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The Understudy is a theatre bookstore and coffee shop for people looking to get lost in a good book, enjoy a passionate conversation, or cozy up with a delicious cup of coffee.

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Independent Bookstore Day

April 27 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Yet again, Chicagoland proves itself to be the dream destination for book lovers and readers of all ages! More than 40 independent bookstores in the greater Chicago area—from Lake Forest […]

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Independent Bookstore Day

April 27 @ 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Play Reading Club: RED REX

April 29 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

After a holiday hiatus, Play Reading Club is BACK! No need to RSVP, just show up ready to discuss the play! Our book club begins at 7 PM on the […]

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Play Reading Club: RED REX

April 29 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

American Theatre Presents: Grown in Chicago

May 6 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

This panel will feature local Chicago theatre leaders as they chat about adapting and planning for longevity, establishing a distinct company identity, staying true to your mission, and serving your […]

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American Theatre Presents: Grown in Chicago

May 6 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

A Taste of RED with A Red Orchid Theatre

May 14 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Hang out with our friends from A Red Orchid Theatre on May 14th for the latest installment of their series A Taste of Red. A Red Orchid Theatre invites you […]

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A Taste of RED with A Red Orchid Theatre

May 14 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

ISLAND OF LOVE by Felicia Oduh

May 20 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

A batch of romantic hopefuls compete for a chance to win love and a large cash prize on the UK’s hottest summer reality dating series. Though everyone has come on […]

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ISLAND OF LOVE by Felicia Oduh

May 20 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

I Can’t, I Have Trivia

May 22 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Theatre nerds, your time has come! Join us for another round of trivia at 7:30 on May 22nd. We recommend playing with a team of four. Hosted by our friend […]

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I Can’t, I Have Trivia

May 22 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

THE DRAG by Mae West presented by Gerber Hart Library

May 25 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Join us for a community reading of “The Drag” presented by the Gerber/Hart Library and Archives. Written by the iconic Mae West, this 1927 drama about a closeted socialite and […]

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THE DRAG by Mae West presented by Gerber Hart Library

May 25 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Next Draft Series: How to Kill a Rodent

June 1 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

How to Kill a Rodent By Eleanor McCaughey Canadians Guy and Carrie take a road trip to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania only days before Groundhog Day, in an effort to assassinate Punxsutawney […]

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Next Draft Series: How to Kill a Rodent

June 1 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

TGNC Theatre Maker’s Meetup

June 2 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

🏳️‍⚧️MEETUP🏳️‍⚧️ Trans and gender non-conforming theatre makers, Join us June 2nd for an evening of community and connection. We’re hanging out 7pm to 10pm and keeping the cafe open for […]

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TGNC Theatre Maker’s Meetup

June 2 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Next Draft Series: How to Kill a Rodent

June 3 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

How to Kill a Rodent By Eleanor McCaughey Canadians Guy and Carrie take a road trip to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania only days before Groundhog Day, in an effort to assassinate Punxsutawney […]

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Next Draft Series: How to Kill a Rodent

June 3 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Next Draft Series: Infinity Burns

June 8 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Infinity Burns By Felix Abidor Giordano Bruno, a 16th-century monk, is sentenced to death for his radical beliefs in an infinite universe. Cast: Peter Ferneding Stephanie Fongheiser Madison Kiernan Playwright: […]

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Next Draft Series: Infinity Burns

June 8 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Next Draft Series: Infinity Burns

June 10 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Infinity Burns By Felix Abidor Giordano Bruno, a 16th-century monk, is sentenced to death for his radical beliefs in an infinite universe. Cast: Peter Ferneding Stephanie Fongheiser Madison Kiernan Playwright: […]

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Next Draft Series: Infinity Burns

June 10 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

G. L. O. W. : A Queer Sober Open Mic Night

June 14 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

The Understudy presents G.L.O.W.: a Queer Sober Open Mic Night ABOUT THE EVENT Join The Understudy for G.L.O.W., a queer sober open mic night hosted by K.J Whitehead and Sharon […]

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