Curtains Up at The Actors Gymnasium
EVANSTON, IL - The Actors Gymnasium is pleased to announce the installation of new drapes in its theater made possible by a grant from The Saints as part of their mission to support arts organizations in Chicago and nearby communities through volunteer and charitable services.
The new drapes were installed on Sunday after being delivered by manufacturers MainStage Theatrical Supply. The Actors Gymnasium puts on eight productions annually, ranging from summer camp performances and youth performances to original circus-theatre productions featuring the best of the Chicago circus community.
"After years of dealing with mismatched drapes held together by gaff tape, upholstery thread, and hope, we finally have drapes that match the professionalism and hard work that our students and performers bring to the space," says Co-Artistic Director Larry DiStasi.
The Actors Gymnasium was one of 22 organizations to be awarded a total of $115,000 in grants. In total 144 applications were submitted for the grants that ranged from $500 to $7,500. Funding for the grants comes almost exclusively from the annual membership dues of the 2,200 members of the Saints.
The curtains will be put to immediate use for a production opening May 16 titled The Great Superhero Exposition: Spring Youth Circus.
Co-Artistic Director Larry DiStasi unpacks the new drapes as Nicholas Carroll assists with installation.
About The Actors Gymnasium:
The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively. For more information, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org
Location:
The Actors Gymnasium is located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, IL - just off of the Noyes purple line 'L' stop. The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is owned by the City of Evanston and home to over 20 artists and arts organizations offering music, theater, and visual arts programs and studios. The galleries exhibit local artists, with exhibitions changing every two months.
Actors Gymnasium classes are taught in a 3,000 sq/ft gymnasium space that features a 1,600 sq/ft sprung floor and a fully rigged 24 foot ceiling. All aerial equipment such as the Aerial Hoop, Spanish Web, aerial silks, static trapeze and more are provided, as well as the equipment for ground skills such as unicycling, juggling, tight wire and gymnastics. Classes such as dance, or drama may take place in other studios within the Noyes Cultural Arts Center that feature tiled/wooden floors. Padded gymnastic mats and other equipment are added if necessary.