A Message from Executive Director Brett Batterson

Welcome to the first issue of The Curtain Speech, the Auditorium Theatre’s newsletter written specifically for friends like you.  Before you read any further, I just want to mention that I really do count you among my most cherished friends—and I hope you know how much I appreciate all that you do. 

Of course, your friendship isn’t just special to me…it’s especially crucial to our National Historic Landmark theatre.  Good people like you are the lifeblood of the Auditorium—you ensure our doors stay open, our stage stays lit, and Adler and Sullivan’s magnificent creation will last for future generations to enjoy.

And because your generosity is so vital to the success of this cultural treasure, I want to keep you updated on all the exciting developments behind the scenes.  After all, you deserve to know what’s going on—both on stage, and off.  You have the right to see where your money goes, what events we’re planning, and what our goals are…now, and in the months and years to come. 

There’s a lot of information in this inaugural issue, but there’s just so much to tell you.  So many achievements are being realized because of your ongoing support.   As you read, I hope you consider joining us at any of the wonderful events we have planned.  I also hope you learn something new about the programming on our stage, our outreach opportunities, and our restoration efforts.  And most of all, I hope you realize what a tremendous difference you make to our past, our present…and our future. 

Enjoy The Curtain Speech.  And thank you for your friendship. 

Brett Batterson 
Executive Director
The Auditorium Theatre

It’s the Time of the Season

Now that the long cold winter is behind us, the hot nights of summer are just around the corner.  And this summer might just be the hottest yet.  This year the Auditorium Theatre is pleased to announce an exclusive event on our stage…Sullivan’s Summer Solstice Soiree.  Featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music provided by Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, and an auction and wine raffle, this thrilling evening will signal that summer has finally arrived.  The celebration will occur on June 20, 2013, from 6:00-10:00 p.m.  Tickets are only $150 for an entire night of fantastic food, company, and entertainment.  We hope you will join us for what promises to be one of the most exciting and exhilarating events of the summer!

 To purchase tickets to “Sullivan’s Summer Solstice Soiree” at the Auditorium, please call 312.341.2364. All proceeds from the event will benefit the ongoing programming, restoration and maintenance of the legendary Auditorium Theatre.

Pump Action

It wasn’t the most glamorous project—but it was one of the most necessary.  The theatre’s backstage plumbing pumps, which had been in use for a very long time, were in desperate need of replacement.  It was certainly an unpleasant problem to resolve, but our good friends realized that what goes on behind the scenes at the Auditorium Theatre is just as important as what you see on our stage. 

And now we’re pleased to announce that we reached our goal of $78,480, the full amount required to complete this entire project!  We have now secured the necessary funds to ensure that the backstage plumbing pumps in the Auditorium Theatre will soon be replaced.  Everyone at the Auditorium wants to offer our deepest thanks to so many people from throughout Chicago whose assistance keeps the theatre running smoothly and efficiently—and whose help guarantees that countless patrons will continue to enjoy all the inspiring programming and breathtaking architecture our National Historic Landmark has to offer. 

From the Heart

From the moment they first step through the door to their final performance on stage, they know they’re part of something special.   Their hearts may race as they stand in front of the crowd and their emotions may run high, but each of them represents an undeniably inspiring story of success. 

These performers aren't critically-acclaimed musicians or world-renowned dancers...they're children.  And they are part of Hands Together, Heart to Art, one of the Auditorium Theatre's most profound community outreach programs. 
 
Hands Together, Heart to Art is the Auditorium Theatre’s one-of-a-kind summer arts camp for children who have experienced the death of a parent.  The camp uses music, dance, and theatrical performances to help the children interact, communicate, and ultimately heal.  Each day the campers explore a new artistic medium and a different conduit for channeling their creativity, activities that help them overcome the obstacles of their past and confront the pain left in the wake of their loss.

In addition to their daily activities, each session of camp culminates in a final performance during which the children perform for their friends and family.  Another poignant moment at Hands Together, Heart to Art is the balloon launch, when the children write messages to their deceased loved ones, tie them to strings attached to balloons, and release them in unison at Buckingham Fountain.  Few experiences are more affecting than watching the balloons, each containing the campers’ purest, most intimate sentiments, ascend to be embraced by the sky.

Of course, even a program as inspiring as Hands Together, Heart to Art can never truly fill the void in the children’s lives.   But through this unique summer camp we help hurting kids understand that they are part of a family now, a community that not only cares, but empathizes with their loss and understands their grief. 

Obviously we understand that we can never fully fill the void in each child’s life.  But by providing them with this outlet we can aid hurting children in their healing and ultimately empower them to lead happy, productive and healthy futures.  These goals, and our commitment to them, only increase every year—and we honored by the kindness of all those who help us provide hope, guidance and comfort to so many young lives. 

                                                                                   

 To find out about supporting “Hands Together, Heart to Art” at the Auditorium, please call Amanda Byrne at 312.341.2364.

To Russia With Love…Book Your Trip Today!

Learn how to say Na Zdorovie like a local.  Bask in the shadow of St. Basil’s Cathedral.  Marvel at the brilliant colors and famous onion-domes.   Experience the finest dance companies in the world.  And see where ballet was born.   We are taking reservations now for the Auditorium Theatre’s Fall Trip to Russia—a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for friends like you.  From October 9 through October 19, 2013, you will visit galleries, cultural centers, and ballet theatres from Moscow to St. Petersburg and witness performances by world-renowned talent like the Bolshoi and Mariinsky.  Join us for an in-depth tour of the sights, sounds, and culture of this fascinating country.  Call (312) 341-2364 to reserve your spot today.

Our Cornerstones

Every landmark building needs a strong foundation…

 …a source of strength that helps shoulder the burden

…and a base of support upon which the structure must rest.

In each issue of "The Curtain Speech" this section will highlight some of the Auditorium Theatre’s cornerstones—individuals, corporations, and foundations whose support has been especially heartwarming.  We are incredibly grateful for their generosity and for their kindness.  And we want to acknowledge them because their selflessness is instrumental in helping our National Historic Landmark persevere, prosper, and grow. 

These are compassionate people, responsible corporations, and philanthropic institutions committed to making a difference in the world. 

These are friends just like you.

These are our cornerstones. 


Phil Lumpkin
 
 

Every once in a while, someone comes along who helps redefine your understanding of what friendship truly means.  Possessed by boundless energy, overwhelming compassion, and an enthusiasm that is truly limitless, Phil Lumpkin is just that type of person—and he is truly one of the Auditorium Theatre’s most gracious and loyal friends.  

 As the Immediate Past President of River North Dance Chicago, Phil has displayed an insatiable fondness for the arts and a pronounced desire to make an impact on the cultural world that we share.  But making a difference is something that comes naturally to him.  As the former Corporate Vice President for Provider Affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield, Phil oversaw education, outreach, and development of a variety of healthcare initiatives that continue to affect individuals and families on both the local and national level. Phil’s substantial achievements are too numerous to recount on a few pages, and his social and civic involvement is simply astounding.  He has received a seemingly inexhaustible catalog of accolades throughout the years and is heavily involved with some of Chicago’s most respected cultural organizations.

 As an arts lover and admirer of dance (as well as a guiding force behind one of Chicago’s premier artistic organizations), it was only natural that Phil and the Auditorium would develop a longstanding friendship.  Over the years, he’s expressed an affinity for the Auditorium’s legacy, and is especially drawn to the quality and eclecticism of our yearly lineup.  “The Auditorium Theatre is really a beautiful venue and it’s a National Historic Landmark,” he explained.  “I enjoy its programming and the broad range of performances that they provide.  All of those elements—the programming on stage, the landmark status, and the venue itself, really make it completely unique.”

 

One of Phil’s most admirable qualities (and a trait for which we are especially grateful) is that he is truly concerned about not merely enjoying the arts, but creating opportunities for others to benefit from the insight, exhilaration, and excitement that music, dance and theatre provide.  “I’m very grateful to be able to connect people to art forms that I feel strongly about,” Phil said.  “It’s rewarding to be able to see people experience art and see the effect that it has on them.” 

As you can see, Phil’s impact on the Auditorium can never truly be measured, and we are incredibly honored by everything he has done, and all he continues to do, to help our theatre succeed—as an advocate, a philanthropist, and an arts lover.   But most importantly, we are honored to call him our friend.

 

Board Room

Interested in joining the Auditorium Theatre Junior Board?  We now have spaces available!  The Junior Board is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to: network with other young professionals, become involved in the community, help restore our National Historic Landmark building, or make an impact through our outreach programs.  To find out more, attend a FREE informal reception (with FREE cocktails, too!) on Monday, May 6, beginning at 5:30 pm at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 East Congress Parkway.  And don’t forget to mark your calendars for our annual Devil’s Ball, which will be held on September 27, 2013.