ELIZABETH M. BALTHROP, HEATHER M. GROVE AND MEGAN McCARTHY HAYES CO-CHAIRED > THE EVENT CELEBRATING “SUMMER IN THE CITY”
(Chicago, IL) Goodman Theatre’s Scenemakers Board celebrated “Summer in the City” on July 29 by raising more than $50,000 at its 5th annual Scene Soirée fundraiser for youth programming. Celebrating the best of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, more than 200 guests gathered at Ovation (2324 W. Fulton) to enjoy performances by YouTube beatboxing sensation Yuri Lane, abstract expressionist performance artist Elliott From and the Goodman Youth Poetry Ensemble. Attendees sampled local craft beer, noshed on Chicago-inspired foods and hit the dance floor with DJ Max Davis. Exclusive auction items and experiences highlighted some of the city’s most unique areas, and a spirited live-auction of an original painting, created by From during the event, went for $1,900 to Deborah and Jason Knupp (Scenemakers Board Vice President). The Scene Soirée raises funds for PlayBuild Youth Intensive, the Goodman’s long-running summer education program for youth. >
This year’s Scene Soirée was helmed by Special Events Committee Co-Chairs Elizabeth M. Balthrop, Heather M. Grove and Megan McCarthy Hayes. Scenemakers Board members advocate for the Goodman through audience development and fundraising initiatives. Members play a role in funding and supporting diverse new work and education programs while experiencing theater from the inside out. The Scenemakers Board is led by President Gordon C.C. Liao (Modjule LLC), Vice President Jason Knupp (Fleet TLC), Treasurer Justin A. Kulovsek (Nesek Digital) and Secretary Kelli Garcia (Non-Profit Consultant).
The Goodman is grateful to the sponsors of the 2016 Scene Soirée. Caliber Advisors and Kobrand Wine and Spirits were Presenting Sponsors. Ovation and Paramount Events were Premiere Event Partners. Clifford Law Offices, Katz & Stefani, Marquette Associates and Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated were Premiere Sponsors. Cal-Snax, Huber Financial, Nesek Digital and PwC LLP were Principal Sponsors. SociaLife Chicago was the Media Sponsor. Fortune Fish provided Event Support. Scenemakers Elizabeth M. Balthrop, Shelly Burke and Mollie O’Brien were Associate Sponsors.
Proceeds from the Soirée support PlayBuild Youth Intensive. More than 700 students have participated in PlayBuild since its 2007 inception; approximately 79% of participants attend public schools, with 51% enrolled in Chicago Public Schools. The comprehensive seven-week intensive is designed to further critical thinking, literacy and storytelling skills in 14 to 18 year-old students. Led by Walter Director of Education and Community Engagement Willa J. Taylor in collaboration with Goodman Theatre teaching artists, PlayBuild introduces participants to theater using ensemble building, object work and writing exercises. For more information, visitGoodmanTheatre.org/Engage-Learn.
About Goodman Theatre
Called America’s “Best Regional Theatre” by Time magazine, Goodman Theatre has won international recognition for its artists, productions and programs, and is a major cultural, educational and economic pillar in Chicago. Founded in 1925 by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth (an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s) and represented today by descendant Albert Ivar Goodman and Suzette “Suki” Dewey, Goodman Theatre has garnered hundreds of awards for artistic achievement and community engagement, including: two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards (including “Outstanding Regional Theatre” in 1992), nearly 160 Joseph Jefferson Awards and more. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, the Goodman’s artistic priorities include new plays (more than 150 world or American premieres in the past 30 years), reimagined classics (including Falls’ nationally and internationally celebrated productions of Death of a Salesman, Long Day’s Journey into Night, King Lear and The Iceman Cometh, many in collaboration with actor Brian Dennehy), culturally specific work, musical theater (26 major productions in 20 years, including 10 world premieres) and international collaborations. Diversity and inclusion have been primary cornerstones of the Goodman’s mission for 30 years; over the past decade, 68% of the Goodman’s 35 world premieres were authored by women and/or playwrights of color, and the Goodman was the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Each year, the Goodman’s education and engagement programs serve thousands of students, teachers and life-long learners. In addition, for nearly four decades A Christmas Carol has led to the creation of a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. >
Goodman Theatre’s leadership includes the Artistic Collective: Brian Dennehy, Rebecca Gilman, Henry Godinez, Dael Orlandersmith, Steve Scott, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor, Henry Wishcamper and Mary Zimmerman. Joan Clifford is Chair of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Swati Mehta is Women’s Board President and Gordon C.C. Liao is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.
