It truly is a family affair at Chicago Street Theatre for Eric Brant and his family. Brant has spent the last 35 years with the theatre, beginning as an actor, to reaching his current position as Director of Marketing, along with continuing to act, direct, and illustrate the posters for each season’s lineup of shows.
At age 17, Brant wanted more options for acting and came to the theatre. “High school offered some exposure, but only a few shows,” he stated. Brant joined the production of “Camelot” and instantly became a part of the theatre family. “We have a really good core group of people, a really strong solidarity of membership,” he shared. “We are a true family.”
In 1988, a young lady named Traci joined the theatre as part of the cast of “All the King’s Rabbits.” Brant and Traci grew close and 6 years later, ended up married. “She claims she fell in love with me when I played John in ‘The Elephant Man’ in 1992,” he laughed.
“When we got engaged, we had family east and west, but none here,” Brant went on to say. Thus, the two were married by their theatre family, with Jonni Pera directing and Dave Pera officiating the ceremony.
A few years later, the two starred in the 1998 production of “It’s A Wonderful Life.” “It was one of the few times we played opposite each other,” Brant shared. Traci has since moved into more of a directorial role, often co-directing shows with Jonni Pera, as well as designing the layout for the playbills and promotional materials for each show when not working her main job with Court Theatre in Chicago.
As a Shakespeare enthusiast, Brant has taken on the “Shakespeare in the Park” productions, held for the past two summers in Valparaiso’s Central Park Plaza. A believer in the idea that Shakespeare is meant not to be studied, but to be experienced, this has been a particular passion that Brant is excited to see come to fruition. The show is costly and time consuming, but the purpose is not to make money. “We’re in it to make the art,” Brant stated. “If you make good art, the audience will come.”
Brant’s two children, Lauren and Nicholas, joined the theatre family for last summer’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” following in their parents’ footsteps and showcasing an outlet for kids to participate in the arts. Chicago Street Theatre offers children’s theatre classes, teaching performance skills while developing self-esteem and discipline.
With such a dedication to the business, what is the force that keeps Brant and his family pressing on? “Our main focus is making our group better and better,” he said. “It’s always about challenging each other to learn something new and make the performance better. We try to do different things to reach a wider audience.”
“There are no main stars at Chicago Street Theatre- we all are, our patrons are. We’re all contributing!”
To find out more about Chicago Street Theatre and see the next season lineup, visit them on Facebook or check out their website!
