Profiles Theatre, currently celebrating its 22nd Season, has acquired the former Stage Left Theatre space, located at 3408 N. Sheffield. The fifty-seat theatre will managed by Profiles beginning September 1, 2010, and will be renamed The Second Stage. Profiles will continue to perform at and operate its home theatre, 4147 N. Broadway.
The Second Stage will be renovated and maintained by Profiles therefore securing the theatre as a viable, extremely affordable performance space for young, emerging, and established itinerant companies. Profiles will also use the space when necessary as an alternative venue so that shows with extended runs can continue without interrupting the regular season.
"Things have changed since we started back in 1988," says Profiles Theatre's Artistic Director Joe Jahraus. "When we began, there were so many reasonable options to find a space to rent and put up a show. We've seen a lot of great spaces come and go through the years, lost to developers and escalating real estate costs which have ultimately silenced many new companies."
"We want those young companies' voices to be heard," adds Associate Artistic Director Darrell W. Cox. "This is a non-profit venture for us. The Second Stage will allow a new generation of artists the same opportunities we had to experiment, learn and grow while reducing the financial risk for them. It is important to us in our 22nd season to invest in the Chicago theatre community and this is our way of doing that."
Stage Left moved to the intimate theatre on Sheffield in February 1995. The company is leaving the space to take up residence at the new Theater Wit complex beginning in October, along with three other theatre companies.
The Second Stage is located in the heart of Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, just a few blocks south of Wrigley Field. Paid parking is available on Clark Street across from the theatre and on Roscoe St, two doors south. The theatre is located near both the Addison and Belmont El stops.
The Second Stage is available for prime time, off and late night productions, rehearsals, classes and benefits. Lighting and sound equipment is provided and the theatre is fully air-conditioned. For rental information, call Profiles at 773-549-1815.