Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie J. Sullivan.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Carrie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Originally born from a small nucleus of improv alums, The Factory Theater took root in Rogers Park twenty-five years ago in a humble storefront space on Loyola. The goal of The Factory back then is the same as it is today: generate all-original material, solely from the members of the ensemble.
Like most storefronts with limited resources and funding, this first home was barely this side of being a theater space in the first place – the kind of charm that only Chicago’s storefront theaters can boast. Props and costumes were “DIY”, “pull from your closet” or “track it down yourself”, and the plays themselves were closer to loosely organized improv with guiding plot points than properly written scripts. Over time, the process of script writing became more formal and standardized, culminating in a set three-show season, with the shows being chosen by a Seven-Person Play Picking Committee.
Due to building code violations far beyond The Factory’s ability to financially remedy at the time, a short itinerant period followed before landing at The Prop Theater for a 10 year residency in 2004. In late 2014, The Factory was presented with the incredible opportunity to build a brand new storefront space on Howard Street in Rogers Park. A huge fundraising initiative took place and, between public support and private funding, the new Factory Theater space opened in the spring of 2016. Since then, The Factory has produced four original scripts, with a fifth on the way, and hosted Strawdog Theatre for three productions of their own, in addition to several one-night-only engagements for and with various producing companies.
Programming has been selected through Season #26 and the goal of The Factory, as reflected in the Mission Statement, remains the same:
The Factory Theater delivers unexpected, unapologetic theatrical experiences through original works forged and assembled by our shameless ensemble.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh heavens, what a question! I can’t imagine anybody running any kind of arts organization without struggles.
Organizationally, money is always challenging. Even being a landlord with the ability to collect rent, managing the bookings and getting the word out is an on-going challenge. A space of our own brings responsibilities far beyond that we’ve had to deal with in our previous situations, from paying the electric bill to keeping the shared bathrooms clean. Grants can be hit-or-miss (especially if local or state funded) and ticket sales are the same; shows that seem too sure to be a ‘hit’ fall short and other shows that you fear will flop will sell out. It is incredibly difficult to predict.
Deciding to take on the herculean task of opening a space of our own was probably our biggest struggle to date. Raising the money through an Indie Go-Go Campaign and working through the logistics of building a space and opening a business proper was absolutely massive. We recognized when we decided to take the leap that we were putting the very company itself at risk.
Creating original art is an ongoing struggle in-and-of itself, from providing a nurturing and safe environment in which to create and explore, to navigating difficult conversations regarding feedback and honest critique.
The Factory Theater – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
There are two key elements to The Factory Theater: one is that the plays we produce are always original, and always written by an ensemble member. We generate all of our own material, every little bit of it.
The second is our commitment to theater that is accessible to novice as well as seasoned theater-goers. Pretentiousness and preciousness is checked at the door. We work hard, we play hard, we produce high-quality, entertaining productions and we welcome everyone to come check out one of our shows. If you don’t think you like theater, come to a Factory show.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Without question, opening the new space on Howard. I still kinda can’t believe we did it.
Pricing:
- Students and Senior Citizens $18 tickets
- Regular priced tickets $25
- Will do group sales discount, depending on the group size
- Industry night ticket is $10
- Preview weekend tickets are $10
Contact Info:
- Address: 1623 W. Howard
Chicago IL 60626 - Website: www.thefactorytheater.com
- Phone: 773-305-5775
- Email: carrie@thefactorytheater.com
- Instagram: @factorytheater
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/factorytheater/
- Twitter: @factorytheater
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/factory-theater-chicago-2
Image Credit:
Michael Courier and Dan Tamarkin
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