Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Estlin.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started with The Annoyance as an actor – I auditioned and was cast in Splatter Theater. After several years of doing shows with The Annoyance I moved to NY and was away for several years. I decided to return to help launch a film production arm of the theatre. Unfortunately, at the same time, our landlord sold the building and we lost the space. At that point, the person who’d been managing the company stepped away, and I took over as owner/ executive producer. Since then we’ve build 2 theatres, one that we were in for seven years, and the one we’re in now, in our third year.
Has it been a smooth road?
Never! Since the beginning of our company we’ve had to move several times – we’ve been in a total of 6 different locations. We’ve had to go through the process of getting a liquor license twice, without an attorney (they’re too expensive) and in Chicago, that’s not easy. Also, getting funding for the buildout of our theatres was a very rocky road.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Annoyance Theatre & Bar – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Annoyance Theatre & Bar specializes in comedy. We’re now in our 30th year, and are known for the edgy, funny and sometimes crazy shows we do in improv, sketch comedy, musicals and plays. All of our material is original and created by the people who are in the shows – we’ve created over 300 original works. Annoyance was the first theatre in Chicago to run multiple different shows on the same night – altogether we currently run over 30 different shows at a time. Annoyance is a place where artists can discover and cultivate their individual voices and then put their work onstage in an uncensored atmosphere.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Chicago is great for artists because there are so many wonderful influences. We have a diverse culture, and the city supports and encourages the arts. The worst part about Chicago is the weather… unless it’s summer, and then having a city by the lake is amazing.
Pricing:
- Our shows range from $5-$20
Contact Info:
- Address: 851 W BELMONT AVE
- Website: www.theannoyance.com
- Phone: 773-697-9693
- Email: mgmt@theannoyance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_annoyance
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnoyanceTheatre
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_Annoyance
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-annoyance-theater-and-bar-chicago-3
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
