Being Seen opens at The Den Theater

Being Seen makes its Chicago theatrical debut at The Den Theater at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. now through Saturday, July 2. Voted a "fan favorite" at the New York International Fringe Festival, this show stars WTTW's former "Wild Chicago" host Will Clinger and Jeff Award Winner Kelly Anne Clark, written and directed by Richard Gustin.

The show brings the real-life audition experience of an actor to the stage, and we quickly learn that this actor will do anything to secure a role with a highly acclaimed director. This fast-paced comedy asks, "What would you do for a dream?"

Audiences are broughtinto the audition space thanks to the seating breaking traditional theater walls as all three sides surround the stage. Gustin spends most of the production making outlandish requests of the actor from the theater's back row.

The director pushes the performer with far-out demands, and they jump through every hoop, no matter how weird the request is. His goal is to see if the person has what it takes to be a part of the ensemble of actors.

We learn our actor will do everything the director asks, including behaving like an animal singing to lying about acting instructors. It all leads to hysterical outbursts from the crowd. This show is a must-see for anyone because, as crazy as the audition process is, there's a real-life truth to it.

Every audience member truly gets to become part of the casting process. I loved the intimate setting of the theater and how it allowed me to feel like I was part of the production.

The regular performance schedule is Wednesday - Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets for Being Seen are $35, with $20 tickets available to seniors, industry, and students. For more info or tickets visit TheDenTheatre.com.

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