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.
The Understudy believes curiosity is a powerful, generative force for transformation. We seek to feed our collective creative lives by nourishing deep curiosity– whether toward your own vision, or through engaging generously with the work of another. We see curiosity, empathy, and justice as interdependent ideals. Our work seeks to foster deeper connections to our passions, our neighbors, and to contemporary life.
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
RAVING by Simon Paisley Day
June 1 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
A play reading of RAVING by Simon Paisley Day produced by Exit, Pursued by a Play Reading. ‘I sometimes wonder how on earth people as pathetic as you and me […]
RAVING by Simon Paisley Day
June 1 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
BOOK LAUNCH with Jeffrey Masten: Edward II
June 2 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Enjoy a conversation with editor Jeffrey Masten on the Arden Early modern Edition of Edward II Celebrate the launch of the Beverages and books will be available for purchase throughout […]
BOOK LAUNCH with Jeffrey Masten: Edward II
June 2 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
TTRPG Journaling Workshop w/ The Mind of Guy
June 4 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
A writing and journaling workshop for the DND girlies! Come be introduced to the wonderful world of journaling! Learn about the wellness applications of journaling and how journaling can enhance […]
TTRPG Journaling Workshop w/ The Mind of Guy
June 4 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Ari Gato Attempts to Share the Spotlight: A Murderously Funny Cabaret
June 27 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Chicago drag superstar, Ari Gato, is BACK with a BANG this summer for a night of fun, music, and MURDER! Join Ari as her “solo” cabaret falls apart once again […]
Ari Gato Attempts to Share the Spotlight: A Murderously Funny Cabaret
June 27 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
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[post_content] => A play reading of RAVING by Simon Paisley Day produced by Exit, Pursued by a Play Reading.‘I sometimes wonder how on earth people as pathetic as you and me are allowed to start a family. It’s far more dangerous than driving a car, and yet there’s not a single test...’
Briony and Keith are not finding parenthood easy so their friends the delightful Ross and Rosy, engineer a relaxing weekend away in intelligent adult company, good food and drink, complete rest – and absolutely no children. But making up the numbers by inviting the unpredictable Charles and Serena doesn’t make things restful. Add an uninvited anarchic adolescent and a fanatical farmer and Briony and Keith’s idyllic weekend erupts into total chaos…
An uproarious study of modern parenting and matrimonial tribulations.
** CAST & CREATIVE TEAM TO BE ANNOUNCED **
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[post_content] => Enjoy a conversation with editor Jeffrey Masten on the Arden Early modern Edition of Edward IICelebrate the launch of the
Beverages and books will be available for purchase throughout the event!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Vivid and daring in Marlowe's time and ours, Edward II has captivated generations of readers, audiences and performers with its evocative portrayal of passionate friendship, kingly power and brutal retribution. Leading scholar Jeffrey Masten's new edition of Marlowe's great tragedy distils its importance for the history of queer sexuality, historical drama and modern performance alike. Drawing on new research into Edward's earliest readers, as well as modern stage, film and operatic adaptations, Masten unpacks the play's early meanings and modern resonances to spotlight its radical potential across a span of 400 years.
This edition gives students a modernised, comprehensively annotated text with a detailed, illustrated introduction addressing Marlowe's life and education, the play's influence as a history play and its sexual, religious and national politics. Highlighted as well are Derek Jarman's landmark queer film adaption of Edward II and celebrated performances by Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi and Tilda Swinton.
ABOUT THE EDITOR
Guggenheim Fellow and Northwestern professor Jeffrey Masten is the editor of the new
Arden edition of Christopher Marlowe’s queer masterpiece, Edward II. He is the author
of prize-winning scholarship on Marlowe, Shakespeare, the history of sexuality, and early modern drama. Masten’s books include Queer Philologies: Sex, Language, and Affect in Shakespeare’s Time (2016), and Textual Intercourse: Collaboration, Authorship, and Sexualities in Renaissance Drama (1997), as well as an edition of Thomas Middleton’s collaborative play The Old Law (2007). At Northwestern, Masten is Professor of English and Gender & Sexuality Studies and Charles Deering McCormick Professor of Teaching Excellence.
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[post_content] => A writing and journaling workshop for the DND girlies!Come be introduced to the wonderful world of journaling! Learn about the wellness applications of journaling and how journaling can enhance your TTRPG experiences. Hosted by The Mind of Guy (@themindofguy).
This event has ticketed tiers depending on your jounaling and stationary needs~
Tier 1: GM's Quest Jotter + Stickers $5
Tier 2 : GM's Quest Jotter + RP Mechanical Pencil + Stickers $10
Tier 3: GM's Quest Journal + RP Mechanical Pencil + RP GM's Quest Jotter + Stickers $20
Thank you so much to our sponsors, Roll & Play Press and Roll20!
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[post_content] => Chicago drag superstar, Ari Gato, is BACK with a BANG this summer for a night of fun, music, and MURDER!Join Ari as her "solo" cabaret falls apart once again as she's forced to share the spotlight, but this time... there are CONSEQUENCES!
A night of amazing singing, stories, and laughter to close out your Pride Season that you WON'T want to miss. Featuring the talents of Jon Jackson, Laura Vidal, Bosston and Alex Newkirk on the keys, you know you're in for an unforgettable show. And somebody will DIE!
Come find out who on June 27th at The Understudy Coffee & Books!
Tickets are PWYC (pay for a ticket via the "Donation" section) or a suggested donation of $15. See you there✨
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KAPWA: a filipino variety + mutual aid show
May 29 @ 8:15 pm – 10:00 pm
an evening of music, film, poetry, comedy, and burlesque featuring an all-filipino cast. Hosted by KT and Jett~ and we are ~*baaaaacckkkk*~ for another filipnx asf show! come hang out […]
KAPWA: a filipino variety + mutual aid show
May 29 @ 8:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Skin Lab Workshop w/ EO Apothecary
May 27 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
A workshop designed to create an at-home mini facial guided by a master esthetician. This workshop is designed to create an at-home mini facial guided by master estheticians from EO […]
Skin Lab Workshop w/ EO Apothecary
May 27 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
FEM/THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy
May 22 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
If you identify as funny and not-a-dude-onstage, this is your night diva! Hosted by Preeti Thaker and Jordan Levene Preeti & Jordan present: A Comedy Open Mic for Women + […]
FEM/THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy
May 22 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
FEM/THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy
May 22 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
If you identify as funny and not-a-dude-onstage, this is your night diva! Hosted by Preeti Thaker and Jordan Levene Preeti & Jordan present: A Comedy Open Mic for Women + […]
FEM/THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy
May 22 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
A Conversation with Rachel León: How We See the Gray
May 21 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Enjoy a conversation with editor Rachel León on her debut novel How We See the Gray The Understudy and Chicago Review of Books are sponsoring the Chicago launch of Rachel […]
A Conversation with Rachel León: How We See the Gray
May 21 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
FYI: FAB IT YOURSELF with Lúc Ami✨
May 20 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
A beginner’s guide to upcycling your clothes! Move at your own pace as host Lúc Ami walks you through a variety of methods to alter your clothing with flair! Materials […]
FYI: FAB IT YOURSELF with Lúc Ami✨
May 20 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
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[post_content] => an evening of music, film, poetry, comedy, and burlesque featuring an all-filipino cast. Hosted by KT and Jett~
and we are ~*baaaaacckkkk*~ for another filipnx asf show! come hang out with us at The Understudy on May 29th for an evening of film, comedy, music, poetry, magic and dance made by all filipinx artists. show is 18+
early bird tickets are PWYC or $15. $20 at the door - so get them ASAP bb!
(if you're buying a PWYC ticket, you can purchase it under the donations section in ticketing!)
see you there love✨
line-up
- dante bastos
- diwa
- KT & Kai
- teddy gonzalez and renzo
- jett parr
- mike triplett
hosted by KT and jett
50% of ticket proceeds will go towards a family affected by 🧊
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[post_content] => A workshop designed to create an at-home mini facial guided by a master esthetician.This workshop is designed to create an at-home mini facial guided by master estheticians from EO Apothecary!
A fun activity for friends and loved ones✨
What's Covered?
- We identify your skin type and needs
- We do an audit of your current skin care
- Learn about skincare ingredients
- You'll make your own sheet masks
- We'll guide you step-by-step for a DIY facial
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[post_content] => If you identify as funny and not-a-dude-onstage, this is your night diva! Hosted by Preeti Thaker and Jordan LevenePreeti & 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 is gonna be like. Support the space by buying a drink!
• 8:00 PM — the mic starts, the chaos begins
• Sign-ups close at 9 PM because of boundaries
SET DETAILS
• 4 minutes of pure lightning
• 5 minutes if you buy a drink — please support and tip our bartenders ♥️
CAN MEN ATTEND?
Of course!
Men can sit, watch, hydrate, clap, and support women (a skill we’d love to see more of)
We kindly ask that you practice not-mansplaining
If you feel a mansplanation rising in your throat, please swallow it
ANYTHING ELSE?
Bring the vibes baby! This is our first time doing a comedy open mic and we’d love to make it a tradition. Come through!
xx
Preeti & Jordan
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[post_content] => If you identify as funny and not-a-dude-onstage, this is your night diva! Hosted by Preeti Thaker and Jordan LevenePreeti & 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 is gonna be like. Support the space by buying a drink!
• 8:00 PM — the mic starts, the chaos begins
• Sign-ups close at 9 PM because of boundaries
SET DETAILS
• 4 minutes of pure lightning
• 5 minutes if you buy a drink — please support and tip our bartenders ♥️
CAN MEN ATTEND?
Of course!
Men can sit, watch, hydrate, clap, and support women (a skill we’d love to see more of)
We kindly ask that you practice not-mansplaining
If you feel a mansplanation rising in your throat, please swallow it
ANYTHING ELSE?
Bring the vibes baby! This is our first time doing a comedy open mic and we’d love to make it a tradition. Come through!
xx
Preeti & Jordan
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[post_content] => Enjoy a conversation with editor Rachel León on her debut novel How We See the GrayThe Understudy and Chicago Review of Books are sponsoring the Chicago launch of Rachel León's debut novel, How We See the Gray. Rachel will be in conversation with Megan Stielstra, as well as reading a selected piece from the novel and signing after. Doors open at 7pm on Thursday, May 21st. Beverages and books will be available for purchase throughout the event!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Foster care is a disaster in Rockford, Illinois. Meredith, a social worker and single mom, is stretched beyond thin but determined to protect her kids: not only her son, but those on her caseload too. When the stress of the job has her breaking her sobriety, the foundations of her life begin to tremble. After drinking too much, she makes a mistake that puts her preschooler in jeopardy, and Meredith finds herself in a situation that mirrors her clients’ as she loses custody of her son. In her fight to get him back, Meredith experiences the system from the outside—while still working for the kids inside of it. Set over the course of a year, this riveting documentary-esque novel is told from multiple perspectives, including those of case workers, birth parents, foster parents, and foster children. Written with the working-class humor and heart that defines the Midwest, How We See the Gray is a story about mistakes, second chances, and trying to do better in a system that seems doomed to fail.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachel León (she/they) is a writer, editor, and social worker, who has worked in child welfare for nearly two decades. She serves as Managing Director for Chicago Review of Books and Fiction Director for Arcturus. Their work has been supported by StoryStudio Chicago, Tin House, Poets & Writers, and the Illinois Arts Council. León is the author of the novel, How We See the Gray.
About the Facilitator
Megan Stielstra is the author of three collections: Everyone Remain Calm, Once I Was Cool, and The Wrong Way to Save Your Life. Her work appears in Best American Essays, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, The Believer, Poets & Writers, Tin House, and elsewhere. A longtime company member with 2nd Story, she has told stories for National Public Radio, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and theatres, festivals, and classrooms across the country. She is an acquiring editor at Northwestern University Press.
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[post_content] => A beginner’s guide to upcycling your clothes!Move at your own pace as host Lúc Ami walks you through a variety of methods to alter your clothing with flair!
Materials can be provided, but crafters are also encouraged to bring their own materials if they'd like.
It's $5 if you bring your own clothes or $10 if you'd like to shop for a piece!
AGENDA:
- Doors at 7PM: Grab a drink and/or treat
- 7PM - 7:30PM: Make friends & shop for a clothing item if you didn't bring one
- 7:30 - 9ish?: Workshop starts~ Find a spot in the workspace & get comfy!
- We'll close out with a runway of your new creations! (Participation optional but encouraged)
MEET THE HOST:
Lúc Ami is Chicago based drag artist who brings an otherworldly and unique flair to all their creations. They have spent the last 10 years specializing in sustainable, affordable and whimsical costume making.
In this workshop, you'll learn how to alter clothing to your personal style in a way that transforms and elevates them for whatever occaision you wear them to!
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