“I think we can do both. The fact that [a new CLATA center] would be centrally located doesn’t mean that we have to stop investing in or supporting the theater that is happening in different communities throughout Chicago. Because without theater there, there is no theater downtown,” says Valdivia. “It’s how CLATA started and it is also such a core part of its mission. It is not just about bringing theater to downtown.
One of the other areas that Valdivia is interested in exploring with CLATA is the possibility of creating or fostering more work that can tour outside of Chicago, in addition to bringing in shows from outside the U.S., as Destinos routinely does. “I’m putting on my hat as someone who’s worked in the museum field for quite some time, where I’m sitting on committees where we have these conversations around programming that complements and travels with an exhibition. Is there a possibility where CLATA members can develop or adapt work so it can travel more easily?”
Valdivia continues,”I don’t like the term master class, I really hate it, but maybe we can offer workshops that help professionals, whether they be playwrights or directors, to sort of gain a different perspective and help them further develop their skill sets. It’s not to say that they’re not already doing that on their own because they are. Honestly, I have seen a fire in every single, [CLATA] group here in Chicago this year. And it’s been amazing.
“We just want them to continue focusing on the work that they’re producing and the different playwrights that they’re working so hard to bring to the stages. And if we can work out ways to help support them around all that and help elevate that work, that’s how we’re able to complement one another.