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As the year draws to a close, it is common to reflect on all that is
past while celebrating the potential of the New Year. As the Artistic
Director of the Piven Theatre Workshop, I find myself reflecting on the
years that I have worked and learned in this most nurturing of
environments, building the leadership necessary to guide Piven into a
new era of creative excellence.  Joyce Piven and Jen Green. Photo: Chris Guillen I find myself continually amazed at the cycle of
creativity that encompasses the Workshop. I’ve watched students grow
into teachers, novices evolve into artists, and strangers become
family. I’ve seen friends depart only to return, eager to share all
they’ve experienced with a new generation. It is this sense of
communitythat I feel is the beating heart of Piven. We are a family; a
shifting, changing ensemble that is bound by a love of imagination and
creativity. I welcome you to look inside these pages and remember
friends old and new, marvel at all that they’ve accomplished, and
celebrate the individual voices that have all grown from the same place. It
is common to reflect, and we have much in our past to honor, but I
would like to take a moment to look forward to the bright future that
awaits Piven Theatre, its training center, and its community. Our theatre has renewed its dedication to producing bold Chicago premieres such as Yehuda Hyman’s THE MAD DANCERS,
while allowing audiences to share in Joyce’s continued exploration of
the works of some of the greatest writers in literature. In addition,
we have expanded and diversified our mentorship to faculty members, and
we are seeing exciting innovations in our training method due to the
new voices that have joined our community. As Joyce moves into
the position of Artistic Director Emeritus, we know that her dedication
to the mission of the Piven Theatre Workshop grows stronger than ever
as she shares her wisdom and experience with a new generation of
artists, ensuring the continuation of her legacy long into the future. We
look forward to continually expanding the circle of community that has
always defined the nurturing environment of the Piven Theatre Workshop
and we invite you to join us for all of the tremendous opportunities
that await Piven in the years to come. In the words of our founders
Byrne and Joyce, "Our work is personal. It is meant for you. Don't stay
away." — Jennifer Green, Artistic Director |
