Highland Park-Based Wayfarer Theaters Announces June Special Events

Wayfarer Theaters (1850 2nd Street, Highland Park), a multi-use space for films, live events, and conversation, announced their slate of June events to take place within the theater featuring local filmmakers and community members. Continuing the theater’s mission of providing unique opportunities that spark dialogue amongst audiences and build community, Wayfarer Theaters will host a multitude of events, inviting guests to enjoy the newly renovated venue.  

“We’ve programmed this selection of talkbacks and activations for the month of June in keeping with our commitment to offer our guests an array of enriching programming at Wayfarer Theaters, now that we are officially re-opened,” said Clayton Stamper, general manager of Wayfarer Theaters. “We trust that this slate will spark enlightening conversation amongst our visitors and we are proud to provide filmmakers, artists and authors with a space to meaningfully engage with their audiences.” 

“Our community partners are integral to the work that we do and they allow Wayfarer Theaters to thrive as a collective space,” said DaJuan Warren, community relations manager at Wayfarer Theaters. “The relationships that we’ve been able to forge as an organization provide us with opportunities to welcome people of all backgrounds to enjoy the transformational communal experiences of engaging with film and our other programming.” 

Silver Screen Social, “Ezra” (June 8, 12 p.m.)
Guests are invited to join “Ezra” screenwriter Tony Spiridakis and Loyola University film professor Zbigniew “Ziggy” Banas at Wayfarer Theaters for a screening and discussion of the highly anticipated film directed by Tony Goldwyn and starring Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne and Robert De Niro. Complimentary tea is included with tickets. Tickets are available for $20 here. 

“Memorial” Panel Discussion with Director Jon Siskel (June 11 and 14, 7 p.m.)

Following screenings of short film “Memorial,” which chronicles the victims of the Highland Park Independence Day parade shooting of 2022 and the ensuing community memorial created in the days following the attack, director Jon Siskel will participate in a panel discussion with viewers. The June 11 screening is presented by Project Unloaded and by Safe Illinois on June 14. All screenings of “Memorial” are free to the public, however, advance reservation is recommended. Reservations can be made here. 

Madame Zuzu’s Matinee: “The Great Muppet Caper” (June 15, 2 p.m.)

In partnership with Highland Park’s Madame Zuzu’s Tea Shop and Art Studio, Wayfarer Theaters invites families to a screening of “The Great Muppet Caper” followed by a puppeteering workshop. Tickets can be purchased for $15 here. 

A Fireside Chat with Author Payam Zamani (June 20, 7 p.m.)

In honor of World Refugee Day, Wayfarer Theaters welcomes Payam Zamani, author, entrepreneur and founder of One Planet Group, who will discuss his new memoir “Crossing the Desert: The Power of Embracing Life's Difficult Journeys.” This is a free event. Reservations for the fireside chat can be made here. 

“She Rises Up” Screening and Q&A (June 26, 7 p.m.)

A Q&A with director Maureen Castle Tusty and executive producer James Tusty follows the 7 p.m. screening of “She Rises Up.” This feature length documentary reveals the explosive implications of women’s economic participation as it follows radically different women from Sri Lanka, Peru and Senegal who are fighting to build businesses that create job opportunities for women, while also contributing to the reduction of poverty in their communities. Tickets are available for $25 and can be purchased here.  

To learn more about Wayfarer Theaters and stay up to date on upcoming showings and programs, visit www.wayfarertheaters.com or follow along on social media at @wayfarertheaters. 

About Wayfarer Theaters 

Wayfarer Theaters first opened in Highland Park in 2023 and is a sister company of Wayfarer Studios, an independent production studio actively developing, producing, and fully financing a slate of highly original, genre-defining, and globally impactful feature films, episodic television, documentaries, unscripted series, and podcasts, founded in 2019 by Paylocity founder Steve Sarowitz and director, author and actor, Justin Baldoni.