HERMIT EXISTS BECAUSE OF OUR COMMUNITY



Hermit exists because of the amazing support we continually receive from the artistic community in Chicago, and while on the road. Doing much with little is a familiar theme among emerging artists -- one that fits so well with "if you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours." And its how Hermit came to be.

The Incubators
Since 2001, our fantastic friends at FREESTREET, CURIOUS THEATER BRANCH, and PROP THTR have had a hand in our development by always finding a stage for us to perform on and giving us room to grow. Stefan Brun, Beau O'Reilly, Bryn and Jenny Magnus and Scott Vehill -- we owe you great thanks. These people are theater-real in Chicago and continue to make things interesting in this city. Please support their work and the emerging artists that are learning from the best (like we did).

The Talent
We would not be making plays and performances today without the crucial help of Mariah Neuroth. Thanks for getting this started with us and for keeping us on the right path. Out on the trail we've had many partners-in-crime, but none like The Curator of Light, Steve Bob Monk, and Hermit cohort Jasmine Harris. Our thanks to them for their continued partnership. In addition, where would Hermit be without the help of some of the region's best performers: Malcolm Palmer, Luna Blues Machine (Maritza, Belinda, and Hippie John), Michael Haeflinger, Narciso Lobo and Seemore Perspective. These friends have given time and talent on our stages since 2003 -- simply put, we would not have made rent without them (Thank You!). Check out their websites listed to the left for more info on where to catch up with them, and all of the other famously talented cats that have worked with us recently. You won't regret it.

And then there's Rebecca Fox, Khanisha Foster, and Alexandra Blatt. Enough can't be said about the generosity and talent of these three actresses. If ever we had an ensemble, they are most certainly founding members. Thanks for all the plays future and past.

The Dollars
Community supports from both near and far, with inkind contributions (like hosting us in their cafe) to financial support (like a security deposit). The ones taking home the Oscars for Hermit would be Mr. David and Mrs. Shirley Putman, Synapses Foundation, Mrs. Stacey and Matt Johnston, Mrs. Ruth Pesola, Mrs. Thelma Goodwin, Ms. Patricia May and Mr. Martin May, Ms. Krista Franklin, Ms. Emily Evans, Ms. Samina Datta and Tom at Winds Cafe. And thanks to everyone that ever purchased a raffle ticket, and bought or donated a silent auction item. We are forever in you debt.

The Communities
Thanks to Chicago's Hip Hop Community, its writing community (Young Chicago Authors) and fringe theater community. Thanks to the art community and social activist community (Crib Collective, HotHouse, Kevin Coval). Thanks to the Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village communities and to our fellow art collectives (Triplette, Tricklock, New Leaf, Naivete, 3030/Elastic RecRoom). Thanks to the different communities of friends that come out to form a larger community, based on the shared experience of watching live performance -- fresh and remixed.

To you, our audience -- our most supportive community -- thanks for continuing to come out and dig new work -- from Hyde Park to Rogers Park, Minneapolis to Albuquerque. If you keep scratching our backs, we'll keep scratching yours.

Thanks!

HERMIT