Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Clark.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I opened the DCTORIUM in 2014 as an alternative venue to the TV-filled sports bars where many local shows were happening. I never liked being in those places or performing in them and I felt many of my peers agreed. There are some great music venues but even those seemed ill equipped for variety stage shows. At the DCTORIUM, we have concerts, art openings, comedy, theatre, dance, live audience participation recording sessions and variety shows that combine it all. You can rent the space for a private party, rehearsal or film shoot.
I have been very lucky to have the help of many talented people. John Clark is the lighting designer and also does live concert lighting for the stage. Jordan Snow is the audio engineer for many live shows and most recording sessions.Erick Deshaun Dorris created a year long performance series in 2016 initiating several popular events like the Kinky Butch Witching Hour and Werkshop. There are many others who help on a regular basis making the DCTORIUM a community center in Logan Square.
There also exists the Clark-Legner school of music on site. The music school offers private lessons on all instruments as well as percussion ensemble and commercial ensemble. Sessions run by quarter. Most lessons are given by me or Amanda Legner.
We are also excited to unveil RALE, the in-house large ensemble to perform works by local composers, in spring 2018.
Has it been a smooth road?
The most difficult struggle has been working closely with the local community and the Chicago community of musicians ( which is magically special ) and having to balance volunteer work and having to charge my friends money ( which can be depressingly difficult.) It is always hard to ask for money, even at the door of a paid event. However, there is a cost of putting on a free show; If I cannot cover that cost, I cannot put on a show. Have you seen a gas bill? Winter jacks up costs for all, especially a public venue.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the DCTORIUM story. Tell us more about the business.
Have you ever gone to a show and it feels like the staff and venue are annoyed that there is a show going on? It feels like the event you came there for is a side note to their business of loud, bright TV and over-priced alcohol.
At DCTORIUM we pride ourselves in a ‘homey’ vibe, like the fellowship hall none of us can afford in their own house. The art show on the walls changes regularly with almost all pieces for very reasonable sale prices. The music series features local and touring acts, often seen in Chicago for the first time and the lineups often bring together different social cliques to a larger community.
There are many music venues in the city that have 5 or 6 bands every Thursday thru Sunday but don’t ever do anything different. Since, we have a variety of community built shows, there are events 2 to 3 times a month that are all unique and specialized. I don’t think anyone in the city has the variety of types of happenings that the DCTORIUM does.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think the popularity of musicals and variety shows gives an indication that the people are tired of having to choose what form of entertainment the get for an evening. The real ‘variety’ show, a combined performance which can include theatre, dance, comedy, burlesque, clowning, music, open mic, live painting, art opening, ted talk, community meeting and anything else, is the goal and desire of the people and thus, for DCTORIUM.
People want to go out and meet others, and part of that is an environment where they can do that. I hate it when you go to a concert and before the show, between the acts and after the show, the house music is blaring louder than the bands that played. It’s like the venue is saying, “drink your booze and shut up, other people are jerks and so are you!” At DCTORIUM, you can expect to meet someone who already knows your comtemporaries and have an informative conversation, perhaps make an important contact in your network, then watch a life-sized Bahomet puppet or a psychedelic singer/guitar/bassist rock it with 2 drummers.
Pricing:
- Shows are $5 to $10 suggested donation
- Rent the space with lights and sound for $150 for the evening
Contact Info:
- Address: 3026 w Armitage
- Phone: 630-639-8750
- Email: industry.dctorium@gmail.com
- Facebook: D.C.Torium@facebook
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