Looking to experience more culture, more arts? BackStage Evanston, on Sept. 18, provides a sneak peak to 17 different local performances.
The unique experience will take place from 3:30-7 p.m. at the Ethel M. Barber Theater at Northwestern University.
“We’ve got a lot of performing arts in Evanston,” says Penny Rotheiser, chair of the event and co-chair of the Arts & Business Committee of the Arts Council for the City of Evanston. “Sometimes people aren’t aware of it, because we’re so close to Chicago. They don’t realize what’s in their own backyard. This festival is an opportunity for them to see that.”
You’ve heard of Taste of Chicago; well, this is Taste of Evanston, but for performing arts instead of food.
Each participating performing arts organization receives a 5-minute slot to showcase their talent. In the lobby, each organization will offer discounted tickets to their full performances. These tickets are available only at BackStage Evanston.
Similar to Taste of Chicago, attendees buy their ticket for $20; this serves as a $20 voucher that can be exchanged for the special offer from any participating organization. People will also have the option to purchase additional vouchers at the event, so they can buy the discounted tickets from multiple organizations.
Participating performing arts groups include Actors Gymnasium, Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra, Evanston Dance Ensemble, Evanston Symphony Orchestra, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, The Lakeside Singers, Light Opera Works, The Musical Offering, Music Institute of Chicago, Next Theatre Company, North Shore Choral Society, Northwestern University Theatre Department, Piccolo Theatre, Piven Theatre Workshop, Renovo String Orchestra, The Savoyaires and Theatre Zarko.
It’s safe to say, there will be something for everyone. Sweets and hors d’oeuvres are also complimentary with ticket purchase.
If one night of arts isn’t enough, Downtown Evanston, the marketing arm of Evanston, is hosting a musical block party for all ages to enjoy on Saturday, September 17.
BackStage Evanston is presented by the City of Evanston and Evanston Arts Council, partnered with Downtown Evanston, to create the entire weekend of arts and entertainment.
Between the block party, the sweets, the deals, and, of course, the sample performances, Evanston is proving that it has what it takes to compete when it comes to the performing arts.
For tickets or further information, visit backstageevanston.com or call 847-448-8260. You can also get tickets at their Brown Paper Tickets page.
