League of Chicago Theatres Launches THEATRE WEEK 2016 Today

Chicago Theatre Week, an annual celebration of the rich tradition of theatre-going in Chicago, will take place today, February 11, through February 21, 2016, spanning a week and two full weekends. Now in its fourth year, Chicago Theatre Week is a program of the League of Chicago Theatres in partnership with Choose Chicago. Tickets are $30, $15, or less and will go on sale at 10:00am CST Tuesday, January 5, 2016.

All participating shows and offer details will be listed on the Theatre Week website, www.ChicagoTheatreWeek.com, when tickets go on sale on January 5, 2016.

In February 2015, 116 productions offered value-priced tickets for performances during Chicago Theatre Week. Almost 10,000 Chicago residents and visitors spanning 40 states attended a show during Chicago Theatre Week. This coming February, visitors and residents will again have the opportunity to sample the extraordinary range of theatrical offerings throughout Chicagoland.

"Last year, Chicago Theatre Week was expanded to 11 days and it was the most successful one yet. Theatre Week, with tickets on sale for comedies, dramas, musicals, and the entire range of Chicago productions throughout our city offers the perfect opportunity for people to visit their favorite theatres, or to check out a new company," comments Deb Clapp, Executive Director of the League of Chicago Theatres. "We are so thrilled to be able to share the amazing work this theatre community produces with Chicago audiences and visitors."

"Cultural tourism is a critical component to achieving Mayor Emanuel's goal of increasing annual visitation to 55 million by 2020," said Melissa Cherry, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Cultural Tourism for Choose Chicago. "Chicago Theatre Week remains instrumental in bringing visibility to Chicago's acclaimed theatre scene. Heading into the fourth annual event is exciting as it shows real consumer interest in the rich array of Chicago theatrical productions including touring and pre-Broadway productions, world premieres, intimate shows in small theatres, new musicals, and old favorites."

Kate Lipuma, Executive Director of Writers Theatre and Chair of the League of Chicago Theatres adds, "Last season's Theatre Week was a huge success as it offered Chicagoans and visitors even more opportunities to visit their favorite theatres and explore new companies all across the city and suburbs. This season promises to be stronger than ever as we celebrate the tradition and quality of theatre in Chicago."

Chicago Theatre Week is presented by the League of Chicago Theatres in partnership with Choose Chicago. Subscribe to the Theatre Week email newsletter or follow @ChicagoPlays on Twitter for updates and announcements.

Chicago theatre is a leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theatres throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theaters to the most renowned resident theatres in the country, including 5 that have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago's theatres serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. In the 2014-2015 season, Chicago theatre companies produced more than 100 world premiere productions and adaptations. Each year, Chicago theatres send new work to resident theatres across the country, to Broadway, and around the world.

The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theatres which leverages its collective strength to promote, support, and advocate for Chicago's theatre industry locally, nationally, and internationally. The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the art of theatre in the Chicago area through audience development and support services for theatres and theatre professionals.

For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago Theatres website, www.chicagoplays.com. Half-price tickets are available each week at www.hottix.org. Additional information about Chicago Theatre Week is available at www.chicagotheatreweek.com.

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