Playground Improv Theater Opens in New Location
Theater Opens Its Doors, Thanks City
Chicago, February 2004 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Playground Improv Theater has announced it will open its doors for performances at its new space at 3209 North Halsted, the location formerly occupied by WNEP Theater. The theaters were two of the six theaters cited for operating without a public place of amusement license by the City of Chicago's Department of Revenue on November 22.
The Playground will open its doors on February 19th and will offer performances on Wednesday through Sunday nights, while also renting space to other theater companies hoping to mount their own productions. "Chicago is the nation's improv capital," said Doug Diefenbach, Playground founder. "The Playground provides hundreds of actors the opportunity to showcase their talents, while serving up a steady stream of laughs for our audiences."
The Playground leaders worked closely and productively with city officials to correct their licensing needs. "We're really excited about our new space and our shows", said Matt Barbera, President of the Playground, "we hope to be entertaining the North Side for many years to come."
In celebrating the move to their new space, Playground leaders expressed appreciation for the assistance and support offered by The Department of Revenue, Efrat Dallal, aldermen Tom Tunney and Ted Matlak, the League of Chicago Theaters, WNEP Theater, and dozens of other donors and well wishers.
Founded in 1997, The Playground Improv Theater is the nation's first and only not-for-profit co-op theater dedicated to the performance and instruction of improvised comedy - an art form for which Chicago is internationally renown. The Playground's 140 affiliated actors work on a 100-percent volunteer basis to perform and operate the theater. Home to fourteen member ensembles and welcoming guest ensembles from across Chicago and around the world, the theater also offers children's programs, fundraising benefit shows, improv masters classes and customized comedy shows for corporations and other groups.
Theater Opens Its Doors, Thanks City
Chicago, February 2004 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Playground Improv Theater has announced it will open its doors for performances at its new space at 3209 North Halsted, the location formerly occupied by WNEP Theater. The theaters were two of the six theaters cited for operating without a public place of amusement license by the City of Chicago's Department of Revenue on November 22.
The Playground will open its doors on February 19th and will offer performances on Wednesday through Sunday nights, while also renting space to other theater companies hoping to mount their own productions. "Chicago is the nation's improv capital," said Doug Diefenbach, Playground founder. "The Playground provides hundreds of actors the opportunity to showcase their talents, while serving up a steady stream of laughs for our audiences."
The Playground leaders worked closely and productively with city officials to correct their licensing needs. "We're really excited about our new space and our shows", said Matt Barbera, President of the Playground, "we hope to be entertaining the North Side for many years to come."
In celebrating the move to their new space, Playground leaders expressed appreciation for the assistance and support offered by The Department of Revenue, Efrat Dallal, aldermen Tom Tunney and Ted Matlak, the League of Chicago Theaters, WNEP Theater, and dozens of other donors and well wishers.
Founded in 1997, The Playground Improv Theater is the nation's first and only not-for-profit co-op theater dedicated to the performance and instruction of improvised comedy - an art form for which Chicago is internationally renown. The Playground's 140 affiliated actors work on a 100-percent volunteer basis to perform and operate the theater. Home to fourteen member ensembles and welcoming guest ensembles from across Chicago and around the world, the theater also offers children's programs, fundraising benefit shows, improv masters classes and customized comedy shows for corporations and other groups.
