SPONSOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Each quarter, we feature a member of The Forty 4: an incredible part of the Oracle community which helps to give everyone access to the arts. We are immensely grateful to all of our monthly sponsors.

 Get to know Brit Schulte, sponsor and champion of Public Access Theatre:

Brit Schulte, member of The Forty 4. Photo by Joe Mazza, Brave Lux.

“This project is too important, and I wanted to see it sustained and able to grow. I wanted to be a part of that important process.”

O*: What is your passion?

B: Marxism, Feminism & Prison Abolition. Also Pugs.

O*: Which Oracle shows have been your favorites?

B: The Mother, The Jungle, & This House Believes the American Dream is at the Expense of the American Negro 

O*: Is there a favorite Oracle moment you would like to share?

B: Pulling multiple Oracle members into a photo booth after a production during an impromptu birthday outing (they were perfect strangers at the time). What resulted is excellent.

O*: Why is art for all important to you?

B: Art is a human necessity. We need access to art like we do food, shelter, education etc. Without it we are incomplete. Because of this all art should be public, free, and able to be accessed by all.

O*: What made you decide to become a member of The Forty 4?

B: After attending a half a dozen or so shows, I decided I needed to back up my patronage with financial support. This project is too important, and I wanted to see it sustained and able to grow. I wanted to be a part of that important process.

O*: Would you encourage others to join The Forty 4? If so what would you say?

B: Absolutely. I’d tell them the truth. Do this. It is worth every cent you’ll direct their way and more. Right now we have a city, and a country that do not value the arts the way they should- it’s up to all of us to support and sponsor where we can and demand these important projects remain a part of our communities. We can help ensure Oracle stays free and public by chipping in where we can.

O*: What does your ideal weekend entail?

B: What’s a weekend? I often don’t have weekends off, so I’ll be bold and say: blanket, wine, books and being lakeside under a tree with nowhere to be.

O*: If you couldn’t spend a dime, what would you do for fun on a day off?

B: Seriously though, what is a “day off?”

O*: Tell us what you love about Chicago.

B: Public transit (when it runs) and that it feels like I live on the ocean (I can pretend).

O*: What is your favorite quote, motto, or piece of life advice?

B: “Your Honor, years ago I recognized my kinship with all living beings, and I made up my mind then that I was not one bit better than the meanest on earth. I said then, and I say now, that while there is a lower class, I am in it; and while there is a criminal element, I am of it; and while there is a soul in prison, I am not free.” –Eugene V. Debs, Statement to the Federal Court, Cleveland, Ohio, upon being convicted of violating the Sedition Act (18 September 1918)

Thank you to Brit, and all members of The Forty 4! Your generosity is priceless!