Meet ATRU Staff Member Amanda Martinez, Development Associate

You've just made a generous donation to the Auditorium. But who makes sure your name is in the program, opens the Adler Room during intermission, and keeps track of your donor privileges? Amanda Martinez does all of the above and much more! Today, she takes time out of her busy day to tell us a little more about herself.

ATRU: Tell us about what you do at the Auditorium.
AM: As the Development Associate, one of my major responsibilities is to track all the generous gifts made to the Auditorium and ensure that each donor is personally thanked by our Executive Director, Brett Batterson. Additionally, I am available to answer any donor-related questions, including questions about our exceptional donor benefits such as the Adler Society. I am also very proud to be part of the team that coordinates our Gala benefit every year.

ATRU: What do you enjoy about working at the Auditorium?
AM: Working at the Auditorium has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to meet a diverse group of donors and patrons. I enjoy discussing all the good work the staff at the Auditorium does to ensure we provide the best in entertainment. Additionally, I get to experience a wide assortment of high quality productions!

ATRU: What is your favorite show of the season?
AM: My favorite show is Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. I love watching dance in general, but the Ailey performers are absolutely amazing and the music is wonderful! My favorite piece is of course, Revelations. I am looking forward to seeing it again in April!

ATRU: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
AM: I enjoy spending time with friends and family, watching old movies and trying to travel as much as possible!

If you ever want to talk with Amanda (particularly about making a donation), she'd love to hear from you! Feel free to contact her at 312.922.2110 ext. 368 or amartinez@auditoriumtheatre.org.

Our Executive Director One of Chicago theatre's 50 Most Influential

NewCity just came out with a list of the 50 most influential people in the Chicago theatre scene, and our own Executive Director was included!

"...the most important event of an already landmark season"

Zachary Whittenburg has great things to say about the upcoming Batsheva engagement in the Windy City Times this week. He joins Time Out Chicago's Asimina Chremos and the Trib's Sid Smith in looking forward to the show!

The Auditorium is now on Twitter!

The Auditorium is now on Twitter.com. Keep up with the Auditorium while on the go by receiving mobile updates on Auditorium happenings.

Click here to see our Twitter page.


Photo of the "Spring Mural" by James Steinkamp.

Meet ATRU Staff Member CJ Dillon: Front of House Manager

Did you know that someone's watching out for you every time you visit the theatre?

That's right, C.J. Dillon, our Front of House Manager works at EVERY show to make sure you are safe and enjoying the performances. He works tirelessly to make sure you find your seats, are comfortable and the theatre lobby is a fun environment - all with a funny sense of humor to boot!

C.J. tells us about his interesting career in theatre, his job at the Auditorium and more.

ATRU: Tell us a little bit about your history in the Chicago theatre community.

C.J: My work in theatre in Chicago began with an internship in theatre management at the Oriental Theatre while I was studying at Roosevelt University. Following my internship, I held a number of positions in theatres such as the Goodman and the Royal George Theatre. I settled with BIC for 4 years managing the Front of House Operations. I left BIC to work as the Assistant Company Manager of a production in Las Vegas, We Will Rock You. Currently, I've been at the Auditorium now for over a year!

ATRU: Tell us about your job at the Auditorium.

C.J: My job focuses primarily on customer service. As the Front of House Manager I am responsible for the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all patrons. I manage our paid usher staff as well as our large force of volunteers, making sure they are providing the first-class customer service one expects from a historic institution such as the Auditorium.

ATRU: What is your favorite feature of the theatre?

C.J: My favorite part of this theatre is its versatility. Broadway, dance, rock concerts, events, receptions - this theatre was even a bowling alley for servicemen during World War II!!! It truly is an amazing building - everwhere you look you see history.

ATRU: Which show are you most excited about for the 2008-2009 season?

C.J: Alvin Ailey is going to be fabulous!!! It's their 50th, so you know they're going to pull out all the stops - including an exclusive performance by Sweet Honey In The Rock on opening night.

Ailey Programming Announced!

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater just wrapped up a very successful City Center engagement in New York, and are now getting ready to embark on the national tour. We just found out what will be performed during the Auditorium engagement - a very exciting lineup!

Wed 4/1 at 7:30pm GO IN GRACE** † / SUITE OTIS / REVELATIONS

Thurs 4/2 at 7:30pm ANNIVERSARY HIGHLIGHTS

Fri 4/3 at 7:30pm FESTA BAROCCA** / TREADING, REVELATIONS

Sat 4/4 at 2:00pm BLUES SUITE* / SUITE OTIS / REVELATIONS

Sat 4/4 at 8:00pm FESTA BAROCCA** / TREADING, REVELATIONS

Sun 4/5 at 3:00pm NIGHT CREATURE, UNFOLD / SUITE OTIS / REVELATIONS

Click here for a full description of each production.

* New Production

** Chicago Premiere

† Features live performance by Sweet Honey In The Rock

Note: "/" indicates intermission; "," indicates pause.
Programming subject to change.

Photo: Judith Jamison. 1976 photo (c) Jack Mitchell.

Happy New Year

Celebrating the New Year with Umphrey's McGee.