This weekend we’re turning something that started as an experiment last year into an annual tradition.  I like traditions.  They feel like checkpoints to me – which I think is why I’m feeling especially eager about this one, since it’s a checkpoint at a time when I feel like I’ve got my feet in two different seasons, which can make a girl a little wobbly.

Summerfest, which is the annual street fair thrown by our friends at the Mid-North Association, happens this Saturday and Sunday right outside our doors at the LPCC.  For the second year (see above re: tradition), we’ve commissed some great short plays from lovely and talented friends of ours, and are bringing in other lovely and talented friends of ours to read them out loud.

These short plays came about in a really cool way this year, too.  Because of our relationship with Mid-North, we were given access to some short memoir pieces written by long-time residents of our Lincoln Park neighborhood.  From a really great collection of memories, images, and reflections, I pulled three pieces of text and sent them to two of my favorite writers – Bilal Dardai and Jon Steinhagen – who promptly returned to me two short scripts that will knock your socks off and then tickle your feet.  And take a look at the actor-types who are going to be playing with us: Marsha Harman, Sean Patrick Fawcett, Erin Shelton, PJ Schoeny, and Kristina Johnson.  I mean, seriously?  These folks are awesome. 

So on Saturday morning we’ll meet for breakfast (of course) and then rehearse and then in the afternoon present two performances of both readings – once at 1 PM and then again at 2:30.  You should totally come check it out if you’re free – it’s free – and there will be corndogs and lemonade outside.  That won’t be free.  But it will be delicious.

And why do I feel like I have feet in two seasons you ask?  Because we are so close to finalizing next year – and because we are having season generals soon.  If you haven’t already submitted and you’d like to, you can check out our website for more info on how to submit your headshot and resume.

What we’re putting together for next season – well, I don’t want to say too much about it just yet, but let’s just say I’m really excited – and we’re poised to jump into another season that promises to challenge and stretch us in new ways.  Good stuff.  Real good stuff.

But in the meantime – seriously, come check us out at Summerfest.  I feel so fortunate to have such talented folks as collaborators, friends, and family, and we would of course love to see you there.