Chicago Tribune expands performing arts coverage

CHICAGO, Oct. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago Tribune is proud to announce the debut of an expanded and redesigned website, The Theater Loop with Chris Jones. The website provides expanded coverage of the performing arts scene in Chicago, cementing its long-standing position as the Midwest's leading online source for theater, comedy and dance reviews, news, commentary and videos.

Chicagotribune.com/theaterloop has been transformed from a single-page blog to eight separate sections of unique content. New features include:

• Theater Loop Chat, the Midwest's first dedicated theater chat room, to be hosted by Johnny Oleksinski
• Theater Loop Showcase, a series of special videos produced by Tribune that showcase the best of Chicago and touring theater
• Theater Loop Calendar, an easy-to-search listings service offering readers expansive ticket and schedule information and immediate access to Chicago Tribune reviews
• Theater Loop Funny, a page dedicated to comedy, both live and on video, with expanded coverage of Chicago's robust comedy scene
• Dance, the Tribune's first dedicated online home for dance reviews, features and analysis.

"Chicago ranks as one of the most important theater cities in the world, and our theater scene is a wellspring of artistic innovation," said Gerould Kern, SVP/Editor of the Chicago Tribune. "Theater is a key aspect of Chicago's identity, and the Tribune's expansion of The Theater Loop is one more way we can serve the interests of Chicago readers."

The new site also includes expanded coverage of Broadway and London's West End, from Jones and others, along with features covering the best of theater in a variety of American cities, with a particular focus on the Midwest and on the arts destinations favored by culture-seeking Chicagoans.

At the Theater Loop Chat, fans have the opportunity to create free, anonymous accounts on the easy-to-use forum where they can debate, praise their favorite shows, ramble or just share the best place to eat after a show. The all-new Theater Loop Funny will showcase short videos created by local comedians, improvisers and actors. Other new features will be rolled out in coming months.

"This newly expanded site represents a major new commitment on the part of the Chicago Tribune, and it comes at a time when cultural coverage has been contracting elsewhere," Jones said. "It is designed to better serve our many readers who care deeply about the performing arts in Chicago and beyond."

The Theater Loop will launch with free access to users, thanks to sponsorship from Broadway in Chicago.

For more information, visit chicagotribune.com/theaterloop.

About Chicago Tribune Media Group:
Chicago Tribune Media Group is a media and business services company that publishes the Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune and chicagotribune.com. CTMG also produces related print and interactive media serving Chicagoland like RedEye, Hoy, Chicago magazine, Naperville Magazine, TribLocal, The Mash, chicagotribune.com, chicagonow.com and metromix.com. Reaching 4.8 million adults each week in the greater Chicago area, CTMG is the leading news and information destination in Chicagoland. 

SOURCE Chicago Tribune Media Group