HR0806 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0806 LRB098 20046 MST 55284 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Gift Theatre was conceived by students Michael Patrick Thornton and William Nedved while at The University of Iowa in 1997; and

WHEREAS, The idea for The Gift Theatre was to grow and nurture an ensemble and lay roots in Jefferson Park, an artistically underserved Chicago neighborhood; the mission - to tell great stories on stage with honesty and simplicity with an ensemble composed of actors, directors, writers, and improvisers; and

WHEREAS, For over 10 years, The Gift Theatre has earned a reputation as an institution dedicated to great acting and a home for new plays; it has served as a cultural anchor and economic engine to local businesses; and

WHEREAS, Since moving into the storefront on North Milwaukee in 2005, The Gift Theatre has brought tens of thousands of new visitors to Jefferson Park and Chicago's northwest side; and

WHEREAS, Artistic Director Michael Patrick Thornton grew up in and still resides in the Jefferson Park neighborhood; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the great asset The Gift Theatre is to the Jefferson Park neighborhood, and we wish it continued success in the years to come; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to The Gift Theatre Artistic Director Michael Thornton as an expression of our esteem and respect.