Regional Theatre Tony Awarded to Lookingglass Theatre

The American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards has announced that Lookingglass Theatre is the recipient of the prestigious 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, marking the fifth Chicago company to receive the award. Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Victory Gardens Theater and Chicago Shakespeare Theater are previous recipients of the Regional Tony.

One of the most coveted honors in the entertainment industry, the Regional Theatre Tony Award honors a non-profit, professional regional theatre company in the United States that has displayed a continuous level of artistic achievement contributing to the growth of theater nationally. It is awarded by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing based upon a recommendation by the American Theatre Critics Association.

"With this honor bestowed upon Lookingglass, Chicago is now the only city in the nation with five theater companies which have received the Tony. Time and time again, Chicago's theater community has proven itself to be the leader in the US for theater. We congratulate Lookingglass as we celebrate all five of Chicago's Regional Tony Awards," comments Deb Clapp, Executive Director of the League of Chicago Theaters.

"The entire Chicago Theater community is thrilled to see Lookingglass Theatre Company, another one of our own, recognized by the Tony Committee. We live in the greatest environment for theater in the world. Only in Chicago, where over 200 theaters support each other and the creation of new work, could the reality of a city being home to 5 Regional Tony Awards be possible," says Eileen LaCario, Board Chair of the League of Chicago Theatres and Vice President, Broadway in Chicago.

Lookingglass Artistic Director Andrew White comments, "This award is an acknowledgement that Chicago is the most vibrant theater town in America, from the institutions to the storefront theaters from which we spring, and the continued flowering of new work that grows up out of the Chicago pavement on a daily basis. It speaks to the incredible, diverse community of gifted artists, as well as the enormous community of open-minded and open-hearted theater-goers and supporters who value the creation of new work, the importance of taking artistic risks, and the unique power of ensemble theater."

Chicago theater is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theaters throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theaters to the most renowned resident theaters in the country, now including 5 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago's theaters serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. No other city in the country has such a creative, respected and thriving theater community. Chicago theater, with both its exceptional theater and extraordinary talent pool, has long been the envy of the world's top theater cities and is second to none in number and innovation.

Each season, Chicago boasts more than 800 productions annually. It is estimated that Chicago's theater industry generates over $1 billion in average economic impact annually to restaurants, bars, hotels, parking and retail establishments throughout the city and suburbs. The city's theater industry contributed $21 million in local taxes in 2008 alone. Chicago theater currently employs nearly 15,000 artists, including actors, directors, playwrights, choreographers, musicians, designers, stage hands and administrators.

The League of Chicago Theatres' Mission Statement
The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theaters which leverages its collective strength to promote, support and advocate for Chicago's theater industry locally, nationally and internationally. The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the art of theater in the Chicago area through audience development and support services for theaters and theater professionals.

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