From the Independent Theater Bloggers Association’s (ITBA) web site:

The ITBA (Independent Theater Bloggers Association) was formed in 2009 by a group of the most passionate theater bloggers on the World Wide Web. The members of the association blog about all aspects and all varieties of both commercial and non-profit theater, from big Broadway musicals performed in Times Square, to the most unique forms of entertainment performed off-off Broadway on the Lower East Side, as well as productions all over the country and all over the world. Together they see thousands of productions, and, without being paid or prodded, they write about them.

The Association was formed out of a desire to provide structure to the quickly growing theatrical blogosphere, as well as to give new media voices a chance to recognize excellence.

I think this is a GREAT idea. The rapidly changing journalism landscape has made press coverage on theatre and the arts an endangered species. It’s no secret that bloggers are filling this void. There are several bloggers out there who do a fantastic job reporting on theatre, reviewing shows, and simply sharing anecdotes about past performances, favorite performers, interesting observations, etc. I learn a lot from these passionate theatregoers. It’s a thankless task: you aren’t doing it for money or fame or, oftentimes, even a free ticket. You just want to share because it makes you happy and you feel it’s important.

I’m honored to be a part of this group, and hope it takes off. There’s a great team supporting it, so I’m sure it will become something amazing. Currently, most of ITBA’s members are based in NYC. However, Chicago theatre bloggers are welcome and encouraged to join. Information is available on their web site: www.theaterbloggers.com

Or, you can contact me with any questions.