The Understudy

A 12-Week Book Club for the Artist's Way and an evening workspace for creatives. Every Wednesday @ The Understudy from 7PM-10PM.

A staged reading for Jared Sprowls' one person show: Good Mourning.Join us at The Understudy for a staged reading of Jared Sprowls' one person show: Good Mourning. Through dramatized Jewish ritual, he wonders how we best hold onto memories as they only get farther away. Audiences are invited to slow down in this intimate solo […]

A workshop on crafting the perfect letter and possibly sending snail mail to your loved ones and friends~Your favorite pen scratching—dreams of a loved one far away—a doodle in the corner of the page—the sound of the envelope unsticking—salutations—in our hyper-speed digital world of instant communication, a practice of letter writing invites us to slow […]

A facilitated discussion and Q&A with tony-nominated Chicago playwright Sarah Ruhl on her book, Lessons from My Teachers.Come join us for a reading and a facilitated discussion on LESSONS FROM MY TEACHERS with Sarah Ruhl! This is a free event. Doors open at 7P, discussion starts at 7:30. There will be copies of the book […]

A staged reading of a new work aimed at uplifting trans stories.Meet tranScript tranScript productions is a new, Chicago-based production company aimed at uplifting trans artists and voices. By highlighting trans and nonbiary playwrights, actors, and stories - or any combination of the three - tranScript hopes to provide an affirming space for trans artists […]

Come join us for a night full of theatre trivia and fabulous prizes! Hosted by Patrick Zakem and Ben KayeAaaaand we are back with another round of trivia at 7:30 on October 13th with new categories, spoopy drinks and fabulous prizes! Hosted by our friend Patrick Zakem, each round will test your knowledge of. A […]

Oh, so you think ur the slickest barista in town? Well, get ur best pair of cow/moon boots on, come on down to The Understudy and PROVE IT.Just a good 'ol latte throwdown at The Understudy in Andersonville with a special halftime performance by the iconic Ari Gato. Hosted by Jett, John-Payne and Lezbian Minnelli. […]

Join us to sample new selections from Spirit Tea and The UnderstudyWe're welcoming our friends from Spirit Tea to share some new selections, alongside expert knowledge and insight from the Spirit Tea team.Tickets are Pay What You Can, and proceeds will support Street Vendors Association of Chicago.

A benefit party and open mic hosted by K.J. Whitehead with special guest comedian, Rey Tang.GUESS WHO'S GETTING BOTTOM SURGERYYYYY~Our friend and your lovely host, K.J. Whitehead.Come join us in celebration as we say goodbye to K.J.'s bits in this month's open mic here at The Understudy! Tickets are PWYC and all proceeds will go […]

A benefit party and open mic hosted by K.J. Whitehead with special guest comedian, Rey Tang.GUESS WHO'S GETTING BOTTOM SURGERYYYYY~Our friend and your lovely host, K.J. Whitehead.Come join us in celebration as we say goodbye to K.J.'s bits in this month's open mic here at The Understudy! Tickets are PWYC and all proceeds will go […]

Catch Noel Coward's "improbable farce in three acts" at The UnderstudyExit, Pursued by a Play Reading is a new reading series where Chicago’s best and most beloved actors find themselves chased by rabid, unrehearsed, theatrical comedies - desperately trying to stay ahead, as they strive to tickle your fancy, brighten your heart, and warm the […]

A ~sp0okY~ Filipinx variety show produced by The Understudy and The Rizal Center.Who says the sequel isn't as good? October is Filipino-American History Month, and the KAPWA Variety Show is back with more killer performances from local Fil-Am artists. Join us as we celebrate community in times of fear with scary good food, songs, storytelling, […]