Previews

How can local arts experiences help cultivate inspiration and relieve stress for the year ahead? 

The winter holiday arts line-up may look a bit different this year, but with locally-sourced gifts to give and receive, there's still plenty to celebrate. 

“It has made us very aware of taking care of each other.  We are even more attentive to the culture with which we make theatre and what of the ‘old normal’ can be scrapped from this experience,” says Genesee Sprido about producing theatre in COVID times. 

“If there's anything I'm able to leave behind for underclassmen, I'm hoping that they’re able to come out of this shooting process having learned something new. I know I've learned a lot so far, and we haven't even really gotten started.” Genna Roth on her experience creating Central High's COVID-friendly film version of Clue.

What exactly is a small press? And how does it differ from zines and distros? 

Like everything else, gratitude will look different this year. But preparing for this article has given me hope. It has reminded me that artists are resilient and often at their best when the chips seem to be down.

“Dance is an art form rooted in the body, which carries the stories of our ancestors and the emotional tone of the present moment. At catastrophic moments, words fail us. The body absorbs experiences, and it never lies.”  Jan Erkert, Dance at Illinois Department Head and November Dance Concert Director. 

Debra shares her list of five must-Zoom or social distantly-enjoy arts events for October 2020.  

Claire explores Illinois Theatre's mission of radical inclusion and the progress made since its initial statement in 2016.