A great team of people here in Chicago is hard at work planning
what we hope will be a conference you will never forget. We
can't wait to welcome you to the city that London theatre
critic Michael Billington describes in his London Guardian
article, "the home of the most dynamic theatre in
America - Chicago." The Steppenwolf Theatre, The
Goodman Theatre, The Art Institute, Millennium
Park, Lake Michigan, Lookingglass Theatre, Victory
Gardens, Chicago Symphony, deep dish pizza, The
Sears Tower, the Blues, great architecture, and all
the friendliness of the Midwest --this great city
beckons to all of us who care about the arts and
young people.
As if the city of Chicago were not enough, we
have chosen the historic Palmer House to be
our home for this year's conference. The
Palmer House Hotel is one of the grandest
and most elegant hotels in America and the
staff of the Palmer House have worked very
to make it possible and affordable for us to be
able to host our conference in such special
surroundings. Located in the heart of downtown
Chicago, steps away from the Art
Institute, Millennium Park and several of
Chicago's finest theatres, the Palmer House
will provide a magnificent backdrop for the
unfolding drama of our conference.
As a team, we are planning great keynotes,
stunning all-conference events, informative
workshops, joyous celebrations and unforgettable
theatre. What we need is you. You can
help find the center of our art form while
exploring the boundaries. Mark your calendars
and tell your friends. Please visit the AATE web
site for conference updates and information.
We hope to meet you at that crossroads where artists
and educators serving young people meet. May the
strong Chicago winds carry this message to all who need
to hear it, and may all who hear it recognize the
opportunity that awaits them this summer - in Chicago!
Rives Collins and Betsy Quinn
AATE 2005 Conference Chairs