Hicks
05-13-2008, 06:10 PM
CONTACT YOUR ALDERMAN TODAY! Seriously. Shoot an email to your alderman opposing the Chicago Promoters Ordinance. This Ordinance will directly impact our ability to produce small comedy shows as well as small music and theater and we should try and get it stopped. If passed groups will have to: buy $300k in Liability Insurance, Pay $500 for a lincense to promote events, sign a contract with venues stating the accountabilities in the event of an accident at our show, have to register all shows with the Police, be fingerprinted, be background checked and detail what security we'll have at events. Please just shoot a note to your alderman. The note I sent is below...feel free to steal:
Dear Aldermen Waguespack and Tunney,
I am currently a resident of the 32 Ward, but resided in the 44th Ward for many years and consider the 44th Ward to be the "hub" of Chicago's vibrant improvisational comedy scene. I am writing to express my deep concern and objection to the proposed Chicago Promoters Ordinance.
As I'm sure you're both aware, Chicago has set itself apart as the US city most friendly to amateur actors and artists. As reported in a recent Chicago Reader article, there are over 5,000 improvisors (!) living in Chicago and there are more famous comedians with roots in Chicago then any other city. The reason that Chicago has distinguished itself in this way is the abundance and quality of the fringe theaters. Young actors choosing a city to begin their career recognize that Chicago has more opportunity and a better artistic community then both New York and Los Angeles. I consider this an tremendous asset to the City of Chicago that should be preserved at all costs.
By enacting the Chicago Promoters Ordinance, the City will effectively put a large number of these Fringe Theater companies out of business. The folks who produce this sort of theater simply will not have the budget to afford the licensing fees proposed. Even the cheapest license (Class D), is more then most small theater companies have budgeted for shows and is certainly more then they make in profit. The type of people that will be hit hardest by this ordinance do not produce shows for money, they do it for the love of the art-form and are often young and extremely poor. There appears to be protection for Not for Profits in the ordinance (which is a positive), but most of these small time companies cannot even afford the money to register as a 501c. Additionally, some of the best Fringe Theater is not put up in fixed-seat venues (which also appear to be okay under the ordinance), but in bars and black-boxes around the city.
It is these performances that make Chicago Theater what it is, not Broadway in Chicago and other large venues. Please do not make it impossible for them to continue their work. I understand the need for increased safety when it comes to events held in Chicago, but please consider the broad-span of constituents who will no longer be able to produce their work. I urge you to vote against this ordinance and protect the people who are trying to keep Chicago the best city for theater and comedy in the world.
Thanks for your time.
Dear Aldermen Waguespack and Tunney,
I am currently a resident of the 32 Ward, but resided in the 44th Ward for many years and consider the 44th Ward to be the "hub" of Chicago's vibrant improvisational comedy scene. I am writing to express my deep concern and objection to the proposed Chicago Promoters Ordinance.
As I'm sure you're both aware, Chicago has set itself apart as the US city most friendly to amateur actors and artists. As reported in a recent Chicago Reader article, there are over 5,000 improvisors (!) living in Chicago and there are more famous comedians with roots in Chicago then any other city. The reason that Chicago has distinguished itself in this way is the abundance and quality of the fringe theaters. Young actors choosing a city to begin their career recognize that Chicago has more opportunity and a better artistic community then both New York and Los Angeles. I consider this an tremendous asset to the City of Chicago that should be preserved at all costs.
By enacting the Chicago Promoters Ordinance, the City will effectively put a large number of these Fringe Theater companies out of business. The folks who produce this sort of theater simply will not have the budget to afford the licensing fees proposed. Even the cheapest license (Class D), is more then most small theater companies have budgeted for shows and is certainly more then they make in profit. The type of people that will be hit hardest by this ordinance do not produce shows for money, they do it for the love of the art-form and are often young and extremely poor. There appears to be protection for Not for Profits in the ordinance (which is a positive), but most of these small time companies cannot even afford the money to register as a 501c. Additionally, some of the best Fringe Theater is not put up in fixed-seat venues (which also appear to be okay under the ordinance), but in bars and black-boxes around the city.
It is these performances that make Chicago Theater what it is, not Broadway in Chicago and other large venues. Please do not make it impossible for them to continue their work. I understand the need for increased safety when it comes to events held in Chicago, but please consider the broad-span of constituents who will no longer be able to produce their work. I urge you to vote against this ordinance and protect the people who are trying to keep Chicago the best city for theater and comedy in the world.
Thanks for your time.