What is Definition Theatre Chicago?
Definition Theatre Chicago is a non-profit theatre company that was founded in 2009 by a group of artists and community activists. The company’s mission is to bring diverse and thought-provoking theatre to the communities of Northside Chicago, as well as to promote inclusivity, diversity, and social justice through their work. Definition Theatre Chicago is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for all artists and audience members, regardless of their background, race, gender, or sexual orientation.
Over the years, Definition Theatre Chicago has become known for producing bold, innovative, and socially relevant theatre that challenges audiences to think critically about the world we live in. The company’s productions often deal with issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality, and they are not afraid to tackle difficult and controversial subjects.
One of the things that sets Definition Theatre Chicago apart from other theatre companies is their commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The company actively seeks out and promotes work by artists from a variety of cultural backgrounds, and they strive to create a space where all voices are heard and valued. In addition, Definition Theatre Chicago offers a range of programs and initiatives aimed at increasing access to theatre for underrepresented communities.
Another unique aspect of Definition Theatre Chicago is their focus on community engagement. The company works closely with local schools, community organizations, and other non-profits to provide theatre programming and education to young people, as well as to create opportunities for dialogue and collaboration within the community.
In short, Definition Theatre Chicago is much more than just a theatre company – it is a vital and dynamic force within the artistic and social landscape of Northside Chicago. Through their commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and community engagement, Definition Theatre Chicago is not only producing outstanding theatre, but also helping to build a more just and equitable society.
History of Definition Theatre Chicago
Founded in 2011 by theater artist and educator, Tyrone Phillips, Definition Theatre Chicago was established with a mission to provide a platform for emerging and established theater artists. The theater company is committed to bringing diverse voices and stories to the Chicago stage, particularly those of Black and Brown artists. Over the years, Definition Theatre Chicago has grown to become one of the most respected theaters in the city, known for producing ground-breaking, socially relevant work that sparks conversations and inspires change.
One of the defining characteristics of Definition Theatre Chicago is its focus on community engagement. The theater company has a strong commitment to creating opportunities for young people to explore their creativity and develop their skills in the arts. With this in mind, the theater regularly offers workshops, classes and mentorship programs for aspiring artists of all ages and backgrounds. The theater also partners with local organizations and schools to bring theater into the community and to provide access to the arts for those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it.
Over the years, Definition Theatre Chicago has produced a wide range of plays and performances, ranging from classic dramas to contemporary works that reflect the issues and concerns of contemporary society. What sets the theater apart from others is its dedication to supporting and showcasing the work of Black and Brown artists. Through its productions, Definition Theatre Chicago has made a significant contribution to the representation of people of color on stage, challenging stereotypes and offering new perspectives on race, identity and culture.
Some of the most notable productions staged by Definition Theatre Chicago include “Small Mouth Sounds” by Bess Wohl, “An Octoroon” by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, and “The Motherfucker with the Hat” by Stephen Adly Guirgis. These critically acclaimed productions have attracted a diverse audience and have earned Definition Theatre Chicago a reputation for excellence in the Chicago theater community.
Today, Definition Theatre Chicago continues to be a driving force in the Chicago theater scene, committed to producing innovative, socially relevant work that reflects the diversity and complexity of our world. Through its programming and community outreach initiatives, the theater company is helping to build a more inclusive, vibrant and dynamic arts community in the city.
Mission of Definition Theatre Chicago
Definition Theatre Chicago is a non-profit organization that is located in the city’s vibrant Uptown neighborhood. Established in 2011, it is an essential cultural institution that is dedicated to developing and producing original and compelling works of theatre that represent the experiences, perspectives, and histories of communities of color.
The organization’s mission is to promote diversity, inclusivity, and social justice through theatre. Definition Theatre Chicago strives to be an artistic home that provides support and resources for emerging and established artists and practitioners from underrepresented communities. By cultivating new talent and producing innovative works of theatre, Definition Theatre Chicago seeks to foster a more equitable and vibrant arts community in Chicago and beyond.
One of the primary objectives of Definition Theatre Chicago is to tell the stories of black and brown communities through theatre. The organization believes that theatre has the power to humanize, educate, and inspire audiences by sharing stories that are reflective of our diverse and complex world. Furthermore, Definition Theatre Chicago aims to empower and uplift traditionally marginalized voices by providing opportunities for artists and practitioners from all backgrounds to share their stories and perspectives through theatre.
Creating and Supporting New Works
At Definition Theatre Chicago, new work is the lifeblood of the organization. The organization is committed to fostering and promoting new and diverse voices in theatre by providing opportunities for emerging playwrights, directors, and actors to develop and showcase their work. Definition Theatre Chicago offers a number of programs designed to support artistic growth and the creation of new works, including workshops, readings, and full-scale productions.
One of the signature programs of Definition Theatre Chicago is the New Work Development Series. This series provides emerging and established playwrights an opportunity to develop their work with the support of a professional director and dramaturg. Furthermore, through the Residency Program, Definition Theatre Chicago provides artists, directors, and playwrights with the space and resources to develop and create new works of theatre.
Accessible and Affordable Theatre
Another essential component of Definition Theatre Chicago’s mission is to make theatre accessible and affordable to individuals of all backgrounds. The organization believes that everyone should have access to high-quality theatre experiences, regardless of their socioeconomic status or background.
For this reason, Definition Theatre Chicago offers a number of programs that promote accessibility and affordability. For example, the Pay-What-You-Can program provides patrons with the option to pay what they can afford for tickets to select performances. Furthermore, the Actors’ Equity Association’s Access Project aims to make theatre accessible to individuals with disabilities by providing sign language interpretation, open captioning, and audio description services for select performances.
Overall, Definition Theatre Chicago is committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and social justice through theatre. By telling the stories of black and brown communities, cultivating new talent, and providing accessible and affordable theatre experiences, the organization is making an invaluable contribution to the cultural landscape of Chicago and beyond.
Notable Productions by Definition Theatre Chicago
Since its inception, Definition Theatre Chicago has produced many notable productions that have captured the attention of audiences and critics alike. The Chicago-based theatre company is known for producing dynamic works that explore culturally relevant themes and showcase powerful performances by talented actors. Here are a few of their most notable productions that have left a lasting impression on theatre-goers:
“An Octoroon”
“An Octoroon” is a play written by playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, and it made its Chicago premiere at Definition Theatre in 2017. The play is a modern retelling of Dion Boucicault’s 1859 antebellum melodrama “The Octoroon.” In “An Octoroon,” Jacobs-Jenkins took a critical stance on race and representation, using the play to engage with audiences on issues related to racial identity and the legacy of slavery in the United States. The production was widely praised for its brilliant performances, bold staging, and fiercely intelligent writing. It received numerous awards, including an Obie Award for Best New American Play in 2014.
“The Light”
“The Light” is a moving play that explores the fragility of relationships and the ways in which we try to hold onto the people we love. Written by Loy Webb, the play made its world premiere at Definition Theatre in 2018 and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. “The Light” tells the story of a couple, Genesis and Rashad, whose love is put to the test after a tragic event. The play delves into themes of grief, loyalty, and forgiveness, and it shines a light on the complexities of human emotions. The production was praised for its tender and intimate performances, and it won the 2018 Joseph Jefferson Award for Best New Work.
“Skeleton Crew”
“Skeleton Crew” is a play written by Dominique Morrisseau, and it explores the harsh realities of life for workers in America’s declining manufacturing industry. The play received its Chicago premiere at Definition Theatre in 2019, and it was a critical and commercial success. “Skeleton Crew” tells the story of four factory workers who are struggling to make ends meet as their plant is on the verge of closing down. The play tackles issues of race, class, and economic inequality with poignant and powerful storytelling. The production received rave reviews for its authentic performances and beautifully staged set design, and it earned a 2020 Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Ensemble.
These three productions are just a few examples of the high-quality theatre that Definition Theatre Chicago produces. Through their commitment to diverse voices, compelling storytelling, and excellence in performance, Definition Theatre Chicago has established itself as a vital contributor to the Chicago theatre scene and beyond.
Impact of Definition Theatre Chicago
Definition Theatre Chicago, founded in 2011, has become a game-changer in the Chicago theatre community. It was created to bring to light the stories of underrepresented voices and to provide a platform for emerging artists of color. Since its inception, Definition Theatre has made a significant impact on the theatre scene in Chicago and beyond.
One of the biggest impacts of Definition Theatre Chicago has been the opportunities it has provided for artists of color. The theatre company has an unwavering commitment to creating work that is diverse both on and off the stage. Definition Theatre has been successful in creating opportunities for artists of color in Chicago who may have otherwise struggled to find a platform to showcase their talents.
Another significant impact of Definition Theatre Chicago has been widening the scope of the stories told on stage. The theatre company has made a conscious effort to bring stories of underrepresented voices on stage, meaning that audiences are frequently presented with new perspectives and stories that they may not have seen before. This not only enriches the theatre scene in Chicago but also helps create a more informed and open-minded community.
Furthermore, Definition Theatre Chicago has had an impact on the financial sustainability of the theatre industry in Chicago. By creating a new audience of diverse theatre-goers, Definition Theatre has helped to increase the overall diversity of theatre audiences in Chicago. The theatre company has also made it easier for theatres to attract and retain diverse audiences by providing more opportunities for diverse artists on its stages. This has helped to ensure that the theatre industry in Chicago remains financially sustainable, by attracting new audiences and increasing its diversity.
Finally, Definition Theatre Chicago is leading the charge in the movement to create safer, more inclusive theatre spaces. The theatre company places a great emphasis on creating positive and inclusive working environments for all of its artists. By doing so, Definition Theatre has helped to set a standard for other theatre companies to follow, making it known that diversity and inclusion are essential to the theatre arts.
In conclusion, Definition Theatre Chicago has had a significant impact in the Chicago theatre community. By providing a platform for underrepresented voices and nurturing emerging artists of color, the theatre company has made a positive impact on Chicago’s theatre scene and beyond. It has widened the scope of the stories told on stage, impacted the financial sustainability of the theatre industry in Chicago, and is leading the charge to create safer, more inclusive theatre spaces. Definition Theatre Chicago is an essential part of the Chicago theatre community and will continue to impact the industry for years to come.
Originally posted 2023-06-26 05:46:05.