In the spirit of The Understudy’s commitment to collaboration, community, and discovery, Freshly Brewed is our monthly new play reading series. Featuring the work of emerging Chicago area playwrights and directors. Each artist contributing– playwrights, directors, and actors– receives a stipend for their work.

If you want to participate as an actor, playwright, or director, click the link below to fill out an interest form.

Latest Past Events

EVERYTHING, DEVOURED by Katherine Gwynn

The Understudy Coffee and Books 5531 N Clark St, Chicago

Ronald Reagan is a demon. Ronald Reagan is a drag queen. Ronald Reagan is here, queer, and ready to swallow you alive. Or: when 3 Chicago queers, a ghost who […]

Monologue Writing Workshop

The Understudy Coffee and Books 5531 N Clark St, Chicago

Come with a pen and be ready to create! This month for Freshly Brewed we are hosting a Monologue Workshop, Open to all — Playwrights, actors, and multidisciplinary artists. Join […]

SERVICE by Makeda Declet

The Understudy Coffee and Books 5531 N Clark St, Chicago

When a close circle of buds have to go to their recently-deceased friend’s apartment to retrieve a suit for his burial, they discover a woman tied up in his closet. […]