The beleaguered International Theatre Festival of Chicago is considering whether to abandon its limited-run, festival format and get out of the presentation business, according to its chairman, art dealer Richard Gray.
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In an interview Wednesday, Gray said the organization’s board is exploring whether groups in Chicago and abroad would assume the booking of foreign productions here, with his organization assisting in fundraising and promotion and possibly providing some funds.
Under such an arrangement, Gray said, shows could be booked on an ongoing basis and not be restricted to a four- or six-week period every other year, as has been the case since the festival’s debut in 1986.
Weakness at the box office last spring left the festival with a deficit believed to be about $500,000. Gray said the board is expected to meet again in mid-December.