Action Alert: Save About Face

Shaker Sarah emailed me the following, which I am reprinting with her permission: "I know you're a Chicago local and I wanted to alert you to the fact that one of the vital spaces in the city might be closing its doors. If you don't know about About Face, you should - they are a LGBTQ theatre company, based out of Chicago, dedicated to creating work about the LGBTQA experience.

"What's more significant, they have extensive youth programming, that creates a safe space for amazing youth artists and activists to express themselves. I worked with the youth theatre for two years, and I could go on for days about the incredible work that happens within the youth theatre. This past summer, for example, we put up FAST FORWARD at the Center on Halsted, an original production presented by and for young people about sex education and HIV awareness in our educational system. Previous productions have explored issues of identity, homelessness, coming out, allies and much, much more.

"The basic info is below: People can donate by going to www.aboutfacetheatre.com or check out video testimonials at facethefuture.wordpress.com, from youth, community members and other artists who reflecting on what AFT means to them and to Chicago's queer community."

The following is from the theater's press release sent out to promote the campaign:

About Face Theatre, one of Chicago’s leading LGBTQ institutions and the original home of Pulitzer-prizewinning I AM MY OWN WIFE, is in danger of closing.

To confront this immediate crisis, About Face has launched a national "FACE THE FUTURE" campaign to save the organization and ensure its future. The About Face Board of Directors is asking for immediate financial contributions in order to keep its doors open, staff paid, and the youth theatre program intact.

About Face Theatre creates exceptional, innovative and adventurous plays to advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity. If About Face does not survive, the country will lose one of the few high-profile theaters making new work by and about the LGBTQ experience. The award-winning About Face Youth Theater serves queer youth by providing artistic experiences and leadership training.

In response to the economic downturn and significant debt, About Face has reduced its budget by over 30% by implementing staff and production cuts while also postponing our third show. This is the responsible action to take, but it is not enough. If you help us raise $300,000, we will solve our immediate crisis and build a foundation for ongoing financial health. DONATE NOW at www.aboutfacetheatre.com.

They're almost halfway there:


Let's help finish that rainbow. If you can't donate, it's okay—teaspoons come in all shapes and sizes and purposes. Pass on the word to people who might be interested in helping; blog about it; drop a link in comments at other blogs with amenable crowds.

Teaspoons ahoy!

o.oP