Dance Programming at the Auditorium Theatre: A Season of Strategic Excellence

The Auditorium Theatre is gaining recognition for its fall dance lineup, largely influenced by Marisa Santiago, the producing director of artistic programming. Santiago has played a pivotal role in curating events that bring esteemed dance companies to the 135-year-old venue on the Loop’s southern edge.

Bringing Iconic Dance Groups to Chicago

One notable event is the return of Dance Theatre of Harlem. This historically Black ballet company will perform at the Auditorium in October after not visiting Chicago for a decade. Following them, Ballets Jazz Montréal will make its Chicago debut in November with a Leonard Cohen-inspired production, “Dance Me.” The tour is the final rendition of this celebrated ballet.

The Auditorium, under Santiago’s guidance, successfully welcomed other dance heavyweights such as the Martha Graham Dance Company during its centennial year, the Parsons Dance Company, and Tiler Peck and Friends. Santiago describes the latter as “one of the best shows” the venue has hosted.

Understanding the Audience

The upcoming season emphasizes North American dance, featuring Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ballets Jazz Montréal, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, among others. Santiago’s choices reflect a keen understanding of the audience and a historical connection with the companies. Santiago remarks, “It feels like the aesthetic of the Auditorium.” This appreciation has shaped her programming, integrating dance that resonates with the venue’s legacy.

Challenges and Adaptations

Santiago mentions that presenting dance is a calculated risk. The dance audience is smaller, making it expensive to stage, and breaking even can be challenging.

The presence of the Joffrey Ballet complicates scheduling, due to their esteemed performances and long-standing connection to the venue. They initially used the Auditorium before transitioning to the Lyric in 2021, expanding the venue’s programming challenges.

Meeting Changing Demands

Santiago joined the Auditorium in 2019, navigating the pandemic’s disruption and subsequent recovery. She adapted by increasing concerts, attracting commercial shows, and diversifying audiences. Rich Regan, the CEO from the Lyric, aimed at filling revenue gaps due to reduced dance programming.

Despite challenges, Santiago insists, “Dance belongs here.” Her team introduced the “curtain cap” system, reducing audience capacity to enhance intimacy and increase sales potential.

The Dance Partners group also plays a crucial role by shaping decisions such as bringing “Dance Me” to Chicago.

Strategic Local Integration

There is a shift from exclusively promoting Chicago companies to mixing them with others. While this year overlooks local dance entirely, Santiago balances artistic quality with viable audience numbers.

Santiago supports See Chicago Dance, an advocacy group for over 200 local companies, but ensures non-local talent complements the theater’s ambitious programming. However, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater stands out as a local partner, hosting an annual performance at the venue.