Events

If you identify as funny and not-a-dude-onstage, this is your night diva! Hosted by Preeti ThakerPreeti & Jordan present: A Comedy Open Mic for Women + Non-Binary Comics! If you identify as funny and not-a-dude-onstage, this is your night diva!   WHAT’S THE PLAN? • 7:30 PM — arrive responsibly early, wonder what the vibe […]

A monthly reading series highlighting plays that have not yet been produced in ChicagoThe Understudy Dares You to Produce This Play is a monthly reading series highlighting plays that have not received a Chicago production. Produced by The Understudy’s bookstore team, this series works to expand the variety of playwrights and titles in our vibrant […]

Phanésia, Zach, and Netta discuss how their plays (Dead Girl's Quinceñera, The Pilon, and Hayward) found their way to full production.Over the last year we have seen new playwrights be produced by larger theatre companies:Phanésia Pharel's Dead Girl's Quinceñera is making a triple collective world premiere (Barrington, Goodman Theatre, and Hartford Stage).Zach Barr's The Pilon […]

Join MFP & The Understudy to hear poets read their latest works while enjoying a glass of wine that complements their poems. Come enjoy a night of poetry and wine as we raise funds for our upcoming film, The Unhappy Poet. We'll be discussing the film, sampling some delicious wine, and featuring poets Ash Kimble, […]

A play reading of THE OUTSIDER by Paul Slade Smith produced by Exit, Pursued by a Play Reading.Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the […]

a modern guide for moving sex and boundaries past rigid rules and toward real connection, personal fulfillment, and self-discovery.ABOUT THE BOOKEssential, up-to-date guidance on consent and sex for anyone who’s having it—and everyone who wants to do it better.Empowered practices, embodied skills, and frame-changing advice for navigating consent, pursuing pleasure, and building connection in the […]

Join Matt, Megan, Alice, & Ethan as we discuss their wide-ranging careers and visions around specialized designs that surprise and amaze us.When was the last time you gasped in a Chicago theatre? Chances are, one of these folks had something to do with it. Join Matt, Megan, Alice, and Ethan as we discuss their wide-ranging […]

Join Matt, Megan, Alice, & Ethan as we discuss their wide-ranging careers and visions around specialized designs that surprise and amaze us.When was the last time you gasped in a Chicago theatre? Chances are, one of these folks had something to do with it. Join Matt, Megan, Alice, and Ethan as we discuss their wide-ranging […]

About This Event We spent a year building something. Now we're celebrating it the only way we know how: by gathering everyone we love in a room for a night of community. (X)tra is (X) Collective's first annual anniversary cabaret, built specifically for work that refuses to play it safe. Bold performances. Wild moments. Artists doing […]

An astrological storytelling workshop based on mercury retrogrades. Hosted by Isabella Pelz of Free Street Theatre.PSA: you don't need to be afraid of Mercury retrograde! Curious about the stories running around your head, heart and the stars? Give Me a Sign is an astrology storytelling workshop designed to give you some astro clarity, writing support, […]

For many of us, our love of theatre sprang from the talented teachers and artists who introduced us to it. How do we continue the education?For many of us, our love of theatre sprang from the inspiring, talented teachers and artists who introduced us to it. How do we carry forth that gift and usher in […]

CALLING ALL D*KES IN THE CHICAGOLAND AREA! HANG WITH LEZBIAN MINNELLI + JETT PARR TO COMPETE TO SEE WHO’S THE STRONGEST LEZ IN ALL THE LANDBUTCHES! FEMMES! STUDS! GAYS!your fav lesbionic baristas are hosting a LESBIAN ARM WRESTLING COMPETITION at the understudy!✨join us saturday, 11/14 to show off your arm wrestling chops and meet other […]