People say that Chicago has some of the best theatre in the nation – maybe even better than New York! I’ve only seen one play on Broadway, so I can’t make a comparison, but I do think Chicago has a terrific theatre scene.
I knew we were the birthplace city of improv comedy, but I only recently learned we are also the birthplace of storefront playhouses – many of which I’ve visited over the years. There is something magical about seeing both stand-up comedy and a live play up close, watching comedians and actors off screen, with vivid expressions and emotions, drawing audiences into their worlds. It’s remarkable how much talent exists in our fair city.
I haven’t even touched dance yet. If you know anyone who dances, you know it takes tremendous work and passion to dance professionally. I've seen my nephew working hard at it since he was small! It makes me appreciate the artists on our Hubbard Street Dance Chicago stage... I’m constantly amazed by the expressive movements dancers create; it’s truly mesmerizing!
Reading
Boys Dance! Gender-inclusive sports books are important, and this wonderful addition to children's books features all kinds of different boys who dance, stretch and leap with lovely rhymes and lively illustrations is terrific.
Drama: One of my all-time favorite theatre-and-relationship-themed books is Drama. It’s a fantastic graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier about a girl name Callie. As the middle-school-stage-crew-member for a school production, Callie navigates a series of both successful and unsuccessful relationships, learning and growing along the way.
Better Nate Than Ever: I can't forget the entertaining Nate Foster series, about a small-town kid who dreams of a future on Broadway.
Brain-Building Activities
- You don’t need the biggest stage in Chicago to showcase your creativity. Sometimes all you need are lights, your hands and a wall! The good folks at Sesame Studios made this "handy" video to show you how to make shadow puppets.
- Puppet making is a fun and versatile activity which can be done with recycled materials like popsicle sticks, cardboard boxes, even paper plates. Try one of these 20 distinct puppet making ideas using items around your home.
- Try one of Chicago’s most enduring home-grown art forms, which promotes team work, empathy and creativity (just ask the Second City)! For inspiration, check out this site: 26 Fun Improv Games and Exercises for Kids
And I can’t skip some dance-related activities in honor of my nephew:
- Create a dancing ostrich using a printer, scissors and a binder clip!
- Learn some dance moves from PBS, including hip hop, Samba and more
- And then do the Bus Stop Line Dance
- You might also have some fun learning about dance with the The Library of Dance
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