At the newly opened Recreation Club in downtown Champaign, a unique business structure and “come as you are” approach has flipped traditional tattooing culture on its head and offers a revitalized future for local arts culture.
Posts by Claire Katz-Mariani:
Looking back, moving forward: Updates from Ashanti Files, Urbana’s 2021 Poet Laureate
Ashanti Files discusses her experiences thus far as Urbana's Poet Laureate, including what she has learned in the position, and what is still to come for the remainder of her year-long term. Trigger warnings: please note that this article contains mentions of mental health concerns including body image, depression and suicide.
Recent theatre grad Jordan Ratliff talks about (re)directing Gay Card during COVID
Recent University of Illinois graduate Jordan Ratliff discusses the inspiration, process, and takeaways from a senior thesis production that has been over a year in the making.
Theatre workshop for teens of color to launch this July at the Station Theatre
After months of preparation, The Station Theatre is revamping its focus on racial justice this summer with a brand new Teen Spotlight workshop for young artists of color.
Graduating Illinois BFA actors release virtual showcase
For the second year in a row, graduates of Illinois Theatre’s Acting program are filming their work for casting directors in the hopes of smoothly transitioning into the professional theatre industry.
Queering the visual arts with two installation artists
For LGBTQ+ artists, both the social risks and emotional benefits of sharing aspects of their identities in their work are particularly high.
Dance for People with Parkinson’s adapts to online community building
Nearly a decade ago, a project local to Brooklyn began a pilot campus program at the University of Illinois that would prove to be successful beyond its creators’ wildest dreams.
IMC and Uniting Pride partner for upcoming Trans Musician Showcase
On March 31st, the IMC will host a variety of born-and-raised and currently local trans musicians in a live stream as part of its Sounds Like Community series. 90% of all proceeds will go to Uniting Pride of Champaign County.
Five performers of color to celebrate during Women’s History month
A quick look at five of the many women of color that continue to enliven Champaign-Urbana’s performing arts scene throughout the pandemic year.
Performing Your Art in a Pandemic: One theatre student’s perspective
The pros and cons of virtual performance are more complex than what first meets the eye.