Theatre Building Chicago Sold To Stage 773

Brian Posen, Artistic Director of Stage 773 (formerly known as Lukaba Productions), has announced that the sale of the Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Avenue, was completed on Friday, May 28, 2010, and Stage 773 is now the primary tenant of the 3-theatre venue.

"We are honored to be entrusted with the future of this building, which holds such an important place in the Chicago arts community," said Stage 773 board chair Laura Michaud. "We look forward to continuing and building upon Theatre Building Chicago's tradition of providing support as well as space for Chicago's performing artists."

The company formerly known as Lukaba Productions also officially announced it has changed its name to Stage 773.

"The name Stage 773 better expresses our company's mission to celebrate the richness, creativity, innovation and spirit of Chicago's off-loop theatre movement," explained Brian Posen.

The company will remain under the creative direction of Posen, who also teaches at the Second City Training Center (Program Head) and Columbia College. Posen has an extensive career in Chicago theatre as an actor, director, teacher and producer. He is also the creator of the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, the world's largest sketch comedy festival, which will be celebrating its 10th year in January 2011 at Stage 773.

Stage 773 acts to embody the vibrant spirit of Chicago off-loop theatre by celebrating the creative process, supporting the work of actors, directors, writers, composers and designers; nurturing the artist, offering material, technical, organizational and emotional support; honoring the audience, presenting accessible, affordable, exceptional entertainment.