Chicago Dramatists' Blue Moon Gala Set for Zolla-Lieberman Gallery Tonight

Chicago Dramatists invites Chicago to celebrate its first 35 years and play a role in the future of American theatre by joining the "Drive for 35" and the annual Blue Moon Gala. The goal of the online "Drive for 35" is to raise $10,000 before the Blue Moon Gala, which takes place tonight, June 6 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Zolla-Lieberman Gallery, 325 W. Huron, Chicago. The Blue Moon Gala unites philanthropic, civic, business and artistic communities in celebration of Chicago Dramatists' mission to develop new plays and nurture playwrights for the benefit of the American theatre repertory.

"Chicago Dramatists' physical footprint may be small, but our artistic footprint reaches into countries around the world," said Artistic Director Russ Tutterow. "For 35 years, we have been the creative home for new and established playwrights whose work affects the entire American theatre ecosystem and beyond."

For the second year, the annual Chicago Dramatists Awards will be presented at the Gala to honor outstanding individuals who embody its mission of nurturing playwrights' careers and developing new work that define American theatre. The 2014 honorees are:

Brett Neveu, Resident Playwright Emeritus: Marquee Award for Stellar Career

Patrice Fletcher, Vice President, Chicago Dramatists Board of Directors: Ambassador Award for Commitment to New Plays

Robert Koon, Resident Playwright, Baer Hall Award for Dedication to the Playwright Community

"The Blue Moon Gala and Drive for 35 support the important opportunities we provide to both beginning and established playwrights to develop their work," said Neill Shanahan, Board President. "At Chicago Dramatists, playwrights can collaborate with actors, directors and audiences early in the creative process and continue as their plays develop through workshops, readings and productions."

Blue Moon Gala tickets and online Drive for 35

Blue Moon Gala attendees will enjoy music, food stations by An Apple A Day, drinks and a raffle among the latest Deborah Buttlerfield sculptures at the Zolla-Lieberman Gallery, 325 W. Huron. Individual tickets are $175 and Champion tickets at $250 include entry in an exclusive raffle for a Stratford Shakespeare Package. Tickets for the Blue Moon Gala, raffle tickets, and the Drive for 35 contributions can be purchased/made on line at www.chicagodramatists.org.