Nathan Allen, resigns as Artistic Director House Theatre of Chicago

For Immediate Release - It is a very sad day for us to hear that Nathan Allen, Artistic Director as well as guardian of The House Theatre of Chicago, resigns his artistic position. A few months ago we witnessed House moving out of their wonderful headquarters with offices, rehearsal space, storage and scenic design rooms. It was their long lasting dream and took decades to build. It felt horrible and so unfair...


10/13/20 - 10/13/20


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Zygmunt and Lela Dyrkacz
info@ChopinTheatre.com
773.396.2875


Nathan Allen, resigns as Artistic Director House Theatre of Chicago


Chicago, IL - It is a very sad day for us to hear that Nathan Allen, Artistic Director as well as guardian of The House Theatre of Chicago, resigns his artistic position. A few months ago we witnessed House moving out of their wonderful headquarters with offices, rehearsal space, storage and scenic design rooms. It was their long lasting dream and took decades to build. It felt horrible and so unfair.

 

We were lucky for twelve years to host two to four House Theatre presentations annually at our Main Stage. For each production, to be fascinated with total rearrangement of our stage, seating and often lobby. With dozens of artists working on original text, music and spectacular production design. Those long nights and the following weeks filled with enthusiastic audiences were reasons to keep us going. And somehow Nate kept all of this together. But always with financial stress on how to pay for it all including our rent which we felt somehow guilty even though we have to pay mortgages and growing numerous licenses, taxes and insurances on time to exist.

 

Even in those very adverse situations, you and your committed partners were able also to extend House Theatre spectacles to downtown Chicago, Miami as well as in escape rooms.

 

As 30 yr vets of Chicago theater, and parents of four sons, we fully understand Nate's (and many other artists) struggle to reconcile family responsibilities with management of a theater on a string budget.

 

We hope one day our election debates notice the Arts and its 2,000+ years contribution to beauty and understanding of human existence. And offer some meaningful support (perhaps one less B2 bomber?) for artists like Nate Allen and House Theatre to continue freely their passion. So that the next generation of artists can build upon that expertise and sustain Chicago theater as the nation's most innovative and relevant.

 

With all of hearts, Nate we thank you for your talents, energy and leadership.

 

All the best for your new artistic and parental adventures. As long as we exist, our doors are wide open.

 

Zygmunt and Lela Dyrkacz
Artistic and Managing Directors
Chopin Theatre