Two Staffers Exit Stage Left
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Such circumstances might have done in less determined theater companies, but for now Michael Troccoli, the organization’s last remaining founding member, and former associate artistic director Sandra Verthein are stepping in as artistic directors to try and keep Stage Left’s torch lit. “We’ve got a big job ahead of us,” said Troccoli, “but we’re aiming to get to the point where we can sustain ourselves.” Troccoli and Verthein are taking on Stage Left’s artistic, business, and fund-raising chores without pay.
For McCullough the decision to depart after four years came when Stage Left failed to receive a Joyce Foundation grant of $20,000 over two years that would have been used in large part to pay his salary. This was the first grant request Stage Left had made to Joyce. “We never got a clear reason why we were turned down for the grant,” said McCullough, “except a generic response that there are a lot of groups looking for money right now.” Joyce program officer Unmi Song said of the foundation’s decision: “It’s getting a lot more competitive out there.”
Former Cubby Bear talent booker Brad Altman has completely severed ties with the Pollstar national nightclub of the year. But apparently Altman doesn’t intend to leave the Chicago nightclub scene for good. Last week the deposed promoter was said to be considering several possibilities, including signing a lease on another nightclub venue or buying a space outright. In a new space, Altman says, he would continue booking a mix of country and other acts in conjunction with Los Angeles-based Q Productions, which also helped book the Cubby Bear when Altman was employed there.
