Business Details
29 Years
experience
Empowering Underrepresented Voices Through Dynamic Theatre in Chicago
Babes With Blades has been a pioneering force in Chicago's arts scene since 1997, dedicated to challenging traditional narratives through dynamic stage combat performances. Our ensemble-driven approach elevates underrepresented voices and dismantles patriarchal norms by creating theatre that explores the full spectrum of human experience. With over 25 years of experience, we combine performance, script development, and community outreach to cultivate broader perspectives in both the arts community and society at large.Our expertise in stage combat extends beyond traditional boundaries, featuring innovative productions that have earned recognition from the Illinois Arts Council and the League of Chicago Theatres. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we maintain authoritativeness through transparent operations and ethical practices while building trust through community engagement initiatives like free self-defense workshops and partnerships with local cultural institutions.
Services
Theatre Productions
Play Development
Stage Combat Training
Community Outreach
Script Submissions
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of experience creating socially conscious theatre
- Specialized expertise in stage combat-driven storytelling
- Commitment to elevating underrepresented voices
- Award-winning script development programs
- Active community engagement through workshops and partnerships
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit Organization
What people say
Empowering stories
Community impact
Dynamic performances
Inclusive casting
Engaging workshops
Services
Theatre Productions
Our theatre productions combine stage combat with socially conscious storytelling to challenge traditional narratives. Each season features original works and reimagined classics that elevate underrepresented voices. Through dynamic performances in Chicago and beyond, we create immersive experiences that provoke thought and inspire change while maintaining technical excellence in fight choreography.
Play Development
The Fighting Words program nurtures emerging playwrights through developmental workshops and feedback sessions. Our international Joining Sword & Pen competition promotes gender-equitable storytelling in playwriting. We provide resources for script refinement, focusing on works that align with our mission of dismantling patriarchal norms through theatre while maintaining artistic integrity.
Stage Combat Training
Specialized training in stage combat techniques for theatre professionals and students. Our programs emphasize safety, artistry, and storytelling through physical performance. Workshops cover various combat styles and their narrative applications, preparing performers to execute technically demanding fight sequences that enhance dramatic tension and character development.
Community Outreach
Free self-defense workshops and partnerships with cultural institutions extend our impact beyond the stage. Outreach initiatives engage diverse communities through interactive programs that connect theatrical skills with real-world empowerment. We collaborate with museums, schools, and arts organizations to create accessible programming that bridges theatre and social consciousness.
Script Submissions
Open submission process for production-ready scripts featuring stage combat and gender-equitable themes. We provide clear guidelines and feedback for playwrights, prioritizing works that challenge traditional narratives. Our submission criteria emphasize artistic quality while maintaining accessibility for emerging writers through transparent evaluation processes.
People
Hayley Rice
Artistic Director
Hayley Rice leads artistic vision and production oversight, bringing extensive theatre experience to guide the company's creative direction and mission-driven programming.
Kelsey Kovacevich
Managing Director
Kelsey Kovacevich oversees business operations and strategic planning, ensuring organizational sustainability while maintaining alignment with the company's artistic mission and community values.
Lata Balagangadharan
Finance Director
Lata Balagangadharan manages financial operations with expertise in nonprofit accounting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency in all organizational financial matters.
Dawn S. Alden
Founder
Dawn S. Alden founded the company in 1997, establishing its mission to create opportunities for women in stage combat and develop innovative theatrical storytelling that challenges societal norms.
Stephanie Repin
Former Artistic Director
Stephanie Repin contributed to artistic leadership during her tenure, maintaining the company's commitment to gender equity and innovative stage combat-driven storytelling.
Questions
What makes Babes With Blades unique in Chicago theatre?
We specialize in stage combat-driven storytelling that elevates underrepresented voices and challenges patriarchal norms through both classical and original works.
Do you offer educational programs for aspiring performers?
Yes, we provide stage combat training workshops and community outreach programs including free self-defense classes for local communities.
What funding sources support your productions?
We receive support from grants by the Illinois Arts Council, CityArts, and the Donnelley Foundation, along with individual donor contributions.
How does the company approach casting inclusivity?
We prioritize inclusive casting practices that consider gender, race, and identity as specified in scripts, avoiding automatic assumptions about character backgrounds.
