THE SHORTLIST
A REFRACTED FESTIVAL
sEPTEMBER 19-oCTOBER 18
tHE dEN tHEATRE
The Shortlist Lineup
September 19–20 – Basically Children by Charlie O’Leary, directed by Patrick Starner
September 26–27 – LUMIN by Emma Gibson, directed by Kenya Ann Hall
October 3–4 – New Oleanna by Zach Barr, directed by Katy Campbell
October 10–11 – Everybody by Branden Jacobs Jenkins, directed by Amy Carpenter
October 17–18 – Dance Nation by Clare Barron, directed by Tova Wolff
PARTNERING WITH ICIRR
At Refracted, we aren’t just in the business of doing theatre, but rather raising questions that lead you to discourse, and always offering you a route to action. In 2022, when we produced St. Sebastian, we partnered with Brave Space Alliance; in 2023, Tambo & Bones allowed us to partner with StoryCatchers.
This year, we were planning to partner with a Latine community organization that serves teens, but because of the cancellation of Dream Hou$e and organizations' shift in programming to meet the immediate needs of the Chicago Latine community, we decided to partner with Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights to lift up their mission, programming and community offerings.
ICIRR is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society. Currently, ICIRR’s Family Support Network (FSN) is to connecting immigrant communities throughout Illinois to a full range of support in collaboration with member organizations.
WHERE YOU COME IN
All proceeds from The Shortlist will go directly towards ICIRR
You can also pick up KYR printouts, door hangers and window signs at The Shortlist festival
Dance Nation
by Clare Barron
Directed by Tova Wolff
October 17-18
everybody
by branden jacobs jenkins
Directed by Amy Carpenter
October 10-11
Content Warning: Child abduction
NEW OLEANNA
by zach barr
directed by katy campbell
october 3-4
LUMIN
By Emma Gibson
Directed by Kenya Ann Hall
September 26-27
basically children
BY CHARLIE O’LEARY
DIRECTED BY PATRICK STARNER
sEPTEMBER 19-20
Canceling Dream Hou$e was a difficult decision for our team. We had been eager to share this play with you, and letting it go was not something we took lightly. But in making that choice, we were reminded of what grounds us as a company: our mission to create professional-caliber theatre in Chicago, our commitment to paying artists for their work, and our belief in the ensemble of collaborators who make Refracted what it is.
Rather than allow this season to be defined by what we lost, we’re choosing to move forward in a way that celebrates our values and supports our community. Out of this moment comes The Shortlist—a new festival of workshops and staged readings, showcasing plays we’re considering for our 2026 season, Refracted’s seventh.
The Shortlist is about more than just testing scripts. It’s a chance to gather with audiences, elevate Chicago talent, and share the stories that are inspiring us right now. These workshops are part of our process of season-building—and by joining us, you’re part of shaping Refracted’s future, too.
All performances are free with a suggested donation of your choosing.