Neighbors Take Center Stage to Save our Theaters
Evidently, unless you are the Kennedy Center, this president and his administration don’t care about the arts. In fact, a spate of recent cuts and the threat of more indicate that not only is culture not a priority, but it is considered a waste of money. What can an average person living on Chicago’s Northwest Side do to help protect the arts and our theater culture?
“Continue to wholeheartedly show our support of our small arts organizations!” asserts Manisha Dayal, who has lived in the Sauganash neighborhood for more than 20 years and averages a play or two each month in Chicago and neighboring cities—sometimes more.
“Theater unites us. Provides a shared, singular experience. Removing funding will devastate Chicago’s vibrant arts community. Will take away the livelihoods of so many people. Will mute the voices of so many we are just beginning to hear from—LGBT, BIPOC and others. Community is essential, and the arts foster that in unique and essential ways,” Manisha says.
For Manisha, a therapist who spent her childhood in India, Canada and the U.S., the arts have always been important. “Theater, especially street theater, is a part of Indian culture, especially around holidays like Diwali and Dussehra. I even performed a little there, and when I was in elementary school here in the U.S. Maybe you caught me in the Campus School production of Rumplestilskin,” she offers with a laugh.
She began regularly attending theater in Chicago in the early 2000s, and her involvement intensified after the pandemic. “I have several clients in the theater world, and I was struck by how drastically COVID upended their lives. I wanted to support them,” she says.
Every Ticket Helps
Manisha says she seeks out smaller and community theater productions, and she recalls memorable shows at the Shattered Globe, South Asia Institute, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, the Curious Theatre Branch and more.
“I think their smaller budgets force them to be more creative and innovative, and maybe because of their size, they are free to explore topics some larger theaters may not be able to,” she says. “Another important factor: They are way more affordable!”
Her friend Susan Green, a native Chicagoan who has been a live theater aficionado since the 1980s, sees about four plays a month with her husband in a typical summer. “We love Chicago theater and are so lucky to have so many options. I’m always on the lookout on Hot Tix or League of Chicago Theatres. I intentionally seek out smaller theaters because if I don’t–if we all don’t–they won’t be here for long,” she says.
“We have to step up if our federal government won’t!” Manisha says. “Those of us with means should make it a priority to see more theater, to support the arts in general. If they can go a step further and purchase memberships, great! Make donations, even better!”
Sharing is important, too. Susan suggests: “Tell people about the great productions you’ve seen. Organize a group to go together. Some people are intimidated by live theater, and going with a group makes it more accessible.”
Susan says she understands that big theaters and large arts groups will be impacted by the federal cuts, too. But she notes, “corporations and major donors will always support big-name theaters. Smaller theaters won’t survive without our support.”
Support local theaters directly. Donate, subscribe, buy tickets. Even a small contribution makes a difference!
3rd Dimension Performance Group
Curious Theatre Branch, including its upcoming Rhinofest
Read more about how federal funding cuts are harming local arts organizations and what you can do to help.
Check back here soon for a resources page with more ways to help local theaters.
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