Roadworks Productions recently moved its office and rehearsal space to a storefront within a block of the Chopin Theatre, where it will soon launch its second season as the theatre in residence. More centrally located and with greater accessibility through public transportation, the new Roadworks office will allow the company to better contribute to the Wicker Park neighborhood through its Open Road youth program, free programming, public art projects and partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. Roadworks Board Chair Marko Iglendza calls the move “an important step forward,” and Managing Director Jason Rissman says it “will increase our presence and involvement as an arts organization dedicated to advancing the boundaries of contemporary theatre and serving the community.”
Roadworks’ move is in part a homecoming: the company spent several of its early years in Wicker Park and has always shared with the neighborhood a willingness to encourage new artists and take risks. Roadworks has successfully introduced Chicago to several now-prominent playwrights, including Kenneth Lonergan, Charles Mee, and Patrick Marber. Despite the difficulty of producing new works, Roadworks has earned over 40 Joseph Jefferson awards/nominations since its 1992 founding.
In addition to its season lineup, Roadworks will bring the following initiatives to its neighbors:
Open Road: Roadworks’ youth outreach program consists of weekly workshops, the production of the Open Road Magazine, and theatre outings, and targets underserved high school students.
Bi-Monthly Play Readings: Free and open to the public, this program offers community members and Roadworks an opportunity to hear and discuss new scripts.
Random Acts of Theater: Often described as “Guerilla Theater,” these productions in untraditional venues bring the show to audiences that may not otherwise see theater.
Neighborhood Beautification: By adopting the Blue Line Division Street el station, Roadworks will transform a dark, unwelcoming entrance to the neighborhood through murals.
Community Theater Nights: Roadworks will offer free performance for neighborhood residents and businesses.
Roadworks Productions may be contacted at 1239 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60622; by telephone at (773) 862-ROAD (7623); by fax at (773) 862-7624.
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