Laura Korn

Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department alumna Laura Korn is producing artistic director of The LIVINGroom, a solo performance project that showcases work by other Columbia alumni and students. “The LIVINGroom is a​ ​theatrical​ assembly of individual, autobiographical performances that blend spoken word, movement, spectacle, music, and any other device to bridge the personal with the universal,” says Korn, adding, “We blend true life with theatrical elements to connect the performer’s experiences, stories, and thoughts to those of the audience.  We seek to engage the audience in as many points of the performance as possible,  blurring the line between spectator and performer in order to find commonality with each other.”

The LIVINGroom takes place the second Sunday of each month at Stage 773, a multi-auditorium venue in Chicago’s Belmont Theatre District operated by Columbia Theatre Department teacher (and alumnus) Brian Posen. Korn cites another Columbia Theatre teacher and alum, Stephanie Shaw, as a major influence on her and the solo performers showcased in The LIVINGroom.

The next installment of The LIVINGroom takes place Sunday, April 12, at 8 PM at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago. Admission is $10 general admission, or $7 for students. The April 12 edition of The LIVINGroom, Mixtape, is co-produced by Columbia student David Gordezky, who describes as “an 8-track themed show.” Scheduled performers–all Columbia students or alumni–are Gordezky​ (performing “Chronicles of an X Superhero”); Rachel Gabrielle (performing “Latch”); Hal Baum (performing “Brand New Start”); Emilie Modaff (performing “Kosmic Love”); Abby Phelps (performing “You’ve Got Love on Your Face”); Jennifer Kiehl (performing “Schadenfreude”); Selena Boyer​ (performing “Closet Chronicles”); and Nick Jester​ (performing “Monk”). For more information, visit The LIVINGroom on Facebook or call 773-327-5252.