Profiles

A man in a blue suit, light blue shirt, and striped tie stands with arms crossed against a plain light gray background, looking confidently at the camera.

by Carl Kozlowski | September 9, 2026

Geoff Bennett on the Cultural Zeitgeist of Black Sitcoms Ahead of an appearance at Printers Row Lit Fest, the author and PBS Newshour co-anchor discusses his new book on the history of Black comedy in America, "Black Out Loud."

Two people stand smiling in front of a wall sign that reads TimeLine Theatre Company. The person on the left has curly hair and wears a denim shirt; the person on the right has short hair and wears glasses and a dark shirt.

by Jonathan Eig | September 2, 2026

How “The Birth of the Pill” Moved From a History Book to the Stage Chicago author Jonathan Eig discusses “The Birth of the Pill” with Jessica Huang, who adapted his book into a play staging its world premiere this month at TimeLine.

A person in white athletic clothing leaps over a small barrier indoors, followed by two others. All three appear focused and active, participating in a coordinated movement or performance.

by Sharon Hoyer | September 1, 2026

Motivations to Obey Ginger Krebs brings “Protected By Invisible Fence” to the MCA.

A large group of people pose and smile together in a cozy room with bookshelves, decorative ceiling, and warm lighting. Most are casually dressed and relaxed as they look at the camera.

by Robert Eric Shoemaker | August 17, 2026

Let Composers Rock Instrumental Theatre Company introduces the Chicago Theatre Composers Club.

Smiling woman with long braided hair wears a red leather vest over a patterned shirt, large earrings, and jewelry, standing against a white background.

by Carl Kozlowski | August 14, 2026

Comedian Kellye Howard Doesn’t Mess Around With MS Howard's nonprofit helps people with multiple sclerosis find a way to laugh through the pain and live for today.

A dancer in a red outfit poses gracefully in front of a large red abstract metal sculpture in an urban plaza, surrounded by tall glass buildings and parked cars.

by Sharon Hoyer | August 4, 2026

The Long and Lively Life of “Dance For Life,” Where Dancers Help Dancers The annual benefit to alleviate the cost of medical care for folks in Chicago’s dance community, now in its thirty-fifth year, was born during the height of the AIDS epidemic.

A woman in old-fashioned clothing holds a broom and stands in front of a white sheet, with a man’s shadow cast behind her. Beside her is a wooden rocking chair, a chest, and a portrait on the wall.

by Hugh Iglarsh | July 17, 2026

Gwydion Reclaims the Risk-Taking Heritage of Chicago Storefront Theater These recent transplants represent a new generation of theater artists who have chosen this city based on its reputation as a place open to brash, bright young thespians willing to do their own thing on their own terms.

Six people wearing hard hats and neon yellow safety vests stand together and smile at a construction site. Some are dressed warmly in coats. Construction materials and fencing are visible in the background.

by Mary Wisniewski | May 6, 2026

A Theater That Focuses on Stories From the Past Makes a Future in Uptown Elizabeth Auman discusses TimeLine Theatre Company's new home, built for performance, and the journey that led them there.

Three people perform in a dimly lit room, interacting with large wooden frames. One person leans back through a frame while others hold and support it, creating a dynamic and expressive scene.

by Sharon Hoyer | May 5, 2026

The Evolution of Chicago Danztheatre’s “Architecture of Memory” In conversation with Ellyzabeth Adler on the evening-length work, premiering at Chicago Danztheatre’s space in Andersonville's Ebenezer Lutheran Church this month.

A barefoot man in a black outfit and cap sits with arms crossed on a large stone, with one leg extended and the other bent, against a plain concrete wall background.

by Sharon Hoyer | April 8, 2026

Round and About: The Driehaus Dance of Brendan Fernandes Fernandes’ practice encompasses just about any medium you can name—dance, sculpture and design, textiles and fashion, photography and film—and is often in conversation with the spaces that contain it.

Three people dressed in vintage white clothing pose in a dimly lit, ornate bedroom with warm yellow lighting. Two stand on a bed, one sits at the foot, surrounded by elegant furniture and dramatic shadows.

by Mary Wisniewski | April 8, 2026

avery r. young’s Afro-Surrealist Opera, “safronia,” Is A Story of the Great Migration The West Side native and interdisciplinary artist is taking on a new challenge—acting and singing in his own production that draws from gospel hymns, blues, funk and poetry.

A person is wrapped in flowing blue and red fabric, kneeling on a reflective floor with a black background. The fabric billows dramatically, partially obscuring the persons body and face.

by Sharon Hoyer | April 7, 2026

Hedwig Dances Performs “Nexus,” a Trio of New Work Featuring Objects Three pieces will premiere in Hedwig’s program, which incorporate objects to reveal how human bodies are conversant with and transformed by the designed world.

Three women in 18th-century dresses stand on stage, striking dramatic poses with surprised expressions. They are under theatrical lighting, with two men in colonial costumes in the background.

by Dennis Polkow | March 25, 2026

“Hamilton” Producer Jeffrey Seller Turns to Chicago After Kennedy Center Withdrawal The producer discusses his Broadway career, from the tragic origins of "Rent" to the tragedy in D.C. that led to this spring's "Hamilton" production in Chicago.

An elderly man with a gray beard and disheveled hair is holding a phone to his ear. He appears concerned or focused while speaking. He is wearing a dark jacket against a plain background.

by Hugh Iglarsh | March 23, 2026

“The Official Biography” Tells a Story About Storytelling A pure product of Chicago’s collaborative theater culture, this new play from Her Story Theater digs deep into the nature of art and truth.

A man with gray hair wearing a blue suit jacket stands against a blue brick wall, looking at the camera with his hand partially covering his mouth.

by Mary Wisniewski | March 4, 2026

The Science Behind “Theater of the Mind” David Byrne and Mala Gaonkar's immersive theater project combines neuroscience experiments, art and storytelling.