Theatre During COVID-19:
Live Theatre during the Pandemic Adapts, Continues
Published September 2020
Since early 2020 theatres have been shuttered. Besides the serious cultural loss that our community faces when a theatre closes, even for a season, there are real human impacts as well. Actors who rely on Guild Insurance have found themselves without work and healthcare. Jobs conducive to part-time or supplemental income work, such as the restaurant and hotel industry, are not available as a lifeline to those out of work in the front or back of house during theatre closures.
In difficult times the theatre can transport us to a different place and time. We can be a different person or on a different planet.
Happily, there are fall theatre performances that keep our community’s health and safety as a priority. BYOP: bring your own popcorn!
Online Shows
Leo Lionni’s Frederick
Produced by Chicago Children’s Theatre
Tickets: https://chicagochildrenstheatre.org/event/leo-lionnis-frederick/
PorchlightPalooza
Produced by Porchlight Music Theatre
Tickets (Free): https://app.mobilecause.com/e/CJGOjg?vid=b9i8r
The Pursuit of Happiness Cabaret
Produced by BoHo Theatre
Tickets (Free): https://bohotheatre.com
Ryan Opera Center at Home
Produced by Lyric Opera of Chicago
Tickets (Free): https://www.lyricopera.org/ryan-opera-center/ryan-opera-center-events-media/
Stateville Voices
Produced by the Goodman Theatre and Northwestern Prison Education Program
Tickets (Free): https://www.goodmantheatre.org/stateville
Alas
Produced by the Trap Door Theatre
Tickets: http://trapdoortheatre.com
The International Voices Project 2020 Virtual Festival
Produced by the International Voices Project
Tickets (Free): https://www.ivpchicago.org/attend2020
Home/Land
Produced by the Albany Park Theater Project
Tickets (Free): https://vimeo.com/albanyparktheater
Sunset 1919
Produced by Lookingglass Theatre Company
Tickets (Free): https://lookingglasstheatre.org/event/sunset-1919/
My Magic Breath
Produced by Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chicago Children’s Theatre
Tickets (Free): https://cso.org/cso-from-home/watch/my-magic-breath/ v
Pride and Prejudice: A Virtual Play
Produced by Lifeline Theatre
Tickets: http://lifelinetheatre.com/performances/2020-2021/pride-and-prejudice2020/
Closet Play: A Benefit Concert
This is one of four plays available online as part of REIGNITE!
Produced by PrideArts (formerly Pride Films and Plays)
Tickets: https://pridearts.org/reignite-a-four-show-virtual-season/
Half Hour Theatre Podcast
Produced by Steppenwolf Theatre
Tickets (Free): https://www.steppenwolf.org/tickets--events/half-hour-theatre-podcast/
Outdoor and Drive-in Shows
Destinos al Aire Outdoor Social Distance Film Festival
Produced by The Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA)
Tickets: https://www.clata.org
Currently Sold Out
Under the Stars with Handbag: A Drive-In Festival
Produced by Hell in a Handbag
Tickets: https://handbagdrivein.bpt.me
Drive-In Theatre: Beatrix Potter and Friends
Produced by Chicago Children’s Theatre
Tickets: https://chicagochildrenstheatre.org/event/drive-in-theatre-potter/
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