The Dead Writers Theatre Collective is a Chicago-based theatre company. The company performs shows written by or about dead writers with the tagline "Classic Theatre Resurrected." The company is a non-profit theatre organization.
History
The Dead Writers Theatre Collective was founded in 2011 by Jim Schneider and Bob Douglas. Schneider acts as the current artistic director and Douglas as the managing director. The company focuses on putting on historically accurate shows that use classic and traditional theater techniques.
On February 23, 2017, The Dead Writers Theatre Collection closed down after controversy with Schneider making comments on social media feeds of local performers. Further stories emerged of misconduct in the theatre's past.
Productions
The Dead Writers Theatre Collective has put on shows written by notable authors from the Western Canon. These include authors such as Oscar Wilde, Noël Coward, and Jane Austen. Their productions focus on the author's unique voice and the time period in which they wrote their plays.
The company performs in various theater venues around Chicago such as Stage 773 and the Greenhouse Theater. Their production history is as follows:
2016
The Importance of Being Earnest
Oh, Coward!
2015
The Learned Ladies
The Judas Kiss (play)
2014
The Game of Love and Chance
The House of Mirth
Emma (novel)
2013
Lady Windermere's Fan
Tea with Edie and Fitz
2012
Loos Ends
The Vortex
Awards and recognition
The Dead Writers Theatre Collective is recognized by the Jeff Awards for non-equity regional theater. Their 2016 production of Oh, Coward! was a Jeff Recommended Show.