Chicago Performance Community Gathering
11am: Food & Icebreakers
12-3pm: Facilitated Community Conversations
The Chicago Performance Community Convening invites artists and performance makers to participate in a facilitated discussion to see how we can develop better, stronger, and more sustainable opportunities for performing artists together.
With the guidance of Alysha Monique, Nora Sharp, and Sam Thousand, we will:
Hold space for processing recent shifts within Chicago’s performance ecosystem;
Imagine creative solutions for what should happen next;
Enable collaboration among a multiplicity of experiences & perspectives; and
Devise and document actionable strategies.
Following the convening, HCL & CDF will provide a summary of the ideas and strategies generated, along with potential action items for artists and organizations.
This convening follows the Chicago Performance Community Survey, an anonymous survey intended to be a quick check-in in response to shifts and losses within Chicago’s performance ecosystem. The survey received 93 responses, all stating some degree of interest in participating in a convening to discuss collective needs and strategies with other members of the Chicago performance community.
This convening is organized and presented by Chicago Dancemakers Forum and High Concept Labs—two organizations committed to supporting experimental performance and artistic practice.
This free gathering will include complimentary refreshments, including a light lunch.
NOTE: We are exploring hybrid options. If in-person attendance isn't possible to you but you would very likely attend virtually, please RSVP and select “Live streaming and/or virtual participation option”. We will confirm virtual options soon.
Meet the Facilitators
Alysha McElroy Hodges—performing as Alysha Monique—is a vocalist, songwriter, and facilitator dedicated to using music as a tool for connection, expression, and transformation. With extensive experience in both live performance and vocal instruction, Alysha has developed a teaching approach that integrates technique, emotional awareness, and community-building. Her work spans stage and classroom, where she has led vocal workshops, artist development sessions, and collaborative music experiences that center authenticity and empowerment. As an educator with organizations like Guitars Over Guns and through independent programming such as vocal sheds and group sessions, she has mentored emerging artists in finding their voice, refining their craft, and embracing their full artistic identity. As a performer, Alysha Monique blends soulful storytelling with powerful vocal delivery, creating music that reflects themes of humanity, justice, and collective healing. Whether on stage or in a learning space, she is committed to fostering environments where creativity and vulnerability can thrive.
Nora Sharp is a multidisciplinary artist working in performance and film, as well as a trainer and facilitator in social change organizing and arts advocacy spaces. Their work has been supported or presented by Queer|Art, Chicago Dancemakers Forum, the Oberlin Screenwriters Intensive, the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, On the Boards, INVERSE at The Momentary, Movement Research at the Judson Church, the Pivot Arts Festival, Links Hall Co-MISSIONS, Notes on Masculinity, Salonathon, the Fly Honey Show, the Cannonball Festival, Open TV, WUSSY Mag, Hambidge, The Croft, the University of Chicago Performance Lab, and many other stages, pages, and screenings both DIY and institutional in their hometown of Chicago and across the country. norasharp.com
Sam Thousand is an award-winning performing artist, curator, and social entrepreneur with 15+ years in live performance, curation, and artist advocacy. A trumpet player since age seven with a Jazz Studies BFA, he is a full-time artist who has toured and recorded with dozens of collaborators. His multidisciplinary practice bridging performance art, curation and social entrepreneurship has earned awards from 3Arts (2019) and the Walder Foundation (2024). Sam Thousand is the founding Executive Director of ChiBrations, advancing artist-centered infrastructure through programming, storytelling, and the ChiBrations App. He serves as Co-Chair of the Arts Leadership Council at Arts Alliance Illinois and is a ’25–’26 fellow with Chicago United for Equity. www.ChiBrations.app
Venue Accessibility
Constellation has wheelchair seating and accessible washrooms. For any other questions or requests regarding accessibility, please contact info@highconceptlabs.org or 312-374-1117.
Parking is available on Clybourn Avenue and on Fletcher, Barry, and Campbell streets.
Support for this convening comes from Walder Foundation. Thank you to the many supporters of Chicago Dancemakers Forum and High Concept Labs who have made the Chicago Performance Community survey and convening possible, including but not limited to Reva and David Logan Foundation, Driehaus Foundation, DCASE, Illinois Arts Council, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, and the Arts Work Fund.