Category Archives: Center on Halsted
Free Queer Prom this week – Center on Halsted
MIDNIGHT IN PARIS: QUEER PROM FOR LGBTQ YOUTH
Friday, May 10, 2019
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Center on Halsted
FREE TO ATTEND
I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE Feb 9th
CHICAGO THEATRE WORKSHOP PRESENTS PREMIERE, LGBTQ VERSION OF
“I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE”
Chicago Theatre Workshop (CTW) with permission from authors, Joe DiPietro and Jimmy Roberts will present a one-night only LGBTQ performance of their long running off-Broadway hit musical, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” as a benefit for the company.
During the show’s nearly 20 year off-Broadway run, audiences celebrated the on stage relationships as a reflection of their own lives. CTW is excited to recalibrate the show’s series of vignettes focusing on the themes of love and relationships with an LGBTQ twist. Characters have now been re-imagined to reflect the lives of the LGBTQ community.
CTW Artistic Director Tom Mullen comments on the uniqueness of this benefit production, “This is a great joy for us, I’ve directed Love/Perfect a couple times before and I’ve always felt that this could really be an exciting version to try to do. It’s a great opportunity to really highlight that when it comes to love and relationships, we are all equal in our wants and wishes. We’ve also assembled an incredible cast and creative team and are so thankful to Joe and Jimmy to allow us to do this.”
Co-Author Joe DiPietro echoed Tom’s message, “When Tom called and asked about doing an all-gay version of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (once dubbed the straightest off-Broadway hit ever,) Jimmy Roberts and I readily agreed. I’ve always been a big fan of Tom’s work, and I can’t wait to see his very contemporary and, I’m sure, very hilarious take on the show.”
WHEN: Saturday, February 9, 2019
WHERE: Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted Street, Chicago
TIME: Doors open at 7:30pm show at 8:00pm
COST: $45 General Admission. Tickets for the performance can be purchased on line at www.chicagotheatreworkshop.org. VIP and Sponsorship ticket packages are also available by contacting CTW.
The cast includes: Karl Hamilton, Charissa Armon, Melissa Young, Honey West, Lars Ebsworth, Noah Berman, and Jessica Vann. More are slated to be added. Musical Direction is by Nick Sula with direction by Tom Mullen.
At Chicago Theatre Workshop, we identify promising new works of music-influenced theatre and continually evolve them through live productions. Through our unique model, audiences can experience the life of a single production as it constantly changes and evolves. Risk. Reward.
Photo: Charissa Armon & Karl Hamilton
Chicago Santa Speedo Run Dec 3rd
ANNUAL CHICAGO SANTA SPEEDO RUN!!!
Saturday, December 3, 2016 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
LOCATION Sidetrack – 3349 N Halsted St
GET YOUR SANTA ON!
Better yet, take it off – when you run with us this December. The Santa Speedo Run – Boystown is more than an excuse to hang out your holiday decorations – it’s also a huge party that raises money for non-profits serving Chicago’s LGBTQ community. REGISTER TO RUN as an individual or as a team or MAKE A DONATION and become a part of the fun!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
On Saturday, December 3, 2016
12:00pm Sign-in and Registration @ Sidetrack
1:50pm We sing our very own Christmas Carol, “Jingle Balls!”
2:00pm 1-mile run through Boystown
2:30pm Awards, Entertainment and Door Prizes
2016 INCENTIVE LEVELS
- Raise $25, receive Santa’s Sack:
- The first 200 runners to register with a minimum donation of $25 will receive a Santa’s Sack that includes our logo t-shirt, our collectible Christmas ornament / bottle opener, plus coupons and discounts to our favorite local restaurants and businesses. You are not required to run.
- Raise $100, receive an entry in the Grand Prize Drawing – you will get an additional entry for each additional $100 you raise. We have over 20 gifts in this drawing that are each valued at $100 or more.
- Raise $300, receive the 2016 “Frosty The Snowman” Santa Speedo or Official Santa Hoodie
- Raise $1,000 or more and become eligible for a party at Sidetrack for you and 20 of your friends. A drawing with only those that reach the $1,000 goal will be held during the Santa Speedo Run and the winner will be announced live!
REGISTER TO RUN & MAKE A DONATION
Online registration is now open!
REGISTER a new Santa!
GIVE TO a Santa that is already registered!
TRANS film Festival Nov. 17-18
LOCATION
Hoover-Leppen Theatre, Center on Halsted
The 2nd Annual Transfluential Film Festival places the journeys and stories of trans communities into the spotlight. Films were solicited from around the world, and the finalists will be screened over two evenings at Center on Halsted.
Join us as we watch and discuss the films, their characters, and the themes they illuminate.
*Full schedule of films and programs will be released in early November.
PRICE
$5 suggested donation
*Inability to pay should not act as a deterrent to attending
Rooftop Pride June 24th
Center on Halsted presents TKO!
Start your Pride Parade weekend with community for Center on Halsted’s annual pride bash overlooking Halsted Street on the Richard M. Daley Roof Terrace. Jump in and groove to the killer sound of our dueling djs:
DJ Billy Brown vs. DJ Gemini Jones
Lady Bunny PERFORMS & OFFICIATES
$20 entry includes admission with two drinks, nibbles, and cash bar
PRICE
$20 entry includes admission with two drinks, nibbles, and cash bar
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Purchase tickets here: https://community.centeronhalsted.org/TKO
Pandora Boxx at Center on Halsted
TKO – September 6th, 2015 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Center on Halsted brings you the hottest Labor Day bash!
TKO: greatest t-dance ever.
battle for your pleasure and a Technical Knock Out
jump in! groove to the killer sound of our dueling djs.
Billy Brown vs. Gina Kozar……mc Pandora Boxx officiates
sept. 6 2015 T-time: 3 – 6 pm……..coh rooftop & indoors
$20 entry/one drink, cash bar feat. our one-two rum punch
community.centeronhalsted.org/TKO
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
Pride Films & Plays: LezPlay Weekend – September 11th – 13th, 2015
LezPlay Weekend features five outstanding new works* – the finalists of this year’s Pride Films and Plays’ LezPlay contest!
LezPlay enhances the visibility and advances the viability of women who write plays, screenplays, and teleplays. The program not only advocates for more dyke drama; it honors excellence in scripts written by women in which lesbian characters and themes – past, present, and future – play a pivotal role.
The finalists’ scripts showcase Sapphic-centric narratives with a positive outlook. These are stories that elevate and celebrate us, refine and redefine us. Regardless of how you identify (or ident-defy) and even if your identity is not queer-cut, you’ll have a gay old time at LezPlay Weekend, where we’ll introduce you to women whose writing reflects, resonates with, and is relevant to your lives.
*The scripts will be presented as enhanced staged readings.
The performance schedule is as follows:
Friday, Sept 11, 7:00 pm
Black-Hearted Bitch, a teleplay by Lynn Kear
Saturday, Sept 12, 2:00 pm
The Patron Saint of Dead Dogs, a stage play by Katie Grotzinger
Saturday, Sept 12, 7:00 pm
Resolution, a play by Nancy Nyman & Heather McNama
Saturday, Sept 12, 2:00 pm
Missed Connections, a play by Hallie Palladino
Sunday, Sept 13, 5:00 pm
The Terror Fantastic, a play by Nicole Jost
For play synopses, visit the Pride Films and Plays website.
Queer Clothing Swap – September 13th, 2015 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Please join Center on Halsted and GenderQueer Chicago at the 3rd Annual Queer Clothing Swap! Trade in your skirts for a pair of slacks or your loafers for a pair of heels or maybe you’re just looking to update your wardrobe!
This event is free, but we ask that each participant bring at least 3 items of gently worn clothing (or shoes and accessories) to be donated to the swap. In exchange, you’ll have the chance to take home the new items you find! BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag). Please refrain from donating stained clothing, t-shirts and undergarments. While the swap is particularly intended for Trans* and gender-variant folks to have a safe and fun space to exchange clothes, the event is open to all queer-affirming allies!
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
Chicago Center on Halsted Events
Something for everyone at CENTER ON HALSTED in the upcoming weeks!
Limelight Series presents: An Evening with Pride Films and Plays – August 17th, 2015 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Join us as Center on Halsted’s Limelight Series presents: An Evening with Pride Films and Plays
Chicago’s Pride Films and Plays ‘utilizes stories with GLBT characters or themes and creates powerful theatrics and films that speak for the community and are essential viewing for all audiences.’ Pride Films and Plays, founded in 2010, has already established itself as a leader in the Chicago arts scene. Come get to know the company that the Huffington Post recently called “a powerful and empowering entity.”
7:00PM-7:30PM
Mix and mingle with PFP & COH staff and the program’s artists
7:30PM-9:00PM
Performances including a sneak peak of Design for Living, a talk from author Rick Kinnebrew about his new play Ten Dollar House, music from James Nedrud, performance artist Katherine Hawbaker-Krohn, one of our favorite short films from the Queer Bits Short Film Fest, songs from The Boy From Oz, PFP’s current smash hit!
You don’t want to miss this evening of arts and entertainment as we get to know one of Chicago’s great theater companies!
For more information on Pride Films and Plays, please visit:
http://pridefilmsandplays.com/
Center on Halsted’s Limelight Series gives you a chance to spend an evening with some of Chicago’s most creative people and organizations. Each event highlights the Windy City’s vibrant arts scene – from music and dance to literature and theater. Join us as we take a closer look at the creators and leaders of Chicago’s cultural landscape.
FREE
Register & reserve your seat by clicking the following link:
https://community.centeronhalsted.org/PrideFilms
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
Salve Regina: A Coming of Gay Story – August 22nd & 23rd, 2015
A solo show, written and performed by Javier Rivera*, remounted specifically for Center on Halsted, following a sold-out run at the United Solo Theatre Festival in NYC
*Winner of 2014 Best Actor Award at United Solo
Born in Puerto Rico to an ultra-religious mother and a domineering father is not easy, especially when it’s likely you are a big Queen. There are not enough novenas to pray, or candles to be lit. In this situation only a miracle will do, or better yet… a holy intervention. Thank God for Madonna.
Follow the coming of age story of Javier, a young Puerto Rican man, as he triumphs and stumbles in his journey to self-discovery aided by the only person who ever understood him…
TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY!
Saturday, August 22nd @ 7:30PM
Sunday, August 23rd @ 3:00PM
$10.00 (Tickets may be purchased online as well as at the door prior to performance – cash only!)
*All profits will go to Center on Halsted, helping to support future events like this one!
Click the following link to purchase tickets for Saturday’s performance: https://community.centeronhalsted.org/SalveRegina22
Click the following link to purchase tickets for Sunday’s performance: https://community.centeronhalsted.org/SalveRegina23
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
3rd Annual Feel Good Health Fair – August 29th, 2015 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
On Saturday August 29th, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Center on Halsted will host its 3rd Annual Feel Good Health Fair, a community health and resource fair with a focus on healthy living for LGBTQ individuals.
The Feel Good Fair will be hosted in the Irving Harris Family Foundation Reception Hall and Hoover-Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted. This year the fair will feature free fitness classes throughout the day, product giveaways from health-related vendors, and nutritious cooking demonstrations.
The primary goal of Center on Halsted’s Feel Good Health Fair is to educate participants about making healthy choices and creating good habits for healthy living in the LGBTQ community. Vendors for the resource fair will focus on physical health, mental and social well-being. Participants are also encouraged to stop by tables to learn more about Center on Halsted’s programs and services.
The fitness class schedule for the day is:
10:00AM-10:25AM: Ballroom Dancing with Get on the Floor Dance Company
10:30AM-10:55AM: Yoga with The ATTIC*
11:00AM-11:25AM: Queer Tango with Paola Bordon
11:30AM-11:55AM: Zumba with Andrew Martinez
12:00PM-12:25PM: Ballroom Dancing with Get on the Floor Dance Company
12:30PM-12:55PM: Yoga with The ATTIC*
1:00PM-1:25PM: Queer Tango with Paola Bordon
1:30PM-1:55PM: Zumba with Andrew Martinez
*A limited number of yoga mats will be provided – if possible, please supply your own
It is highly suggested that you pre-register for the exercise classes by visiting the link below:
https://community.centeronhalsted.org/FeelGood
TKO – September 6th, 2015 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Center on Halsted brings you the hottest Labor Day bash!
TKO: greatest t-dance ever.
battle for your pleasure and a Technical Knock Out
jump in! groove to the killer sound of our dueling djs.
Billy Brown vs. Gina Kozar
mc Pandora Boxx officiates
sept. 6 2015 T-time: 3 – 6 pm
coh rooftop & indoors
$20 entry/one drink, cash bar
feat. our one-two rum punch
community.centeronhalsted.org/TKO
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
Pride Films & Plays: LezFest – September 11th – 13th, 2015
More details to come! Check back soon!
Queer Clothing Swap – September 13th, 2015 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Please join Center on Halsted and GenderQueer Chicago at the 3rd Annual Queer Clothing Swap! Trade in your skirts for a pair of slacks or your loafers for a pair of heels or maybe you’re just looking to update your wardrobe!
This event is free, but we ask that each participant bring at least 3 items of gently worn clothing (or shoes and accessories) to be donated to the swap. In exchange, you’ll have the chance to take home the new items you find! BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag). Please refrain from donating stained clothing, t-shirts and undergarments. While the swap is particularly intended for Trans* and gender-variant folks to have a safe and fun space to exchange clothes, the event is open to all queer-affirming allies!
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
Black Ensemble Theater Limelight Series
From the Center on Halsted:
“As we expand our cultural programming here at Center on Halsted, we are excited to continue our Limelight Series with the next arts icon: The Black Ensemble Theater.
We hope you’ll consider joining us at this FREE event , APRIL 28th, as we celebrate this theater’s amazing contribution to the vibrant arts scene that Chicago has to offer. Just click the image to learn more and to register!
Feel free to share with friends – and please keep an eye out for future Limelight and cultural events here at the Center.
Queer Ballroom and Tango at Center on Halsted
Queer Ballroom and Tango Return
Inclusive Dance at All Levels
Monday nights this January at Center on Halsted have been buzzing with rhythm and beat. Individuals and couples of all identities have ventured to Center on Halsted to let loose and dance in a welcoming, diverse, and fun space.
(3656 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60613)
“This month we’ve brought accessible Ballroom and Latin dancing to the LGBTQ community here in Chicago and will continue to do so throughout the year,” said Steve Nasshan, instructor and owner of Get on the Floor Dance Company, whom Center on Halsted collaborates with to bring these classes to the building.
“I have seen too many same-sex couples or LGBTQ individuals shy away from traditional dance instruction. Many feel as if others in the class wouldn’t accept them or that instructors would be uncomfortable teaching same gender pairs, for example, how to lead and follow,” said Steve. “Center on Halsted has created a really special space where everyone from beginners to experts can convene and dance with whomever they choose.”
Michael, a student this session, has seen tremendous growth in just a few weeks. “Before coming to the classes, I often felt clumsy and uncomfortable in my movements. Weekly dance at Center on Halsted has boosted both my self-confidence and esteem. I feel in control and elegant in a way I didn’t previously.”
“It’s an exciting time to offer these classes,” remarks Steve. “We’re seeing a lot of couples preparing for first dances at weddings and others who just want to gain confidence on the dance floor. It’s a true mark of how the LGBTQ community is growing.”
Interested in participating? Drop by on Monday evenings to see what all the heat is about, or sign up for the next 6 week session, beginning on February 16th, with a focus on Beginner Level Waltz and East Coast Swing.
All ability levels are welcome.
Reach out to Steve at 773-540-5901 or contact Lynnea Karlic, Director of Community & Cultural Programs at lkarlic@centeronhalsted.org for more information.
Center on Halsted & About Face Theatre
Center on Halsted & About Face Theatre
STANDING UNDERNEATH NIGHT AND DAY
Many in the LGBTQ community are or have at one point experienced loneliness or isolation because of how they identify. As a community-based organization, Center on Halsted tackles this need through providing programs, services, and space for individuals to commune and live powerfully in supportive inclusive environments.
In a new collaboration with About Face Theatre, Center on Halsted is hosting an OUT FRONT Series performance entitled STANDING UNDERNEATH NIGHT AND DAY, a narrative, theatrical work in progress about youth, seniors and the gaps in between that explores the intergenerational sense of isolation in the LGBTQ community. The piece, led by About Face Theatre Artistic Associate, Kelli Simpkins, uses a collection of 50 interviews conducted over a five month period with intergenerational members of the Chicago LGBTQIA community and those advocating for youth and seniors.
Bruce is one of the dozens interviewed for the project and weighed in on the problem of loneliness in the LGBTQ community.
“As a psychotherapist and social service professional,” he said, “I hear the lament of loneliness almost as much from today’s LGBTQ young people as I did from my own generation. In spite of all the progress we’ve made toward securing our rights, the truth is that many LGBTQ youth continue to experience rejection, ostracism, harassment and violence that is fueled by homophobia.”
Kyla, another interviewee, believes this piece is poised to be inspirational and an agent for change.
“I want this [project] to turn apathetic people outside of the community into spokespeople for what the new idea of normal really is,” she said. “To be normal is to be true to yourself. [This project has the potential to] strengthen the existing community and provide common ground for youth and elders despite differences.”
Eric, who was also interviewed, agrees and sees conversation as integral to bridging community. In his experience, “life continues on, love always has a way to find you, and community will always back you up in times of strain.”
Center on Halsted and About Face Theatre invite you to join us in community, learn from our collective experiences, and combat loneliness in OUT FRONT: STANDING UNDERNEATH NIGHT AND DAY.\
$10 suggested donation
| January 24th @ 7:00 p.m. |
| January 25th @3:00 p.m. |
| Center on Halsted |
| Reserve your seats today |
Men 13-24 NEEDED for Safer Sex Study
Recruiting men ages 13-24 years old
and if they complete the study they could walk away with up to $50!
DETAILS HERE
Coco Peru in Chicago Sept. 26th
I have followed this gal’s career for about 15 years now I think. LOVE HER.
Miss Coco Peru
is the drag persona of American actor, comedian and drag performer Clinton Leupp, known for her role in the 1999 independent film Trick and for her series of live theater performances.
Storyteller/monologist Coco is most recognizable by her “trademark copper-toned flip hairdo,” Peru also starred in Richard Day’s Girls Will Be Girls (2003) and was one of six performers featured in the Logo original stand-up comedy series Wisecrack (2005).
She has also appeared in a number of other supporting and guest-starring roles in film and television.
For 20 years Peru has starred in various “one-woman shows” across the US and other countries, and hosted LGBT events. Since 2005 Peru has appeared in the “Conversations With Coco” series in which she “interviews and celebrates the lives and careers of the LGBT community’s favorite icons.” Peru’s guests have included Bea Arthur, Lesley Ann Warren, Karen Black, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda.
She has traveled and appeared all over the world. Now the Chicago Cabaret Project is bringing her to Chicago as part of their Divine Decadence Series With AMY ARMSTRONG! ONE NIGHT ONLY. One show only. September 26th in Circuit Nightclub. SURE TO SELL OUT! With a hilarious and poignant blend of monologue, song and multi-media, Coco will show audiences once again why Lily Tomlin calls Coco Peru “one the last great story tellers. GET TICKETS
Need a laugh today? Coco Peru always makes me laugh!
Coco Peru braves the perils of Los Santos… WATCH NOW
Twitter @themisscocoperu
https://www.facebook.com/misscocoperu…
http://instagram.com/misscocoperu
Tumblr: therealmisscocoperu
Center on Halsted and MINI of Chicago present Biggest MINI Wedding Ever
Center on Halsted has teamed up with MINI of Chicago to present the Biggest MINI Wedding Ever. This celebration to kick off pride month and celebrate the passage of marriage equality in Illinois will provide two couples with an all expenses paid wedding on the evening of May 31st into June 1st .
The passage of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Equality Act this past fall allows all of the benefits of marriage to be extended to same-sex couples. “Marriage Equality is a huge step forward for the LGBTQ community,” says Modesto Tico Valle, CEO at Center on Halsted.
“This event offers us a chance to kick off Pride Month, celebrate marriage equality, and show the community what these new benefits look like.”
Enter in person by visiting Center on Halsted – 3656 N Halsted – MINI of Chicago – 1111 W Diversey – or online at biggestminiwedding.com. All couples have to do is tell their story and why they deserve to win an all expenses paid wedding.
Sponsors include Sound Production Lighting LLC, e. melone, Robin Subar Lifestyle Photography, Thompson Chicago, Center on Halsted, Circuit Mom, Real Urban Barbecue, WCPT, Windy City Times, MillerCoors, MINI of Chicago, Roeser’s Bakery, OUT Chicago, Service is Us, Jan Dee Custom Jewelry, Miller Fortune.
Please visit biggestminiwedding.com for rules and regulations.
BRIDEGROOM Screening at Center on Halsted January 12
The MUST SEE movie of the year! Whether your gay, single, partnered or heterosexual – this movie will explain the need for marriage equality!
BRIDEGROOM is a documentary directed by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason that tells the emotional journey of Shane and Tom, two young men in a loving and committed relationship — a relationship that was cut tragically short by a misstep off the side of a roof. The story of what happened after this accidental death– of how people without the legal protections of marriage can find themselves completely shut out and ostracized– is poignant, enraging and opens a window onto the issue of marriage equality like no speech or lecture ever will.
Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20th
On Wednesday, November 20th
2013, members of the LGBTQ community and its allies are invited to
participate in Transgender Day of Remembrance at Center on Halsted, 3656
N. Halsted. St., Chicago, Illinois 60613. The event will take place
from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
and will include a reception and welcome address with light food and
refreshments, a reading of names, videos and performances by several
prominent members of the trans* community. This event is free, and open
to the public.
A
week before the event, Center on Halsted will tie purple ribbons in the
trees outside its building to commemorate the lives of trans* community
members who have lost their lives as a result of anti-transgender
hatred or prejudice. The ribbons will serve as a public memorial to
those who lost their lives, as well as to the resilience of the
community. During the ceremony, participants will be able to add ribbons
to the trees with the names of someone they personally memorialize.
The
2013 Transgender Day of Remembrance is hosted in partnership with
Howard Brown Health Center, Broadway Youth Center, Chicago Women’s AIDS
Project, Chicago House Trans Life Center and Center on Halsted.
About Transgender Day of Remembrance:
Transgender
Day of Remembrance serves to raise public awareness of hate crimes
against transgender people, to publicly mourn and honor the lives of
those who might otherwise be forgotten and to express love and respect
for trans* people in the face of national indifference and hatred. For
more information, visit www.transgenderdor.org.
Ballroom Dancing Series at Center on Halsted Step to the Music with Instructor Steven Nasshan SUNDAYS
Step to the music with ballroom dance lessons led by dance instructor Steven Nasshan of Get On the Floor Dance Company on Sunday evenings from Oct. 6 through Nov. 3 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Center on Halsted, located at 3656 N. Halsted St., Chicago, Ill. Single registrants welcome. A partner is not need to join.
The full ballroom dancing lesson series cost is $60. Drop in rate is $15 per session. For more information, visit getonthefloordanceco.com or call 773-540-5901.
About Steven Nasshan
Steven
Nasshan is passionate about dance and music. At age 11, Nasshan started
in musicals, and the joy of dance and music continued through high
school and college. Nasshan has worked at Arthur Murray School of Dance
and Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Chicago. He has numerous awards for
dance and instruction including becoming the Fred Astaire National
Smooth Champion in 2009, with his professional partner. For more
information on Get On the Floor Dance Company, visit getonthedancefloordanceco.com.
