This page covers a number of frequently asked questions. Most of the topics below also link out to more detailed descriptions. Thanks for acquainting yourself with ESS! We look forward to being in touch with you.

Accessibility

ESS has wheelchair seating and accessible bathrooms on both floors.

Please note that there is no ADA-accessible path inside the building to switch between floors; you will have to exit the building and reenter from the respective floor entrance. Our front entrance on Ravenswood leads you to our 1st floor (Audible Gallery, Studio A, Live Room), while our alley entrance leads you to the basement/garden (garden shows, Creative Audio Archive, Studio B).

To reserve accessible seating or parking, request other accommodations, or ask us any accessibility-related questions, please email info@ess.org.

Are children allowed?

Children are welcome at all programs unless explicitly stated otherwise (usually in the case of a restricted partner venue).  Please note that we have very few programs geared specifically towards children. If you have a younger child who might enjoy what we present, we trust your judgement in their ability to participate. If you lack access to childcare but would like to come to an event, contact Olivia at olivia@ess.org.

What are the transportation options?

Drive: Free parking is available directly in front of the ESS building (please leave space for wheelchairs/strollers), on surrounding streets like Thorndale, and as diagonal parking in the first alley directly south of ESS. Paid parking is available across the street on the west side of Ravenswood.

Bike: ESS has room for two bicycles out front on our bike rack, or we’re happy to accommodate your bike inside the building or garden, depending on the program and weather.

Public transportation: ESS is located directly across from the Peterson Metra stop, and about one block away from an 84 bus stop. Travel by CTA train alone requires about a 20 minute walk. 

Can I perform here?

ESS does not operate like a typical venue, instead working primarily with outside curators and artists over longer periods of time to develop projects or present specific series. Please see our current focus areas to determine whether your project might be a good fit. We’d love to hear what you’re working on if so!

Can I volunteer or intern with ESS?

We’re always welcoming new talent to the team! We have a limited number of volunteer and intern opportunities per season. Please submit your inquiry here.

How do I book studio time?

Send us a message here! Note that there is a 2-hour minimum for sessions.

What are your studio rates?

Our rates are dependent on the scope of your project. Our goal is to work with you and your budget to the best of our ability, to make your project a reality. All studio quotes include one of our professional engineers. 

Can I book the studio without an ESS engineer?

We welcome you to bring your own engineer, however one of ESS’s trained engineers will still need to be included in the quote. ESS is available to rent for rehearsals and private events, if you’re looking to use the space for something other than recording. 

Do you do off-site audio and video production?

Yes! We have professional quality mobile multi-track recording capabilities and HD video rigs. Submit an inquiry here for more information.

Can you help me with my recording set up?

Yes! We can connect you with a professional engineer for a tutorial or consultation.

Do you do other types of audio consultation?

Send us an inquiry and either we can help or we may be able to connect you to someone else who can.

Do you have instruments I can use for my session?

Yes! We have a beautiful piano, drum kits, amplifiers, and more! Contact us for an up-to-date list.

How do I make a contribution to ESS?

First, thank you! Click here to contribute online or for instructions on how to donate in other ways.

Does ESS accept in-kind donations?

Yes, on a limited basis. At the moment we are prioritizing studio equipment, synthesizers and other electronic instruments, rolling office chairs, and airline miles. ESS reserves the right to refuse any in-kind donation, due to our very limited space. Please get in touch via info@ess.org to discuss.

Does ESS accept non-cash gifts like stock?

Yes! Please contact Olivia at olivia@ess.org for more information.

Does ESS have a membership program?

ESS does not have a traditional membership program, however we do have a community of donors who have opted to be “Plugged-In,” meaning that they receive special invitations to social and skillsharing events throughout the year, as well as dedicated monthly emails with curated playlists and an opportunity to share their work on ESS’s platforms. This option is available to supporters who donate any amount via the online form.

Can I gift a Plugged-In experience to someone?

Absolutely! Just note the name, email, and address of the person you’re gifting the experience to, as well as whether you’d like us to send a gift certificate graphic to print or email to them.

How can our company partner with ESS?

ESS welcomes the opportunity to work with like-minded corporate partners and local companies alike. Please contact Olivia at olivia@ess.org to set up a meeting. 

How do I listen to material in the Creative Audio Archive?

You can stream content directly from the Creative Audio Archive (CAA) player on this site. To access specific content, sign up for a free account here.  

How do I hear something that has not yet been digitized?

CAA material is constantly being digitized and cataloged, so we regularly update the CAA player with newly digitized content. If you want to hear something that has not been uploaded to the site yet, please drop us a line here and we will prioritize that content within our workflow.

Can I see the original physical material in person?

Yes, you can set up a CAA appointment by emailing CAA@experimentalsoundstudio.org

Can I use CAA content for a creative project?

Please contact caa@experimentalsoundstudio.org for permission to use CAA material for anything related to creative projects or streaming purposes. 

Is the CAA taking in new archives or collections?

Yes, however these are accepted on a case-by-case basis, as our physical archival space is limited. Contact James at james@ess.org with details around your collection.

Can I rent ESS for my event/party/concert/rehearsal?

Yes, send us a message detailing your event here. 

What is the capacity of ESS?

For events using the gallery, live room, and garden, capacity is 110. For indoor-only events (no garden), capacity is 70. For seated performances in our live room, capacity is 35 seated.

Will my event include a sound engineer?

Events needing live sound or audio recordings will include an engineer. Rehearsals, parties, and meeting rentals will not include an engineer unless requested. Let us know your needs here.

Do you offer audio recording/video/live streaming/photography for my event?

Yes, tell us about your event here. We’ll give you a quote that includes the necessary production team.

Can I use the front gallery area for a reception?

The front gallery is often available for space rentals. If we have an art exhibition displayed during your event, you’ll have to work with the exhibition. The artwork cannot be altered or removed from the walls but sound installations may be turned off.

Do I have to pay for the rental in advance of my event?

We require the first hour of payment in advance to secure your reservation. This serves as a security deposit and goes towards your total bill at the end. 

Do you have a catering service you prefer to use?

Not specifically. But feel free to ask us for recommendations.

Can I rent additional tables, chairs, tents etc for my event?

Yes, you can use outside rental companies for your event. We can help coordinate delivery and pickups. We’ve had good luck using House of Rental in Skokie

Will you add my event to the ESS online calendar and help me promote my concert?

Due to capacity, we have limited ability to co-promote, however we can sometimes add your event to the online calendar and reshare content made by you via our stories on social media. Contact us here with your inquiry.

Have more questions or ready to get involved? Contact us!