The Stage Actor’s Handbook with Michael Kostroff
June 14 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Author Michael Kostroff, best known for his five seasons as Maury Levy on HBO’s legendary hit series The Wire, is joining us on June 14th to talk about his new book, The Stage Actor’s Handbook.
The book is an invaluable guide to the traditions and best practices of the professional stage actor, from first rehearsal to final curtain.
Professional stage actors are expected to have ready knowledge of a multitude of unwritten yet well-established protocols. Traditionally, this knowledge was passed along from one generation of stage actors to the next via word of mouth, or were learned by having one’s missteps corrected—until now.
In The Stage Actor’s Handbook, these protocols have finally been assembled into one volume, allowing theatre artists to know in advance what is expected of them. A definitive guide for professionals and aspiring professionals alike, this book details best practices on everything from rehearsal demeanor to backstage etiquette. It also shares the theatre’s unique vernacular and revered superstitions, as well as field-tested guidelines on touring, interactions with the public, and more.
The Stage Actor’s Handbook features bits of wisdom contributed by legendary stage actors, including Bebe Neuwirth, John Lithgow, Chita Rivera, Alfred Molina, Billy Porter, Betty Buckley, Harvey Fierstein, Sam Waterston, Jason Alexander, Cynthia Nixon, and Sir Patrick Stewart.
Other Events
Andersonville Midsommarfest
June 9 @ 5:00 pm - June 11 @ 10:00 pm
We’re so excited to celebrate our first Midsommarfest after opening in March! The Understudy is right outside the northern gates of the fest on the corner of Clark and Gregory, so stop by to beat the heat and reenergize before diving back in to all the food, drink, entertainment, shopping, and general revelry the festival has to offer. Hallå Sommar!
Andersonville Midsommarfest
June 9 @ 5:00 pm - June 11 @ 10:00 pm
The Birth of Second City and the Renaissance of Chicago Theater
June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
EVENT DETAILS: Join us for a fascinating discussion of Chicago theatre history, as we celebrate the launch of the second edition of Something Wonderful Right Away: The Birth of Second City—America’s Greatest Comedy Theater by Jeffrey Sweet. Doors open right at 7:00p for a 7:30p start to the talk. Please have your ticket ready to show The Understudy staff. A limited cafe drink menu will be available to all who attend. The evening will begin with an introduction and discission…
The Birth of Second City and the Renaissance of Chicago Theater
June 18 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
G. L. O. W. Pride Edition
June 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Join us for our queer open mic night, hosted by Understudy cast member Sharon Pasia and KJ Whitehead. Doors open at 7:30PM, the event begins at 8PM. Stay tuned for info on signups!
G. L. O. W. Pride Edition
June 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
The Model Play by Madie Doppelt
June 26 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
ABOUT THE PLAY In the world of modeling, to “fit in” is to contort: socially, physically, mentally. In 1987, six young professionals seem to have fitting in down to a science…or so they think. Unsupervised and unfiltered, these models confront growing up while breaking down. What will they do to stay in vogue? ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT Madie Doppelt (she/her) is a Chicago-based theater and circus artist. She is a recent graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University, where…
The Model Play by Madie Doppelt
June 26 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
