In the midst of the chaos following the election results, Harmony France, the co-founder of Firebrand Theatre Company, reached out to share some exciting news. Firebrand Theatre, known for producing feminist-driven musical theater, is making a comeback after a hiatus during the pandemic.
France and Danni Smith founded Firebrand in 2016 with a mission to showcase musical theater through a feminist lens. They produced a range of shows, including the rock musical “Lizzie” and a revival of Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori’s “Caroline, or Change.” However, the pandemic forced them to pause their productions, with their last show being “Always . . . Patsy Cline” in 2019.
During the shutdown, France reflected on the company’s mission and the challenges they faced. She realized the importance of creating a supportive and sustainable environment for the company to thrive. Despite facing setbacks like losing their nonprofit status, France is determined to relaunch Firebrand with a focus on sustainability and transparency.
As Firebrand prepares to re-enter the Chicago theater scene, France is looking to build a new team and re-establish the company’s presence. She emphasizes the need for a solid infrastructure to prevent burnout and ensure the company’s longevity. France welcomes anyone interested in joining Firebrand to reach out and be part of the relaunch.
In addition to Firebrand’s revival, the Joel Hall Dancers and Center have announced new leadership with William Gill and Joseph Pindelski taking over as artistic director and executive director. This transition marks a new chapter for the company, founded to celebrate the artistry of Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ performers.
With these changes in the Chicago theater community, it’s clear that resilience and innovation are key to sustaining the arts in challenging times. As Firebrand Theatre and Joel Hall Dancers embark on new beginnings, they are poised to inspire audiences and artists alike with their dedication to inclusivity and creativity.
