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2004 - 2017
After many nomadic years spanning across five spaces, Prop finds its home at 3502-3504 North Elston. At the same time, it hones its focus in on Chicago, producing multiple hits that lean on the politics of the city. Partnerships, such as that with the Museum of Contemporary Art take equal priority, with more to come. This era ends just before a change in leadership that would shift the Prop image forever.
Home Sweet Home!
In January 2004, Prop moved in its fifth and longest-occupied space at 3502-3504 North Elston Avenue, a space it would call home for the next 16 years. Having such deep roots at this location allowed Prop to become more experimental with their projects and expand beyond just theatre.
Hizzoner, Daley the First
by Neil Gray Guintoli
2006-2009
First produced in 2006 and again in 2009, Hizzoner: Daley the First marks Guintoli's triumphant return to writing for Prop's stage. The play received wide praise for its satirical take on former Mayor of Chicago Richard Joseph Daley. It still remains one of Prop's biggest and longest-running shows, starting at Prop before moving to the Beverly Arts Center and The Theatre Building (now Stage 773).
2008
In continuation with Prop's exploration of the history of Chicago, Busted City details the intense racial politics that occurred when Harold Washington was elected as Chicago's first Black mayor. Playwright Paul Carr went on to turn the play into a film, screening across Europe and winning numerous laurels.
2011
In the first of multiple iniatives with the Chicago Museum of Art, Prop produced Still in Play with long-time associate artist Jenny Magnus. This performances further strengthened Prop's bond with other key Chicago artistic institutions.
Busted City by Paul L. Carr
Still in Play by Jenny Magnus
Catzilla!
One of Prop's more eccentric highlights comes from the mind of Diane Hamm, another long-time associate. From 2012-2020, Hamm ran Catzilla, a fundraiser cabaret filled with cats and humans acting like cats alike. A great laugh, and Hamm's most successful campaign.
