Conceived while students at The University of Iowa in 1997 by Michael Patrick Thornton and William Nedved, the idea for The Gift was to grow and nurture an ensemble and lay roots in an artistically underserved Chicago neighborhood. Heavily influenced by a class called “Alternative Approaches To Acting” taught by Dr. Eric Forsythe, the name of the theatre came from Jerzy Grotowski’s Towards A Poor Theatre:
“Acting is a particularly thankless art. It dies with the actor. Nothing survives him but the reviews, which do not usually do him justice anyway, whether he is good or bad. So the only source of satisfaction left to him is the audience’s reactions. The actor, in this special process of discipline and self-sacrifice, self-penetration and molding, is not afraid to go beyond all normally acceptable limits…The actor makes a total gift of himself.”
The ensemble is composed of actors, directors, writers, and improvisers. For over ten years, The Gift has earned and deepened its reputation as an ensemble dedicated to acting of the highest caliber and a welcome home for new plays. Natural Gas, giftED., giftLIT. and giftFILM offer, respectively, improvisation performances steeped in the Chicago “long form” tradition of montage, a two year high school training apprenticeship rich in the ensemble approach toward making theatre, a literature department offering readings and workshops, and a film company featuring the talents of the ensemble.
At Center Theatre Group and under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Ritchie, we believe theatre creates an extraordinary connection between artists and audiences that only starts on…
The Williamston Theatre began as the Williamston Theatre Project in the spring of 2004 when four Michigan-based theatre professionals, actor John Lepard, director Tony Caselli, arts…
Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre (PCRT) began as a dream of founding member David Judson. Upon completing his MFA, David hoped to bring professional level theatre to the Tri-Valley area. David…
San Diego Repertory Theatre produces intimate, exotic, provocative theatre.We promote a more inclusive community through vivid works that nourish progressive political and social values and…
At its best, theater transforms – inspires understanding of the rich diversity of the human experience, gives voice to the silent, and dignity to the dispirited. Through the creation and…
The Kingsmen Shakespeare Company is dedicated to presenting professional programs and performances of the works of William Shakespeare for the education and entertainment of people of all ages.
For 25 years, Writers Theatre has captivated Chicagoland audiences with inventive interpretations of classic work, a bold approach to contemporary theatre and a dedication to creating the…
The department offers four bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree programs in acting, musical theater, stage management, and theater design and technology. Students may also apply for direct…
Gift Theatre
Equity Theater