In 1992, Michael Halberstam and Marilyn Campbell founded Writers' Theatre, using a newly opened bookstore in Glencoe, Illinois, as its first performance space. This limited space gave way to a new aesthetic that has been a company hallmark ever since --- intimacy.  Since then, Writers' Theatre has produced in a second space in Glencoe and has become one of the most prominent theatre companies in the Chicago area.

Writers' Theatre hired AMS Planning & Research in March 2008 as its consultants to conduct a feasibility study.  Subsequent to that work, Writers' retained AMS again in September 2008 to evaluate two potential facility sites and to develop a transition plan for the organization.

Writers' Theatre assessed two possible scenarios.  The first was to renovate the Highland Park movie theatre, located in downtown Highland Park, Illinois.  The second was to demolish its current facility, the Women's Library Club in Glencoe, Illinois, and build a new facility.  AMS assisted Writers' Theatre with its proposal to the City of Highland Park, prepared materials for Writers' Theatre building committee meetings, and provided counsel on a process to evaluate the two scenarios.  At the end of the process, Writers' Theatre decided to remain in Glencoe and build a new facility.

AMS also guided Writers' Theatre in developing a transition plan from its current operations to expanded operations in a new facility.  AMS led a workshop with Writers' Theatre staff and board members to identify objectives to be accomplished before a new facility was accomplished.  Then, AMS led a workshop with staff members to compare its envisioned operations with its current one and develop the necessary strategies and tactics for Writers' Theatre to reach its objectives.  Finally, AMS developed performance measures based on Writers' Theatre's goals and objectives and wrote a transition plan narrative.

Photo:  The Puppetmaster of Lodz at Writers' Theatre.  Photo Credit:  Michael Brosilow