In its third installment, Footholds intertwines The Impostors Theatre Co.’s unique vision with local voices.

Footholds is an anthology series written by playwrights from across the Chicagoland community. Ensemble members conceived the idea in reaction to one of the most frustrating and intimidating villains an artist can face: a blank page. A blank canvas allows for infinite possibilities, but this can sometimes act as a hindrance. With no definitive starting point, it can be difficult to realize a final product.

By introducing a single, ambiguous constraint, a crack in the block of marble, we ask our writers and collaborators to start with the same limitation and branch off wherever their imaginations take them.

This year's foothold: A skeleton key.
A skeleton key must be included in your submission in some aspect. This can mean literally, figuratively, or thematically.

All script submissions, and required material should be emailed to impostorstheatre.literary@gmail.com no later than 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2022. We are looking for play scripts, songs, poems, and movement pieces. If it can be staged, we want to read it.

All artists who have their script chosen will receive a $75 stipend, an open seat to any and all performances, compensated tickets, and professional production photos for their portfolio.

Are you a dancer, choreographer, or director? If so, we’d love to work with you. If you are interested in collaborating on Footholds Vol. 3, email impostorstheatre@gmail.com

The Artists

Production Director Rachel Borgo
Set Designer/TD Ethan Gasbarro
Sound Designer B Valek
Lighting Designer Mallory Swisher
Costume Designer Emily Gulbrandsen
Special Effects/Blood Designer Jessica Miller
Artistic Director/Props Liason Stefan Roseen
Fight Choreographer Tim McCarthy
Intimacy Choreographer Tristin Hall
Stage Manager Jess Minogue

The Ensemble

Cory Arndt
Kevin Blair 
Hannah Boutilier
Amelia Bryant 
Ashley Buenaflor
River Cy Denman
Melanie Sholl

The Plays

The Devil Taketh by Jordan Gleaves
Directed by McManus
A contemporary Greek chorus confronts the key holder. What lengths will they go to prevent the holder from using it, and what will the holder do to keep the key in their possession? 

I Guess I Like The Keys by Jessica Edelman-O’Brien
Directed by Drew Michele
A movement piece following the narrator’s journey of self-discovery.

The Dorsett Inn by Samm Hilger and Dan Blewitt
Directed by Dominick Alesia
A fast-paced slapstick featuring a cast of wisecracking aces gathering at a swanky lounge—er, continental breakfast in a hotel lobby.

Hands of Alma by Marjorie Muller
Directed by Courtney Gardner
A tour guide weaves a local folk story to a middle aged couple, still seeking an open door within the mystery for herself. 

The Best Halloween Party of the Year by Brandon Nelson
Directed by Jen Sloan
Two college-aged besties prep for the titular party. To up the ante, the horror junkies decide to chant a little spell before entering the scene…