Former Profiles Theatre Space Taken Over By Non-Profit LGBTQ Theater

By Stephen Gossett in News on Jul 12, 2016 9:43PM

Facebook / Opening night of Bite: A Pucking Queer Cabaret, developed by Pride Films and Plays

Pride Films and Plays, a non-profit organization that develops artistic works with LGBTQ characters and themes, announced on Monday it is taking over the space vacated by Profiles Theatre.

Profiles announced its closure last month, just six days after the Chicago Reader published an exhuastive exposé on the theater. The piece documented allegations of abuse and professional wrongdoing by Profiles' artistic co-director, Darrell W. Cox. The story sent shockwaves through the Chicago theatre community.

Pride Films and Plays is taking over two former Profiles leases: one at 4139 N. Broadway, a 90-seat space that will now be called The Broadway and function as the organization's main venue; and a 50-seat space at 4147 N. Broadway, to be called The Buena, which will operate primarily as a rental.

"We will welcome arts groups of all types—theaters, film fests, comics, musicians, performance artists—who share our mission to speak for the underrepresented populations of our community," said Executive Director David Zak in a statement.

"We enthusiastically welcome Pride Films and Plays to Uptown," said Ald. James Cappleman (46th Ward), also in the statement. "Performing arts organizations enhance the quality of life, bring economic activity and promote safety in our neighborhoods. We are thrilled to know that the tradition of live theatre on this block of Broadway will continue virtually uninterrupted."