Artist Bio

Rivendell Theatre Ensemble is a professional theatre company committed to recognizing and cultivating the talents of women in theatre—from playwrights and actors to set designers and costume artists. Rivendell productions explore the unique female perspectives in everyday stories in an intimate environment. Rivendell has grown to fill an important role in the Chicago theatre community as the only Equity Theatre in Chicago committed to producing works that integrate and promote the essential female experience.

After 15 years as an itinerant company, Rivendell is delighted to announce they will produce their 16th season of programming in their brand new theatre space at 5779 N. Ridge Avenue in Chicago’s vibrant Edgewater neighborhood.

The first event in the new theatre on Wednesday February 8, 2012 is a workshop presentation of Women At War: Where Motivation Lies, part of RTE’s annual Fresh Produce new play developmental series. The inaugural mainstage production opens March 11, 2012 in the new space, and will be the Midwest premiere of Falling: A Wake by Gary Kirkham, a haunting and darkly funny play inspired by the actual events surrounding the 1988 Pan Am tragedy over Lockerbie, Scotland.  Finishing RTE’s landmark season will be the Midwest premiere of The Gray Sisters by Craig Wright. A powerful new play by the celebrated author of Pavilion, The Unseen and Mistakes Were Made, The Gray Sisters is the story of four women who unravel their family’s intricate history, bringing themselves face to face with questions of love, loyalty and faith.

(January 2012)