A staple of Chicago’s theater community for 20 years, Cut to the Chase play festival presents six handpicked 10-minute plays, showcasing Artistic Home Studio actors with moment-to-moment acting in an intimate theater space.  

Cut to the Chase presents seven short plays in one fun night of theater. With a cast of seventeen, this year’s show features five world premieres and two Chicago premiere performances. 

With plots ranging from drama to sci-fi to dark comedy, Cut to the Chase is the perfect way to see Chicago’s renown acting talent in an intimate theater space.

When:
Thursday, May 2nd at 8:00pm
Friday, May 3rd at 8:00pm
Saturday, May 4th at 8:00pm
Sunday, May 5th at 3:00pm

Running Time: TBD

Where: The Den Theatre- 1331 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, Il 60622

Late Seating: late seating allowed in between plays

Hollow Valley by Will Dunne
Directed by Frank Nall
A World Premiere
*Chicago playwright

Featuring: Jeremy Osinga & Dakota Pariset

When a man is confronted by a stranger who claims to know him, the truth slowly unfolds into an unexpected journey of resilience and hope. In this world premiere by Will Dunne, audiences are challenged to confront the familiar strangers in their own lives.

The Outline by Lydia Moss
Directed by Justice Ford
A World Premiere
*Chicago playwright

Featuring: Jessica McCluskey & Jared Goudsmit

When Simone and Paul find themselves trapped in a metaphysical waiting room, they must grapple with their own inner demons and past mistakes. A broken cell phone becomes the last hope and a demonstration in the power of belief.

First Date by Michael Hagins
Directed by Patrick Thornton
A Chicago Premiere

Featuring: Whitney Minarik, Faris El-Kildani

During a cringey first date, a divorced mom and a younger man find a surprise attraction. Through endearing characters and plenty of folly, this comedy explores the courage to be true to oneself in a delightfully modern context.

Minor Deviations by Erin Osgood
Directed by Jenna Steege
A Chicago Premiere

Featuring: Hannah Green, Tommy Martin & Demi VanderWerff

A grieving widower seeks a robot companion in the likeness of his deceased wife. But beneath the surface lies a secret, and consequences emerge from seeking artificial comfort.

Rot! by Siah Berlatsky
Directed by Rachel Lambert
A World Premiere
*Chicago playwright and AH Artistic Associate

Featuring: Kendal Romero, Angie Simonetta, & Mary Mikva

When a young woman refuses to leave her bed, her mom brings in a professional. ROT! invites viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about mental health, human connection, and finding meaning in an indifferent world. 

Kindred Spirits by Peter Snoad
Directed by Savaun Stokes
A World Premiere

Featuring: Luke Steadman, Laura Zhang & Chris Willumsen

While exploring a tranquil forest, two strangers discover uncanny similarities between them. With great wit and tricks of language, Kindred Spirits questions the nature of human relationships and the boundaries between each of us.

Orpheus in the New Year by Drew Carnwath
Directed by Julian Hester
A World Premiere

Featuring: Whitney Minarik, Tommy Martin, Elizabeth Stam & Garrett Wiegel

Amidst a lively New Year's Eve party, a chance encounter between two strangers on a balcony leads to a cryptic exchange about myths, past lives, and hidden intentions. As they grapple with existential questions, the boundaries of reality blur.