First-Ever Chicago Theatre Week Runs Now thru 2/17

The League of Chicago Theatres, in partnership with Choose Chicago, announces the first annual Chicago Theatre Week, celebrating the rich tradition of theatre-going in Chicago and encouraging residents and visitors alike to attend a live show. Chicago Theatre Week will be held today, February 12-17, 2013 and will include discounted tickets and added incentives.

Over 100 shows are expected to participate during Chicago Theatre Week. Each theatre offers $15 or $30 tickets this week, and tickets are available at a centralized website, www.chicagotheatreweek.com.

During the course of the week, there will be special events at participating theatres, including enrichment activities such as talk backs with artists and added value activities such as drink specials, as well as hotel and restaurant discounts.

"The goals of Theatre Week are to celebrate Chicago theatre by offering patrons special incentives, expanding the reach throughout all Chicago neighborhoods. We hope that the initiative inspires a renewed and heightened appreciation throughout Chicago and the Midwest for our rich theatre industry," comments Deb Clapp, Executive Director of the League of Chicago Theatres. "The League is delighted to partner with Choose Chicago on this project and we are excited to work with Melissa Cherry in her role as Vice President for culture and neighborhoods - nothing could fit her new role better than a project that encompasses theatre in so many of our neighborhoods."

Eileen LaCario, Vice President of Broadway In Chicago and Chair of the League of Chicago Theatres adds, "We are looking forward to a spectacular week, filled with amazing theatrical experiences including a kick-off party, special events and specially priced tickets that will make theatre accessible to a wider audience - family and friends alike should get together in February to see great theatre in Chicago. Additionally, the promotional support for Theatre Week will benefit all participating theatres. We applaud the City of Chicago and Choose Chicago for embracing this new initiative as part of the new Chicago Cultural Plan."

"Theatre Week will expand the visibility of theatre as a vital industry in Chicago. Theatre is an important part of what attracts regional visitors and residents to this city and Choose Chicago is honored to participate in the development and promotion of the week-long event. The participants will be located throughout downtown and in Chicago's great neighborhoods and suburbs. It's a testament to the quantity and quality of the artistry and business acumen throughout the industry in Chicago," says Melissa Cherry, Choose Chicago's Vice President for Cultural Tourism and Neighborhoods.

Chicago theatre is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theatres throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theaters to the most renowned resident theatres in the country, including 5 that have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago's theatres serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. In 2009-10 alone, Chicago theatre companies produced more than 130 world premiere productions and adaptations. Each year, Chicago theatres send new work to resident theatres across the country, to Broadway, and around the world.

The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theatres which leverages its collective strength to promote, support, and advocate for Chicago's theatre industry locally, nationally, and internationally. The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the art of theatre in the Chicago area through audience development and support services for theatres and theatre professionals.

For a comprehensive list of ChicaGo Productions, visit the League of Chicago Theatres website, www.chicagoplays.com. Discounted tickets are available at www.hottix.org. Additional information about Theatre Week is available at www.chicagotheatreweek.com.

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