i, ±;r mei IIP Talisman moved to in 1998. said she has enjoyed her time with tar,Ecioer Center•ter Mental Health, ;?��t-+ a .. Elgin "ly;i 4.w.,..aM.+, 4 Last summer it held its a at Shake- the visitors' but is also toot- Rears Addiction Co,,. _el Center, ^' :. -:...i.„.4„ w . speare in the Park festival."Twelfth ing forward to spending time away Senior Seeeke a the Kelt da Can If �♦ Night"attracted more than 1,500 from work. Ler and YWCA-1 n. ' ; v'' 4`a�' �1i' people over two weekend'. The db to open a search to ■ ■ ■ i. a. 'a} ►r - TSis year's festival will include a fill Ramsey's position. Golfing for a Canes; Prairie a' '" ' "green show"of song prior to the ■ ■ ■ Rock Brewing Co.of Elgin will host a ri' a e performance, an outdoor art Hearing debyed:In a change of off outingj Aug.14 to benefit the ,...1„..4• Nli ,food and drink. plans,the annexation hearing for Boys and Grim Cub of P�ran from Aug.3 to 6 Bowes Creek Estates originally ?he event will be held at Rolling ' .. ' =Alt10 to ia.All at s p m scheduled for next week htely will Knolls Golf Caw'ee Registration is L .'' Tickets cost$13 to$16 in advance be postponed until the Elgin City $115 per golfer or$400 per four- E ,. - and$18 at the event They are avail- Council's Aug.9 meeting some,That includes greens fees,a i ' t` ' '` - s able by calling the Elgin Communi- The hearing k the next step in cart,lunch,cocktails and dinner at- *rat . ,,K> ty College Visual and Performing bringing the nearly BOO-home golf Prime Rock after the i xt I$ a Arts Center's box office at(847)682- course community to Elgin's far The registration deadline 7. ,, 0900. west aide. You can pick up a ° -t. sr • For more information,check out ■ ■ ■ at Prairie Roel,ideated at•G e •'$.'� �+¢i Talisman Theatre's Web site at Dundee agencies get help: Avenue and Prairie Street in . w ;:A www.talismantheatre.org. The United Way of pun Town- town 22gar. _ ,,, €,, , 0 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 'IhursdayyAuggust 10, 2000 The Courier News LocalMetro e-- tro • - weathers storm with in Park � a performance troupe pushed back, Furthermore,he has paced the Howard,Jason Lovett,Jeremy .11,emerSPECIAL TO COURIER NEwS however;bracing the oversized set, story line with enough vigor to as- Pease,Vicky Riego de Dios and an tying things down and repairing sure its vitality and sharply defined actor known simply as Trent • "" ELGIN— Days of fortune are the damage. • resilience. The costumes of Bernice Fer- . e days of harvest,with those culti- "If we had lost that section,we talentedraro are exquisite. „�ngtbemost when�are ripe. would have lost all lights and ensemble For Talisman Theatre,perfor- sound,too,"Hatch added. Hardiman's cast selections were Rune through Saturday manes tonight,Friday and Satur- right on the mark,as well Popularity for out Shakespeare d promise to be completely en- Promising t mud Leading the way as Falstaff is has been growing year atter year. gaging—both onstage and off. With this week's sunshine,Talis- Daniel Ruben,whose swaggering pro- Last summer Talisman debuted But last weekend's Shakespeare man is geared up for three terrific fessionalism is evident throughout its park festival,attracting more than In the Park presentation of The nights of Shakespearean comedy. Ruben,who has appeared often 1,500 people over two weekends. g► Merry Wives of Windsor at the Wing The Meny Wives of Windsor is a in Chicago theater productions and Apart from the play itself,ticket Park band shell proved a test of middle-class comedy of morals, on television,is an elegant actor so holders have ancillary treats.There •'1Falisman's rather formidable wi L with central character Sir John Fal- irrepressible that each walk on- is an outdoor art gallery,as well as Thunderstorms and high winds staff out to seduce two married stage suggests a new revelation. food and refreshment not only disrupted dress rehearsals, women in hopes of having them He is joined by an extremely tal- The Meny Wives of Windsor runs but also caused many theater pa- support his lifestyle as an Eliza- ented ensemble,including Allyson through Saturday.Show times are tons to stay awayfrom what turned bethan roustabout of sorts. Voller, Marc Lessman, Thom 8 p.m.,and tickets cost$13 to$16 out to be a magnificent production. Amusing subplots are many,and Thomas, Michael Wollner and in advance and$18 at the gate. • The irony is that on both Satur- theplay ends as a celebration of quick Diane Mair, a local high school More information is available at ip day and Sunday night,the weather wit,good humor and marital fidelity. graduate now majoring in theater (847)622-0300. v. cleared up beautifully before we Veteran Talisman artistic direc- at Northwestern University. f began,"said Mary Hatch,Talisman's tor Mark Hardiman has put togeth- Evanstdn's gain is Elgin's loss,so co-founder and producing director. er an adaptation owing greatly to audience members should give Although each staging started his comedic expertise. Scenes ap- thanks for summer break. on time,Sunday's program seemed pear shaped from an informed vi- Standing out,too,are Ryan Kit- ., in jeopardy Just hours before the sion,for this particular play is corn- ley and Tun Joyce,who has been opening curtain. monly believed to work better in touring the country as a stand-up r And for the show to go on,the performance than on the page. comedian for the better part of a jib Talisman players literally had to Therefore, Hardiman seems to decade.Both actors are vibrantly W hold their ground have given his players artistic carte bold in parts pivotal to the action. 4. "A microburst blew in and almost blanche in terms of sight gags and Other upfront notables include tore our stage apart,"Hatch said spoken humor,including some hi- Neil Arsenty, Rachel Eckhaus, Members of the professional larious accents and bawdy wordplay. David Hain,Jim Hinton,Amanda c c FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2002 Dailylletald con„,„,„__ 2Neighbor cr,miiu� - z Crctrnumc,..hir 4 i®dallpberald.ce■ • • • There win be five An artistic celebration at State Financial S Bank in a downtown Elgin. Actors rehearse collaborationfor'Random �,j Theft and Other �'"'� Acts,'which will help kick att the • -i two-month . WI r celebration. 0 Group woks f use community _ • to e with different mediums o art f tBY AMY E.WILLIAMS Orli,1In,,M v.4/it,rn Arts Infusion In downtown . 4p '1he visual arts will merge with the performing The first Arts Infusion will begin this arts in Elgin.as the first Arts Infusion begins this weekend.It will feature an art gallery - +w • weekend in the city's downtown. end awe plays. r Organizers are trying to tie the different anis- Where:State Financial Bank,16 N.Spring St.,Eloln • tic mediums,along with integral parts of the community, together in hopes of giving the When:Saturday throi.4i May 27 community a flavor for Elgin's cultural diversity. For information or tickets Call(847)622-0300 or • "It's all about building partnerships," Arts log on te www tallsmant ealre.olg w Infusion Artistic Director Mark ilardinran said. e figh The collaborative infusion,which will feature t MIllr a gallery exhibit,five plays and many pertnoning 'they're also trying to tie together different irartists,officiallybegins Saturday.ltwill ctaulnue aspects of the community. for two months at State Financial Rank, lit N. the tittle art groups. Spring St. businesses and finama)backers have assent- `MO ' the gallery which is sponsored by the tore bled to create an arts event of this nature in Valley Arts Council.will downtown paintings,pas- downtrw 'Agin. . illi . bels, ceramics and sculptures from :i0 local Not only is State l inancial Bank hosting the • - Ilir artists.It will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. event in its lobby, but ticket purchasers will The gallery's opening will _ receive discounts to Cale he followed by the Talisman Magdalena and Al's Cafe and ( jos , Theater's production of "We've been vt•r intertslcd in Creamery,as well as Country '� "Random Theft and Other Inn&Suites. ra Acts'bylohn David Westhy. helping arta businesses "We've been very interested I . ,� Organizers say the play, undctstandtile connection in helping area businesses 1 which is about suburbanite understand the connection bank robbers holed up in a between ails and profit for between arts and profit for •hotel hideaway,is in a style• that audi•encescan 1nc1 them, that audiences can ! them' similar to the movie"largo." p help make profits for them." - The play,which will have make profits Iitr them." I lardiman said. its world premiere during tieMark AraInfusion "We have the I lemtnens. infusion Saturday, runsbut its location defines it as through May 5. argotic c director its own destinat ion,"1w said. On Thursdays starting April ._ _. "With Arts Infusion, we're t I, a series of Sneak Peek trying to create integration b plays will be presented.The plays are book-in• tweet area restaurants,businesses and the hand performances,which will be followed by events restaurants,at arc going on.' j t coffee, dessert and discussion with the per- l'icketsforallperfunnaneescuslbh4to$I6in . formers and the author advance,or$16 to SIB at the(hair.The l own- •,. - town Neighborhood Association of Elgin, 2 Di ,j Organizers say the sneak peeks help assist the Douglas Ave.,and Artists'Cove Gallery.27 N. Talisman in selecting new works for production Grove Ave,also will sell discount cards,which and help the playwrights develop their work by may be exchanged for a full-price ticket. .,.,, a. talking with the audience afterward. 'the gallery exhibit is free. . The unique relationship between the audi- For tickets or details,call the Elgin Commu- „ „ In file „, F K 11,10s,,,,,,, !firm. encs and the playwrights during the sneak peek miry College ticket office at (847)622-03(0. Martie,played by Allyson Moller,revels in the feel of money in her hands as she goes plays is not the only one organizers of Arts Info- Information also is available at www.talsi- over a recent bank robbery with Ham,played by Jason Creighton,during a dress sion arc trying to develop. manthcatre.org. rehearsal this week. w • • • • • • at the the • complete play review* (t* chicago and surroutuling►ul►urhs 4111 • Random Theft • at Elgin's Talisman Theatre • Random Theft and Other Acts is a play about a bank robbery. Penned by Elgin native 411 John David Westby and performed by Talisman Theatre in the lobby of State Financial • Bank of Elgin,the play's premiere is part of the Arts Infusion of downtown Elgin and includes a pre-performance art show. A hostage taken in the robbery(Melissa Lewis)explains what Random theft is about when she asks the thieves "What are you doing this for?You're not like normal bank robbers." I found myself asking the follow up questions. Why does a college graduate, League of Women Voter member(Allyson Voller)jump suburban ship to rob banks? IP Why does a man with degrees in philosophy,poetry,and comparative religion • (Christopher Markham)chuck his books for a 38?How does the hard working Ham (Jason Creighton)go from 2 jobs,to the path of least resistance?Least resistance certainly • does not explain Henry(Thom Thomas)who worked his way up the ladder in the bank, • only to become the crew's inside man. What is the difference between these humorous bunglers and a professional like Ross(Chad Kodiak),a difference'Bird'(Brian Hoffman), • manager of the Bluebird Motel,should have seen before. • The action that answers is somewhat inhibited by a narrow set,a fixable flaw,because this • Fargo style play has movie written all over it. • If you have not personally known 2 bank robbers like I have(one rehabilitated into • prominence)you may not find this play about criminal motivation as captivating as I did. But the show also serves up the difference between choices that walk away and choices • that buy the farm,a timely distinction in an increasingly violent world,and one you can • ponder in the gallery after the show, in front of artist Robert Krajecki's spectacular oil farm-scape. Kevin O'Donnell Random Theft and Other Acts Talisman Theatre State Financial Bank of Elgin in Elgin, II Tickets: (847)622-0300 Through May 5,2002 Sneek Peek Plays April 18, 25 and May 2 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • -1 r t___ . MIMI • 1111 Ai _ Y14 • • . vk- ' . ,,.......;400: t • Your Guide to Enjoying the Arts in the Fox Valley Volume 11, Number 3 • • Arts Infusion/Downtown Elgin ► e eBy Mark Hardiman e eClear your calendars for the first-ever Arts same location. Performances will highlight into one community," says Liz Johnston of Infusion/Downtown Elgin opening Saturday, exciting new plays,and run the gamut from ! the Fox Valley Arts Council. 4rMarch 30, 5-7pm, at the State Financial humorous and romantic to the delightfully e, Bank in downtown Elgin.This unique event edgy. Performances are scheduled to run six For tickets and more information regarding will combine performing and visual arts. weekends,with featured Pilot Stagings, i performances contact Elgin Community Ir ' which are rehearsed,staged book-in-hand i College Ticket Office at 847-622-0300 or At the core of this unique collaboration performances of plays in progress on visit www.talismantheatre.org. between the Fox Valley Arts Council, Thursdays.The Pilot Stagings will be fol- f' Talisman Theatre, the Downtown lowed by coffee and discussion with the per- Thom Thomas and Neighborhood Association of Elgin, and forming artists and playwrights. Melissa Lewis appear Elgin's Cultural Arts Commission will be a in Talisman Theatre's *;e;r production of e juried gallery exhibit of members of the Fox Coordinating efforts with the Downtown 04' y ; Random Theftand le Valley Arts Council. Selected art from the Neighborhood Association of Elgin, area Other Acts by John exhibit will be for sale by the artists. Gallery ' restaurants are participating by offering a ► David Wombs. II viewing is free prior to and following perfor- incentives to show-goers to enjoy a hearty Background art com- mances byTalisman Theatre. taste of downtown Elgin's varied cuisine. Talisman by �' g Talisman Theatre. II Tracy Padrone.artist. fInfused with the art display will be perfor- "This event will bring about a new Integra- mances of new works from a variety of play- tion of downtown business, art and fun for i wrights,staged by Talisman Theatre in the everyone, enabling people to have an eclectic II' night out with great food, great art, infused e { • • • • • • • •• MARCH 29, 2002 FRIDAY FNW SECTION 7 CHICAGO TRIBUNE • __ -- --- — -- — — — _ • SUBURBAN STAGES II 41114 Talisman performs `Theft' Aft By H.Lee Murphy into the script.' Special to the Tribune u, Committed to the support of There is a wonderful new works,Talisman is offering '" John David Westby has writ- ironyin mountinga playreadings of upcomunproing uced plays ten a new comedy about bank on several upcoming Thursdays ,� at the bank. First up is Johnny robbers, titled "Random Theft about a bank robbery in and Other Acts."Wouldn't it be Knight's "Extreme Unction" at a. nice if he could stage it in an ac- and bank. The audience 7:30 p.m. April 11, followed by tual bank, and in his former should nd it Laurel Kirk's "Laurel and the 4111kDa dream"at 7 p.m.April 18.A hometown of Elgin no less? y Illix Elgin's Talisman Theatre, interesting.' pair of one acts. Roger Rueffs which has workshopped West- —John David Westby "Exchange of Vows" and Jack Heas. by's play over the past couple of for 7:3's .m.Ma ing2," is slated years, is doing just that this and Wing&Groo've in Chicago. for ohn p. a May 2. ,• weekend. "Random Theft" Over the past decade Westby John David Westby'sherc "Ran- dom Theft and Other Acts"con- opens a six-week run at the State has written a half dozen of his tinues through May 5 in the lob- "` Financial Bank in downtown own plays. He's had numerous by of the State Financial Bank,16 Elgin,where it will be perform- readings at Chicago Drama- Spring St., Elgin. For tickets, " ed after hours on a makeshift tists, but his first full produc- call 847-622-0300. stage in the institution's lobby. tion didn't come until last Au- d i'" • "I think it's a great place to do t, when Wing&Groove pre- it," Westby says. "There is a mi ed his drama "Person or wonderful irony in mounting a Persoqs Unknown," which had play about a bank robbery in a mixed 'ytical notices but did 4. bank.The audience should find fine at the box office. it interesting." Talisman artistic director Westby, 45, has worked as an Mark Hardiman first encoun- ,.. actor for such Elgin-based tered "Random Theft," about groups as the Independent Play- three unemployed, well-educat- ers and the Watch Company ed suburbanites who turn to Players at Elgin Community robbery in a fit of desperation, 9 College.By day a freelance mar- at a Chicago Dramatists reading keting writer, Westby moved to in the mid-1990s.Talisman spon- i i • Winfield several years ago and sored a subsequent reading and has been broadening his hori- then Westby kept fine-tuning • zons, performing for such the script until it was produc- groups• as Borealis in Aurora tion-ready. Hardiman is the di- rector,which suits Westby,who is staying on the sidelines. • "I thought I would like to play . • one of my characters,but I real- ized I couldn't retain any objec- tivity about the work if I was ac- • tually in it," Westby says. • "Watching from the audience I can see very clearly what I do • and don't like.As it is,Mark has come up with really good ideas • and has had some great insights • • • • 0 • • • • 1fbicap t2ribunr METRO NORTHWEST TUESDAY ' t� e APRIL 7,7002 VF g- Bank draws interest _ . Att� _ . . hostingheistplay ., _ ,a , .,, „.-. -„.,,, ,,,. By Lynette Kalsnes play—which runs Friday and -, ts�. ' Tribune staff reporter Saturday nights and matineesp. - on Sunday—as well as dramat- . If anyone walking past State is readings and an art showk ... Financial Bank in Elgin hap- "It keeps us in the flow of Iif pens to peer through the glass arts in this community,” said and see people in the lobby tot- Dan Westrope, president of ing guns,tossing bags of mon- State Financial's Illinois divi- ey and fighting,bank officials sion. "It also will get our cus- . hope he or she won't call the tomers somewhat involved, •..� •■' police. because you can't walk into ; They hope the onlooker will our lobby without seeing the be so intrigued that he'll buy a art gallery and the play set." u ticket to sit in on the action, The unusual setting of a then tell friends to join in too. bank delighted Mark Hardi- Creighton Tribune photo by StaceChrisy MWark- For the next several week- man,artistic director of Tabs- hamActors Melissa Lewisn(from recently from omJas "Random and d Other Mark ends,the bank lobby will serve man Theatre,which is putting Acts," rehearse a beingscstaged downtownElg Theft and as the theater for "Random on the play. i Ads,"a play in a Elgin bank. Theft and Other Acts," a play "The irony of it was too good } about bank robbers hiding out to miss,"Hardiman said. "We BANK. made sure the bank took ade- after a heist. have this sort of rough, edgy, quate security measures. "I wasn't afraid of it,as long as The play is the first venture cool play in a very sort of esit's not a how-to instructional for Arts Infusion,an effort by tablished institution in Elgin. Play isn't play," Westrope said. "There is local arts groups and busi- "I think it adds a level of ten- no actual bank robbery that nesses to bring more people sion because it's slightly inap a primer goes on onstage. ... I think the �,,,, and commerce into downtown propriate—it's like talking too setting just adds to the play." Elgin by holding cultural loud in the library" ,�. events in various locales. Steve Munson, a board mem The bank is holding the PLEASE SEE BANK, PAGE 6 for stickups ber of the Downtown Neighbor- ;, i hood Association, said restau- - -- - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 rants and a hotel are offering ow discounts so people can see the Customers entering the bank play and make a night of it. iii. during regular hours get a quiz- Artist David Powers of the El- zical expression when they spot gin Cultural Arts Commission, am the set,Westrope said. which coordinated and funded "It's fun, it's different," he Arts Infusion, hopes the ven- d• said. "You don't see it in every ture will lead to a downtown cul- bank lobby" tural arts campus, including a 404 Although the play is staged in theater and exhibition space. a bank and the audience is The downtown already is • hemmed in by the teller win- home to the Elgin Symphony dows,none of the bank's accou- Orchestra. Hardiman plans t • trements is used in the produc- locate the Talisman Theatr tion. The set is a seedy hotel company there too. • room decorated in high 1970s Business and civic leader style, with clashing plaid bed- hope Arts Infusion will revital- • ding and striped carpeting. ize the downtown area. • Still, when Hardiman "Over the years, Elgin's broached the idea of staging a downtown had gone from vi- e play in a bank he thought West- brant to erosion," Westrope rope would be worried that it said. "In the last few years, • might appear too real. we've made a comeback.We still "I thought he might have con- need to go a ways.I think having • cerns about people flinging fake the arts here can help build it as bags of money around the bank a destination point." • and that we have bank robbers "Random Theft and Other in the bank,"Hardiman said. Acts" runs on weekends • But Westrope, who said he through May 5.For tickets,call • was enchanted by the idea, 847-622-0300. II • • • • • • Talisman 414 eatre • Proposal for City of Elgin - Support Documents 4. Letter From Jack Helbig _ Theatre Critic Arts Writer • Daily Herald & Chicago Reader Intern Program: Letter of Support from Patricia Rataj-Frawley • High School Intern Program Syllabi Acting Intern Technical Intern Economic Impact Shakespeare in the Park - 4. Relevant Press Quotations in Support of Concept - PowerPoint Presentation Aft — Artistic Director • From: Jack Helbig [helbentl @attbi.com] Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2002 8:45 AM • To: ad@talismantheatre.org • Subject: City of Elgin Presentation for Talisman 41 November 20, 2002 dp To the City of Elgin: 1. I wanted to write a short letter in support of Talisman Theater and their • proposals for doing theater in the City of Elgin. As a long-time theater critic, I see every week how much theater adds to a city's life, both • artistically and commercially. Artistically, a good theater like Talisman 0 educates and edifies. And commercially, a good theater attracts people not just to their performance space but also to local restaurants and pubs, Qwhere audience members dine before a show or go relax and talk about the show afterward. 40I have seen first hand how much the Metropolis has helped enliven downtown 4, Arlington Heights (where a solid, first rate theater was central to the village's downtown redevelopment plan) . I have also seen in the past month • how two new theaters have added another layer of attraction to Naperville's bustling commercial district. • The Talisman can do the same for Elgin. And has already, to a certain extent, with their summer Shakespeare in the Park series. Founded in the 41 late 90s, this series is already the equal or superior of other, older, 41, better established summer Shakespeare festivals, specifically the Oak Park-based Festival Theater, the Lake Forest-based, Shakespeare on the Green, and the Oakbrook-based First Folio Theatre. These other festivals add prestige to their home towns, and Shakespeare in • the Park does the same for Elgin. • How did Talisman accomplish this so quickly? I can answer that in three words: talent, talent, talent. Since the early 90s I have been a fan of Mark Hardiman and his intelligent, sensitive, gutsy productions of Shakespeare's works. To this day the best production of As You Like It I have ever seen • was done by Hardiman in Talisman's old Chicago space in the early 90s. The company's move to Elgin has done nothing to diminish their grace or • their power. If anything, the potentialities of performing in Elgin has Ah inspired Hardiman and company to greater heights. VP Regards, Jack Helbig • Theater Critic and Arts Writer Daily Herald and Chicago Reader 4111 It 41 IP It S 41 • S • S • • 1 41 di Aft 401. Artistic Director .' From: Patricia Rataj-Frawley[patact©hotmail.comj 41b. Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2002 6:15 PM To: admin©talismantheatre.org •► Subject: Bravo Dear Mark and Mary, Aft As a theatre person and a proud parent, I want to thank you and Talisman Theatre for the wonderful summer experience you offered to the interns of ah your group. Ox Ross explains the summer as, "The best summer of my LIFE!" Ow I know how tired he was at times, but he was always revitalized by working Oh on this show. His reaction to this experience demonstrates to me that perhaps he is ready to consider a major in theatre. I was concerned that he Oft only saw the "time on stage" as his nitch, but his involvement with Talisman and his love of what he did this summer has shown me that he will work well It and do well if he follows his dream. • Many thanks again, • Patricia Rataj-Frawley IP Oh It Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com IP S Oh • • • S • • S 411• • I • I I • • • 1 i • Shakespeare in the Park Acting Intern SYLLABUS Summer 2002 Class 5-6:30 Tuesdays&Thursdays Rehearsals,Crew Assignments as Scheduled& Performances Instructor: Mark Hardiman E-mail: ad@talismantheatre.org Phone: 847-214-8000 Office Hours: By appointment Interns are responsible for all information on this syllabus. Course Objectives To expand elements of imagination and creativity that are the source of the artistic impulse To develop the fundamental skills of actor preparation and performance To strengthen vocal and movement skills in support of the actor's expression To foster respect for acting and an understanding of the actor's process Develop skills necessary to performing Shakespeare in a demanding outdoor environment Provide Interns with necessary skill set to succeed in professional level productions Course Methods Lecture and discussion Memorization of assigned scenes Analysis and application of skills learned through lecture and demonstration Analysis of characters In-class performance of exercises, scenes,and monologues Written actor's script with analysis of character Required Texts/Materials Taming of the Shrew--Provided Assignments Exercises Voice Work -Exercises done in class and as warm-up prior to class sessions -Individual attention and exercises will be selected and assigned Monologue -From Taming of the Shrew performed in-class from text Notebook -Interns will be expected to maintain an actors' script Scene work -Scene work on assigned scenes from ...Shrew • -Performance in Scene Showcase(Optional for Tech interns) Understudy Assignments -Understudy assignments will be made to selected participants in consultation with coordinator • I • Talisman Theatre Internship Page 2 • -Interns will be expected to learn staging attend blocking and work-through rehearsals • -Attend additional staging rehearsals as necessary Internship Expectations Production -Work on set crew under direction of set designer and technical director 4116, -Assist in load-in, load-out of show,performance set-up and strike nightly �► -Perform roles assigned in show Mb Attendance Alb Prompt and regular attendance is required. This is a professional level production. There are no excused or un-excused absences.All schedule conflicts must be immediately conveyed to the Stage Manager. Missing a performance is unacceptable and schedules must be cleared for all rehearsals through tech week unless prior permission has been arranged. Attendance at all run-throughs is required unless prior permission has been arranged. 4110. .i•, Behavior Talisman intends to provide an exciting environment for learning life skills and career development Interns will be working within a professional environment.Professional behavior is expected at all times -There will be no consumption of drugs or alcohol -Friends are not permitted at rehearsals or backstage -Interns must arrange their own transportation to and from rehearsals -Talisman Theatre will be responsible for interns during scheduled rehearsals and performances only we are not responsible for behavior done outside of scheduled time -Absolutely no horsing around during rehearsals or performances will be tolerated—Interns caught doing • so are subject to correction by the Stage Manager or immediate dismissal at the discretion of the • management -Interns are expected to be respectful of each other,to listen when others are talking,and,when opinions • differ,to agree to disagree; but,are required to perform roles in the show as directed. -Please turn off cell phones and set pagers on silent alert. We are here to work and lean from each other • as an ensemble. I'm sure you will find that the more productive energy you put into the process,the more you will get out of it. • • Grading • -Interns will be graded on the following criteria: • Preparation- 4110 -Research as necessary for monologue and scene study -Preparation of notebook • -Memorization of scenes • Participation- • -Participating in exercises and indicating willingness to do so • -Offering constructive observations and comments on assigned work • -Demonstrating respect for classmates and Interns • a Talisman Theatre Internship Page 3 -Attendance Creative Risk- -Willingness to try something new -Willingness to reach beyond self image to participate in exercises -Attempting to think creatively while solving problems in exercises and assignments -Willingness to try and fail Grading Formula- Participation, preparation,creative risk Each comprising 33.3 % of grade *Grading Scale: 90%=A 80%=B 70%=C 60%=D <60%=E • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • O • • • 411k Shakespeare in the Park Technical Intern SYLLABUS Summer 2002 Acting Class 5-6:30 Tuesdays& Thursdays(Optional) Rehearsals, Crew Assignments as Scheduled& Performances Instructor: Mark Hardiman E-mail: ad(a�talismantheatre.org Phone: 847-214-8000 Office Hours: By appointment Interns are responsible for all information on this syllabus. Course Objectives To foster respect for acting and an understanding of the theatre process Develop skills necessary to working in a demanding outdoor environment �► Provide Interns with necessary skill set to succeed in professional level productions Course Methods To work within production environment including construction,technical rehearsals, set-up, strike and 411 running crew. Required Texts/Materials Taming of the Shrew--Provided .. • Assignments Build Crews ', Running Crews Internship Expectations Production -Assist in load-in, load-out of show, performance set-up and strike nightly. • Attendance Prompt and regular attendance is required. This is a professional level production. There are no excused or un-excused absences. All schedule conflicts must be immediately conveyed to the Stage Manager. Missing a performance is unacceptable and schedules must be cleared for all rehearsals during tech week unless prior permission has been arranged. Attendance at all run-throughs may be required. Behavior Talisman intends to provide an exciting environment for learning life skills and career development Interns will be working within a professional environment.Professional behavior is expected at all times -There will be no consumption of drugs or alcohol -Friends are not permitted at rehearsals or backstage • • Talisman Theatre Internship Page 2 • • -Interns must arrange their own transportation to and from rehearsals I, -Talisman Theatre will be responsible for interns during scheduled rehearsals and performances only we are not responsible for behavior done outside of scheduled time -Absolutely no horsing around during rehearsals or performances will be tolerated—Interns caught doing so are subject to correction by the Stage Manager or immediate dismissal at the discretion of the management -Interns are expected to be respectful of each other,to listen when others are talking,and,when opinions differ,to agree to disagree; but, are required to perform roles in the show as directed. -Please turn off cell phones and set pagers on silent alert. We are here to work and lean from each other or as an ensemble. I'm sure you will find that the more productive energy you put into the process,the more you will get out of it. Grading -Interns will be graded on the following criteria: Participation -Participating in assigned tasks and indicating willingness to do so -Offering constructive observations and comments on assigned work -Demonstrating respect for crew members and Interns -Attendance Creative Risk- -Willingness to try something new Al, -Attempting to think creatively while solving problems in exercises and assignments -Willingness to try and fail Grading Formula- Participation, creative risk • Each comprising 50 %of grade *Grading Scale: a 90%=A 80%=B 70%=C • 60%=D • <60%=E • • • • • • • • w • • • • Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 5 • # perfs 33 33 37 45 Tickets 90 90 90 200 • Ave price 12 11 11 14 • Tix Projection in $ 35640 41465.6 49136.824 156478.733 Ticket Projection Quantity 2970 3769.6 4466.984 11177.05236 • Mailing Pieces 50,000 75000 100000 200000 o" Additional Audience-Mailing 1% 1.0000% 250 500 1250 owAdditional Audience-Advertising 0.5000% 15 15 190 Additional Returns packaging * .0 1.5000% 534.600 621.984 737.052 ♦" Additional Audience Through Marketing 800 1,137 2,177 Economic Benefit Projections w- Economic Benefit @$4 Ratio $142,560 $165,862 $196,547 $625,915 dm Estimated Overnight Stays 254.00 620.88 968.44 3316.97 Overnight% over increased sales 20.00% 30.00% 35.00% 35.00% Overnight Stay Spending 95.00 95.00 95.00 95.00 Overnight Total $24,130 $58,984 $92,002 $315,112 �-. # Nights 2.00 2.00 3.00 3.30 Total Spending Per Visit $48,260 $117,967 $276,007 $1,039,870 Ow Ow Ow Ow alw 4016. glik Aft 4111. 4111. ah Aft aft • • • 0 • • 0 • • • • 4111 • Aldermen becoming patrons of arts in city ; Economic benefits coveted for wards lk Chicago Tribune; Chicago, Ill.; Oct 6,2002; Celeste Garrett, Tribune staff reporter; ak New fme arts venues are being unveiled across Chicago's neighborhoods with help from Ilk a group not widely known as patrons of the arts—Chicago aldermen..... • "If you look across Chicago, it's happening in almost every corner of the city," said Matt • Nielson, deputy commissioner of the city's Department of Cultural Affairs. Within the a. last five years,he said,25 arts organizations have moved into new or expanded facilities, .. with support from empowerment zone, enterprise zone, TIF and other redevelopment funds. "I think what you're seeing is a lot of local art groups moving to the next level... dak getting bigger buildings and expanding services in their communities." • City Council members who have paved the way for the centers haven't simply gained • a greater appreciation for art. • "I think aldermen have discovered that cultural enrichment equals economic development in their communities,"Nielson said. "Just look what happened in Lincoln Square within • just a few years of the opening of the Old Town School of Folk Music.".... • All of this public spending on art comes after Illinois officials have cut about$334 • million in spending on health care and human services to plug a hole in the state budget, • and as Chicago officials are laying off more than 400 employees to offset declining tax revenues. City and state officials, however, have armed themselves against critics with a • study by the Illinois Arts Alliance Foundation. • IRA ... a 1995 economic analysis of the non-profit art industry,the advocacy group found that arts organizations generated$699 million in revenue for the state in one year. As an • Illinois employer, art groups provided 21,000 jobs and paid out$349 million to workers • that year. A new analysis covering 1996 to 2000 is to be released in a few weeks. "The numbers show that people continue to spend more money on art than they do on • sports," said Gabrielle Javier-Cerulli,with the arts alliance foundation. • Hairston added: "Lord knows I'd much rather see this money invested here, in the • neighborhoods,than in some place like Soldier Field." S S S S S S S S S aek New theater gives tiny Raven something to crow about • Chicago Tribune; Chicago, Ill.; Aug 18,2002; Chris Jones, Tribune arts reporter; 4111 A fixture on the off-Loop scene for almost two decades, Chicago's Raven Theatre has plodded along doing solid creative work but without hitting many headlines. A non- Equity company with an ensemble of Chicago-based actors and a specialization in classic ,,b. American drama,the Raven has spent almost all of its existence playing to audiences of fewer than 100 people. It has never sold subscriptions or had more than the equivalent of one full-time staffer. dik• And yet on Sunday night,this little Chicago theater will officially open the new$2 million Raven Theatre at 6157 N. Clark St. It may be the prosaic former home of the • Certified Grocery Score,but the two-story building has been turned by the noted Chicago Ali theater architect John Morris into a two-theater arts complex that cannot help but raise the • Raven's profile and give this tiny troupe one of the nicest and most practical venues for theater on Chicago's North Side.... • • The City of Chicago and the State of Illinois together have bankrolled more than$1.2 dli million of the $2 million budget for the new theater.About another$500,000 has been • raised by Raven from various individuals, foundations and corporations. The remaining $300,000 to $400,000 (fundraising is still ongoing)has been converted into a long-term mortgage secured on the building and land. And since the theater no longer has to pay *` rent—and,indeed,can now rent its theaters to other groups—it says it should be able ak to service that debt without too much difficulty. allk Ab • 10. 411111 • • Aft • 4114 Aft • dlh Talisman Talisman Theatre *alio The Vision 4111 3.0 Imagine... , • 4 A community with a burgeoning tourist trade... h ,: •,r. • a '— Tourists spending 2 + nights and $95/person per day *" Imagine that brings in $1,000,000 to the ,• community in a single summer ,. Oh Others have made this vision reality...41. • Talisman Talisman Theatre • Tlieaue Who We Are—A Tradition of Excellence • 13 year-old not-for-profit • Began in Chicago's • storefront theatre scene . •Playing to sold-out houses • •Rave reviews ,., ... �,�. . Aft •Multiple Joseph • Jefferson Citations AM • Oft • �, 1 • • • • • Aft Talisman Talisman Theatre AlIli leave Who We Are—Beginnings Moved professional theatreralk Jf to Elgin 5 years ago ilf t alaaa i tiaaY Yr.YlYrwr•aY An are Mary 4r as�Plk r✓1rYi�ni were berme- Known e re-Known for producing Noted Talisman Theatre settles in at ECC classics and new plays ,;. a/ Shakespeare in the Parkaim Wm. • Opened with new play Each year produced d y r Sneak Peek Plays, "" II s -z. •* n=- original scripts including.... 2 • Aft 2 •• Talisman Talisman Theatre Theatre Who We Are—Arts Infusion IOW CAFE Random Theft& Other Acts Tdlaman Theatre MACDALEtiA by Elgin native, ' John David Westby \' CAFE .tee. O fr. lUU V T F2\ As part of: Arts Infusion/Downtown Elgin ELGIN Downtown Neighborhood W Association In collaboration with local of Elgin businesses... Datilierald Araa�provottect. pan Go„ and V through 8a eau/Cy of Elfin Promotonal Gram Program. 2 APIL 2 • 2 2 r Aft .. 41111. ,w. Aft 41111. 41116 Talisman Talisman Theatre ail *eatre Generates Economic Benefit to Elgin oft • 11110. 28.44% of ticket purchasers attended 1 of 2 area partner .%'I'S N1 I.�S-.01,: a. restaurants Downtown Elgin .. ......,..."....r.,.. - - -- , Ilk For every $1 spent on � • tickets, $4 spent in METRO _ theft_- 1 ,i. community _. l • Neghbor t. ,=._._ --- Ia11► An artistic *-= _ - 1 collaboration ' — -1 _ 550 Column inches of (,, ntobw,_rt.,.,,,,, _ �, _. u ,ah Wiwwwrlivru r = --f---70_.....-. press coverageall = • - .=a,te�..-_ 7.,--,._:....7:,-...-g...-:4: F. r. _-,- - - ___- _ == 4114 ak ak ilh T isman Talisman Theatre ..• etre Who We Are—Bringing Excellence Home -p�p��p ti7� a" - - ��rk41 Talisman's flagship: Talisman 1 ./►# 4" Shakespeare in the Park Y eatretiti 41111 Over 6500 attendees in ... `�,...._. 4 years To afair dmefor outdoor Shakespearefestialssiji=; A.r .4 ;� - ibe- Elgin Image Award = _ G T • Rave reviews & press -- _• -,T� ANS' support `� Successful _ _▪ _ • educational - ,, �-,, • = ' 0 internship ` '' program .1 «= ' _ / _ — • IIIw • • 3 • Aft a dIA Talisman Talisman Theatre "Theatre Where Do We Go From Here? 4111‘ What we do is inextricably �t bound to the growth of Talisman City of Elgin... e s. 4111 \Ak, We have a proven record ■ of collaboration, benefiting the community... NF(JS ON alk Recommend direct Downtown Elg n funding from the city to create economic growth Aft Ma Talisman Talisman Theatre *f Theatre Partnering for Economic Growth .• The City of Elgin... corgyfiltork. 111 • vK1"bUritrt Talisman Theatre Downtown Elgin 1100. Vim. 101. p 4 AP, dab 411111 Talisman Talisman Theatre Theatre Making it Possible—Programming • • _ '°I' City oftelgln _-s, Ortfi • • Expanding Shakespeare In the Park over 5 I Sim ,Mon Tie Wed Tim Fd ,Sit • Y .. ears. V� • •Building to 3 shows in 1 !2- •, Rotating Repertory I I • •Unique to the region 4 3 4 5 6 ;7 18 i9 Shwa •Adding performances 2003 i— „ ,. •Generating overnight 2003 stays • 4111116 Talisman Talisman Theatre Theatre Making it Possible—Regional Models for Success elk .r. Tapsmil r.a City of Elgin T t Illinois Shakespeare Festival Bloomington, Illinois • 12,000 Attendees annually • tu American Players Theatre - — • Spring Green, Wisconsin Second largest outdoor classical theatre company in U.S. • Aft • • • • • 5 • asift ♦ Talisman Talisman Theatre ♦ Theatre Making it Possible—Models for Success ♦ Oregon Shakespeare City of-Oft (, a. Oregon Shakespeare Festival 01 ♦ Ashland Oregon 461. + ` Economic impact: "" s ' 3.7 Nights stayed .x•. ��; ,. ♦ 3.8 Performances attended �'!►- $95/person/day spent in addition to ♦ ticket sales • ♦ Talisman Talisman Theatre ♦ Theatre Making it Possible—Promotion City of Elgin 1e Jon Ridler monix.. Interim Executive Director, ,� ♦ Elgin Area Convention &Visitor's Bureau ^ ♦ •Partnering with Talisman Theatre — •Maximizing potential benefits to Elgin ♦ Oa Aft 401 ♦ O, 6 a AL AL Talisman Talisman Theatre AL Theatre Similar Artistic Missions - Proven Model . a �' / AIL City of ElginAL "' Oregon Shakespeare AL AL Combine classical with contemporary events LaTS :NHS SON ♦ Presents new plays °"""`�"E"" dab Combining activities and distinct audiences = more overnight stays ♦ lab ♦ Aft Talisman Talisman Theatre ♦ Theatre Making it Possible—Working Together dab a 4 1.1111110411.1., Taste City of Elgin *seri ti Funding directly from City of Elgin a •Allows advance planning currently limited to 4 months ♦ do. • Park scheduling ♦ • Park enhancements (rental vs. improvements) e.g. $10K spent on generator, fuel& lighting equipment $2K spent on port-o-lets ♦ OBL ♦ 7 • • • • • • • Talisman Talisman Theatre ilk etre Partnering for Economic Growth Mk • City of Elgin ..- .S INFOS:ON yr ` • • Required funds this season 35,000 Shakespeare in the Park Illk 6,783 Arts Infusion $41,783 dlla IA 411. 41111 at illk Ilk a, 411) Talisman Talisman Theatre 4111k Theatre Economic Impact-Shakespeare 4_ Year1 Year2 Year3 Years #perfs 33 33 37 45 Tickets 90 90 90 200 411, Aye price 12 11 11 14 Tix Projection in$ 35840 41465.6 49136.824 156478.733 as Ticket Projection Quantity 2970 3769.6 4486.984 11177.05236 Mailing Pieces 50,000 75000 100000 200000 IA Additional Audience-Mailing 1% 1 0000% 250 500 1250 Additional Audience-Advertising 0.5000% 15 15 190 elle Additional Returns '.015 1.5000% 534.600 621.984 737.052 Additional Audience 800 1,137 2,177 ellh Economic Benefit Projections As Economic Benefit @$4 Ratio $142,560 $185,862 $196,547 $825,915 Estimated Oeemight Stays 254.00 620.88 968.44 3316.97 ONemight%oeer increased sales 20.00% 30.00% 35.00% 35.00% 'l Overnight Stay Spending 95.00 95.00 95.00 95.00 Overnight Total $24,130 $58,984 $92,002 $315,112 411I# #Nights 2.00 2.00 3.00 3.30 Total Spending Per Visit $48,260 $117,967 $276,007 $1,039,870 Ilk la Ili Ilk 11. 8 it. • • • 4111 • Talisman Talisman Theatre Theatre Economic Growth - Keys to Success 1 City of Elgin "S 410. Arts Infusion $4:1 spending ratio - proven success Shakespeare in rotating repertory—unique regional product Successful Shakespeare in the Park Models: Illinois Shakespeare (Bloomington) 12,000 people �► Spring Green, Wisconsin, 2"d largest in country Oregon Shakespeare, economic impact$95/Day • Plans with EACVB to bring $ home to Elgin • • • • • ,w► • Talisman Talisman Theatre *ae The Vision .. Imagine... sf. f r► Elgin's burgeoning tourist trade... ii i ; ' Ilk Tourists spending 2 + nights ` - ' 1 . and $95/person per day {"- Ilk Bringing to Elgin $1,000,000... f . in a single summer ,i..1 w .y Together we can make this vision reality... • Oat JIM �► 9 •