(Updated May 29, 2003)

"Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!  Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from evil." -- The Prayer of Jabez, 1 Chronicles 4:10.

CTN/Chicagoland is the cornerstone of the Christian Theatre Network and manifestation of its continuing the Prayer of Jabez.

This resource page is possible because our territory has enlarged through interaction between Ministry Theatres and Believing professionals since CTN formed in April 2002.

We define CTN/Chicagoland as any area within a two-hour drive of metropolitan Chicago -- its suburbs; Northwest Indiana, and southern Wisconsin

Included is a compilation of resources and commentaries to enable greater communication and development in the careers and ministries of members of the Kingdom in that region.

Our focus is theatre, film and worship using dramatic arts (dance, poetry, multi-media.).  We are not currently networking musicians or musical concerts, although we will glad offer referrals as the network grows.  Some Networking Fellowships include musicians among their constituents.

We encourage Ministry Theatres, Professional Theatres, and theatre-related programs to continue to pray the prayer, and share their information.

Guide to Resources

Networking Fellowships -- Organizations which hold period meetings or worship services open to Believing artists, professional and amateur.

Upcoming Events – Theatre productions, workshops, classes for or involving Believing artists.

Costume Shops -- Companies which provide a variety of costume and prop needs, ranging from inexpensive novelties to elaborate period wear

Conferences – Training seminars involving local fellowships.

Consultants – Individuals who teach, mentor, conduct workshops on person; or who provide expertise on-line.

Lighting, Stage and AV Equipment – Companies which rent or sell equipment.

Resource Publications -- Books helpful in building a library of information on practical aspect of theatre: from performing to producing to writing in commercial and ministry theatre.

Theatre Development -- Organization which assist theatres individually or by networking.

Theatre Photography -- Photographers or printers specializing in theatre publicity pictures or artists' headshots.

Tickets and Ushering -- Facilities or organizations providing free or low-cost admission to professional productions, or opportunities to volunteer behind the scenes.

Trade Journals -- Periodical publications which provide on-going information on auditions, sources of technical needs regarding the theatre and film industries.

Resume Services -- Companies which assist creation or duplication of acting resumes.

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 Networking Fellowships

Organizations which hold period meetings or worship services open to Believing artists, professional and amateur. The fellowships offer a variety of ministry mentoring, career development, and resource sharing opportunities.

ARTIST GATHERING – “Time of fellowship for all types of artists graphic, dramatic, visual, etc.  We do discussion, networking, and then prayer.  Its very informal and each one is different.”  Meetings: The third Friday of each month, 7 p.m.  More Information: Scott Parker, showbread2000@hotmail.com.

CHRISTIAN ARTISTS NETWORK – “The Provision of C.A.N. is to spiritually empower artists and to provide them with access to information that may lead to further development of their skills. This information is disclosed by means of workshops, seminars, coaching, etc.”  Meetings:  Last Monday of each month at Total Living Network studios, 38 S. Peoria, Chicago (The corner of Madison and Peoria). Free Parking is Available. More Information:  Allen Edge, (312) 458-9399 ext. (2); aedge@tln.com at P.O. Box 2274, Matteson, IL 60443 or call (708) 754-7121.

CHICAGO GENESIS – “Our focus is on providing support, encouragement and spiritual care for Christians dedicated to the arts. We come from diverse backgrounds and are not affiliated with any one church or denomination. We are definitely Christian, in that we acknowledge the Christhood of Jesus, but we are also open to the questions and creative thoughts that make artists threatening to traditional church settings.”  Meetings: At least once a month at various locations within Chicago, for support, service, worship or fun. Newcomers are always welcome. All meetings are accessible by public transportation. More Information:  Jim Ruby, 773-592-2003.  information@ChicagoGenesis.org; http://www.chicagogenesis.org/pages/476018/index.htm.

CHRISTIAN POETS SOCIETY -- Collection of poets from traditional to hip-hop.  Meetings:  Weekly open mike sessions.  Sponsored by Christian Poets Society, Room at the Cross Church, 1432 W. 87th, Chicago. More Information: www.artthoublessed.com; docgroove@excite.com; 773-684-8058

CHRISTIAN THEATRE NETWORK –“Our mission is to connect regional drama ministries by being a communications medium for shared services, personnel and outreach needs; to link these ministries with opportunities and services within the professional performing arts community - for "all things come together for good for those who love the Lord."  Meetings:  Periodic “Meet-and-Greet” get-togethers with drama ministries or other fellowships, scheduled by request. More Information:  Michael Edgar Myers, Founding Director, 114 Horizon Circle; Carol Stream, IL  60188. http://www.christiantheatrenetwork.org/.

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIANS IN VISUAL ARTS/CHICAGO (ICVM) – An affiliate of ICVM in Minneapolis, ICVM/Chicago aims to assist in professional filmmakers in the development of the craft, and to assist Believing filmmakers with the unique challenges inherent to being a Believer in the industry; and to help local churches understand the importance and role of media in the church.  Meetings:  Second Tuesday of each month, Heart & Soul Café, 253 E. Rand Road, Mt. Prospect.  More Information: gsilagi@storie.com.

PRAISE BREAK, Singing Out Loud Communications – “An uplifting monthly lunchtime "Hour of Power".  designed to cultivate the mind, nourish the body and edify the soul through gospel music presentations, praise, worship and fellowship.”  Meetings: Once a month during lunchtime at various locations throughout Chicago. More Information:  Jackie Horton at (312) 306-9544 http://www.singingoutloud.com/.

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Periodical publications which provide on-going information on auditions, sources of technical needs regarding the theatre and film industries.

PERFORMINK -- Biweekly listings of Equity and non-Equity auditions, actors' nights, scripts wanted, positions available, as well as feature stories on current events in Chicagoland. Periodic issues focus on single-themed topics such as classes, scriptwriting, and marketing. Available on-line; by subscription.   (Write: 3223 N. Sheffield, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60657; Phone: 773-296-4600; Fax: 773-296-4621.) http://performink.com/

AUDITION NEWS -- Monthly listings of auditions for union, non-union, community theatres; variety shows and theme parks; music and modeling positions; some how-to articles, guide to talent agencies; teaching positions throughout the Midwest. Available at theatre bookstores, talent agencies, by subscription. (Write: P.O. Box 250, Bloomingdale, IL 60108; Phone: 630-894-2278; Fax: 630-8364.)

ACT ONE REPORTS - Updated listing of agencies, casting directors, photographers, and industry related information. Published by Act One Studios.  (Write: 640 N. LaSalle #535, Chicago 60610; Phone: 312-787-9394; Fax: 312-787-3234). http://actone.com/

SCREEN MAGAZINE - Bi-weekly journal on current events in film, television and advertising industries, includes features on theatre and humor. (Write: 222 W. Ontario, 5th Floor; Chicago 60610; Phone: 312-640-0800; Fax: 312-640-1928.) http://screenmag.com/

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 Resource Publications

Books helpful in building a library of information on practical aspects of theatre: from performing to producing to writing in commercial and ministry theatre. Many are updated annually.  Contents apply to commercial and Christian theatre.

ACTING

THE AUDITION NEWS PERFORMER'S HANDBOOK - Directory for professional and community theatre in Chicago area; national theme parks and cruise ships; information for jingle singers, and extensive suggestions for competing in voice-over industry. Mail-order: Chicago Entertainment Co., P.O. Box 250, Bloomingdale, Il 60108.

THE BOOK: AN ACTOR'S GUIDE TO CHICAGO (Edited by Mechelle Moe) - Directory of photographers, casting directors, talent agencies, and providers of technical equipment. Plus, guide to history of theatre in Chicago, history of Improvisation, and tips for practical aspects of living in the industry - including training schools, coaches, housing, public transit maps, and health resources. http://performink.com/

ACTING IN CHICAGO: HOW TO BREAK INTO THEATRE, FILM & TELEVISION (by Belinda Bremner) -- Practical steps on how the industry works in Chicago, but principles are applicable to other regions. Topics include roles of agents, casting agents, unions; recommended tools of the trade; differences between working in film and theatre; suggestions for working in voiceover markets, and how to work with talented children. Available at Act 1 Bookstore. http://act1books.com/

PRODUCTION

THE CHICAGO CREATIVE DIRECTORY - Compilation of data on advertising, producing and technical agencies. (Write: 333 N. Michigan Ave., #810; Chicago 60601; Phone: 312/236-7337; Fax: 312-236-6078) http://creativedir.com/

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 Costume Shops

Companies which provide a variety of costume and prop needs, ranging from inexpensive novelties to elaborate period wear .  Costumes may be available for rental or purchase. Remember your church's tax-exempt number.

* Some shops may have sections that are risqué or adult oriented that patrons may find offensive. Leave children at home the first time. Parental discretion advised.

CHICAGO

A LOST ERAS COSTUMES AND PROPS -- 1511 W. Howard; 60626; (773) 764-7400; Fax (773) 764-7433. http://alostera.com/

BEVERLY COSTUME SHOP -- 11628 S. Western, 60643, (773) 779-0068, Fax (773) 779-2434. http://beverlycostume.com/

BROADWAY COSTUMES, INC. -- Rents costumes and makeup. Aids in
costume plots. 1100 W. Cermak Road, 60608, (312) 829-6400, (800) 397-3316, Fax (312) 829-8621. http://broadwaycostumes.com/

CHICAGO COSTUME CO. -- 1120 W. Fullerton, 60614, (773) 528-1264
Fax (773) 935-4197. http://chicagocostume.com/

CHICAGO HAIR GOODS COMPANY -- Make-up & supplies, dyes, wigs and wig-making supplies, falls, beards, etc. Catalog free to wholesale customers, otherwise $5 (deductible from order). 428 S. Wabash Ave.,. 60605-1272, (312) 427-8600.

CHICAGO HAIR GROUP -- 734 N. LaSalle, o 60610 (312) 337-4247.

DANCE & MIME SHOP -- 643 W. Grand, 60610, (312) 666-4406. http://danceandmimeshop.com/

FANTASY COSTUMES HDQ. -- Costumes, masks, wigs, promotional event planning. 4065 N. Milwaukee, 60661. (773) 777-0222, (800) 777-4228, http://fantasycostumes.com/; info@fantasycostumes.com.

GRAND STAGE LIGHTING CO., INC. -- Theatrical supply house. Friendly plastic, Foam Fast, Make-up, Armor putty, etc. Free catalog available. -- 630 West Lake St., 60606, (800) 621-2181 http://grandstage.com/

SUBURBAN

ACTION FABRICS -- 214 E. Chicago Ave.; Westmont. 60559 (630) 323-1962

ALL DRESSED UP COSTUMES -- 150 S. Water, Batavia 60510 (630) 879-5130, Fax (630) 879-3374. http://alldressedupcostumes.com/

A MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR -- 6010 W. Dempster, Morton Grove. 60053; (847) 966-5090, Fax (847) 966-7280.

BEAD DIFFERENT - Beads, rhinestones, lycra, lame, trims etc. Send $4 for
catalog. #7 West Quincy, Westmont, IL. 60559.

CENTER STAGE -- 497 Rt. 59, Aurora 60504 (630) 851-9191

FACEMAKERS, INC.-- 140 Fifth St., Savannah, Il 61074 (815)-273-3944, Fax (815)273-3966. http://facemakersinc.com/

MAR-RAY COSTUME SHOP -- Wide variety of rental costumes, make-up, wigs, masks, hats. Children's costumes available for purchase only. 154 N. Northwest Hwy., Rt.14, Palatine 60067 (847) 991-0777, http://marraycostumeshop.com/.

RAZZLE DAZZLE COSTUMES -- 1038 Lake Street, Oak Park 60301 (708)-383-5962
Fax (708) 383-0069; http://razzledazzlecostumes.com/

RILEY'S TRICK & NOVELTY SHOP (makeup) -- 6442 W. 111^th, Worth 60482. http://rileytrickshop.com/

SHOW OFF -- 1772 Elmhurst Road, Elk Grove Village 60007 (847) 439-0206
Fax (847) 439-0219. http://showoffinc.com/

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 Tickets And Ushering

Facilities or organizations which help provide free or low-cost admission to professional productions, or opportunities to volunteer behind the scenes.

HELPFUL LINK:  CHICAGO THEATER HOME PAGES guide to the home pages of each professional Off-Loop Theatre. http://www.illyria.com/theatre.html

Hot Tix

The League of Chicago Theatres operates Hot Tix booths that sell tickets to participating productions at half price (plus a service charge). http://www.hottix.org/.  An updated list of available shows is posted daily on the Chicago Reader-sponsored Hot Tix Web page. Booths also offer full price tickets through Ticketmaster.  .For booth hours and more details, see the Web page or call 312-922-7212.

CHICAGO

Hot Tix Booth, 78 W. Randolph

Chicago Water Works Visitor Center, 163 E. Pearson

Tower Records, 2301 N. Clark

Tower Records, 214 S. Wabash.

SUBURBAN

Skokie -- North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd.

Schaumburg -- Tower Records, 1209 E. Golf Rd.

Bloomingdale -- Tower Records, 383 W. Army Trail Rd

The Saints

From The Saints webpage:  “To the best of our knowledge, the Saints is the first and only organized volunteer support group of its type in the country to serve the entire performing arts community.”  Contact: The Saints, Athenaeum Theatre Building, 2936 North Southport, Suite 203; Chicago 60657 773-529-5510, Fax 773-529-5512, http://www.saintschicago.org/; info@saintschicago.org

 “Our goal remains, primarily, to help the smaller, not-for-profit performing arts organizations. Our most visible presence in the theater community is as volunteer ushers. But we do more, much more. If a performing arts organization needs help, we do whatever we can to accommodate them.” Membership Requirements. 

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Theatre Development

Organizations which assist theatres individually or by networking.

LEAGUE OF CHICAGO THEATRES -- Provides marketing, advocacy and membership services; and acts as information clearinghouse, maintains resources files, and publishes bimonthly newsletter. Sells day-of-the-performance theatre tickets at HOTTIX locations. (Write: 228 S. Wabash, Suite #300 Chicago, IL 60604. Phone: 312-554-9800) www.chicagoplays.com

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Theatre Photography

Photographers or printers specializing in theatre publicity pictures or artists' headshots.

ROBERT ERVING POTTER III -- Theatrical Promotional Photographs, Production Stills: Performance Shots, Photo Calls & History Shots. Clients and subjects have included James Belushi, John Malkovich, Wil Clinger, Chris Farley, Bonnie Hunt, Isabella Hoffman, Robert Bly and Prime Minister Wilson. Corporate clients include The Second City and Goodman Theatre.   2056 W. Superior, Chicago, 60612-1314, (312) 226-2060; www.REP3.com

 NATIONAL PHOTO SERVICE  – Reproduction of headshots, postcards and resumes.  108 W. Illinois, Chicago 60610, www.nationaltalent.com, nps@nationalphoto.com

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Consultants

Individuals who teach, mentor, conduct personal workshops, or provide expertise on-line.

LIGHTING

STEVEN HAWORTH -- Freelance lighting designer and theatre lighting consultant in the Chicago area, and a founding member of the Vineyard Center for Artists, Evanston, IL. sjh@idm.com or haworth@enteract.com

PERFORMANCE TRAINING

CHICAGO ACTORS.COM – Contact information for coaches in acting, accompaniment, dialects, movement, singing, speech therapy, voice and speech, and voiceovers. http://www.chicagoactors.com/rpcoaches.cfm

DIRECTING, MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT

MICHAEL EDGAR MYERS – Freelance director, actor and playwright provides workshops with individuals developing solo material; works with drama ministries seeking to start or fine-tune organization; offers workshops in conflict management in ministry.  themyersplace@msn.com

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Lighting & Stage Equipment

Companies which rent or sell lights.  Some have special rates for church ministries.

CHICAGO SPOTLIGHT, INC. -- 1658 W. Carroll; Chicago, 60612; (312) 455-1171; Fax: (312) 455-1744. www.chicagospotlight.com

DESIGNLAB -- 328 N. Albany; Chicago, 60612; (773) 265-1100; Fax  (773) 265-0800. www.designlab-chicago.com

GRAND STAGE LIGHTING COMPANY -- 630 W. Lake; Chicago, 60611; (312) 332-5611; Fax (312) 258-0056. www.grandstage.com

PERFORMANCE LIGHTING, INC. -- 395 Kent Avenue; Elk Grove Village 60007; (847) 952-9600; Fax (847) 952-9620. www.performancelighting.com

AV-Equipment

THE SCREEN WORKS -- Manufacturer of E-Z Fold Portable Projection Screens and Presentation Products. 2201 W. Fulton, Chicago 60612; (312) 243-8265; Fax (312) 243-8290; 1-800-294-8111. www.thescreenworks.com

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Resume Services

Performers with professional desires must have a headshot and resume to obtain auditions in film or theatre. These companies assist in creation or duplication of acting resumes.

ACT 1 BOOKSTORE -- Assists in design and maintenance of resumes. 2540 N. Lincoln; Chicago 60614; (773) 348-6757; Fax (773) 348-5561. www.act1books.com

BOB BEHR -- Resumes by Mac, 4738 N. LaPorte, Chicago 60630, (773) 685-7721;
Fax: (773) 283-9839

CHICAGO ACTOR HELP -- Assists with design, agent letters, printing on headshots. 5045 N. Damen #1 E, Chicago 60625, (773) 334-1709, www.cah.freeservers.com

INK WELL -- Assists with resume, headshot printing.  112 W. Illinois, Chicago, 60610,
(312) 644-4700; Fax: (312) 644-4703