Raven Theatre Receives $100,000 Gift

Raven Theatre is the recipient of a $100,000 gift from a single donor, Executive Director Kelli Strickland announced today - the largest gift the theatre has received for general operations. The donor, who chooses to remain anonymous, is a Chicagoan who regularly attends performances of all types of performing arts produced by institutions of varying sizes. In making this contribution, the donor said, "It reflects my belief in general that storefront theaters are an important aspect of the Chicago cultural environment and in particular that Raven Theatre is an integral part of that community. In my judgment, Raven Theatre has been taking the kind of steps that will move it forward to the next level in providing superb theatrical productions and education. I trust this contribution will help the theater reach that level more rapidly than it otherwise would have."

Strickland said the contribution is for general operations, but in conversation with the donor it has been agreed that the gift be used in part toward a major facility improvement project scheduled for this season, and also to increase the working capital available to the theatre. "Raven experienced an extraordinary amount of growth last fiscal year, both programmatically and administratively. This level of giving, from a donor who is both an arts lover as well as an expert in organizational life cycles, is a great shot in the arm to confirm that we've been taking thoughtful and sustainable actions for growth."

Raven Theatre has operated continuously since its founding in 1983 by Michael Menendian and JoAnn Montemurro. From 1985 to 2000 Raven Theatre's performance venue was an intimate 70-seat space in a former Rogers Park Post office. In 2002, the company purchased its own home, a former grocery store at the corner of Clark and Granville in Edgewater. Raven's current home includes a 140-seat main stage theater - one of the largest of any Chicago storefront theaters - as well as a 60-seat studio theater. The company, known for its focus on modern realism, has brought professional productions of classic and new plays alike to audiences at affordable prices. Its 60-seat studio is occasionally available to itinerant companies needing a performance venue. The company also operates an Education Department providing instruction to children and teens through teaching residencies in Chicago public schools, school field trips and weekend classes and summer camps at the theater.

Raven will launch its 32nd season on September 16, 2014, with a production of Arthur Miller's All My Sons.

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