Our new InkBlots series will let you in on the latest news, extensions, promotions, and rumors that didn’t make it into an article in the previous week. We’re dropping them every Saturday morning. Enjoy with brunch!

HAYMARKET Marches On

Underscore Theatre Company, in association with Theater Wit, has announced two additional weeks of performances of its hit musical HAYMARKET, through Sunday, September 16 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Based on the true story of Chicago’s infamous Haymarket riot, HAYMARKET transferred to Theater Wit on August 3, 2018 following a five-week, sell-out engagement at The Den Theatre. Tickets are available at underscoretheatre.org, by calling (773) 975-8150 or in person at the Theater Wit Box Office.

LINDA Gets 8 More

With the original run and first extension completely sold out, Steep Theatre is extending the run of Penelope Skinner’s LINDA through September 15. Tickets for these eight additional performances are on sale now at steeptheatre.com/linda, and they’re expected to go quickly. Steep Ensemble Member Cindy Marker stepped into the role of Linda beginning August 16th, replacing Kendra Thulin.

Season of Concern Honors Handbag

Season of Concern — the Chicagoland theatre community’s fundraising effort for local HIV/AIDS support organizations and those in the theatre community who are experiencing the effects of catastrophic illness — has announced Hell in a Handbag Productions as the recipient of the 2018 Biscotto-Miller Award, presented annually to the non-Equity theatre company who raised the most donations via audience solicitations. The award was presented to David Cerda and the cast of THE GOLDEN GIRLS, VOL. 2 on August 2. The Biscotto-Miller Fund offers grants to local theatermakers in need regardless of union affiliation. Recipients of grants need not be afflicted with HIV/AIDS and requests are kept confidential. For information, contact Michael Ryczek at [email protected] or visit www.seasonofconcern.org.  

Joffrey Puts Dancer on Board

Joffrey dancer John Mark Giragosian has joined the company’s Board of Directors. Giragosian becomes the first former Company-turned-Board member in Joffrey history. Giragosian joined the Joffrey as an apprentice in 2007 and was promoted to the main Company later that year. He danced for eight seasons before retiring to pursue a second career in finance.

Definition Gets Chuck Smith On Board

Definition Theater Company is welcoming Goodman Theatre resident director and frequent Definition collaborator Chuck Smith to their Artistic Advisory Board. Smith directed Definition’s critically-acclaimed production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ AN OCTOROON last season. He shared that he is looking forward to working with the Definition Theatre team in a more official capacity, saying that “it is always a pleasure working with this talented group.”

Congo Square Pushes Back LADY DAY Opening

Ensemble member Alexis J. Roston returns to Congo Square with her award-winning performance as the legend Billie Holiday in LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL. This will be her 4th time delivering this role. Due to “unforseen circumstances” the production’s previews and opening have been pushed back a week. Previews will now begin Friday, September 14th, and the opening night is Monday the 17th. The company is returning to the southside of Chicago this year, with all performances taking place at eta Creative Arts. More info at www.congosquaretheatre.org

A Dance Degree from Joffrey at City Colleges

Harold Washington College is partnering with the Joffrey Ballet to offer an Associate in Arts in Dance from City Colleges of Chicago’s Loop campus. Launching with the start of the fall semester, the program gives students the chance to develop their dance technique while completing an associate degree with credits transferable to four-year colleges and universities across the country.