Bios

Andrea Hutchinson

Past Gala Chair

From the Blog

The Power to Transform

Shawna July 8, 2025

The Transformative Power of Live Performing Arts by Laura Michaud and Melissa G. Wilson Live performing arts have a profound impact on both individuals...

The Transformative Power of Live Performing Arts

by Laura Michaud and Melissa G. Wilson Live performing arts have a profound impact on both individuals and communities. From the artists who express themselves through their craft to the children who grow by sharing their talents, everyone involved is touched meaningfully. Audiences, too, benefit by gaining new insights, emotional connections, and life experiences. Whether drama, music, dance, theater, or poetry, live performances are valuable to all. Beyond the emotional benefits, these performances also have a positive economic impact. People attending shows often make an evening out of it, spending money on dining, transportation, and other services. Studies show that for every theater seat filled, patrons spend an average of $38.46 in the local community. That number can rise to $65 per person in some places, like Elmhurst. In addition to economic benefits, the performing arts enhance the quality of life. Attendees often report feeling uplifted by their experience, which can foster a sense of community pride and belonging. People from all walks of life come together to en-joy performances, helping to build empathy and understanding across cultures. According to a study by Americans for the Arts, 78% of people say the arts provide positive experiences, and 72% agree that arts foster shared understanding between people of different backgrounds. Moreover, 89% of those surveyed feel that local arts venues are a source of community pride, and 86% believe it’s important for future generations to access cultural experiences. The benefits extend to families, too, especially children. Arts education has been shown to significantly improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, while also fostering teamwork, empathy, and self-confidence. By supporting and attending live performances, we not only help the economy but also strengthen our communities and contribute to the well-being of individuals. In the end, the arts create a vibrant, connected future for areas like DuPage, enhancing both personal fulfillment and community growth.

The Power to Unite

Shawna July 8, 2025

How suburban theaters are rewriting the script on collaboration: By Laura Michaud & Melissa G. Wilson Chicago’s western suburbs have long embraced collaboration within...

How suburban theaters are rewriting the script on collaboration:

By Laura Michaud & Melissa G. Wilson Chicago’s western suburbs have long embraced collaboration within individual communities, with local chambers and cities integrating performing arts into events. However, a larger opportunity lies in building a network of cross-community artistic partnerships, potentially transforming the region’s cultural landscape. For example, the Salt Creek Ballet of Westmont performed The Nutcracker alongside the New Philharmonic Orchestra of Glen Ellyn last December, illustrating the power of such partnerships. There’s potential for more collaborations, such as professional singers from Brightside Theater of Naperville performing with the Elmhurst Symphony, not just sharing stages but fostering a more vibrant, interconnected arts community. According to Arts DuPage Director Debbie Venezia, “The arts are a panacea,” providing more than just entertainment and economic development; they build bridges between communities. The success of the Cleve Carney Museum of Art’s Andy Warhol exhibit at the College of DuPage in 2021, which attracted 100,000 visitors and generated $10 million in just three months, supports this idea. When artistic groups collaborate, they break down traditional boundaries, combining resources, talent, and creative visions to create something greater than the sum of its parts. By sharing stages and ideas, they forge dynamic, cross-pollinated communities that lead to bolder, more innovative productions. This model transforms the theatrical experience and deepens the connection between performers and audiences. Resource sharing is another key element of collaboration. The York High School theater program, for instance, shares costumes with neighboring communities, maximizing impact and minimizing redundancy. Such partnerships help elevate productions while fostering a sense of community among various organizations. Furthermore, cross-genre collaborations have emerged as a powerful way to expand audiences and enrich cultural experiences. Rather than competing, organizations are finding creative ways to merge different art forms, creating performances that appeal to broader audiences and showcasing how varied genres can complement one another. By collaborating across community lines, art organizations can reach new audiences and create unique artistic synergies. A successful chamber music series in Hinsdale, for example, may find an eager audience in Oak Brook, while a popular community theater production could tour multiple suburban venues, broadening its reach. What you can do to support the arts:

Stay informed about local events—explore arts happenings in nearby communities you might otherwise miss.
If you’re part of a performing arts group, consider reaching out to organizations in different genres to explore creative collaborations.
Support arts organizations beyond your immediate area—your ticket purchase contributes to the region’s cultural vitality.
Artists and event organizers: expand your reach by participating in events across multiple communities.

The collaboration seen in Chicago’s western suburbs proves that when theaters and communities unite, everyone benefits—the artists, audiences, and the broader region. As the West Suburban Theater Connection continues to grow, this new era of collaboration shows that, in art and life, the whole can truly be greater than the sum of its parts.