Upcoming Events
That’s Weird, Grandma: Summer Vacation!
Children’s/Family, Comedy, Variety
Runs Jul 26 – Aug 10, 2025
That’s Weird, Grandma features adaptations of stories written during PML’s creative writing residencies in Chicago elementary schools. PML’s ensemble of professional actors, comedians and musicians bring the young authors’ stories to life as raucous sketches, songs and movement pieces. These stories range from hilarious dialogues between unlikely characters to poignant pleas for social change, along with some perfect summertime stories – that resonate with adults while celebrating the imaginations of young people.
5153 N Ashland
Chicago, IL 60640
Chicago, IL 60640
773-506-7140
Founded in 1997 as Barrel of Monkeys, PlayMakers Laboratory has spent over two decades providing vital arts education to Chicago elementary schools. The company’s ensemble of teaching artists and performers conducts six-week creative writing workshops with 3rd through 7th grade students, then brings the young authors’ stories to life as raucous sketches, songs and movement pieces, performing first for students in their schools and then for the public. The company has worked in over 60 Chicago elementary schools, serving more than 50,000 students. In 2004, Playmakers’ also implemented a year-round after-school program at Loyola Park Fieldhouse, in partnership with the Chicago Park District. These programs provide a rare opportunity for creative expression and build literacy skills, self-esteem, and confidence in students’ ideas and abilities.