Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department alums are bringing The Church of Modern Love, a new rock musical, to Chicago’s Den Theatre for a workshop run July 17 through 28. The show concerns a young woman who becomes the leader of a religious commune centered around one simple idea: “You Deserve To Be Loved.” Church gatherings include singing and dancing in worship via a rock concert. The Church of Modern Love offers an immersive experience for the audience: As they enter the theater, they are members of the church.

Columbia College alum Paige Daigle ’15, a graduate of the Theatre Department’s BFA Program in Musical Theatre Performance, stars as Jenna Roxy, daughter of the church’s founder. Former Theatre Department student Harmony France costars as Jenna’s mother. The production is directed and choreographed by former Theatre Department student Jon Martinez. And  Columbia College alum Natalie Grace O’Hea ’18, also a graduate of the Musical Theatre Performance BFA program, is assistant director.

The Church of Modern Love is presented by With a Machete Productions in association with Haven Theatre, a company founded and led by Columbia College alums and faculty. Columbia College Theatre Department faculty member Josh Sobel, artistic director of Haven Theatre, is the show’s dramaturg.

The Den Theatre is located at 1331 N. Milwaukee, in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. For tickets, call 773-697-3830 or click here.