Chicago Dramatists and Harrington College announce design competition

Nov 22, 2010
Chicago Dramatists

Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Avenue, is celebrating its 32nd anniversary by sponsoring a competition to redesign its theatre lobby and entry. Chicago Dramatists, true to its mission of supporting Chicago's playwrights and encouraging innovative artistic partnerships, is thrilled to collaborate with the Harrington College of Design Alumni Association for a creative contest to renovate its lobby and exterior. This opportunity was made possible through a grant from Chicago Community Trust, as a part of the Arts Engagement Exchange.

Eligible teams of students in the school's interior design program and Harrington alumni mentors will submit proposed designs to refurbish the Chicago Dramatists exterior entryway and interior lobby for a first place cash prize of $750 and a $250 second prize. The winning design will be constructed and the team will be recognized with a plaque in the theatre lobby.

Teams visited the site and were briefed on the project in October and an expected 6-10 teams will produce their submissions this month for consideration. The top three designs will be honored at a recognition ceremony on December 1, 2010, and be displayed in the lobby for the run of the 2011 world premiere productions. The winner will be announced on December 3, 2010. The estimated date of the interior construction will be complete by the next Chicago Dramatists' premiere production, BORDELLO, on February 4, 2011, and the second phase of renovating the exterior, should wrap up in time for the opening of the final 2010-2011 production of HICKORYDICKORY in March.

The historical building where Chicago Dramatists currently resides was originally erected as the Yondorf Block and Hall and in 1886 and designed by architect Fredrick W. Aschlager. Today, Chicago Dramatists' facilities include a 77-seat theatre, a 1,000 square foot lobby and box office, two dressing rooms, two classroom/rehearsal halls, a reception area and lounge for the playwrights, and administrative offices. Each season, 11,000 people visit the theatre and more than 500 writers participate in weekly programs. Chicago Dramatists' goal is that these tangible improvements will enhance and contribute to its patrons' experiences and impressions of the theatre. Chicago Dramatists also hopes that the transformation will create a more visible and identifiable exterior facade with an improved awning and signage, a lighted poster box, benches, planters, and street furniture. On the interior, the theatre's brand identity and donor relations are aimed to be strengthened through lobby displays and an upgraded concession area.

A panel of professionals made up by members of Chicago Dramatists, Harrington and others will select the winning design. The construction budget for both interior and exterior improvements is approximately $13,500. The selection committee will evaluate submittals on the basis of the following:

·Communication of Chicago Dramatists' brand identity
·Feasibility with respect to budget and construction
·Use of finishes, fixtures, and displays
·Presentation of the design
·Design Concept as communicated by the Statement of Intent