Step Up Productions - Darlin'

Artistic Director & Founder Elizabeth Antonucci Presents

Darlin’

By Joshua Rollins, Directed By Ilesa Duncan CAST (IN ORDER OF APPEAR ANCE) Clem.................................................................................................................................. Elizabeth Birnkrant Smith................................................................................................................................ Todd Michael Kiech Kenny.................................................................................................................................................... Jake Carr Troy....................................................................................................................................... Robert Hardaway Dee.................................................................................................................................. Elizabeth Antonucci Hank..........................................................................................................................................John Wehrman Jake.........................................................................................................................................Bradford R. Lund There will be one ten minute intermission.

PRODUCTION TEA M Joshua Rollins.................................................................................................................................Playwright Ilesa Duncan........................................................................................................................................Director Robert Groth and Jenniffer Thusing............................................................................... Scenic Design Mike Durst............................................................................................................................ Lighting Design Raquel Adorno.................................................................................................................. Costume Design Joe Court.................................................................................................................................. Sound Design Lisa Griebel....................................................................................................................... Properties Design Dorthea Walstrom...............................................................................................................Makeup Design Marc Mixon...................................................................................................................... Technical Director Brandy Reichenberger................................................................................................................ Dramaturg Shandee Vaughan............................................................................................................... Stage Manager Catherine Allen.......................................................................................................... Production Manager Tara Branham.......................................................................................................................Casting Director David Rosenberg.............................................................................................................................. Publicity Liz Lauren................................................................................................................................... Photography Bridgette Baggio................................................................................................................. Graphic Design Elizabeth Antonucci.................................................................................... Artistic Director & Founder Darlin’

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T H E C O M PA N Y Step Up Productions is a non-profit theater company with a mission to communicate stories authentically, inspiring audiences to identify and embrace their own personal truths. Step Up Productions became a nonprofit company to better serve other great nonprofit organizations in and around Chicago that are also committed to helping people get to a better place. We are committed to supporting those organizations that help others become self-sufficient.

One of Step Up Productions’ core values is generosity. We are committed to doing our part to help others get to a better place by finding organizations that support themes in our stories, donating dollars and dedicating ourselves to something bigger. We will be donating a portion of our proceeds to House of the Good Shepherd for women affected by domestic violence. House of the Good Shepherd serves with love and compassion women and children affected by domestic violence by providing a safe place with opportunities for emotional and spiritual growth, giving hope and continued support for a better future.

If you are interested in supporting Step Up Productions beyond the price of admission, donations are tax-deductible and can be made anytime you choose. You can call our office at 312-316-8355 or you can find us through our website: www.stepupproductions.org.

You can send a check payable to: Step Up Productions 40 E Chicago Ave, Suite 121 Chicago, IL 60611

THE CHARIT Y: HOUSE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD Domestic abuse occurs across all cultural and socio-economic groups. It could be happening in the home of your friend, your sister, or your neighbor. If you know someone affected by domestic violence, be a guiding force to get her help. Convince her of the danger, to herself and her children, of living with an abusive partner. Help her develop a safety plan - putting together important papers, personal items, clothing, and a list of people she can call during an emergency.

Be an advocate! Domestic violence is a crime. If you know someone in immediate danger, call the police. Resources and help are available through the city of Chicago Domestic Violence Hotline (877) 863-6338, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233.

You can make a real difference in the lives of mothers and children struggling to recover from violence with a donation to House of the Good Shepherd, P.O. Box 13483, Chicago, IL 60613.

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Darlin’

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A L E T T E R F R O M T H E A R T I S T I C D I R E C TO R A N D F O U N D E R Dear Step Up Productions Patrons, Have you ever woken up and asked yourself, “How did I get here?

When did this become my life?” Have you ever felt trapped in your life, in your body, and the only way to survive would be to leave it all behind and start over?

What drew me to this story is the unapologetic portrayal of these characters who are struggling to find what is real for them in a life that at times feels predetermined, specifically our two leading ladies, Clementine and Dee, who find each other at a crucial moment on their very separate journeys. It is a brutally honest portrayal of the struggle of a woman to achieve her truth in a society that has rigidly defined what it means for a woman to be successful.

When dealing with the issue of “getting ahead,” women are often faced with more rigid expectations, defined not only by their professional accomplishments, but their success as a wife and mother as well. Clem and Dee are experiencing firsthand the issues that plague the minds of women as we take on more and more in the hope of achieving what we always thought we wanted.

The question of who is in charge of your fate is one that rings true to myself and many others. For me, this play inspired me to take charge in all aspects of my life. If something isn’t working, change it. If you are not on the path you thought you’d be, what would it take for you to get there?

So often, plays that address the question, “What is success?” are investigating the male ideal of job security and wealth accumulation. Darlin’ addresses the plight of the modern woman in a society that continually ignores the complexities of the many roles we play.

I am honored to partner with House of the Good Shepherd on this production. While in school in Los Angeles, I previously worked with House of the Good Shepherd and have witnessed first hand the incredible work they do. I had the chance to play with children while their mothers took classes and talk with many adolescents about what they were experiencing. Domestic violence has personally affected my life and it is something that must come to an end. I am honored to be able to give women like Dee a voice, and to share her story with dignity and compassion.

Thank you for coming back to support Step Up Productions and I look forward to meeting you after the show!

Enjoy!

Elizabeth Antonucci

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N O T E S F R O M T H E D R A M AT U R G , B R A N D Y R E I C H E N B E R G E R Living with Domestic Abuse Domestic abuse is a problem faced by women all over the world, in all walks of life and socio-economic situations. In the United States, a woman is assaulted or beaten every nine seconds. This makes domestic violence the leading cause of injury for women— more than muggings, car accidents, and rapes combined. Thirty-three percent of female murder victims are murdered by intimate partners. More than three women per day in the U.S. are killed by a domestic partner.

Yet the majority of women who have been the victims of domestic abuse have never sought help from the police, shelters, or support groups. The reach of domestic violence is both emotional and physical; whether because of fear, love, lack of resources, or social pressure, victims of domestic violence are overwhelmingly likely to stay with their abusers.

If you or someone you know is living in an abusive situation, please do not hesitate to get help. Call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or visit their website at http:// www.thehotline.org/.

Can We Leave Our Problems Behind?

“It’s not that easy to leave.”

“Sure it is.”

This exchange between two characters in Darlin’ suggests one of the play’s central themes: how the people and places in our lives can affect who we are. When Clem arrives at a small roadside motel, she has just abandoned a family and a life she may no longer want. The people she encounters at the motel are unwilling to do the same.

The people Clem meets at the motel seem unhappy in their lives, yet they do not wish to part with the familiar world in which they live. They instead wish to go on making the best of what they know—even when the familiar is tiresome, lonely, or dangerous.

Ultimately, the characters of Darlin’ find themselves confronting questions of identity and place: does where we live, and who we live with, define who we can be? Does changing her place mean that Clem will find a better life elsewhere, or will her problems follow her?

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CAST Elizabeth Antonucci (Dee) is incredibly honored to be able to produce and act in the world premiere of Darlin’. Thanks to Josh for trusting her with his script, Ilesa Duncan for her direction, support, and artistic guidance.

She has much gratitude for the magnificent cast that she has worked with these past couple months. She sends love to her family, friends and theater patrons for their constant support. She is a proud graduate of Black Box Acting’s The Academy and cannot thank Audrey, Laura, and the entire community for turning her into a warrior.

Most recent acting credits include: The Intruder, Ashville, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, and The Sweetest Swing In Baseball.

Elizabeth Birnkrant (Clem) is delighted to work for the first time with Step Up Productions. Chicago credits include The Berlin Circle, The Water Engine (Steppenwolf ), The Gacy Play (Sideshow Theatre), Sis3ters (Roadworks), and productions with Theater on the Lake, City Lit Theater, Wildclaw Theatre, and First Floor Theater. Television credits include Chicago Fire. Elizabeth is a graduate of The University of Chicago and The School at Steppenwolf, and has also trained at The William Esper Studio and Black Box Acting, where she is now an instructor. So much thanks and love to the production team and cast, and to all the Black Boxers. This is for my father, who never missed a show.

Jake Carr (Kenny) is thrilled to be working with Step Up Productions again, on the heels of HoliDaze.

He has performed with First Floor Theatre, Emerald City, Cock and Bull, and Redmoon among others, and has understudied with Drury Lane. Jake is an 6

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Artistic Associate with GayCo Productions and Genesis Ensemble. He is an instructor at Black Box Acting, where he is also a proud graduate of The Academy, the company’s intensive conservatory training program.

Elizabeth Birnkrant was the teacher of his first Black Box class, and he’s been obsessed with her ever since. Much love to Allen, always. And a big thank you to Elizabeth Antonucci for keeping him around.

Robert Hardaway (Troy) also known as GentlemanSoul, is proud to be making his debut with Step Up Productions. Hardaway is a professional actor, director, spoken word artist, & choreographer. He holds an MFA in acting from California State University, Fullerton and has taught acting and basic speech communication at CSUF, Norco College, and Chicago State University. He most recently appeared at eta Creative Arts Foundation in Ceremonies in Dark Old Men (2013 Black Theatre Arts Alliance Award for Best Supporting Actor & Best Production).

Other acting credits include: The Legend of Buster Neal at eta Creative Arts Foundation, Bodies at MPAACT Theatre, and Virgin & Other Profanities at Black Ensemble Theatre for their Sex in the Summer in the City series.

He was assistant director for The Color Purple (2012 Black Theatre Arts Alliance Award for Best Musical) for J. Ruffin Entertainment/ Theatre 47. Mr. Hardaway is happy to be joining the Step Up family and gives thanks to The Most High for this and all opportunities he has and continues to open for him. His motto is: Do not let anyone tell you what you can and cannot attain or do.

Live your life in truth and always do you.

Todd Michael Kiech (Smith) is delighted to be back with Step Up Productions, after playing Gary in last season’s Sweetest Swing In Baseball. He has also been seen in RedTape Theater’s Life and Death of Madam Barker,

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Elephants Graveyard, and Brand, as well as Vitalist Theater’s Pool-No Water, Chicago Fusion Theater’s Big Love and as an understudy in Griffin Theater’s Spring Awakening. He is a proud student of Black Box Acting and The School at Steppenwolf, does burlesque as Hot Toddy (Burlesque Hall of Fame 2009 Winner) and produces benefit events including “Chicago Takes Off” for Test Positive Aware Network and “The Tease” for Chicago House.

Bradford R. Lund (Jake) was most recently seen in Broken Fences at 16th Street Theatre. Other credits include Waiting for Lefty (American Blues); Beautiful Broken (Broken Nose); The Invasion of Skokie (Chicago Dramatists); Mauritius (Theatre2); Gaudy Night (Lifeline); Assassins (Porchlight); Twelfth Night (First Folio Shakespeare); An Ideal Husband (Jeff Nomination- Best Supporting Actor), Hay Fever, Design for Living, The Judas Kiss, and Esconaba in Love (Circle Theatre); Prairie Lights (Stage Left); Marlowe (Bailiwick); and Close Your Eyes (Pyewacket Ensemble).

Bradford was featured in the motion picture October Sky. He is a proud graduate of The School at Steppenwolf, The Second City Conservatory and Wright State University.

So many thanks to Ilesa, Josh, Elizabeth, Shandee, Tara, Samara, and Step Up Productions.

John Wehrman (Hank) is thrilled to work with Step Up Productions for the first time and to be working on a Joshua Rollins piece. Recently, he appeared as Slim in Cowboy Mouth with Black Ribbon Theatre. Elsewhere, he has been fortunate enough to work with several reputable companies such as Profiles Theatre, The Artistic Home, The Hypocrites, New Leaf, Eclipse, Prologue, Circle, and many others. John is also a proud graduate of The School at Steppenwolf as well as an alumni of The Atlantic Acting School in NYC. He would like to thank Joshua for sharing

this story, Ilesa for steering the ship, and the talented ensemble he is proud to be working alongside.

Annie Neal (U/S Clem/ Dee) is beyond honored to be a part of the production of Darlin’.

She has been blessed to work with Elizabeth Antonucci in The BenchMark and has been able to discover a whole new dimension of professional acting skills at Black Box, here in the amazing city of Chicago. She believes acting is an opportunity to give yourself to others in a way no other situation will provide and hopes that you will enjoy this story told to you by some of the greatest actors she has been privileged to know yet.

Andrew Strenk (U/S Kenny/Hank/Jake) is thrilled to be working with Step Up Productions again on Darlin’. He last worked with them on The Sweetest Swing In Baseball. He is very excited to be working with such a talented cast and amazing playwright. Past favorite projects include Orange Flower Water with Interrobang, selfproduced production of Dying City and the aforementioned Sweetest Swing. He also recently served as an understudy for Buzzer at The Goodman. When not acting, he is working on his motorcycle named Marion, trying to plan his next travel destination, or slinging internet coupons at Groupon.

Thanks to his family and friends for their continued support. Enjoy the show.

Rob Wilson (U/S Troy/ Smith) has performed in the world premiere of The New Pink and A Christmas Carol at The Virginia Stage Company.

He has also played classic characters such as McDuff in Macbeth and Othello. He is happy to be working with Step Up again.

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PRODUCTION TEA M Joshua Rollins’s (Playwright) play Concealed Carry was selected for the 2013 Seven Devils’ Playwrighting Conference with ID Theatre. His play A Girl With Sun in Her Eyes debuted in Chicago in 2011 with Pine Box Theater Company to great acclaim and a sold-out run. It is in development for production in New Orleans. Other works include American Rex, which premiered with Chicago Street Theatre and was a finalist for the Eugene O’Neill Playwrights Conference, and 25 Saints, which completed a run at The Greenhouse Theater in Chicago in 2013 and a sold-out run with Azeotrope Theatre in Seattle. His one acts have been produced

by Pine Box, American Theatre Company, The Artistic Home, and many others. Joshua is also an actor and has appeared with many companies including Blue Man Group, Steppenwolf Theatre, The Gift Theatre, About Face, Commonwealth Shakespeare, and the Huntington Theatre. Film credits include Batman: The Dark Knight, Contagion, Living Hell, Killshot, Awake, and The Lake House, among others. He is a graduate of the School at Steppenwolf.

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Ilesa Duncan’s (Director) recent directing work includes the acclaimed productions of Broken Fences at 16th Street Theater (co-directed with Ann Filmer), The Nativity (Congo Square), Jar the Floor at ETA (Jeff Award) and If You Split a Second. Also at Pegasus: In the Continuum and Shape of a Girl (Jeff Nomination), as well as Blue Shadow (Lifeline Theatre) and Hope Six (Chicago Dramatists). Duncan has worked with Rivendell, Writers’ Theatre, 16th Street Theatre, Chicago Dramatists, Victory Gardens and The Goodman. Other direction at Pegasus includes Tick, Tick Boom (Jeff Nomination, Directing) as well as Heatwave, Breath Room, Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit and eight Chicago Young Playwrights Festivals (27th: The Diner, 26th: Queen and Her Cliquedom and Quick & Go, 25th Anniversary: Paper Clouds and The Mural, 24th: Deliver Me From Evil, 23rd: Dine & Hash, 22nd: Blooming Flowers in Weeds, 21st: In Your Dreams, and 19th: Grace). Some of her favorite projects also include the Jeff Award-winning comedy Love Child (Theater on the Lake, Chicago Theater Co. and Live Bait Theater), Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery (Chicago Step Up Productions

Theater Company), Waiting To Be Invited (Victory Gardens), Sarafina (Fleetwood Jourdain at Next Theatre), A Raisin in the Sun (Contemporary American Theatre Company/Ohio), Heatwave (ETA), F**king A (Theatre School at DePaul) and Red Rain at Lincoln Center Theatre/HERE in New York. Recently named Producing Artistic Director at Pegasus, Ilesa is also a member of the Lincoln Center Theatre Director’s Lab, the Chicago Director’s Lab and a NEA/ TCG Directing Fellow. Ilesa is also an arts educator in Chicago area schools – primarily as director of Pegasus’ Young Playwrights Festival and as Arts Infusion Program Manager for Chicago Dramatists. She is also an Associate Artist with PanAmerica Performance Works (formerly Latino Chicago at the Firehouse) and Chicago Dramatists.

R&J Design (Scenic Design) Robert E. Groth and Jenniffer J. Thusing are delighted to be working with Step Up. You can currently see their work on Emerald City Theatre’s The Three Little Pigs at the Apollo Theater.

Their work has been seen previously at the Pritzker Pavilion for Chicago Dramatists production of Aiming for Sainthood, The Jammer for Pine Box, Cinderella for Emerald City and Mary Arrchie’s Superior Donuts. Their work was recognized with a Jeff nomination for best mid-sized scenic design for their work on Seanachai’s The Weir. Robert is also co-owner of Crosstown Scenic LLC. Jenniffer is also an Equity stage manager and teaching artist. www. randjdesign.com Mike Durst (Lighting Design) Chicago designs include Lookingglass Theatre’s Still Alice and The Great Fire, A Red Orchid Theatre (Ensemble Member) The Opponent and Simpatico (starring Michael Shannon), About Face Theater, Theater Wit, Pegasus Players, Adventure Stages, Profiles, and others. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia The Nightman Cometh National Tour.

Off-Broadway: Extinction at Cherry Lane, Secrets of the Trade for Primary Stages at 59e59. The Opponent at 59e59. Mike also serves as a lighting consultant for theatrical renovations including the Gray Center at University of Chicago and Circle Theater in Los Angeles. Mike has received Chicago’s

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Jeff Award (Equity Wing), Los Angeles’s Ovation Award, and San Diego’s Craig Noel Award. MikeDurst.com Raquel Adorno (Costume Design) is an Artistic Associate at Profiles Theatre having designed costumes for their productions of Cock, the seasonal favorite Hellcab, Wrecks, In God’s Hat, In the Company of Men, The Dream of the Burning Boy, and their current production of Gidion’s Knot. Raquel’s credits include Gambit for Artemisia, A Chicago Theatre; HoliDaze and The BenchMark for Step Up Productions; Cowboy Mouth for Black Ribbon Theater, Patria Libre for Prologue Theatre Company, The All-American Genderf*ck Cabaret for Pride Films and Plays, and Starting Here, Starting Now for Theo Ubique Cabaret Theater. Raquel is a designer and milliner living in Chicago.

Joe Court (Sound Design) is excited to design for Step Up Productions for the first time. Joe is a professional sound designer who has been based out of Chicago since 2006. He is a company member with MaryArrchie Theatre Company. He has designed over 80 shows since moving to Chicago for many different theatre companies including Mary-Arrchie, A Red Orchid, The Inconvenience, TUTA, Emerald City, The Raven, Seanachai, TheatreSeven, Backstage, Boho, Lifeline, Pine Box, The Gift, University of Chicago, The Clarence Brown Theatre (Knoxville, TN.) and The Illinois Shakespeare Festival. From 2008 until 2012 Joe served as Sound Engineer for the Chicago production of the Tony Award winning musical Million Dollar Quartet. Joe also serves as adjunct faculty in Sound Design at Ball State University. He received a Joseph Jefferson Award nomination in 2009 for his design for The Unseen with A Red Orchid Theatre.

Lisa Griebel (Properties Design) is a freelance Properties Master/Artisan based in the Chicago area. She has worked at places such as the Paramount Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and Berkshire Theatre Group. BFA in Theatre Design and Production from the University of Michigan. www.lisagriebel.com

Dorthea Walstrom (Makeup Design) is a Chicago based makeup artist. In 2007, she moved to Los Angeles to attend makeup school at MakeUp Designory. For 40 hours a week she worked on technique, skill, and creativity, learning from some of the leading makeup artists and photographers in the industry. After completing school she returned to Chicago. For the last 7 years she has been freelancing, working with brides, local filmmakers, and photographers.

Dorthea has also reached MAC, Smashbox Cosmetics, and TEMPTU Professional Status.

She is a published makeup artist in “Passion International Hair Magazine - Hair+ Volume 2.” She can’t thank her friends and family enough for the amount of love an support they have given her, and she is incredibly honored to be working with Step Up Productions again.

Marc Mixon (Technical Director) is a freelance theatrical designer and installation artist who received his BA in Directing from Western Washington University, and his MFA in Production Design and Technology from Ohio University. Marc spent three seasons as the staff scenic designer and technical director at Saint Martin’s University in Washington State, and recent years have found him working across the country at theaters including Two River Theater in New Jersey; Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Indiana Repertory Theater; The Alley Theatre in Houston; and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Currently splitting his time between Seattle and Chicago, Marc is happy to be working with Step Up Productions.

Brandy Reichenberger (Dramaturg) has worked as a dramaturg and assistant dramaturg at Cold Basement Dramatics (At His Best), Northlight Theatre (Tom Jones, Stones in His Pockets, The Whipping Man, The Odd Couple, Woody Sez), Pine Box Theater (25 Saints), and Steep Theatre (Motortown, Making Noise Quietly), among others. Brandy is a company member of the Meowsner Players. Also a playwright, her plays include Hey, Hey, I Wanna Get Married (Weathervane Playhouse, 2013) and Low-Fat Kosher Recipe Book: An Orthodox Guide to Fitness (Chicago History Museum, 2013), which received Darlin’

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an Emerging Talent Award from Chicago’s Jewish Historical Society. Brandy is thrilled to be working with Step Up for the first time on another of Joshua Rollins’s exciting plays!

Shandee Vaughan (Stage Manager) is a freelance stage manager and artist from Mesa, Arizona. She recently wrapped up her first Chicago production, Klingon Christmas Carol, at the Raven Theater in December. Prior to her move to Chicago, Shandee finished her second season as a stage manager for TEXAS! Musical Drama.

She is a graduate of West Texas A&M University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. Additional credits include: Hamlet (Stage Manager), Legally Blonde: The Musical (Production Stage Manager), Iphigenia 2.0 (Production Stage Manager), TEXAS Musical Drama (Assistant Stage Manager). As always, she thanks her family for their continual love and support for her and her craft. Having enjoyed the prospect of seeing work come to life on stage, Shandee has continued her love of reading, writing, photography, and videography in her free time.

Catherine Allen (Production Manager) is thrilled to be back working with Step Up Productions where she last worked as the production manager for their winter show, HoliDaze. Catherine is an ensemble member with Pine Box Theater Company where she has served as production manager for A Girl With Sun In Her Eyes and The Jammer as well as company manager of their most recent production, 25 Saints. Catherine also co-produced the hit short play festival ElectionFest 2012 for Pine Box, featuring twelve original works written by emerging and nationally renowned playwrights.

Other production credits include casting associate on the feature film I Heart Shakey 3D and assistant directing Oblivion, part of Steppenwolf’s 2011 First Look Series.

Catherine is a graduate of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where she received a BFA in Acting.

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Step Up Productions

Elizabeth Antonucci (Artistic Director & Founder of Step Up Productions) recently emerged as the Founder & Artistic Director of the Chicago based nonprofit Step Up Productions. The 2013-2014 season marks her second year at the helm of the theater company, where powerful original and published works are produced in alignment with a mission focused on the revelation of truth. She has created a company that explores relevant topics in an honest and thought-provoking manner, providing unique insight for theater audiences to experience. Guided by her personal core values, Antonucci has created a safe, open and trusting space for her production team, allowing them to work collaboratively and share their true passion for theater.

In 2008, Antonucci received a Bachelor’s degree in Theater from Loyola Marymount University of California. While attending school, she worked at Mandalay Entertainment in Los Angeles and learned about the production side of the industry.

After graduating, she enjoyed five years managing the programs and fundraising for the nonprofit Health, Education, and Relief (HEAR) Foundation. When Antonucci is not producing, she enjoys performing on stage.

In June of this year, she graduated from The Academy, a Conservatory Training Program at Black Box Acting Studio.

Antonucci wishes to thank the theater patrons and investors. “You are helping us sustain a business so that we can continue to fund other organizations and help people through theater.” Step Up Productions continues to donate a portion of their proceeds to organizations that support issues often highlighted in the stories they produce.

SPECIAL THANKS Steve Brownstone. Anthony Venturini. Jeff DeLong. Sarah Augusta. Beth Bullock. Allan Chambers. Anna Brooks. Kailee Tomasic. Katie Springmann. Mark Balich. Josephine Balich.

Todd Kiech. Profiles Theatre. Joseph Balich. Robert A. Freedman Dramatic Agency. Chicago Dramatists. David Rosenberg. Bridgette Baggio. Brett Morse-Karzen. Greg Antonucci. Jenine Antonucci. Cristina Antonucci. Jenna Antonucci. Joseph Antonucci. Diane Testa. Stephen Starr. Audrey Francis. Laura Hooper. The Black Box Community. Matthew Barnes. ProMed Supply. Steve Mazza. Print Management Group. BaggioGraphics. The ACADEMY Class of 2013. Samara Anderson. Jacqueline Cesaroni. Dermer Print, LLC. Wini Nimrod. House of the Good Shepherd. Judith Lee. Jennifer Christy. Sarah Kover. Jillian Olsson and everyone at FOOTLIGHTS.

DONORS We would like to thank the following corporate sponsors and donors who enable us to carry out our mission to the fullest extent.

Corporate Sponsors: Michelle Companik BP Oil Circle of Life Foundation Cesaroni Design Antonucci Investment Group The Robert Wise Family Debbie Jarol Kimberly & Richard Ross Foundation Opening Night Sponsors: Dr. Ray Pollina Patricia Pollina Bill & Jessie Cesaroni Scott & Chris Gordon

Andy Schreiber Len & Gaye Wislow Greg & Jenine Antonucci Restoring Essence, LLC Jeff Barclay Michael & Judy Mason Mike & Mary Lee Antonucci Tech Week Sponsors: Robert & Catherine Boyle Mary & Fred Huebner Barbara & Michael Lauesen Patricia & Robert Huffman Barbara & Dennis Saviano Jerry Manne Adam & Denise Hoeflich

Rehearsal Level Sponsors: Diane & George Silca Amy & David Paloyan James Weiss Dan & Julie Fedeli Judy Lee Marty & Suzanne Crofton Bradford and Jennifer Page Father Paddy Tyrrell Helping Hands Home Improvement Dan & Judy Dorr Jerry & Claudia MorseKarzen

FREE THEATRE TICKETS… Just one of the many perks working for s Soasilteions

p lable avai

To apply or learn more, email your cover letter, resume, or questions to mthiele@footlights.com Darlin’

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OUR ESTIMATED COSTS FOR 2014 ARE AS FOLLOWS: Space Rental: $25,000 Director Fee: $7,500 Set Build: $8,000 Programs: $3,000

Actors Salaries: $7,000 Designer Fees: $8,000 Charity Partner Donations: $5,000 - $10,000 Marketing & Publicity: $15,000

Please consider becoming a corporate sponsor for Step Up Productions 2013/2014 season.

With a sponsorship of $2500 or more you will receive the following ºº

Your company logo on Step Up Productions’ website.

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Logo & Name recognition in our program .

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Name mention during our curtain speech before each show.

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Four (4) tickets to all three opening night performances.

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Four (4) tickets to all three opening night party with cast & crew.

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Exclusive invitation to sit in on rehearsals throughout the process.

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VIP at our annual fundraiser

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Your company will be showcased at our fundraisers.

Checks should be made payable to Step Up Productions and sent to 40 E Chicago, Suite 121, Chicago IL 60611.

Please support the advertisers in FOOTLIGHTS who generously partnered with an industry that enhances our community and our lives.

Thank you for your support.

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Step Up Productions