The Power of Giving

From the Desk of the Executive Director, Kaela Altman

As 2014 starts to wind down to a close I find myself feeling nostalgic and grateful. When BoHo closed Parade on November 16, our Company members gathered together to toast the season, and celebrate what an incredible 10th year we have had.

• We produced four shows over the course of 16 months.
• We received another record year of Jeff Nominations, which reminded us of our power to create incredibly thoughtful theater.
• We saw over 1,000 people at general auditions throughout the year.
• And we shared our artistry with well over 3600 patrons who came out to support Live Theatre in Chicago.

Last night, in Times Square, a "Bono-less U2" presented a surprise concert in honor of World AIDS Day. After an introduction from former President Bill Clinton, the stage was glittered with A-listers from Bruce Springsteen, Carrie Underwood, Kanye West, and many, many more in honor of those who have lost their battle with AIDS, and in celebration of those who have survived. President Clinton said that in 2013, more people received treatment than were diagnosed, an incredible feat given the state of this crisis some twenty years ago.

And that got me thinking about the Power of Giving. Whether it's $5 or $5,000, every single contribution makes an impact. Contributing doesn't just build a bottom line, or close a revenue gap.

Giving, in it's purest sense, unites a Community of people in support of a common cause.

Giving and Theater are similar in that regard and is representational of a Community of People, a Community of Artists, coming together to share their gifts, their hearts, and their passions which can collectively effect change.

BoHo is incredibly lucky to share this space with our fellow artists and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who gives to storefront. On this #GivingTuesday, I ask that you share your support for your cause today. Whether it is BoHo, your local food pantry or animal shelter, or perhaps another cause near and dear to your heart, celebrate the Power of Giving today and remember the spirit of the season.

To those who have been a part of BoHo's 10 years, Thank You.

From the Desk of the Executive Director - Kaela Altman - May 2014

Hello and Welcome to May

MYTHS & HYMNS

On Tuesday, May 6, BoHo Theatre officially kicked off rehearsals for our summer production of MYTHS & HYMNS by Adam Guettel. Representing the Bohemian Pillar of Freedom, this song cycle tells the story of a young couple, recently married and with very different outlooks on the world. When they find they must grapple with the sudden changes in their lives, the young man finds meaning in his accomplishments, while the young woman sees the world through her Christian faith. Together, they must confront their own strengths and limitations.

BoHo Theatre is no stranger to Adam Guettel's work, having produced Jeff nominated FLOYD COLLINS in 2012. We cordially invite you to join us June 13-July 13 at the Heartland Studio for this challenging and original work unlike any version you have ever seen.

Buy Tickets

ARTS & BUSINESS COUNCIL -
BUSINESS VOLUNTEERS FOR THE ARTS

On Friday, May 16, BoHo wrapped up our Strategic Planning Initiative as part of A&BC - Business Volunteers for the Arts program. Our dedicated team of volunteer consultants donated a total of 236.75 hours to guiding our project. As a result, the project is valued at $28,410.00 in pro bono consulting received.

Personally, I found the entire process to be a fun and engaging team building exercise, and one that helped BoHo's board and company members come together to successfully plan the future of our organization.

Special thanks to Katie Kurcz of the Arts & Business Council of Chicago and of course BVA's: Sara Coffou, Maggie Baranski, Amanda Daniels, and Kate Sheey. Thank you for your guidance, your insight, your friendship, and most of all your commitment to helping BoHo grow to our next level!

2015 SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT

BoHo's Artistic Advisory Committee has been hard at work the past 5 months carefully reading and selecting scripts for our 11th Season. The wait is officially over! The season is decided...

But I can't tell you just yet!

You'll have to wait for our Season Reveal Party scheduled for later this summer. While you wait, though, I encourage you to venture a guess on what BoHo's next feat will be!

From the Desk of the Executive Director: Welcome to New Faces

Welcome to November, er…rather, halfway through November. I’m hoping that as the cold air rushes in, and we prepare to kick off the holiday season, our loyal Bohemians are finding themselves toasty warm and enjoying all the wonderful holiday shows and installations that the City of Chicago has to offer.

We certainly have a lot to be thankful for this year.

CAST LIST ANNOUNCED FOR AMADEUS:

Up Next for BoHo Theatre will be Amadeus by Peter Shaffer. This dramatic masterpiece tells the story of genius, jealousy, and lies, and captures the story of Antonio Salieri as he explores his tempestuous rivalry with the boorish but brilliant Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. BoHo is pleased to welcome home several familiar faces, as well as welcome new friends to our artistic family.

Directed by Peter Marston Sullivan
Produced by Kaela Altman
Set Designer: Patrick Ham
Costume Designer: Theresa Ham
Lighting Designer: Megan Turnquist

Salieri.........................................	Steve O'Connell (BoHo Artistic Affiliate)
Mozart.........................................	Chris Ballou
Constanze.........................................	Amanda Jane Long
Joseph II.........................................	David Tibble (BoHo Company Member)
Rosenberg.........................................	Scott Danielson
Strack.........................................	Russell Alan Rowe
Van Swieten........................................	Sean Thomas (BoHo Company Member)
Venticelli 1, u/s Mozart...........................	Jeff Kurysz
Venticelli 2.........................................	Sasha Kraichnan
Ensemble, u/s Venticelli 1.................	Patrick Byrnes
Ensemble.........................................	Chelsea Taylor
Ensemble.........................................	Kaitlin Henderson
Ensemble.........................................	Jim Heatherly

Look for updates on the production, design team, and cast in the coming weeks! Tickets are on sale now through STAGE 773. We look forward to seeing you in February.

BOHO WELCOMES NEW COMPANY MEMBER:

DAVID TIBBLE

This month, the BoHo Company welcomed a brand new Company Member, David Tibble. David certainly isn’t a new face to BoHo, having appeared in multiple shows including Dirty Blonde, Floyd Collins, and will appear in the February, 2013 production of Amadeus. Throughout his pilot period, he tackled house managing with enthusiasm and was quick to give our guests the five-star treatment each time he greeted them. Additionally, David has joined the team of BoHo’s who will be participating in our Strategic Planning Initiative, our joint venture with the Arts & Business Council of Chicago.  Keep your eyes peeled for David throughout the rest of the season and beyond!

BOHO WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBER:

DIANA WENDT

Diana Wendt joined the BoHo Board of Directors this month and brings with her a dynamic background in writing, public relations, and marketing. Diana was a frequent patron of BoHo this past season, having seen Pygmalion, Hauptmann, and Kiss of the Spider Woman and decided to reach out and officially join our leadership team. We look forward to introducing everyone to Diana as we work to get her up and running in her new role.

A TIME TO GIVE THANKS

It’s important that I stop for a moment and just say a simple thank you to our Community for all the love and support they have given us this past year. 2013 has been a magical year: We produced four fantastic shows, including our first partnership with STAGE LEFT THEATRE; we celebrated 14 Joseph Jefferson nominations, and most recently received 15 BroadwayWorld Chicago nominations.

We hope we can count on the support of our community to cast their votes for BoHo.

We have added two new Company Members, two new Board Members, and a whole host of Artistic Affiliates. It’s with a truly grateful heart that I say to our Company, our Board, and our Affiliates who all work tremendously hard throughout the year to support our mission:

THANK YOU

Wishing you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving.