Walking Through an Open Door: An Interview with Mary Pat Sieck

I've passed by this corner many times and had no idea I was passing by a beautiful theater.

Recently I had the honor of performing at the Open Door Theater with the Anti-gravity Experiment Improv Group. I was blown away by the professional surroundings. The management has gone to great lengths to make this theater comfortable for both audience and performer.

I am very impressed with their devotion to diversity and commitment to community. Make it a point to see a show at the Open Door Theater Company and experience theater art. Here is my interview with director Mary Pat Sieck

Ken Reif: Who are you?

Mary Pat Sieck: I am a founding member of the Open Door Repertory Company, the current director of the Open Door Theater and a late bloomer to the theater.

What is the Open Door Theater?

It is a professional non-equity company whose focus is on diversity.

How did you choose the site?

There were several factors which helped us determine our site. We knew we wanted it close to public transportation. We like that it is located in the Harrison Arts District. We liked the shape of the building. The rent was low and the landlord is an actor.

Why Oak Park? 

All of the members live in Oak Park and we wanted a way we could contribute to the community. We moved to Oak Park because we wanted diversity for our children. Oak Park offers this and the city's location is close to Chicago.

What is your history with the Theater and acting?

I am one of the founding member of the Company started in 1998 We were first located at . We were there for 9 years and the school outgrew itself and we made the decision to find our own place. I became involved in acting when my youngest son joined the CAST program at his school. I realized I liked the theatre more than he did. so I returned to college because I knew I needed more training. I received my degree in theater with a concentration in directing.

I understand there were many complications during the construction. What happened?

During the digging we noticed a petroleum odor and then found out the ground was contaminated with gas. This was related to the site in the 1930's being a gas station and over the years the pipes which led from the tank to the pumps had eroded causing the gas to leak into the soil. First it took months to rid the area of the contamination then months to get the green light from the goverment to begin construction. We finally opened our doors on October 21st, 2011.

What are your mission and goals for the theater?

We are passionately committed to inspire, entertain and develop productions that promote the diversity of our community and to provide theater opportunities for artists of all ages. Our goal is to fill the theater for every performance.

What kind of acts perform at the Open Door?

We focus during the season to have plays, then in the summer we open it up to musical groups, improv, stand-up, I would like to have spoken word performances in the future. We also have the Feedback School of Musicwhich holds lessons here four afternoons a week and the Church of Beethoven is here the fourth Sunday of every month.

How does diversity play a role at the Open Door?

It informs all the choices concerning plays, musical groups, improv. It spotlights the diversity of our community.

What are the upcoming performances?

Friday, June 29: Comedy Night at Open Door at 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 30: Open mic at 8 p.m; Songwriter's Showcase at 9 p.m.
Thursday, July 5:Open mic at Open Door at 8 p.m
Friday July 6: Comedy Night at Open Door, 8 p.m.

Where can people find out more about the Theater?

For tickets or info call (708) 342-0810 or go to www.opendoorrep.org