So there's room for expansion, to develop a youth audience and attact seniors, as well as increasing support from baby boomers. Plans include developing productions specifically geared to attract new audiences. The company will also seek to boost its citywide visibility by producing plays in other theaters around the city, including a revue featuring the work of singer Mahalia Jackson at the South Side's New Regal Theater and an outdoor production at downtown Navy Pier on Chicago's lakefront. Meanwhile, Black Ensemble works in schools year-round to help build young audiences. Like the Black Ensemble, Chicago Theatre is trying to build out from its current audience.
Men come with the women.
But we've also found that a lot of our repeat audience is men. We're trying to figure out what we're doing right so we can do more of it. One strategy to boost its visibility is joining forces with other companies. Goins hopes to announce plans for a co-production with a major Chicago theater this spring. The company also works with the schools.