CURRENT SEASON

2024-2025

13 Suits: A Mother’s Monologues

Fall 2024 - Raven Theatre - chicago, Il

Written by Kathleen Kerrigan Duff & Michael Herman

Directed by Michael Herman, Aviva Katz, & Kate Mullis

Based on actual events, 13 Suits: A Mother’s Monologues is a documentary theatrical experience, initially crafted from a mother’s reflections after losing her son. In a Laramie Project meets Vagina Monologues-style event, this immersive play also draws on dozens of personal accounts and stories, as well as powerful statistics, to help weave a timely and poignant cautionary tale… one of grief, loss, and healing, in the wake of seemingly insurmountable tragedy.

November 30 - December 5 - Previews
December 6 - December 22 – Performances
The show runs approximately 90 minutes. No intermission.

Talk Hard: Chicago

For the first time since 2016, Talk Hard is back live and in person. A new-work salon for playwrights, actors, directors, poets, musicians, singers, DJs, painters, writers, dancers, comedians, filmmakers, and all creatives, to get a peek at what others are making, build community, and show off any new piece they're working on in front of a supportive audience.

Talk Hard Chicago, presented by The Outer Loop, in community with Raven Theatre

This event will take place on the first Monday of every month. Upcoming Dates: Jan 6th, Feb 3rd, Mar 3rd, Apr 7th, May 5th, Jun 2nd

January 6, 2025 (monthly) - Raven Theatre - chicago, Il

Email Rachael Yoder if you’re interested in performing at an upcoming Talk Hard!

The Humanity Project Documentary

winter 2024 - a screen near you

Directed by Tiffany Henne & Charles Arrigoni

The Humanity Project Documentary takes a look at our last 8 years of work in the villages of Msona & Mloka, Tanzania. Conversations with those impacted by our projects and our partners, as well as stories of people from different parts of the world becoming family through the art of theater, and the practice of listening. Keep an eye out on our social media for more details on the release of this beautiful new film.

Inner Enso Series: Second Production

Spring 2025 - 3am theatre - New York, NY

This second Inner Enso production centers Jai, a Thai, bisexual visual artist who is trying to find her identity amidst a world not designed for her. Jai’s story is told through the lens of the Heroine’s Journey (inspired by Maureen Murdock) and she is joined by friends, family, and mentors along the way.

April 25 - May 4, 2025 - Performances

Ticket info and link coming soon.

To find out more about how you can be involved, fill out our contact form or email melissa@outerlooptheater.org.

2025-2026

The Empathy Project, Volume III

Fall 2025

Melissa Wilson, The Outer Loop's Inner Enso Facilitator, takes The Empathy Project into a new era. After interviewing over 30 different people from all political, racial, experiential, & gender/sexuality backgrounds about their political and personal beliefs, these interviews were weaved into a play, the goal of which is to offer a respectful presentation of how we, within our divided nation, are both similar and different.

Inner Enso Series: Third Production

Spring 2026

The Outer Loop’s Inner Enso is an all-female circle of artistic decision-making with the mission of shifting the arts community toward balance. Too often, the woman’s perspective is left out of the story, so we want to create a space solely made up of women to remedy that. The circle consists of 5-7 women who meet regularly throughout the year to create one production per season for the Inner Enso Series, which tells stories that center the experience of being a woman. 

To find out more about how you can be involved, fill out our contact form or email melissa@outerlooptheater.org.