Filament Theatre, Jackalope Theatre & More Among BIC Emerging Theater Award Finalists

The League of Chicago Theatres announces the five finalists for the 2014 Broadway In Chicago Emerging Theater Award. This is the eighth year of the award, which provides $5,000, consultation with Broadway In Chicago staff members, and a marketing package that includes advertising support.

The award was created in 2007 to encourage, support and promote young theaters in Chicago that have demonstrated great ability and promise, artistic excellence and fiscal responsibility in business practices. The honoree will be selected from this group of finalists by a majority vote of member companies of the League of Chicago Theatres.

The 2014 finalists are: Filament Theatre, Jackalope Theatre, Oracle Theatre, Pavement Group and Sideshow Theatre Company.

Applications for the award were accepted during April and May of 2014. Eligible companies must be a member of the League of Chicago Theatres, have been incorporated at least 3 and no longer than 10 years, and have demonstrated artistic excellence, fiscal responsibility, community leadership, and potential for future growth.

A nomination committee comprised of Chicago theatre industry professionals and educators reviewed the applications and selected five finalists. The finalists will be presented before the entire League membership for a final vote in May. The award recipient is determined by majority vote from the entire League membership and will be announced prior to the League of Chicago Theatres Annual Gala to be held this year on June 9. Each member company is permitted to cast one vote toward the finalist of their choice. The House Theatre of Chicago, Silk Road Theatre Project, the side project, Steep Theatre, The New Colony, Theatre Seven of Chicago and 16th Street Theater are previous recipients of the award.

"Broadway in Chicago is fortunate to be a part of the Chicago theatre community, one of the most vibrant theatre communities in the world," comments Lou Raizin, President of Broadway In Chicago. "It gives us great pleasure each year to recognize theatre companies that are emerging and distinguishing Chicago with their great work. The Emerging Theater Award celebrates the extraordinary spirit of mentorship that is unique to our city."

Deb Clapp, Executive Director of the League of Chicago Theatres adds, "The League of Chicago Theatres is once again partnering with award sponsor Broadway In Chicago to present The Emerging Theatre Award to a Chicago theatre company. The award is a testament to the collaborative and supportive nature of the Chicago theatre community. This award has made a significant impact on the emerging companies it supports and we are thrilled to honor a company in this manner.

The award will be presented at the League of Chicago Theatres Annual Gala, an elegant one-night-only event that brings together friends of Chicago theatre to raise funds for programs to support Chicago's 240 member theatre companies. This year's event will be held on Monday, June 9, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. at Swissotel Chicago, 323 E Upper Wacker Dr, Chicago.

Tickets are available for $300 per person, and all proceeds benefit The League of Chicago Theatres which promotes, supports and advocates for theater in Chicago. To purchase tickets, or for sponsorship opportunities and participation information, visit www.chicagoplays.com or call 312-554-9800.