Chicago is home to tons of small theater, dance, and performance companies, many of whom are making incredible work. If you’re in town and up for something on the experimental side, check out a show at one of these venues.
Links Hall celebrated its thirtieth anniversary in 2010. Week after week, Links Hall presents a mix of dance, theater, and performance art in the midst of boisterous Wrigleyville just blocks from the Cubs stadium. Check their website for the schedule of frequent workshops, classes, and performances.
The Den Theatre, located in a second floor loft in Wicker Park, hosts interdisciplinary performances in its gallery, black box, and 100-seat theater spaces. Complete with bar and cafe, the Den is becoming a hub for young artists.
Local, National, and International Artists populate these venues...sometimes with WILD stuff!
Defibrillator, also known as dfbrl8tr or dfb, functions as part gallery and part studio to present performances by artists of all kinds: up-and-coming, established, international, and local. Their eight different series focus on “decidedly heterogeneous” work and range from discussions to installations to controversial performances.
The Chopin Theatre hosts numerous theatrical productions each season by Chicago companies like House Theater and The Hypocrites whose acclaim only continues to grow. Additionally, this Wicker Park artistic mainstay curates I-Fest.com, an international solo performance festival.
The Hamlin Park Field House Theater tpresents evenings of dance, regular classes, and workshops by smaller Chicago dance companies including artists-in-residence the Chicago Moving Company and its contingencies. Look for shows on Thursday and Friday evenings, as this Roscoe Village field house is closed the rest of the weekend.
