sketch / 'skech / 1 a : a rough drawing representing the chief features of an object or scene and often made as a preliminary study b : a tentative draft (as for a literary work) 2 : a brief description (as of a person) or outline 3 a : a short literary composition somewhat resembling the short story and the essay but intentionally slight in treatment, discursive in style, and familiar in tone b : a short instrumental composition usually for piano c : a slight theatrical piece having a single scene; a comic variety act

June 2007, at the Steppenwolf Garage, Chicago, IL

Sketchbook is a play festival like no other.

Every year Collaboraction guides over 200 artists through an exciting collaboration of music, art and theatrical performances. Sketchbook is Chicago’s leading collaborative celebration where 15-20 short performances of 7 minutes or less mingle and dream. Every night a different musical guest creates a sonic environment before, between, and after the performances allowing each night its own unique power. Throughout the space, contemporary visual art is installed and exhibited in dialogue with the mood of the performances.

Over the past 6 years, Sketchbook has produced world premiere works by well-known writers such as Beth Henley, Wendy MacLeod, David Mamet, and Rebecca Gilman, as well as many promising newcomers. In total, we have produced over 80 world premiere short plays.