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Fri Sep 4
Aville.net → The Understudy Coffee and Books
Issue No. 0140 · Fri Sep 4, 2026 · Updated Friday, September 4 · 9:43am

Cafe · 5457 N. Clark St. · Andersonville

The Understudy Coffee and Books

A theatre-focused bookstore and specialty cafe hosting community performances.

Website ↗ Map ↗ Open until 6pm
Where theatre makers, book lovers, and coffee enthusiasts meet. — hero photo placeholder
Where theatre makers, book lovers, and coffee enthusiasts meet. — hero photo placeholder
Where theatre makers, book lovers, and coffee enthusiasts meet. — hero photo placeholder

The Understudy Coffee and Books is a unique theatre bookstore and specialty coffee shop in Andersonville. Beyond its shelves of plays and books, the space hosts an active calendar of play readings, cabarets, mutual aid shows, and open mics, creating a dedicated creative hub for Chicago's performing arts community.

What's happening

Coming up

Workshop: a love story and poetry event with Hot Potato Hearts at The Understudy Coffee and Books — An evening of reading and writing poetry with Leah and Katie for poets and writers interested in love and creative expression.
one-off Wed Sep 9 · 7:30pm

Workshop: a love story and poetry event with Hot Potato Hearts

The Understudy Coffee and Books
ft. Leah · ft. Katie
Wednesday, September 9 · 7:30–6pm
Re:working – Culture of Care, a Toolkit at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A roundtable discussion featuring Nicole Brewer, Sheryl, Kiaran, and Chels exploring updated standards for care in theatre with cultural consultant Gabriela Furtado Coutinho.
one-off Thu Sep 10 · 7:30pm

Re:working – Culture of Care, a Toolkit

The Understudy Coffee and Books
ft. Nicole Brewer · Hosted by Gabriela Furtado Coutinho
Thursday, September 10 · 7:30–6pm
Midsommer Flight presents: Adelinda by Hannah Brand at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A reading of Adelinda, a comedy exploring love, intrigue, and mistaken identities, directed by Joshua Pennington.
one-off Mon Sep 14 · 7:30pm

Midsommer Flight presents: Adelinda by Hannah Brand

The Understudy Coffee and Books
ft. Joshua Pennington
Monday, September 14 · 7:30–6pm
FEM/THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A comedy open mic for women and non-binary comics, hosted by Preeti Thaker and Jordan.
one-off Wed Sep 23 · 7:30pm

FEM/THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Preeti Thaker · Hosted by Jordan
Wednesday, September 23 · 7:30–6pm
The Understudy Dares You to Produce This Play: Poor Clare at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A monthly reading series highlighting plays that have not yet been produced in Chicago, featuring Poor Clare.
one-off Mon Sep 28 · 7:30pm

The Understudy Dares You to Produce This Play: Poor Clare

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Monday, September 28 · 7:30–6pm
Mia Schachter: How to Do Consent (without Sounding Like a Robot) at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A book event featuring Mia Schachter discussing her guide on consent, boundaries, and sexual communication for modern relationships.
one-off Thu Oct 8 · 7:30pm

Mia Schachter: How to Do Consent (without Sounding Like a Robot)

The Understudy Coffee and Books
ft. Mia Schachter
Thursday, October 8 · 7:30–6pm

Hours

Monday 8am–6pm
Tuesday 8am–6pm
Wednesday 8am–6pm
Thursday 8am–6pm
Friday 8am–6pm
Saturday 8am–6pm
Sunday 8am–6pm

Recent flyers

The Understudy Dares You to Produce This Play: The House Party at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A play reading of The House Party by Laura Lomas, part of The Understudy's monthly reading series.
one-off Mon Aug 17 · 7:30pm

The Understudy Dares You to Produce This Play: The House Party

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Monday, August 17 · 7:30–6pm
See 77 more past events
I Can't... I Have Trivia: An Evening of Theatre Trivia at The Understudy at The Understudy Coffee and Books — An evening of theatre trivia at The Understudy.
one-off Mon Aug 3 · 7pm

I Can't... I Have Trivia: An Evening of Theatre Trivia at The Understudy

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Monday, August 3 · 7–6pm
The Understudy Dares You to Produce This Play: The House Party by Laura Lomas at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A play reading from The Understudy's monthly series highlighting unproduced plays.
one-off Mon Aug 17 · 7:30pm

The Understudy Dares You to Produce This Play: The House Party by Laura Lomas

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Monday, August 17 · 7:30–6pm
FemThem Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy Coffee and Books — An all women/non-binary comedy open mic hosted by Preeti Dhaker and Jordan Levene. Doors at 7:00 PM, signups at 7:30 PM, mic starts at 8:00 PM.
one-off Wed Jul 22 · 7pm

FemThem Comedy Open Mic

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Preeti Dhaker · Hosted by Jordan Levene
Wednesday, July 22 · 7–6pm
The Understudy Coffee and Books
A Conversation with Nicole Brewer: The Antiracist Theatre
one-off Tue Aug 25 · 7:30pm

A Conversation with Nicole Brewer: The Antiracist Theatre

The Understudy Coffee and Books
ft. Nicole Brewer · ft. Mica Cole · ft. Alexis Green · ft. Miranda Gonzalez
Tuesday, August 25 · 7:30–6pm
BURY THE SNOWCATS by Gracie Everett at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A play reading of a new work by Gracie Everett about an All-Star Cheer team trapped in a Waffle House during a blizzard, exploring themes of failure, blame, and team survival.
one-off Mon Aug 24 · 7:30pm

BURY THE SNOWCATS by Gracie Everett

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Headlining: Gracie Everett · Nadya Naumaan · Joel Willison
Monday, August 24 · 7:30–6pm
Instrumental Theatre Presents: Chicago Theatre Composers Club at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A cabaret featuring short pieces from composers, lyricists and other Chicago musical artists. Hosted by Instrumental Theatre.
one-off Tue Aug 11 · 7:30pm

Instrumental Theatre Presents: Chicago Theatre Composers Club

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Instrumental Theatre
Tuesday, August 11 · 7:30–6pm
$10 or PWYC
FEM THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy Coffee and Books — An all women/non-binary comedy open mic hosted by Preeti Dhaker and Jordan Levene. Doors at 7:00pm, signups at 7:30pm, mic starts at 8:00pm.
one-off Wed Jul 22 · 7pm

FEM THEM Comedy Open Mic

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Preeti Dhaker · Hosted by Jordan Levene
Wednesday, July 22 · 7–6pm
I Can't … I Have Trivia: An evening of Theatre Trivia at The Understudy at The Understudy Coffee and Books — An evening of theatre trivia with fabulous prizes. Hosted by Patrick Zakem and Ben Kaye. Teams of four recommended; solo players will be grouped together.
one-off Mon Aug 3 · 7pm

I Can't … I Have Trivia: An evening of Theatre Trivia at The Understudy

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Patrick Zakem · Hosted by Ben Kaye
Monday, August 3 · 7–6pm
FEM/THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A comedy open mic for people who identify as funny and not-a-dude-onstage. Doors at 7:00pm, signups at 7:30pm, mic starts at 8:00pm.
one-off Wed Jul 22 · 7pm

FEM/THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Preeti Dhaker · Hosted by Jordan Levene
Wednesday, July 22 · 7–6pm
Ari Gato Attempts to Share the Spotlight at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A murderously funny cabaret featuring Bosston, Jon Jackson, and Laura Videl, accompanied by Alex Newkirk.
one-off Sat Jun 27 · 8pm

Ari Gato Attempts to Share the Spotlight

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Ari Gato · ft. Bosston · ft. Jon Jackson · ft. Laura Videl · Alex Newkirk
Saturday, June 27 · 8–6pm
Leftovers Night with Band Practice at The Understudy Coffee and Books — An open stage for clowns, goofs, and funny people who'd like to test out first drafts. Hosted by the iconic clown duo Band Practice, this is a strange and delicious feast of alternative comedy acts in the making.
one-off Fri Jul 17 · 7:30pm

Leftovers Night with Band Practice

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Band Practice
Friday, July 17 · 7:30–6pm
$10 or $15
Ari Gato Attempts to Share the Spotlight: A Murderously Funny Cabaret at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A funny cabaret featuring Bosston, Jon Jackson, and Laura Vidal, accompanied by Alex Newkirk.
one-off Sat Jun 27 · 8pm

Ari Gato Attempts to Share the Spotlight: A Murderously Funny Cabaret

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Bosston · Jon Jackson · Laura Vidal · Alex Newkirk
Saturday, June 27 · 8–6pm
TGNC Theatre Makers Meet-Up at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A meet-up for TGNC theatre artists and performers in the Chicagoland area to connect and collaborate. The space will be open after hours with drinks provided by Jett Parr.
one-off Thu Jul 9 · 7pm

TGNC Theatre Makers Meet-Up

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Catherine Miller · Jett Parr
Thursday, July 9 · 7–6pm
Free
FEM/THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A comedy open mic for women and non-binary comedians. Hosted by Preeti Thaker and Jordan Levene.
one-off Wed Jun 24 · 7:30pm

FEM/THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Preeti Thaker · Hosted by Jordan Levene
Wednesday, June 24 · 7:30–6pm
FEM/THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A comedy open mic for women and non-binary comedians. Hosted by Preeti Thaker and Jordan Levene.
one-off Thu Jun 25 · 7:30pm

FEM/THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Preeti Thaker · Hosted by Jordan Levene
Thursday, June 25 · 7:30–6pm
FEM THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy Coffee and Books — An all women and non-binary comedy open mic hosted by Preeti Baker and Jordan Bevene.
one-off Wed Jun 24 · 8pm

FEM THEM Comedy Open Mic

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Preeti Baker · Hosted by Jordan Bevene
Wednesday, June 24 · 8–6pm
FEM THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy Coffee and Books — An all women and non-binary comedy open mic hosted by Preeti Baker and Jordan Bevene.
one-off Thu Jun 25 · 8pm

FEM THEM Comedy Open Mic

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Preeti Baker · Hosted by Jordan Bevene
Thursday, June 25 · 8–6pm
my mother is a mixed metaphor: a cozy poetry concert at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A poetry concert celebrating Shivani Gupta's debut chapbook featuring Ikaros Ensemble and four featured poets.
one-off Tue Jun 30 · 7:30pm

my mother is a mixed metaphor: a cozy poetry concert

The Understudy Coffee and Books
ft. Shivani Gupta · Ikaros Ensemble
Tuesday, June 30 · 7:30–6pm
TTRPG Journaling Workshop w/ The Mind of Guy at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A tabletop RPG journaling workshop hosted by The Mind of Guy at The Understudy.
one-off Fri May 22 · 7:30pm

TTRPG Journaling Workshop w/ The Mind of Guy

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by The Mind of Guy
Friday, May 22 · 7:30–6pm
Em Them: Medy Open Mic at The Understudy Coffee and Books — An open mic comedy event hosted by Preeti Thaker and Jordan Levene at The Understudy Coffee & Books.
one-off Fri May 22 · 7:30pm

Em Them: Medy Open Mic

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Preeti Thaker · Hosted by Jordan Levene
Friday, May 22 · 7:30–6pm
Em Them Medy Open Mic at The Understudy Coffee and Books — An open mic comedy event hosted by Preeti Thaker and Jordan Levene at The Understudy Coffee & Books.
one-off Fri May 22 · 7:30pm

Em Them Medy Open Mic

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Preeti Thaker · Hosted by Jordan Levene
Friday, May 22 · 7:30–6pm
Em Them Open Mic at The Understudy Coffee and Books — An open mic event hosted by Preeti Thaker and Jordan Levene.
one-off Fri May 22 · 7:30pm

Em Them Open Mic

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Preeti Thaker · Hosted by Jordan Levene
Friday, May 22 · 7:30–6pm
TTRPG Journaling Workshop w/ The Mind of Guy at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A writing and journaling workshop for tabletop RPG enthusiasts. Learn about the wellness applications of journaling and how it can enhance your gaming experience.
one-off Thu Jun 4 · 7:30pm

TTRPG Journaling Workshop w/ The Mind of Guy

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by The Mind of Guy
Thursday, June 4 · 7:30–6pm
FEM/THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy at The Understudy Coffee and Books — A comedy open mic for women and non-dude performers. Hosted by Preeti Thaker and Jordan Levene.
one-off Fri May 22 · 7:30pm

FEM/THEM Comedy Open Mic at The Understudy

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by Preeti Thaker · Hosted by Jordan Levene
Friday, May 22 · 7:30–6pm
KAPWA: a filipino variety + mutual aid show at The Understudy Coffee and Books — An evening of music, film, poetry, comedy, and burlesque featuring an all-Filipino cast. Hosted by KT and Jett.
one-off Fri May 29 · 8:15pm

KAPWA: a filipino variety + mutual aid show

The Understudy Coffee and Books
Hosted by KT · Hosted by Jett
Friday, May 29 · 8:15–6pm
Visit The Understudy Coffee and Books ↗