Catalyst Ranch

Ignite Theatre Presents the Election Monologues
2017-01-20 19:30 - 21:00 UTC | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
The Election Monologues – A Nationwide Event of Unity & Resistance
On inauguration day in the United States, an event of resistance and unity will take place in 14 cities across the country, bringing together people of all ages, colors and political dispositions to share their personal stories about the 2016 election. The Election Monologues will take place in theaters and public spaces throughout America, where groups of 6-10 people will share monologues about how the election has affected them.
Led by Tanya Taylor Rubinstein and Kerri Lowe and produced with the help of dozens of volunteer coordinators and facilitators across the country, the work stems from Rubinstein’s StoryHealers Transformational Monologue process. Rubinstein has facilitated this process with hundreds of groups, including people who have experienced cancer, veterans, caregivers and hospice workers, LGBTQ youth and Israeli and Palestinian young women. After seeing so many of her adult solo performance students depressed and overwhelmed after the election, as well as experiencing a sense of paralyzing despair herself, Rubinstein decided that something needed to be done to heal people individually and collectively through the power of storytelling, writing and performance. Kerri Lowe, who regularly works with Tanya, had the same impulse.
This is not dogma. It’s not a debate. It’s not propaganda. This event is an opportunity to hear different perspectives around what the election of Donald Trump means to many types of individuals on a personal level. The aim is to humanize one another and offer a safe space for people to process through their intense feelings around this election. Everyone, no matter their political affiliation, is invited to participate and attend. All stories will be respected in this environment. We invite the press and the community to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event. Details for our city are below and more information can be found at www.ElectionMonologues.com.
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Ignite Theatre Presents A Christmas Carol
2016-12-10 10:00 - 2016-12-11 18:00 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
PRESENTS
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol

Ignite Theatre presents A Christmas Carol like you’ve never experienced before. This interactive, immersive new take on the holiday classic brings the audience along on a 1 hour tour through the unique and creative rooms of The Catalyst Ranch. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the beloved story from dancing all cares away at The Fezziwig Ball to helping Mrs. Cratchit prepare her house for an unforgettable Christmas feast. Bring your whole family along and make a day celebrating the holiday season here in Chicago. Children 12 and under are free!
Conceived and directed by Molly Wagner

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Ignite Theatre Presents Why Not Me
2016-12-03 20:00 - 2016-12-04 15:00 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Presents

Based on Chicago writer/actress Jen Bosworth’s real-life experiences, the wry, energetic, comedic performance reveals the humorous gaffes and tribulations of her days as an actress living in Los Angeles and her return to Chicago as sickness and cancer engulf her family, while, at the same time, popular singer Jack White invades her nightly dreams as an escape from reality. Ignite Theatre presents the show, directed by Alyson Lyon.
From the surreal Hollywood life as Academy Award Winner Nicolas Cage’s office manager to struggling actress to dealing with family illness, death and love, this stage production is an uplifting story of one woman’s courageous romp through life’s heartaches, headaches and hysterics.

“When I lived in LA, agents told me I was too fat to be cast in any meaningful roles, so finding an acting job was extremely tough. I lived in a dump at night and, ironically, picked pricey furniture for million-dollar mansions by day. I arrive back in Chicago and my parents die. . . oh, and my husband gets cancer. But, hey, we all have our crap. . . so turn it into gold.”
Jen is an Evanston native and alumnus of the Theatre School at DePaul University. Her acting credits include ER and Early Edition and Steppenwolf Theatre.
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Come Discover Ignite Chicago!
2016-11-29 18:00 - 21:00 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Ignite is a high-energy evening of 5-minute talks by people who have a burning idea—and the guts to get onstage and share it with their hometown crowd.
Speaking at Ignite is an unforgettable experience. You step up to the mic. Your palms sweat. You can hear the thump of your blood rushing. Your voice cracks for an instant and then you launch into a rant for 300 straight seconds, wearing your passion on your sleeve, barely pausing to breathe. The crowd goes wild.
Ignite Chicago is open to everyone. All talks are 5 minutes (20 slides x 15 seconds/slide).

There is no theme for Ignite. You can talk about virtually anything as long as you can show us your passion for it. What’s the thing you most geek out about? What’s the topic of conversation that quickens your pulse and sets your toe a-tappin’? That is what we want to hear you speak about.
All speakers get equal time and equal billing. All talks are 5 minutes. You create 20 slides, and we set them up to auto-advance every 15 seconds.
Want to speak?
The audience at Ignite is generous and patient. They know the Ignite format is difficult, and they realize you might be an absolute beginner at public speaking. Don’t worry – they’ve got your back. You’re giving them your passion and your vulnerability, and they love you for that. You won’t find a more appreciative audience at any other event.

Some people think Ignite is about self-help talks. It isn’t. Nobody wants to hear a preachy pep talk. We’re already “good enough and smart enough,” so let’s keep this about you and your passionate ideas.
Finally, we’re serious about the no pitching thing. We know that sometimes a speaker must mention their profession in order to give their talk context, which is totally fine. But Ignite is not the place to tout your organization or to troll for clients.

What would you say?

Click the Ignite logo below for tickets!

Catalyst Ranch Anniversary Party!
2016-11-14 18:00 - 21:30 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
It’s time for the Catalyst Ranch 14th Anniversary Party and you are invited!
2016 is the Year of the Monkey in Chinese culture, and we have been celebrating it all year by highlighting the Most Interesting People and events. This is the culmination of our year, and we would love for you to come celebrate the Most Interesting Anniversary Party with the Most Interesting People in the Most Interesting Meeting & Events Space in the world!
Other interesting reasons to attend:

We are so proud to introduce our new Business Development Manager Tehilla Newman along side her team mates, Maggie Weiterman and Tatiana Green. Combined they are the best and most interesting sales team in the world.
Actor Jen Bosworth, songwriter Matt Baron, and Emmy-winner Ben Hollis will be here to help us recollect the old and ring in the new.
The food is being provided by the caterer with the most interesting name: Big Delicious Planet.
You love parties.

November 14th is the date to celebrate fourteen years as the go-to venue for Chicago’s most creative meeting and events. We wouldn’t be in business without you, and we certainly cannot celebrate without you either!
Join Eva, Ranch Czarina, Pogo, the World’s Most Interesting Monkey, our fantastic new Client Services and Business Development team, and the rest of the Ranch Hands as we raise a toast to 14 great years. Believe me, you don’t want to miss this most interesting affair!
RSVP Here!
Doors open at 6pm for a Welcome Reception with food and drinks. Performances start at 7:15pm!

Ignite Theatre Presents the kates
2016-11-12 20:00 - 21:30 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Presents

the kates provide an intimate night of comedy different from anything you’ll see at a typical Chicago club or late night bar. Our mission is to showcase talented and hilarious female identified performers by creating inclusive and positive environments; This encourages artists to express their comic point of view in unique and non-apologetic ways – From darkly amusing musical numbers, storytelling, the awkward art of clowning, absurd solo performances, and uproarious stand-up comedy, the kates continue to crack up new audiences and ensure that loyal fans come back for more!
the kates provides unique opportunities to ladies in comedy, and showcases talent from all backgrounds,
perspectives, and cities around the US proving that women are equal in the eyes of comedy.
the kates is a platform that provides creative content, comedic educational services and positive performance spaces for women. Females occupy minimal leadership roles in most industries, the kates’ goal is to increase these numbers. the kates provide standup comedy classes to build female confidence, showcase female students and performers to encourage unapologetic behavior and hone public speaking skills, and create a community where women build self-worth while working together. the kates also works with teams of professional comedians, filmmakers and content creators to help established brands reach a wider female demographic, in innovative ways. Unlocking women’s voices with humor is not only key to their personal growth but will create stronger leadership and diversity across all industries; while hiring female comedians to collaborate with your brand will ensure you
are representing women in your global marketing mission, thereby increasing economic growth.
Stand-up comedy has been a rough road for women. Just ask anyone who’s been the only woman on a bill of male comedians or had to hold her own in an unfriendly room. But not only are women participating in a broad list of stand-up shows around the city, more also are producing comedy shows with an eye to nurturing women comics.
Sponsored in part by

Click the Kates logo for tickets!

improve it!'s Q4 Business Improv Public Workshop
2016-11-09 18:00 - 20:30 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Are you a business professional who would like to learn creative techniques to think more quickly on your feet during a meeting or at a presentation? Are you a leader or manager looking to enhance collaboration across your team? Are you the type of person who is always trying to be the best version of yourself?
Most importantly, are you the kind of person who likes…FUN?!?
Then, say no more! Come join improve it! in our quarterly public workshop, and we’ll teach you the healing powers of improv for the workplace.
Our energetic and unique workshop will highlight the impact that improvisational techniques can have on your communication skills, and overall professional presentational presence! (Try saying that five times fast.)
Over the course of two hours, you will participate in an interactive lecture and series of improvisation-based exercises led by professional improvisers. By the end of the workshop we guarantee you will have learned and practiced how to:

Communicate ideas clearly to your peers
Trust your first instinct rather than overthink
Receive and respond to feedback more easily
Tune into your own brand of spontaneity!

The workshop will be led by improve it!’s founder, Erin Diehl, and three of improve it!’s professional improvisers — all who have trained and performed at top theaters in Chicago and around the United States. The workshop will provide you with an intimate, and hands-on experience to show you exactly what we do.
What do we do? We’re glad you asked…
improve it! LLC is a Chicago-based company that provides high-energy, laughter-filled corporate events & team building workshops that incorporate improvisation teams & techniques, while donating a portion of proceeds to charity. To learn more about improve it! visit www.improveitchicago.com.
Sound good to you? Great! We’ll see you there.
Additional Details:
Time: November 9th, Registration opens at 6:00 p.m. and the workshop will begin promptly at 6:15 p.m.
Location Details: Catalyst Ranch, 656 West Randolph Street, #3W Chicago, IL 60661
About Catalyst Ranch: Catalyst Ranch was the first venue in Chicago to realize that the results of any offsite meeting or event can be enhanced if participants are placed in the right environment. We refused to believe that only Creatives should be allowed to work in non-businesslike, fun, eclectic spaces. Everyone can be more productive if the conditions are optimized, which is why we customize each and every meeting that we host. By stimulating all the senses, Catalyst Ranch helps break down barriers and create positive disruption of thought and new ideas. We offer all-inclusive pricing and provide all the technology and meeting supplies you require. Partner with our team for exceptional customer service and the perfect meeting experience.
Attire: Although this is a professional event, comfortable professional clothing is encouraged as this will be an interactive workshop.
Contact the organizer: Please contact Erin Diehl, founder of improve it! with any questions aterin@improveitchicago.com. You can also visit us through our eventbrite listing here.

Mom + Baby Women Supporting Women Conference
2016-10-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Mom + Baby 3rd Annual Women Supporting Women Conference

For the third year in a row, the Mom + Baby organization is hosting its annual Women Supporting Women Conference and Reception on Thursday, October 20, 2016. The event was designed by women for women to make meaningful connections and get their voice heard. The conference includes a full day of hands-on workshops and conversations about the issues that matter to all women from personal life hacks to career advice including legislative issues impacting women, education, professional advice, insurance tips, budgeting, and more. A networking reception and fundraiser will follow hosted by Jammin with Jane, an annual fundraising event hosted by Columbia College Chicago’s Special Events and Promotions students, will raise funds for Mom + Baby while the Jam celebrates its 25th anniversary benefitting non-profit organizations in the Chicagoland area.

For full details on speakers and times, please click here: Conference Program

Mom + Baby was started by Columbia College Alum Alexandra Eidenberg shortly after she ran for Congress as a Democratic candidate for the 4th Congressional District of Illinois. Ms. Eidenberg is the president of The Insurance People, an insurance practice that she co-founded in 2010. Ms. Eidenberg is the granddaughter of the Late Mirron “Mike” Alexandroff, college president from 1961-1992. Ms. Eidenberg is proud to be a Columbia College alum and is appreciative to Jane Canepa and her students to host Jammin with Jane in partnership with Mom+ Baby this year as the Jam celebrates 25 years.

OUR MISSION

Mom+Baby is focused on making a local and national impact on the well-being of pregnant women, moms, and kids through legislation and advocacy. We’re a group of working and stay at home moms who support one another to be their best. Our group encourages women with children ages 0 to 5 to create friendships and support each other through attending monthly in-person events and participating in our online community.

LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS

Mom+Baby sends women down to Springfield and DC to lobby on issues that we, as a group, support. We propose legislation, back existing bills, and lobby our representatives to make our voices heard. We also sponsor monthly coffee dates with our local legislators to get more women involved in the process.

Click the logo below for tickets

Collected Voices Film Fest
2016-10-06 19:00 - 21:00 | IL
Collected Voices centers around original ethnographic works that explore the intersection of race, age, class, gender, and sexuality within Chicago society. Explored through short and feature length films from Chicago based artists, these stories capture the voices of individuals and communities.
Started in 2015 with a grant from Chicago Artists Month, Collected Voices is Chicago’s first and only Ethnographic film fest, blending together fiction and documentary media from diverse Chicago filmmakers in academia and art.
This year they received more great films from Chicago and around the world, about real life everyday experiences. The festival has grown in its’ second year from 4 venues to 10, including Catalyst Ranch!
Check them out!

improve it!'s Q3 Business Improv Public Workshop
2016-08-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Catalyst Ranch, 656 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60661, United States
Are you a business professional who would like to learn creative techniques to more effectively communicate your ideas?Are you a leader or manager looking to enhance collaboration across your team? Are you the type of person who is always trying to be the best version of yourself?
Most importantly, are you the kind of person who likes…FUN?!?
Then, say no more! Come join improve it! in a quarterly public workshop, and they’ll teach you the healing powers of improv for the workplace.
This energetic and unique workshop will highlight the impact that improvisational techniques can have on your communication skills, and overall professional presentational presence! (Try saying that five times fast.)
Over the course of two hours, you will participate in an interactive lecture and series of improvisation-based exercises led by professional improvisers. By the end of the workshop we guarantee you will have learned and practiced how to:

Exude positivity before a presentation
Understand how your emotional state affects performance
Utilize your natural presentation style and creativity to prepare, and
Concisely communicate and connect with an audience.

The workshop will be led by improve it!’s founder, Erin Diehl, and three of improve it!’s professional improvisers — all who have trained and performed at top theaters in Chicago and around the United States. The workshop will provide you with an intimate, and hands-on experience to show you exactly what we do.
What do we do? We’re glad you asked…
improve it! LLC is a Chicago-based company that provides high-energy, laughter-filled corporate events & team building workshops that incorporate improvisation teams & techniques, while donating a portion of proceeds to charity. To learn more about improve it! visit www.improveitchicago.com.
Sound good to you? Great! We’ll see you there.
Contact the organizer: Please contact Erin Diehl, founder of improve it! with any questions at erin@improveitchicago.com. You can also visit us through our eventbrite listing here.
Attire: Although this is a professional event, comfortable professional clothing is encouraged as this will be an interactive workshop.
