The Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee has announced that Michael Menendian and JoAnn Montemurro of Chicago’s Raven Theatre will receive a special award at the Non-Equity Jeff Awards ceremony on June 9. Raven was founded by this husband-and-wife team and has been in business for 25 years; it’s currently presenting “Laughter on the 23rd Floor.” … Next Theatre of Evanston has announced that its ambitious artistic director Jason Loewith is leaving in early 2009. Plans call for a new artistic director to be hired this fall, with Loewith then spending several months working alongside the newcomer. Loewith will then decamp for Washington D.C., joining his partner. … “Shout” at Drury Lane Water Tower is now selling tickets through July 20. … Live Bait Theater’s Sharon Evans says The Artistic Home has signed a three-year lease to occupy the theater at 3912-14 N. Clark St. The Artistic Home, a company run by Kathy Scambiatterra and John Mossman, currently presents “Juno and the Paycock.” The new deal covers both theater spaces in the building, as well as the offices. Live Bait plans to continue its Fillet of Solo Festival, probably presenting at the Lifeline Theatre in the future.
