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A Gay in the Life: Matt McGrane, Designer
2011-01-12

This article shared 5267 times since Wed Jan 12, 2011
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The majority of entrants for the design competition to refurbish the Chicago Dramatists theatre lobby and entrances went with a standard red theme, including the second- and third-place finalists.

But not Matt McGrane and Sarah Kuchar, who opted for a yellow theme—and it worked.

McGrane, a student at Harrington College of Design, and Harrington alumna Kuchar were named the winners Dec. 1. They won a cash prize of $750 and a plaque in the theatre lobby, along with the construction of their winning design.

The competition was made possible through a grant from Chicago Community Trust, as a part of the Arts Engagement Exchange.

The Chicago Dramatists theatre is located at 1105 W. Chicago, minutes from the Loop. The historical building where Chicago Dramatists resides was originally erected as Baer's Hall in 1886 and designed by architect Fredrick W. Aschlager. The facility now includes a 77-seat theatre, a 1,000 square-foot lobby and box office, two dressing rooms, two classroom/rehearsal halls, a reception area and lounge for the playwrights, and administrative offices.

Each season, about 11,000 people visit the theatre and more than 500 writers participate in weekly programs.

Chicago Dramatists' goal is that the tangible improvements from McGrane and Kuchar will enhance and contribute to its patrons' experiences and impressions of the theatre. Plus, the transformation will create a more visible and identifiable exterior façade with an improved awning and signage, a lighted poster box, benches, planters, and street furniture.

"It's really, really exciting," being named the winners, McGrane said. "Some of the challenges [ in the contest ] led to a better design than it would have been if we didn't have those designs. This is a collaborative effort, and it will impact so many people—the public, those who work here and the neighborhood.

"We were thrilled when we found out [ that we won ] . This is pretty big for both of us."

The estimated date of the interior construction will be complete by the next Chicago Dramatists' premiere production, BORDELLO, on Feb. 4, 2011, and the second phase of renovating the exterior should wrap up in time for the opening of the final 2010-2011 production of HICKORYDICKORY in May. The construction budget for both interior and exterior improvements is about $13,500.

McGrane and Kuchar's design was selected by a panel of professionals made up by members of Chicago Dramatists, Harrington and others.

"I hope this is a launching pad for this type of work," said McGrane, a designer at John Robert Wiltgen Design. "Sure, I love working for John, but there's going to come a time when I want to branch out on my own.

"This is real exciting. It's a great-looking project, but also a great functioning project. I'm really happy with the way it turned out."

Each season Chicago Dramatists presents three world premiere productions and the signature Saturday Series, weekly staged readings of plays in progress. The theatre also conducts educational outreach to at-risk students at Chicago Public Schools.

"Everyone used red [ in their design submissions ] , yet we went away from it," McGrane said. "When people think of theatres, they just almost automatically think of red velvet curtains. But we wanted to go in a different route."

The Stats

Name: Matt McGrane

Age: 34

Resides in: Chicago's East Village neighborhood, and has lived in Chicago for two years.

Dating: David Maier, 43, an audit manager, for four years. The two met in Minneapolis.

Pets: His beagle, Charlie, 5, which he got from Last Hope Animal Rescue in Iowa

Hobbies: Gardening, cooking and baking

It's a fact! : Enjoys retro dance styles, such as swing, Lindy Hop and the Charleston


This article shared 5267 times since Wed Jan 12, 2011
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