Scenes from past plays performed by the 2nd Act Players are now viewable through links on two sites run by the League of Chicago Theatres and by a group called Arts for Illinois. The 2nd Act Players began posting clips from past shows in late March after having to cancel it’s upcoming May show because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“We’re so happy to have the wider exposure these other sites give us, and to see so many other Chicago-area theaters posting videos as well. Now, more than ever, people need some relieve and relaxation. Even though our theater is dark, we want to continue providing that,” says 2nd Act Players Co-founder John N. Frank.
The two League-related sites are Chicagoplays.com and Hottix.org
Arts for Illinois is a collaboration between the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago, and the broader philanthropic community that features performers, singers, poets, painters, writers, and others across Illinois. The site describes itself as “a place for comfort, laughter, and healing among all residents.”
The site also is raising money for grants to struggling performers and asked we include this message:
“Visit artsforillinois.org to donate to the relief fund.” #whyartsmatter”
The 2nd Act Players’ began streaming scenes from Moving Boxes, a play by Frank and his daughter Jenny Frank, and has continued with scenes from another Frank play, New Year’s Eve at Grandma’s House. It will soon add scenes from Old Ringers by Joe Simonelli after securing Simonelli’s permission.