Tin Drum Theatre Company's Winter Icebreaker: Thursday, March 12 from 6:30 - 9:30 PM at Buzzed by Zea Salon & Bar

Join us for an exciting night with friends, food, raffle prizes, and more, while supporting live local theatre in Chicago!

We have three ticket tiers for our 2026 Winter Icebreaker event:

Supporters: Supporter tickets cost $30 and include admission to the event, complimentary food, and access to the silent auction! Raffle tickets to the panoply of raffle items are available for purchase at the event.
Sponsors: Sponsor tickets cost $50 and grant admission to the event, complimentary food, access to the silent auction, and ten (10) free raffle tickets! Additional tickets for the vast array of raffle items are available for purchase at the event.
Super Sponsors: Super Sponsor tickets cost $70 and include admission to the event, complimentary food, access to the silent auction, fifteen (15) free raffle tickets, PLUS one gratis admission to the opening weekend of Southern Rapture, by Eric Coble. Additional tickets for the eclectic assortment of raffle items are available for purchase at the event.

Note: All drinks must be purchased separately from the Buzzed by Zea bar. There is no open bar for this event.

Founded in 2024 by Co-Artistic Directors Steve Needham and Jason Palmer, Tin Drum Theatre Company grew out of a two-decade partnership dedicated to producing bold, intelligent theatre.

Their debut, Winter Garden, born from Steve’s master’s research at the University of Chicago, served as the proof of concept for a shared dream twenty years in the making.

In less than a year—and with your support—Tin Drum earned its place among Chicago’s most promising new companies.

**Critical Acclaim for Incognito (July 2025)**

The Chicago premiere of Incognito, by Nick Payne at Theater Wit drew praise across the board:

“Magic on a small stage… directed with impeccable timing.”
— Third Coast Review

“A sterling production… announcing Tin Drum as a company worth watching.”
— Newcity Stage

“The type of work that makes live theater so in-the-moment absorbing and exhilarating.”
— Splash Magazine

All this recognition arrived amid one of the most challenging climates the arts have faced in decades—proof that rigorous, idea-driven theatre still finds its audience.

**Critical Acclaim for The Unseen (November 2025)**

Tin Drum's daring production of The Unseen, by Craig Wright at The Bramble Arts Loft was also a critical success:

“Tin Drum Theatre Company’s production of The Unseen… is highly recommended.”
— Chicago On Stage

“Brilliantly cast, Gleaves and Mai play off one another with a conversational intimacy… peppered with a gallows humor.”
— Chicago On Stage

“…fine directing by Steve Needham… the human suffering within it is so palpable.”
— Around the Town Chicago

The play deftly handled especially sensitive material during one of the most difficult times in Chicago's recent history.

2026 Season Announcement

🎭 Southern Rapture by Eric Coble — directed by Jason Palmer
🗓 June 12 – 28 | 📍Theater Wit

✨ And another full production in the Fall, to be announced at the benefit.

Your support at this benefit sustains bold work, nurtures Chicago artists,
and keeps independent theatre alive — one story at a time.

CURRENT LIST OF EVENT SPONSORS:

Buzzed by Zea;

Tin Drum Theatre's Winter 2026 Icebreaker

By Tin Drum Theatre Company

Tin Drum Theatre's Winter 2026 Icebreaker

Join us for an exciting night with friends, food, raffle prizes, and more!

Team Members