Con-Artistes

"Other actors work from the outside in," says one of the Con-Artistes.

Chicago Reader 2010

With everyone seated, Geese actors mixed in with Con-Artistes members, Bergman takes the stage.

Chicago Reader 2010

That process is still under way, but today's session also has another purpose: to work on characterization skills with the cast of Con-Artistes 'upcoming production of the courtroom drama Inherit the Wind.

Chicago Reader 2010

Rehearsal time for a Con-Artistes show can run anywhere from three to nine months; when a prisoner is transferred or paroled or sent to "seg" (segregation) or hauled back into court, they don't ask if he's busy with a lead role in a play.

Chicago Reader 2010

"Other actors work from the outside in," says one of the Con-Artistes.

Chicago Reader 2010

Con-Artistes shows have toured to other prisons, though never outside the prison system.

Chicago Reader 2010

Rehearsal time for a Con-Artistes show can run anywhere from three to nine months; when a prisoner is transferred or paroled or sent to "seg" (segregation) or hauled back into court, they don't ask if he's busy with a lead role in a play.

Chicago Reader 2010

With everyone seated, Geese actors mixed in with Con-Artistes members, Bergman takes the stage.

Chicago Reader 2010

George Williams has been a member of Con-Artistes almost since the beginning; he's playing Henry Drummond, Inherit the Wind's stand-in for the great liberal lawyer Clarence Darrow.

Chicago Reader 2010

Byas has been with Con-Artistes since the earliest days; in addition to acting lead roles in its shows -- the Dissenting Juror in 12 Angry Men, and now the cynical H.L. Mencken-like reporter Hornbeck in Inherit the Wind -- he has directed and taught acting classes as well.

Chicago Reader 2010