players 50 2025: the people who really perform for chicago Articles Jan 7 Written By Katie Spelman Chicago stages have been described as petri dishes for talent development, with the city seen as a particularly fertile launching pad for the stars of tomorrow, whether in acting, comedy, writing or dance. And they are that, thanks to an ethos that prioritizes bold experiments over safe choices, that understands failure as a necessary step toward success and, especially, champions community over competition. And this year’s class of Players disproves the idea that you have to leave Chicago to make it; this is a place for shooting stars and burning suns, and we’re privileged to bask in the warmth of both. Katie Spelman
players 50 2025: the people who really perform for chicago Articles Jan 7 Written By Katie Spelman Chicago stages have been described as petri dishes for talent development, with the city seen as a particularly fertile launching pad for the stars of tomorrow, whether in acting, comedy, writing or dance. And they are that, thanks to an ethos that prioritizes bold experiments over safe choices, that understands failure as a necessary step toward success and, especially, champions community over competition. And this year’s class of Players disproves the idea that you have to leave Chicago to make it; this is a place for shooting stars and burning suns, and we’re privileged to bask in the warmth of both. Katie Spelman