When we see live theater, what is our goal? Is it connection? Relaxation? Are we primarily looking to be inspired? Entertained? Why, in the hustle and bustle of our lives, do we agree to take two hours away to enter another world? Ultimately, what do we want our experience as audience members to be? I think there are many answers to that last question, and my own personal answer has changed throughout my life. In my years working as a professional actor, I went to the theater to be inspired and moved by my fellow artists. I sought after grit, drama, and truth because those were the qualities I wanted to foster in my own work. I wanted to see the highest form of art I could as a means to further my craft. As I grew older, began working in the business world, and started to raise a family, I craved something else: entertainment. After a long week full of personal and professional commitments, I wanted a place to escape and be wholly swept away. When I thought about opening a theater company, a longtime dream for someone who adores the art form and has an affinity towards leadership, I thought of creating a company that could combine these two seemingly disparate ideas – high-quality and highly entertaining art. With Windy City Playhouse, I envision a new kind of theater. A theater where high art and high levels of entertainment combine – a space for friends to gather, colleagues to engage and strangers to meet, all in the name of art. Our primary creative endeavor will be live theater, but other contributing art forms will play a part. With the addition of visual art, auditory art, and the art of mixology, we will entertain and engage audiences in a new and holistic way. Our vision for a contemporary theater showcasing relevant, accessible works was greeted with excitement and open arms from a supportive community. Under the guidance of our esteemed directors, equally accomplished designers, and important community leaders, we are proud to present our inaugural season. It is a testament to Chicago that our vision for a new Equity theater is being so warmly embraced. Indeed, we aim not to compete with the excellent art that already exists, but rather to complement what is already here. We look forward to seeing how our efforts further enrich this vibrant creative community. I hope the Playhouse becomes your neighborhood spot for a great night out with theater. In today’s fast-paced world of news, information, and technology, we offer this space as an opportunity to sit back and relax, reflect and be entertained. We invite you to experience our new theater in 2015.