What is Essay Fiesta?
Essay Fiesta’s mission is to bring together a cross-section of Chicago’s art and writing communities for a night of first-person, non-fiction essays and charity.
When is Essay Fiesta?
7 p.m. every third Monday of the month
Where is Essay Fiesta?
The Book Cellar in Lincoln Square, which has generously donated their space for our use
Who is Essay Fiesta?
Keith Ecker is the co-producer of Essay Fiesta, in addition to being a monthly featured reader. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism. When the journalism industry became a joke, he decided to get into comedy. He has studied improv at the Second City, iO and the Annoyance Theatre. He was a founding member of the improv groups Armchair Showcase the Local 405 and Road Eagle; he was the co-founder, head writer and producer of the sketch group The Alliance’s premier show “Gayrilla Warfare”; and he’s performed stand-up all around Chicago. He’s also a professional freelance writer and is a theater critic for the Chicago Theater Blog.
Alyson Lyon is the co-producer of Essay Fiesta, in addition to being a monthly featured reader. In addition to writing, Alyson has a background in acting and music. A Chicago native and graduate of DePaul’s Theatre School, Alyson’s performance highlights include: “12 Ophelias” at Trap Door, “The Vagina Monologues” at the Apollo Theatre, Redmoon Theatre’s “Balloon Man”, “Overwintering” at iO (acted in and directed), “Pajama Girl” (her one-woman show) at the Chopin Theatre, a guest star appearance on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and a cameo in Jeff Garlin’s “I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With”. Alyson reads her essays all over town and currently works as a makeup artist.
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