Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Commissioner Mark Kelly, League of Chicago Theatres Executive Director Deb Clapp, and many other civic, arts and theatre leaders announced plans to designate 2019 as the ‘Year of Chicago Theatre.’ This citywide, year-long focus on theatre is the first of its kind in the U.S. The initiative will include theatre performances – including improv, dance, opera, puppetry and more – and special events for the public at hundreds of cultural venues, theaters, parks and neighborhood locations throughout the city. The Year of Chicago Theatre follows the success of 2017 and 2018 initiatives celebrating Chicago’s public art and its creative youth. Its mission is to make 2019 a year in which the city of Chicago emphasizes the prominence of its expansive and innovative theatre industry. Additionally, a partial list of partner organization commitments includes:

• A redesigned ChicagoPlays.com website (League of Chicago Theatres)

• Theatre-themed events in all 77 community areas, as part of the Night Out in the Parks series (Chicago Park District)

• Additional resources for Chicago Theatre Week – and a major marketing campaign for visitors that leverages the new brand for Chicago theatre (Choose Chicago)