Monday, July 11, 2016

Pride & Profiles (or, Buena Park's Getting A New Theater Company)

Since the sudden closing of Buena Park's Profiles Theatre last month after disturbing accusations were made about the behavior of the two artistic directors, there's been concern about what will happen to the two theater spaces that were shuttered at 4135 and 4147 North Broadway.

Today's Tribune has the answers, and it's good news for those who didn't want to lose theater space. Chris Jones writes:
When Profiles Theatre announced its closure last month -- the theater shuttered amid the outcry over a widely shared story in the Chicago Reader wherein several women alleged unsafe and abusive rehearsal and performance practices -- many wondered what would happen to its very desirable spaces on the North Side.

The Tribune has learned the answer: A company called Pride Films and Plays is taking over both of Profiles' theaters, effective immediately.

"We already have the keys," said David Zak, 58, currently the only full-time employee of the non-profit enterprise, founded in 2010 and specializing in works with LGBTQ themes.
The entire article is here.

On its Facebook page, Pride Films and Plays says:
"Pride Films and Plays is thrilled to announce our move to a new home!

Pride Films and Plays, the LGBTQ+ focused company founded in 2010, will take up residence in the two theaters at 4139 and 4147 N. Broadway in Uptown that were recently vacated by Profiles Theatre, Executive Director David Zak announced today. The 90-seat space at 4139 N. Broadway will serve as the primary venue for the company’s stage productions and will be named The Broadway. The 50-seat studio a few doors north at 4147 N. Broadway, to be dubbed The Buena, will serve chiefly as a rental venue.

Zak says “We will welcome arts groups of all types – theaters, film fests, comics, musicians, performance artists - who share our mission to speak for the underrepresented populations of our community. The Pride Arts Center will be a safe and open place for all artists.”

46th Ward Alderman James Cappleman said, “We enthusiastically welcome Pride Films and Plays to Uptown. Performing arts organizations enhance the quality of life, bring economic activity and promote safety in our neighborhoods. We are thrilled to know that the tradition of live theatre on this block of Broadway will continue virtually uninterrupted.”

The company’s next production, Resolution - a world premiere by Heather McNama and Nancy Nyman - will be staged at Rivendell Theatre in October as previously announced.

The first production to be staged by Pride Films and Plays in the new Center will open in January, 2017. Both the 90-seat Broadway and the 50-seat Buena are currently available for rentals. Interested producing companies may inquire by calling 1-800-737-0984 or e-mailing prideartschicago@gmail.com."

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