Our Events
We’ve designed The Understudy from the ground up to support a variety of events. Join us after close for play readings, drag performances, concerts, meetups, and more! The calendar is always updating, so check back often.
We’re always on the lookout for new ways to share our space and bring creative people together. If you have an idea for a new one-off event or series at The Understudy, please fill out the form below. Please note that we give priority to theatre related events, and, though we really want to, we can’t accommodate every request. Let’s chat!
recurring series
That Black Ass Show Hosted by Rachel Slurrz
February 28 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Ready to close out Black History Month with a SICKENING SHOW?!? ‼️‼️‼️Join Rachel Slurrz as she hosts “That Black Ass Show” featuring some Chicago drag faves: Luv Ami Stoole, Trisha […]
That Black Ass Show Hosted by Rachel Slurrz
February 28 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
A Conversation with the Authors:THE DANCE AND OPERA STAGE MANAGER’S TOOLKIT
March 10 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Don’t miss this in-depth discussion on the experiences of seasoned stage managers Sue Fenty and Michele Kay following the launch of their new book The Dance and Opera Stage Manager’s […]
A Conversation with the Authors:THE DANCE AND OPERA STAGE MANAGER’S TOOLKIT
March 10 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
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[post_content] => Ready to close out Black History Month with a SICKENING SHOW?!? ‼️‼️‼️Join Rachel Slurrz as she hosts “That Black Ass Show” featuring some Chicago drag faves: Luv Ami Stoole, Trisha Can, and TiKi Vonté. You DONT want to miss this. Admission is Free but bring some coin to tip these baddies🔥 Hope to see you there! - Muah💋
Doors open at 7:00PM
Show begins at 7:30PM
Attendance is free!
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Don't miss this in-depth discussion on the experiences of seasoned stage managers Sue Fenty and Michele Kay following the launch of their new book The Dance and Opera Stage Manager's Toolkit: Protocols, Practical Considerations, and Templates.
About the Book
The Dance and Opera Stage Manager’s Toolkit details unique perspectives and approaches to support stage managers beginning to navigate the fields of dance and opera stage management in live performance.
This book demystifies the genre-specific protocols and vocabularies for stage managers who might be unfamiliar with these fields and discusses common practices. Filled with valuable industry-tested tools, templates, and practical information, The Dance and Opera Stage Manager’s Toolkit is designed to assist stage managers interested in pursuing these performance genres. The book also includes interviews and contributions from a range of professional stage managers working in dance and opera.
From the student stage manager studying in Theatrical Design and Production university programs to the experienced stage manager wanting to broaden their skill set, this book provides resources and advice for a successful transition into these worlds.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Susan Fenty Studham has been stage managing professionally in many genres of theatre for almost four decades. She has stage managed at major performing arts venues including on Broadway, at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Sydney Opera House. Sue began working with dance companies in New York City in 1986 and toured extensively before relocating to Australia, where she was resident stage manager with West Australian Ballet for ten years. During her four-year tenure as Head of the BFA Stage Management Program at DePaul University in Chicago, Sue created a curriculum that introduced students to the unique world of dance stage management. Sue holds a PhD from Edith Cowan University, Australia, and a BFA from Adelphi University, New York. She is a pioneer in doctoral studies in the field of stage management and a published author on topics that explore brave spaces, intimacy and violence protocols in performing arts, supporting language revitalization in performance, and stage managing intercultural theatre.
Michele Kay has been stage managing for over 30 years across all genres, musicals, plays, opera, and dance, in a variety of environments including New York, Chicago, and regionally across the US. She spent several years stage managing opera regionally, including two and a half years as the resident production stage manager at the Virginia Opera. She is an Associate Professor of Stage Management at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) where she has translated her practical opera knowledge into a curriculum for BFA and MFA stage management students, many of whom have graduated to work at prestigious opera companies across the country. Michele holds a MS in Organizational Leadership and a BA in Theatre from Miami University of Ohio. She is a member of Actors Equity Association, American Guild of Musical Artists, Stage Managers’ Association, and USITT. Most recently, Michele authored the essay “Already Calm, I’m the Stage Manager” for Off Headset: Essays on Stage Management Work, Life, and Career edited by Rafael Jean and Christopher Sadler (Routledge, 2022).
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THE PILON by Zach Barr
February 17 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
In a Seattle sports card shop, a schism is brewing between those who collect for sentimental reasons and those who look only for high-dollar cards to resell. When a potential […]
THE PILON by Zach Barr
February 17 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Anyone Who Had A Heart – A Trans Voices Cabaret
February 14 @ 7:45 pm – 9:00 pm
CALLING ALL LOVERS! Trans Voices Cabaret is elated to be back in action with Anyone Who Had A Heart, a Valentine’s Day Show! Hosted by producer John-Payne, and featuring some […]
Anyone Who Had A Heart – A Trans Voices Cabaret
February 14 @ 7:45 pm – 9:00 pm
MUFFED by Zack Peercy
December 7, 2024 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
The Meaningful Action Theatre Company comes to The Understudy for Chester Greenwood Day! Never heard of Chester Greenwood Day? Oh, you will. Join us on Chester Greenwood Day (December 7th […]
MUFFED by Zack Peercy
December 7, 2024 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
A Conversation with Kimberly Senior: WHAT WOULD A PERSON DO?
November 4, 2024 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Award-winning theater director Kimberly Senior discusses her new book WHAT WOULD A PERSON DO? with Tribune critic Chris Jones. Don’t miss this wide ranging discussion on Kimberly Senior’s career, craft, […]
A Conversation with Kimberly Senior: WHAT WOULD A PERSON DO?
November 4, 2024 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Kokandy Book Club Presents: CARRIE
October 29, 2024 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
We’ll unpack the horror and the hilarity of Stephen King’s best-selling book, the Oscar-nominated film, AND the notorious Broadway flop. Kokandy Book Club Presents CARRIE Join The Understudy and our […]
Kokandy Book Club Presents: CARRIE
October 29, 2024 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Play Reading Club: Becky Nurse of Salem
October 28, 2024 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Each month, we gather to discuss a new, exciting or confounding play that has caught our attention. This month: Becky Nurse of Salem Join our monthly play reading club! Each […]
Play Reading Club: Becky Nurse of Salem
October 28, 2024 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
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[post_content] => In a Seattle sports card shop, a schism is brewing between those who collect for sentimental reasons and those who look only for high-dollar cards to resell. When a potential goldmine card is found by a trans teenager, the resulting scramble to sell it forces the store’s co-owners, and their regular customers, to re-evaluate how they define themselves as collectors – and, furthermore, as male.
Playwright: Zach Barr
Director: Kidany Camilo
Dramaturg: Cori Lang
Rhonda: Lisa Antonia Cruz
Corbin: Rio Ragazzone
Lex: Harsh Gagoomal
Marc: Kevin Aoussou
Griffey: AC Rakotoniaina
Stage Directions: David Goodloe
Freshly Brewed Team:
Nadya Naumaan - Co-Artistic Producer
Emma Durbin - Co-Artistic Producer
Joel Willison - Co-Artistic Producer
Magdalena Dalzell - Literary Committee Coordinator
Danny Fender - The Understudy Co-Owner
Adam Crawford - The Understudy Co-Owner
About Freshly Brewed
Freshly Brewed seeks to invest in Chicago’s emerging playwrights and theatre artists in keeping with The Understudy’s commitment to Community, Collaboration, and Discovery. The series features monthly readings of new plays in various stages of development. Each artist conrtibuting– playwrights, directors, and actors– will receive a stipend underwritten by the series' anonymous donor.
Freshly Brewed also marks the inaugural collaboration between The Understudy and its neighbor, Edgewater’s Raven Theatre, who is thrilled to support The Understudy as their fiscal sponsor for this series. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to Freshly Brewed.
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[post_content] => CALLING ALL LOVERS! Trans Voices Cabaret is elated to be back in action with Anyone Who Had A Heart, a Valentine’s Day Show! Hosted by producer John-Payne, and featuring some of Chicago’s most unique and powerhouse theatre performers, this TVC is sure to be fun, intentional and a celebration of queer/trans love, as it falls on Feb 14! ♥️
We know tix cost money honey! So tickets are pay-what-you-can and QR codes will be provided in the space to tip/support both TVC and our stunning performers :)💋
Click Here for Tickets
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[post_content] => The Meaningful Action Theatre Company comes to The Understudy for Chester Greenwood Day! Never heard of Chester Greenwood Day? Oh, you will.
Join us on Chester Greenwood Day (December 7th at 7:30PM for those not in the know) for a one-night-only presentation of The Meaningful Action Theatre Company Presents A Workshop Reading Of:
Muffed: A Recounting of Farmington, Maine's 43rd Annual Chester Greenwood Day" Devised By The Members Of The Meaningful Action Theatre Company
written by Zack Peercy and directed by Kayla Menz
Need we say more?
The cast includes:
Reggie Hemphill, Karly Solon, Mersedez Hoover, Josh Philoon, Evin McQuistion, Jaycey Carlson, Izis Mollinedo, Liz Falstreau, with Jordan Rawlings reading Stage Directions
Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30pm Performance
The Understudy cafe will be open for refreshments before the performance.
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[post_content] => Award-winning theater director Kimberly Senior discusses her new book WHAT WOULD A PERSON DO? with Tribune critic Chris Jones.
Don't miss this wide ranging discussion on Kimberly Senior's career, craft, and writing, following the launch of their new book What Would A Person Do? Thoughts on Directing and Living.
About the Book
What Would a Person Do? by award-winning theater director Kimberly Senior is a sharp, spirited collection of reflections brimming with heart & wisdom that bridge the gap between life and art. Senior offers a practical guide to effective theater-making, leadership, teaching, and personhood. From Chekhov to tennis, she shares profound and playful insights that inspire you to think deeply, act boldly, and create with purpose—onstage and off.
Warm and witty, this book is a fresh roadmap for anyone looking to live and lead with intention.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kimberly Senior is a freelance director whose award winning work has been seen in 15 states in over 200 productions. She directed the Broadway production of the Pulitzer Prize, Tony ominated Disgraced by Ayad Akhtar. Kimberly directed the HBO special Chris Gethard: Career Suicide and her work in audio has ranged from Marvel's The Wastelanders to C13's Ghostwriter.
She is a member of the Goodman Theatre's Artistic Collective and has taught at a number of universities. She is a proud union member of SDC and even prouder mother of Noah and Delaney. This is her first book.
Chris Jones is editorial page editor, as well as chief theater critic for the Chicago Tribune. He also serves as Broadway critic for the New York Daily News. His latest book is Rise Up! Broadway and American Society from 'Angels in America' to 'Hamilton.'" He has a Ph.D. from Ohio State and lives in Chicago with his wife and sons.
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[post_content] => We'll unpack the horror and the hilarity of Stephen King's best-selling book, the Oscar-nominated film, AND the notorious Broadway flop.
Kokandy Book Club Presents
CARRIE
Join The Understudy and our friends from Kokandy Productions for the latest installment of our series BOOK CLUB.
Our October Book Club is pouring out a little pig's blood for everyone's favorite prom queen, CARRIE. Stephen King's best-selling book became both an Oscar-nominated film AND a notorious Broadway musical flop? Attention must be paid! We'll unpack the horror and the hilarity as we get into the Halloween spirit. Curated by Kokandy Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham, with musical accompaniment by Nick Sula, our book club performers will be announced soon!
Kokandy Book Club is an intimate salon series celebrating theatre, music and community. Each meeting will focus on a well known play or musical—investigating the plot, themes and relevant tangents through a mix of musical theatre and pop/rock performance. Have a sit, have a sip and honor the ritual of talking about good plays and having a good ole fashion jam session.
Note: This is not a reading, concert or performance of the book, screenplay or musical. Tis rather a musical celebration of the telekinetic tale in ALL of its forms.
Doors open at 7 PM for a 7:30 PM performance.
The Understudy Cafe will be open for refreshments.
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[post_content] => Each month, we gather to discuss a new, exciting or confounding play that has caught our attention. This month: Becky Nurse of Salem
Join our monthly play reading club! Each month, we gather to discuss a new, exciting or confounding play that has caught our attention. This month, we're reading BECKY NURSE OF SALEM by Sarah Ruhl
Whether you're a bona fide theatre nerd, or exploring anew genre for the first time, this club is an excellent opportunity to dive deep into a great piece of writing. Everyone is welcome! Just arrive having already read the play, and our conversation will unfold from there.
Order Your Copy Here
ABOUT THE PLAY
Becky Nurse is an outspoken, sharp-witted tour guide at the Salem Museum of Witchcraft who’s just trying to get by in post-Obama America. She’s also the descendant of Rebecca Nurse, who was infamously executed for witchcraft in 1692—but things have changed for women since then…haven’t they? After losing her job for calling out The Crucible in front of schoolkids, Becky visits a local witch for help. One spell leads to another, and then everything really goes off the rails. A darkly comic play about a woman coming to terms with her family’s legacy and finding her voice in the “lock her up” era.
Order Your Copy Here
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT
Sarah Ruhl is a playwright, poet, and essayist. Her plays include In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play (Pulitzer Prize finalist); The Clean House (Pulitzer Prize finalist, Susan Smith Blackburn Prize); Passion Play (PEN/Laura Pels Award); Letters from Max (based on the book of the same title, with Max Ritvo); and Eurydice, named one of the best productions of the last twenty-five years by the New York Times, and made into an opera for The Metropolitan Opera. Her books include Smile: A Memoir, 100 Essays I Don’t Have Time to Write, and Love Poems in Quarantine. She is the recipient of a MacArthur “Genius” Grant. She currently teaches at the Geffen School of Drama at Yale University. She lives in Brooklyn with her family.
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