December Artist News
published: Nov. 28, 2025
Cover image for Reduction 11, a performance with Tatsu Aoki, Nicole Mitchell, and Dee Alexander at the Museum of Contemporary Art on December 19, 2025.
As You Like It at Writers Theatre
Now through December 14, As You Like It, choreographed by Erin Kilmurray, is a musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, and reinvigorates the classic story of finding refuge and love in new surroundings with a folk-pop score.
A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre
Now through December 31, A Christmas Carol, featuring Anthony Irons and Bethany Thomas in multiple roles, plays at the Goodman Theatre. Audiences are invited to “rediscover Dickens’ ‘classic with an adaptation that “makes you believe kindness can win.’ (Chicago Tribune)”
Rhythmhood x Snipes House Dance Workshop at Rhythmhood x Snipes
On Mondays, Rhythmhood x Snipes House Dance Workshop, taught by Tre Daniels, takes place at Rhythhood x Snipes (2643 West Chicago Ave). The workshop series focuses on culture and combos, and is followed by an open session centering groove, foundation, and community expression.
King in the Making: Drag King 101 at House of Lorde
Beginning on December 1, Po-chop leads King in the Making: Drag King 101, a six-week workshop series exploring drag embodiment, play, and transformation. The workshop will allow participants to develop a persona rooted in intention, imagination, and authenticity.
Freedom From and Freedom To at Elastic Arts
On December 6, Freedom From and Freedom To, created by Cristal Sabbagh and featuring Rahila Coats, Caitlin Edwards, Avreeayl Ra, Solomon Bowser, and Yaw, is an improvisational cross-medium happening combining dancers and musicians from across Chicago. The event is an “exploration and celebration of artistic circumstance…interrogating movement and sound.”
Sweet Sweats: Partner Edition at House of Lorde
On December 6 and 13, Rahila Coats and KIKI King lead Sweet Sweats: Partner Edition, a beginner friendly workshop geared towards warming the body and connecting with the pelvis while moving to music created for liberation. The workshop offers a combination of choreography, improvisation, and afro contemporary movement, inviting participants to find joy, warmth, and release.
the listening field with jamilia woods & D-Composed at The Land School
On December 12, the listening field with jamilia woods & D-Composed is the second iteration of a collaboration between jamilia woods and D-Composed (including Caitlin Edwards and Khelsey Zarraga on violin), and will feature poetry, sound bowls, and D-Composed’s string quartet playing music by Black composers. Guests are encouraged to bring yoga mats, blankets, pillows, or other items that bring them comfort to enjoy the listening experience.
Reduction 11 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
On December 19, in tandem with the exhibition Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind, Asian Improv aRts Midwest & Tsukasa Taiko are delighted to present Reduction 11 as part of their annual end-of-year concert series. Featuring artists Tastu Aoki, Nicole Mitchell, Dee Alexander and more, this performance celebrates three decades of jazz and experimental music by Asian and Asian Americans in Chicago.
Composition Workshop with Nicole Mitchell at First Presbyterian Church of Chicago
On December 20, Nicole Mitchell leads Composition Workshop with Nicole Mitchell, an event dedicated to experimentation with group composition and improvisation.