Infamous Commonwealth Closes Its Doors

After nine seasons filled with seven After Dark Awards, five Non-Equity Jeff Awards, and 27 productions that included such critically-acclaimed shows as The Kentucky Cycle and The Grapes of Wrath, Infamous Commonwealth Theatre (ICT) is no longer a producing theatre company.

A letter was sent out the morning of Monday, July 25, 2011 to all ICT supporters from ICT Founder Genevieve Thompson, which said in part:

"It is my sad burden to inform you that ICT is closing up shop.

As most of you are aware, the business of running a theatre company in the Chicago community is very hard work. For nine years, our dedicated ensemble members have been working on a strictly volunteer basis. Their passion and dedication has been, in my opinion, unmatched. To work 40 hours a week to pay the bills and then put in another 40 hours a week at your theatre? Without pay? That is truly incredible.

But, as we've all grown older, our priorities have had to shift. Many of us are unable to volunteer that much time to our company, much as we might want to, because we have important relationships to nurture; we have bigger bills to pay; and we have personal goals to reach. This shift in priorities has made it nearly impossible to keep up with the administration of running our beloved theatre company.

You have taught the members of this company how to be bold, passionate, confident artists. I've no doubt that you'll be seeing us all around town, working with our colleagues at other persevering companies. Who knows? Maybe a few years down the road, as our lives and priorities continue to shift, we will find the means to reorganize and put ourselves back into this rich community of artists. Until then, thank you for all you've given us over the years. It has been an honor producing plays for you and with you."

 

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