about bailiwickchicago
Bailiwick Chicago is a new theatre company that was formed by a group of dedicated actors, directors, and production professionals after Bailiwick Repertory Theater closed its doors in September 2009. This group, which we call the “Collective“, is the artistic ensemble responsible for the artistic mission and vision of the company.
Bailiwick Chicago Mission:
Our mission is to tell stories that stimulate our audience and celebrate our diverse community, enhancing our understanding of ourselves and others. We’ve placed special emphasis on producing Chicago premieres, as well as innovative interpretations of Broadway musicals. We take big risks as a company, but believe passionately in creating extraordinary experiences for our audiences.
A Little About Us:
In the past two years, Bailiwick Chicago has made quite a mark on the Chicago theater scene. Our inaugural season included a musical review titled SHOW US YOUR LOVE, a developmental workshop of an original musical titled BLOOM, and our first two full productions, the summer blockbusters AIDA and F**KING MEN that both opened to critical acclaim. This past winter we produced the U.S. premiere of the musical DEPARTURE LOUNGE at Royal George Theater, followed by the Jeff Recommended Chicago premiere of the Tony award winning PASSING STRANGE. We just completed a development workshop of a new play with the Chicago Latina company Teatro Luna. And our Jeff Recommended production of VIOLET: A MUSICAL completed its run at The Mercury Theater.
Our plans for 2012 are equally ambitious, and will include a new musical with the innovative company New Colony called RISE OF THE NUMBERLESS, the development of 2-3 original musicals as part of our “Light the ‘Wick” series, and the Chicago premiere of the Broadway hit, BLOODY, BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON.
Our Core Values:
- We choose to produce projects that inspire and compel us as a group, balanced with the interests and desires of our patrons.
- We produce a wide range of works that include classic and contemporary plays and musicals, with a special emphasis on Chicago premieres.
- We actively seek opportunities to workshop, develop and produce new works by Chicago and Midwest playwrights, composers and librettists.
- We focus our efforts on the quality of our work, not quantity.
- We build partnerships with arts organizations and nonprofit groups to create cultural bridges and expand our audience network.
- We embrace this era of multimedia and online distribution, seeking to incorporate aspects of it in operations, productions, marketing, communications, and fundraising.
- We create superior experiences for our patrons and audiences from the moment they hear about the show thru when they leave the theater.
- We remain affordable and accessible to our audiences.
- We create and maintain good relationships with artists by providing a safe, nurturing, and artistically creative environment for all to grow.
- We manage our operations with fiscal and social responsibility.
Bailiwick Chicago is in no way affiliated with Bailiwick Repertory Theater, which is now dissolved. Bailiwick Chicago is a newly formed corporation with not-for-profit 501(c)(3) status.
