Chicago Performance Lab emerged from a desire to extend the nurturing environment of TAPS to Chicago’s professional performance community. Recognizing the importance of hospitality, particularly in a moment when the arts are faced with acute economic challenges, we invite companies into our artistic home. The work that we support demonstrates the boldness of Chicago’s artistic output and reflects the University’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaborations.
Recently, CPL has supported the development of new work by these Chicago companies and artists:
Definition Theatre
MPAACT
Cabinet of Curiosity
First Floor Theater
Manual Cinema
The House Theatre of Chicago
Salonathon
Walkabout Theatre
Seth Bockley
The Syndicate
The Hypocrites
A Red Orchid Theatre
2019 Chicago Performance Lab
Definition Theatre Company
A workshop of The Color Purple with original Broadway director Gary Griffin at the helm.
Presentation: Saturday, July 6 2019 at 8:00pm in room 501
MPAACT
A workshop and free concert reading of a new play by Shepsu Aakhu and Andrew White
Presentation: Saturday, July 20 2019 at 3:00pm in room 501
Manual Cinema
An adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic science fiction Frankenstein novel into a multimedia performance of shadow puppetry, live music, and theater.
Presentation: Thursday, July 25 at 7:30p in Theater West
Devon de Mayo
The Awakening, a devised adaptation of the novel by Kate Chopin.
Presentation: Friday, July 26 at 1:00p in room 701
Puppeteers of Color Incubator
A space for puppeteers and artist of color to explore, experiment, and develop their tools as puppeteers while deepening their understanding of their own individual artistry.
Presentation: Saturday, September 7 at 2pm in room 501
Dancing to Dream
A curated selection of choreographers from the community to produce new work in the thematic light of kids sponsored by Make a Wish foundation.
Presentation: Friday, September 13 at 3:30p in BARS
For Youth Inquiry
Designs participatory theater experiences to activate the creative potential of school, family, and healthcare systems and improve the wellbeing of youth.
A Red Orchid Theatre
Workshops and readings of Grey House and Victory in preparation of A Red Orchid’s 2019-20 Season.
Presentation: Grey House Tuesday, August 6 at 8pm Victory Friday, August 9 at 11am