Music Institute of Chicago Renames Black Box the Puth Family Theater

On November 9, the Music Institute of Chicago welcomed the Puth family, longtime Music Institute supporters, to 1702 Sherman Avenue in Evanston for the official renaming of its black box theater as the Puth Family Theater, in honor of Betsey L. Puth.

Puth retired from the Music Institute of Chicago's Board of Trustees in August 2016 after 15 years of service. She co-founded the Patron Society, the Music Institute's premier philanthropic community of donors. Residents of Winnetka, she and her husband, John W. Puth, have contributed generously year after year to the Music Institute's Academy for gifted pre-college musicians, the annual Gala, the Patron Society, and other areas of the institution's activities.

The November 9 festivities included a performance by violinist and Academy Fellow Hannah White, who previously was a Betsey and John Puth Fellow Laureate. Family members gathered with Music Institute officials to officially relaunch the theater space.

"The Music Institute of Chicago flourishes in large measure because of the dedication and generosity of people like Betsey Puth," said Music Institute President and CEO Mark George during the event. "Betsey and her family support our belief that a community's engagement with music greatly enhances that community's quality of life. We are pleased to name this theater in honor of the Puth family."

The Puth Family Theater is an open and flexible black box performance space for intimate productions including plays, chamber operas, cabaret performances, and acting classes, as well as conferences, lectures, films, live music, dance, and theatrical productions. Located in the heart of downtown Evanston, this beautifully designed 120-seat facility features current technologies, sound booth, flexible seating arrangements, and abundant parking. For more information about the space, visit musicinst.org/puth-family-theater.

The Music Institute of Chicago is dedicated to transforming lives through music education. Founded in 1931, the Music Institute has grown to become one of the largest and most respected community music schools in the nation. Offering musical excellence built on the strength of its distinguished faculty, commitment to quality, and breadth of programs and services, the Music Institute is a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education and accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Pre-collegiate Arts Schools (ACCPAS). Each year, the Music Institute's teachers reach thousands of students of all ages and levels of experience. Music Institute locations include Chicago, Evanston, Winnetka, Lincolnshire, Lake Forest, and Downers Grove. In addition, the Music Institute is proud of its longstanding partnership with the Chicago Public Schools through its Arts Link program. The Music Institute offers lessons and classes, and concerts through its Community Music School, Academy, and Nichols Concert Hall. For more information, visit musicinst.org.

Pictured: Mira Courpas and Jonathan C. Puth (Washington, DC), Betsey L. Puth (Winnetka), Alison Puth (Boston, MA). Photo Credit: Elliott Mandel