Hard to believe it's been 12 years since we opened the theatre on Belmont. Even harder to believe: in our 40 years, this is the longest we've ever stayed in one space.
The wear and tear shows, and it's time to shine things up and fix what's broken!
To that end - we applied for and received (!!) a grant from the City of Chicago that will pay for building renovations that we badly need. The catch? We have to cover half of all costs ourselves. This is an incredible opportunity to shore up our home, so we're raising funds to make sure we can cover our share and get this work done.
Here are the projects we're planning....
Fixing & maintaining our neon signs (this one just got completed!) Newly repaired neon sign - design by Annoyance alum LYN PUSZTAI
New phone/security system (Thanks to alum Dave MacNerland at Grapevine Telephone! He's helped us with the phone systems for every space we've been in!)
Tuckpointing -- the bricks are crumbling and need repair
Carpet for the long upstairs hallway and the basement studios
Soundproofing the basement studios -- anyone who's rehearsed in the basement knows we need this!
HVAC update - quieting the unit in the Cabaret (Mainstage) and reducing sound bleed between the bar and theatres
Soundproofing the theatre doors
Adding sound-absorbent panels to the Cabaret theatre
New paint for studios and bar
While we tackle these repairs, we'll also be celebrating our 40th anniversary all year long — with special events, workshops, online archival video releases, and a book of Annoyance memories from 1987–2027. (Start thinking about what you'd add!)
With our newly acquired fiscal sponsorship from Fractured Atlas, yourTAX -DEDUCTIBLE contributionwill be so appreciated — and will help set us up for the next chapter. We're grateful for all the support you've given us over these 40 years.
1987 - 1993 First Annoyance @ 3153 N Broadway1994-2000 Annoyance 3747 N Clark St.
2002-2003 3036 N. Lincoln - the Loft2006-2013 Annoyance 4840 N Broadway (Uptown)
851 W Belmont Ave. - Current Location
Rewards
Digital Download - Annoyance Show
Donate $25.00 or more
Amount over $10.00 is tax-deductible.
Splatter Theater...CoEd Prison Sluts...Flames & Blazes... You name it! If we have a recording of it you'll get a special digital copy with your name and a special anniversary message from us at the start of the recording. We have a LOT of shows!
Signed Copy of Mick's Book "Improvise" (2nd edition with forward by Stephen Colbert)
Donate $30.00 or more
Amount over $12.00 is tax-deductible.
The OG improv book, signed by Mick himself, with a personal dedication, if you'd like! It'll also be available as an audio book soon...if you prefer to listen, you can have that prize instead.
A Day in Your Honor!
Donate $50.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
You pick the day - birthday, anniversary, whatever! We'll have your name featured on our outdoor marquis sign from 12:01 am until 11:59pm. People walking to the el and other observant folks will see YOUR NAME! Dreamy.
BRICK with your Name & Inscription (for our Brick Donor Wall)
Donate $500.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Our Brick Donor Wall is filled with names and remembrances of donors who made the opening of the Belmont space possible. Add your name and brick to memorialize your Annoyance sponsorship!IMG_7919.JPG4.13 MB
In Memoriam (á la Tom Sawyer)
Donate $500.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Have your name added to a fake In Memoriam presented during our 40th anniversary weekend with your choice of cause of death. Now is your chance to get some attention, and write your own destiny. Live-streamed for you and loved ones.
A Romantic Night at The Annoyance
Donate $1,000.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Be guests of honor on a Friday/Saturday night of your choice: complete with shows, a reserved table, champagne service, and between shows, balloons, flowers, and we'll serenade you! Sure to be the best date of your life! Someone's getting pregnant!
Name a Dressing Room - East
Donate $4,000.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
The costumes! The makeup! The naked! This room has seen it all! Put your name or that of a loved one where everyone changes...for the better! Gold plaque signage. dressingroom1.jpg7.31 MB
Name a Bathroom! (all stalls)
Donate $5,000.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Have your name where nearly EVERYONE visits while at The Annoyance. This bathroom has 5 stalls, including 1 that is accessible. Open to whoever chooses it! Your name, or that of a loved one (to be approved by Annoyance management). Gold plaque signage.stalls.jpg6.97 MB
Name a Bathroom! (urinals/stall)
Donate $5,000.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Have your name where nearly EVERYONE visits, while at The Annoyance. This bathroom has 1 accessible stall and a urinal, and is open to whoever chooses it! Your name, or that of a loved one (to be approved by Annoyance management). Gold plaque signage.urinalstalls.jpg3.5 MB
Name a Dressing / Laundry Room - West
Donate $6,000.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
The costumes! The makeup! The naked!! This room has seen it all. PLUS.....new as of 08/26...a washer & dryer!! The Annoyance has finally made it. Put your name on it! Gold Plaque signage
Name a Bathroom! FAMILY BATHROOM!
Donate $8,000.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
This is the ultimate Annoyance bathroom ~ 1 room of complete privacy and enough room to twirl around. It has seen more than you can imagine. Your name, or that of a loved one (to be approved by Annoyance management). familybath.jpg6.32 MB
Name the Box Office!
Donate $12,000.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Imagine... At the box office/in confirmation emails, "Pick up your tickets at the Rita Hayworth Box Office" but instead it's your/a loved one's name* that will live in the minds of all visitors! Great advertising opportunity! (*To be approved)
