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Rivendell Theatre Ensemble,now celebrating its tenth season, is committed to its mission of pursuing the talents of women artists -- writers, actors, directors, designers and technical staff -- and to seeking out plays that explore the unique female experience in an intimate, salon environment. We give this mission further focus by sharing women's talents with others, especially women and minorities in the community who may not otherwise participate in cultural events or see the contribution made by women in the arts. With our 2004/2005 Season, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble celebrated ten years of producing artistically challenging, thought-provoking, original plays about the female experience. After ten years, we are able to look back at a history filled with trials and triumphs, and a time of extensive growth for our company. In the past ten years, Rivendell has produced four world premieres and 14 Midwest premieres, received four Equity Wing Joseph Jefferson Awards and eight Nominations for artistic excellence. Some of our most notable performances include: the critically acclaimed production of local playwright Anne McGravie's WRENS in 1994, a World Premiere that received three Joseph Jefferson Awards (for Best New Work, Best Ensemble, and Best Supporting Actress); the runaway hit Faulkner's Bicycle by Heather McDonald, performed at Chicago's Cultural Center, and reprised at Theatre on the Lake and at the William Faulkner festival in Oxford, Mississppi; the darkly hilarious Be Aggressive by Annie Weisman, which sold out houses at the Breadline Theatre; and the gender-bending Medieval comedy Silence by Moira Buffini, our first production at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts Storefront Theater. Rivendell is committed to continuing to produce innovative and high quality new works that provide opportunities for women artists. With each season Rivendell Theatre Ensemble has sought to advance our mission, bring new and underserved audiences to see our work, challenge ourselves artistically, and continue to grow.