What's Happening Online
Dance Online
Films Online
Opera Online
Open Run, new, original film production of Lyric Opera's The Factotum, filmed at the Harris Theatre. Now streaming through September 6th at www.lyricopera.org/shows/upcoming/2022-23/the-factotum-film/?videoId=hRG...
Open Run, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s recent Verdi Voices concert starring three of the world’s most accomplished Verdians — soprano Tamara Wilson, tenor Russell Thomas, and conductor and Lyric Opera of Chicago Music Director Enrique Mazzola — is now available digitally and can be streamed for free here.
Open Run, new, original film production of Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, filmed at the Lyric Opera House. Audiences can now secure a free, on-demand viewing of this gripping production for screenings. Reservations are available at lyricopera.org/pagliacci.
Concerts Online
Open Run, The Summer of Daisy Fay, New American Folk Theatre's Season of Audio Theatre. Available for audio download. $10. FYI www.newamericanfolktheatre.org.
Theater Online
Open Run, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre celebrates William Shakespeare’s 459th birthday with the debut of a free streaming event, TO BE. chicagoshakes.com/tobe.
Theater in the Dark
Open Run, Audio Drama THE WHITE CITY: AN AUDIBLE EXHIBITION ON H.H. HOLMES, MURDERER, A Theatre in the Dark. Available for straming or download. $12.99,. FYI https://atheaterinthedark.com/whitecity .
Open Run, A Murder in the Court of Xanadu, Original Audio Play, available to stream. A Theatre in the Dark. $12.99 to receive both a digital download and online streaming access to the recording or $30 for the season. On sale now at https://www.theatreinthedark.com/store/2223seasonpass.
Open Run, A Matter of Red Herrings, Original Audio Play, available to stream. A Theatre in the Dark. $25 "season pass" FYI https://www.theatreinthedark.com/a-matter-of-red-herrings
Note: A Theatre in the Dark - Patreon subscriptions are available at https://www.patreon.com/atheaterinthedark for $3.25 per month and will provide the additional benefit of access to A Theater in the Dark’s entire library of streamable audio plays (THREE STORIES UP, A WAR OF THE WORLDS, A CHRISTMAS CAROL IN THE DARK, A WHITE WHALE, and A MATTER OF RED HERRINGS), along with access to the ’22-’23 season’s new productions.
Congo Square
Seasons One and Two of Congo Square radio drama The Clinic can be streamed by visiting congosquaretheatre.org/audio-series; suggested donation is $10.
Collaboration
Open Run, The Lost Story of Emmett Till: Trial in the Delta, NBC Chicago and Collaboraction Theatre Company. Now available to view on NBCChicago.com, Peacock, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire and NBC Chicago’s app.
Older productions
Open Run, The Fifth World, Teatro Vista. New, six-part audio serial, set in modern day but rooted in Aztec mythology. Free to stream on teatrovista.org, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Free but donations encouraged.
Open Run, Hot Pink, or Ready to Blow, a new studio recording of 2018 hit comedy, New American Folk Theatre. Audio download available at newamericanfolktheatre.org/store. $10. Free and open to the public.
Open Run, The Music Cure, A One-Act Radio Play by George Bernard Shaw, Misalliance Repertory Theatre. Free bu donations welcome. Streaming on https://www.misalliancerepertory.org/
Open Run, A Portrait of My Mother, written and performed by Carlo Lorenzo Garcia, Jarrott Productions. Live-stream tickets ($5) are currently available through TicketWeb or through jarrottproductions.com.
Open Run, PLAY(S) AT HOME: A GREEN THEATRE FESTIVAL, Live-Streaming from Connective Theater Company, Chicago. Free. FYI www.connectivetheatrecompany.com
Open Run, PLAY(S) AT HOME, A VIRTUAL FESTIVAL, Live-Streaming from Connective Theater Company, Chicago. Free. FYI www.connectivetheatrecompany.com
Open Run, The Happiest Place on Earth. Live-Streaming from Sideshow Theatre Company, Chicago. Pay what you wish. FYI www.sideshowtheatre.org/stream.
Through November, 2023, Dael Orlandersmith’s Until the Flood, Goodman Theatre in partnership with All Arts—the free broadcast and digital platform dedicated to the arts—and New York’s Rattlestick Playwrights Theater and six U.S. regional theaters, including A Contemporary Theatre (Seattle); Center Theatre Group (Los Angeles); Denver Center for the Performing Arts; Milwaukee Repertory Theater; Portland Center Stage (Oregon); and Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Free. FYI www.allarts.org.
Comedy Online
Open Run, Episodes from Season One and Two of Hit ‘Em on the Blackside are available to watch now at congosquaretheatre.org and on Congo Square’s YouTube channel.
Open Run, Every Saturday from 5 – 7 p.m., Theatre of Ted Digital Open Mi" Available on Facebook. Everyone may submit 3-5 minute video performances to james@otherworldtheatre.org to be featured on our Theatre of Ted Digital Open Mic. This isn't limited to comedy; all performance art welcome! FREE FYI www.OtherWorldTheatre.org
Open Run, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 & 9:30, Virtual ComedySportz, ComedySportz, Available on Zoom. FREE, donations welcome. FYI www.cszchicago.com.
Open Run, Wednesdays at 7:00 pm, Rec League, ComedySportz, Available on Zoom. FREE, donations welcome. FYI www.cszchicago.com.
Open Run, Wednesdays at 8:00 pm, "Minor League" ComedySportz, Available on Zoom. FREE, donations welcome. FYI www.cszchicago.com.
Open Run, Monday through Friday at 2:00, Laugh Factory Live, Live-Streaming from the Laugh Factory, Chicago. FREE. FYI www.youtube.com/user/TheLaughFactory.
Improv Online
Open Run, Stupid Shakespeare's Super Richard World III, Otherworld Theatre Company, Available online on Patreon and YouTube. Recommended for Ages 16 years +, Free. FYI www.OtherWorldTheatre.org
Open Run, Improvised Star Trek: The Lost Episode, Otherworld Theatre Company, Available online on Patreon and YouTube. Free. FYI www.OtherWorldTheatre.org
Open Run, Geekspeare's The Tragedy of Johnny and Lisa, Part I & Part II Otherworld Theatre Company, Available online on Patreon and YouTube. Free. FYI www.OtherWorldTheatre.org
Open Run, Every Sunday at 7 p.m., Improvised Dungeons and Dragons Otherworld Theatre Company, Available online on YouTube. Free. FYI www.OtherWorldTheatre.org
Children's Programming Online
Virtual programs available 24/7 on Chicago Children's Theatre CCTV YouTube channel, CCTV: Virtual Theater and Learning from Chicago Children’s Theatre include:
**** This Ability: Episode 1, For Ages 6 and Up. Daniel Carlton and Nambi E. Kelley’s new superhero web series. What sets This Ability apart is its special trio of young lead actors who, in life, are blind, deaf and autistic. Free. donation suggested. FYI chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
**** This Ability: Episode 2, For Ages 6 and Up. Daniel Carlton and Nambi E. Kelley’s new superhero web series. What sets This Ability apart is its special trio of young lead actors who, in life, are blind, deaf and autistic. Free, donation suggested. FYI chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
**** This Ability: Episode 3, For Ages 6 and Up. Daniel Carlton and Nambi E. Kelley’s new superhero web series. What sets This Ability apart is its special trio of young lead actors who, in life, are blind, deaf and autistic. Free, donation suggested. FYI chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
**** The Relocation of Nokwsi - For Ages 8 and Up. This virtual puppet production by Robert Hicks Jr. is inspired by the story of his grandfather, who journeyed from his people, the Cherokee, Paiute, Yakama and Shoshone, to live and work in Chicago in the 1950s. Free, on-demand viewing for children and families in Chicago and around the world. FYI chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
**** Exquisite - For All Ages. The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks introduces children to one of Chicago’s most treasured poets via music by composer Florence Price, narration by Eve L. Ewing and animation courtesy of CCT’s Liviu Pasare. Produced in association with the Negaunee Music Institute at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Free, on-demand viewing for children and families in Chicago and around the world. FYI chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
**** Open Run, Maybe Something Beautiful, Chicago Children's Theatre and the Negaunee Music Institute at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association with promotional partner, The Chicago Public Library. 13-minute video five CSO musicians performing classical works by Latino composers, bilingual English/Spanish narration, and playful puppetry to tell a true story about how even the smallest artists can accomplish something big. Free, on-demand viewing for children and families in Chicago and around the world. FYI chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
**** Diamond’s Dream - For ages 9 and up. This world premiere short puppet film by Chicago artists Jerell L. Henderson and Caitlin MacLeod tells the story of an African-American boy on a Chicago CTA Red Line car navigating pandemics past and present. Free study guide available. Free, on-demand viewing for children and families in Chicago and around the world.FYI chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
**** My Magic Breath - For all ages. CCT’s first virtual co-production with the CSO, narrated by First Lady of Chicago Amy Eshleman, fuses classical music and modern animation to help children ages 4 through 8—along with their parents, caregivers, and teachers—harness the calming and restorative power of mindful breathing. It’s based on the book by New York Times best selling author Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor. Free, on-demand viewing for children and families in Chicago and around the world.FYI chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
**** Doll Face Has a Party - For all ages. This charming, zany, toy theater show is directed by Brian Selznick, writer and illustrator of “The Invention of Hugo Cabaret” and “The Houdini Box,” and the illustrator of the 20th anniversary “Harry Potter” box set. Free, on-demand viewing for children and families in Chicago and around the world.FYI chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
**** Leo Lionni’s Frederick - For all ages. Leo Lionni’s Caldecott Award-winning picture book comes to new life as a clever and colorful virtual puppet show gently narrated by Michael Shannon. Free study guide available. Free, on-demand viewing for children and families in Chicago and around the world.FYI chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
**** Iconic Dance Moves Playlist - For all ages. Chicago Children’s Theatre teaching artist Emily Daigle has already gone viral with her trio of tutorials teaching kids all the coolest dance movies. Her 80s dance tutorial has surpassed 60,000 views alone! Free, on-demand viewing for children and families in Chicago and around the world.FYI chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
**** Puppet Making Playlist - For ages 6 and up. It’s a perfect time to make a puppet show for your family. This playlist showcases CCT teaching artists showing kids how to make shadow puppets, finger puppets and talking vegetables out of household materials. Free, on-demand viewing for children and families in Chicago and around the world.FYI chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
**** Open Run, The Plane That Took A Train, New Musical Play Podcast Six-episode available to listen on all podcast platforms including Apple and Spotify. $5 suggested donation. FYI https://theplanethattookatrain.com/
**** Open Run, Imagine U Storytime, Northwestern theater students, faculty, and alumni share weekly stories for young audiences. Free and available on https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnnywRBuUnwmsuKoOq5JnbjmUACcehPM8
**** Open Run, Stupid Shakespeare's Merchant of Sesame Street, Otherworld Theatre Company, Available on Patreon. Access to all stage productions recordings: $5 FYI www.OtherWorldTheatre.org
Art Online
Open Run, Virtual Conversation: Spotlight on the Hartwell Memorial Window Art Institute of Chicago. Free on YouTube. FYI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsDHeaN4sIo
Open Run, Virtual Artist Talk: Bisa Butler and Tonika Johnson, Art Institute of Chicago. Free on YouTube. FYI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMIFA8de3JE
Open Run, Virtual Conversation: The Armored Tournament, Art Institute of Chicago. Free on YouTube. FYI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vPRZbXFkJE
Open Run, Virtual Conversation: The Pre-Raphaelites and William Holman Hunt’s The Shadow of Death, Art Institute of Chicago. Free on YouTube.
Open Run, Virtual Hugh Edwards Lecture: Mimi Cherono Ng’ok and Edwidge Danticat, Art Institute of Chicago. Free on YouTube.
Open Run, Virtual Member Lecture: André Kertész—Postcards from Paris, Art Institute of Chicago. Free on YouTube. FYI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDfjATlf194&t=1s
Open Run, Virtual Member Lecture: THINKING OF YOU. I MEAN ME. I MEAN YOU., Art Institute of Chicago. Free on YouTube. FYI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCjTJP7e_Ro
Lectures/Conferences Online
Dance Online
Moving Graphic Novels Online