The first “A Taste of Theater” Festival is being held October 12-13, 2012, at the historic Portage Theater on Chicago’s North Side with an array of internationally known and distinguished professionals.

Listen to interview below

Chicago, Illinois (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – Wednesday, August 22, 2012 – “A Taste of Theater” Festival” is focused on the theater world and its inner workings.  It is a natural progression of Mr. Victor Gulley's vision to bring together a diverse audience to learn about and enjoy the theatrical arts.

Gulley, a playwright, After Work Program founder and Howard University graduate, incorporated “A Taste of Theater” in 2009.  It was created and has been nurtured, as an outlet for the typical 9 to 5 worker, looking to explore their passions for the arts.

“A Taste of Theater” Festival seeks to utterly expose a diverse audience, who has that intense love for the theater, to the stage performers and what really goes on behind the scenes.  Oh, there will be some very frank discussions and many entertaining play excerpts from up and coming playwrights (both local and international) with a virtual audience experience that even includes voting for your favorite piece.  The selected audience choice will be honored with the Shelly Garrett Award, bestowed upon them by the “Beauty Shop” creator himself!

Ultimately, the “A Taste of Theater” Festival will provide the city with an opportunity to unify Chicago's diverse population and celebrate Chicago's rich theatrical cultural heritage. 

The “A Taste of Theater” Festival is two full days of education and entertainment. Daytime classes for participants include topics on scripts, staging, actors, costumes, funding, promotion/marketing, unions, business and touring. Expert panelists will share their knowledge and experiences with theater production enthusiasts.

Evening performances showcase playwrights from around the country. Visitors will be graced with the presence of several luminous panelists such as the aforementioned Shelly Garrett, Jonathan Dorf (resident playwriting expert for Final Cut software program), Chicago's own award-winning playwright extraordinaire Dr. Charles Smith and other well-respected theater pros. 

Those unable to attend in person will have the opportunity to view a webcast of the entire “A Taste of Theater” Festival.  Visit atasteotheater.com to purchase access and other ticket information.