Al Curtis, The Skokie Theatre and the Church of What's Happening Now

While working on a booking for Doyle Dykes, the finger picking guitarist, Al Curtis discovered that both Doyle and his manager were pastors. Curtis said, “You’ve come to the right place. We don’t serve booze, we don’t serve food. We’re the ‘church of what’s happening now.’”

Al Curtis, the manager of the Skokie Theatre is a man on a mission.

His mission to provide a world-class theatrical experience for performers and audience alike; to continue the revitalization of Downtown Skokie.

On the Road

In 2002,  Curtis went on the road with Bob Acri, the executive director of the Skokie Theatre Foundation. Curtis had known for Acri and his father, the pianist Bob Acri Sr, for years Together Curtis and Acri planned presentations for students who wanted careers in the music business.  All forms of the music business.

Al Curtis

This was a hands-on, frank seminar with Q & A.  Acri, as an entertainment lawyer and advisor (as well as a musician), had seen many talented artists fail to understand how to navigate the business side of the music business.  As for Al Curtis; well, in his career he had seen it all. And what he hadn’t seen, he’d heard about.

These schools were diverse. At Eastern University, a Christian college in St. Davids, PA, the students prayed before and after the program. At Roberts Wesleyan of Rochester NY, everyone in the audience planned to be a Choir Director or a Hand Bell Choir Director. (Click here for a Japanese hand bell choir).

At Clarion State College, they met the young woman who sang the national anthem for Ground Hog Day in Punxsutawney, PA. And at Chico State, Curtis had a chance to compare notes with James Whitehead who not only ran an outstanding music program, he also booked President Reagan’s inauguration.

This program continues and there have been presentations at local colleges like, Triton, Truman, Washington and Wright.

An Encore for Al Curtis

In 2004, Acri asked Curtis to manage the Skokie Theatre and “make it happen.” The board of directors had created a marvelous performance space. Now, they needed a strategy to get the audience in the building. Here is the unofficial Al Curtis mission statement.

“My goal is to have The Skokie Theatre open all time.”

“Everyone (performer) who comes here is a partner. Nobody is guaranteed anything. So they all have to draw people.”

“We provide the stage, the sound, and the lights. It’s a unique opportunity. It’s really a listening room.”

When you consider that the theatre is open 4 to 5 days a week, the plan seems to be working pretty well.

Dave Grier

Along with production manager Dave Grier, an active board of directors, support from local civic leaders and business, Curtis and the Skokie Theatre provide a performance experience for out-of-state and local groups, seniors, children and all fans of cabaret, folk, country, swing, pop, comedy and classical.

The Veteran’s Program

The Skokie Theatre has a strong and committed relationship to our Veterans. Any Veteran can attend their Wednesday matinees at 1:30 free of charge. You can help their Veterans Fund by making a donation (click here) or putting a few dollars in the jar when you are at the Theatre.

BUY 1-GET 1 FREE: HALLOWEEN SPECIAL FOR AGELESS READERS

On Saturday October 31, come to the Skokie Theatre to see AN AMERICAN TRILOGY THE MUSICAL LEGACY OF BOB DYLAN, PETE SEEGER AND WOODY GUTHRIE presented by BUCKY HALKER. This guy is a real folkie, plays harmonica and knows the music.

Just meet us at the Skokie Theatre, Don will be wearing his aging hippie costume. Buy 2 tickets and just pay for 1.