Stuart Carden, Silk Road Theater Project

Why is your work important in our current political/cultural climate?
The Silk Road Theater's production, OUR ENEMIES, written by Egyptian-American playwright, Yussef El Guindi, is important because Arab-American literature is important. And because Arab-America needs to find its place on America's stages. In an age characterized by conflict between the United States and the Arab World, Arab-America needs to be woven into our national tapestry (and consciousness). We at Silk Road Theatre Project believe strongly, believe passionately in fact, that this weaving, this becoming American, is best served through cultural production.
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Sara Kerastas, Director's Lab Chicago

Describe Director’s Lab Chicago 2007. What's in store for Director's Lab 2008?

In the world of modern theatre, what defines a piece as ‘a classic’? What characterizes its longevity? Its universality? What does it mean, then, to re-stage a ‘classic’?

Such were the questions thrown in the air by this year’s Directors Lab Chicago, aptly themed “Re-Envisioning the Classics.” Now in its third year, the lab gathered twenty-seven local, national and international directors to “consider, challenge, and engage in both the traditional and contemporary aspects of their craft” this past August.

In the weeklong event hosted at the Chicago Cultural Center, the diverse collection of directors was sectioned into six groups with which to collaborate and re-envision a key scene from one of three ‘classics’ pre-chosen by the Lab. more...

Karin McKie, Tree Falls Production

Parsimonious and Prudent Public Relations: How can theatre groups get the word out?

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

The more public relations and marketing work I do, the more this quote by anthropologist Margaret Mead resonates. Sometimes I think I should get a tattoo of it. Then, of course, I'd save another pound of flesh to sport my company's motto, no se vende lo que no se ensena (translates to "you can't sell what you don't show") my tongue-in-cheek nod to PR being a bit like prostitution. These quotes speak to my philosophy of getting a message out -- in a community, in Chicago, in the states, and in the world-at-large.

At Tree Falls Productions, we believe most paramount that you and your group can make a difference if you get your message out in a clear, concise manner. more...


Fundraising Advice for Individuals

Artist interview with Creative Capital Assistant Director Alyson Pou, courtesy of Creative Capital Foundation

What are the most important things for artists to know when applying for grants?

Grants are only one piece of pie for artists. They are just one part of a whole strategy that you come up with for yourself.

Before you begin looking anywhere for funding, spend time to find your own objective. Always stick to it. That's the first step. Artists sometimes make the mistake of wanting to mold themselves to what they think the needs of the grantor are. But it's actually just the reverse! You need to know your objective first.

The second step is doing research and identifying resources that match your objective. Sometimes, grants are the answers to that and sometimes they're not.
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