Our mission is to produce original works that challenge theatrical conventions, invoke introspection, and encourage connection between the artists and the audience. We seek to engage the audience with innovative, interdisciplinary techniques engrained in physically devised storytelling. We give voice to the things that whisper to us through the cracks in the sidewalk. We are rooted in Chicago and frequently create flexible works to tour around the world.

 

The original ensemble formed in May 2019 after earning MFAs in Ensemble Devised Performance at Columbia College Chicago and Arthaus Berlin (formerly LISPA). The ensemble's first year of training in Berlin was with a cohort of 33 artists from 15 different countries, which instilled the values of collaboration, intersectionality in art-making, and creation through embodiment. At the end of the second year (spent in Chicago), each ensemble member created a show for their thesis project and had the opportunity take two of these shows to the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe at Summerhall. Whisper Theatre was created to give these works and the ensemble a transition into the industry, and the company continues seven years later. 

 

As a collective, we value our place in Chicago’s supportive, flourishing experimental performance community, and we want to share with and learn from the incredible artists in it. We are not a company with a typical season, brick-and-mortar space, or even auditions. We develop and workshop our productions for years, and we want them to have long, vibrant touring lives. 

 

Whisper’s operations are currently led by Co-Artistic Directors Richie Schiraldi and Britt Anderson. The ensemble expands as new works take shape, with each production’s team creating a unique process that works best for the art being made. Not all ensemble members are involved in every production. 

 

From our experiences together, we have felt the power of collaboration. The more we learn from each other, the more all of our art thrives. As we continue growing, we aim to create more opportunities for skill-sharing, conversation, and artistic inspiration.