The Gift Theatre has announced the launch of  4802—the new play research and development wing named after its storefront address located on N Milwaukee Ave in Jefferson Park.

In 4802, Chicago-based artists and artistic teams will be given residencies in the Gift Theatre’s 40-seat storefront, providing dedicated tailor-made time, space, and support for their work. Each residency will range from 1-3 weeks long depending on the project; every project will be supported with a budget of up to $7,000.

“4802 exists to nurture the creation of vital works of theater which pioneer what is possible in a storefront space,” said 4802 Director and ensemble member Andrew Hinderaker. “The nature of the residencies will be determined by the needs of the individual projects and dictated by the artists themselves. If applicants want to devise a piece in a company of artists; if they want to stage a movement workshop, pop-up production, table read—any approach that serves the development of their piece is welcome. The Gift is their laboratory where they can experiment, explore, and broaden the boundaries of their work.”

As 4802 grows and The Gift’s storefront space becomes fully utilized, fellow storefront theatres A Red Orchid, Steep, and Rivendell have offered to open their spaces to 4802.

“We have examined how to do this in a true and permanent way, one which is organic to the core values of The Gift of LOVE, ENSEMBLE, and A PIONEERING SPIRIT,” adds Artistic Director Michael Patrick Thornton.

Applications for 4802 are now being accepted until January 1, 2017

For details and additional information about 4802 please visit thegifttheatre.org/4802