Free Entertainment Topics in Chicago
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3: Browse for a topic, Click the orange request button, Fill out the contact form.
Now the speaker will contact you in the next few days to coordinate details.
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88 Years and Counting: The Theatre of Western Springs
Ginny Richardson, Actor for 35 Years, Theatre of Western Springs
Request This Free SpeechThe Theatre of Western Springs (TWS) has a fascinating story to tell. Months before the Great Depression (1929), a Western Springs woman - Mary Cattell - founded the venerable theatre. In the 1970s, a theatre building was built. Today, mortgage free, it houses two theatres – the Mainstage seats 400 and the Cattell Theatre seats 150. MORE >
There are no auditions. Rather, it’s a company of approximately 300 people, both backstage workers and actors. TWS has a unique system: a committee of non-actors does the casting and the play selections. It’s worked for 88 years. -
Leaving a Video Legacy
Dan Gelfond, Former Steven Spielberg Project Interviewers, Personal History Interviews
Request This Free SpeechFormer Spielberg project interviewers recount their stories from 4 years of conducting interviews with Holocaust Survivor's around the world. 17 years of interviewing parents and Grandparents after the project was over are also detailed. Funny, moving and inspirational stories from these experiences are presented. Video clips are also shown along with tips on how to gather a life story. MORE >
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The Funniest Comedians of Radio and Television
Larry Bergnach, Entertainer, Reminiscing with Larry
Request This Free SpeechRelive the laughs and skits of Milton Berle, Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca, Burns and Allen, Red Skelton, Jackie Gleason, Fibber McGee and Molly, Victor Borge, Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, The Bickersons and many more.
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Trails and Rails
James Carr, Canaller
Request This Free SpeechMy experiences after 15 years as a docent on Amtrak.
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All About The Theatre of Western Springs
Bill Hammack, Theatre Junkie
Request This Free SpeechThe Theatre of Western Springs is a very successful community theatre that has as its mission “to entertain, to educate, and to inspire across the generations through the art of live theatre.” As managing director of TWS for 8 years, Bill is in a unique position to talk about the history, the present and the future of this venerable playhouse. He illustrates his talk with photographs from past productions and fascinating looks behind-the-scenes of this 87 year-old institution. MORE >
Note: This presentation requires the venue to supply a projector. Mr. Hammack will supply a laptop computer. -
In the Belly of the Blues
Terry Abrahamson, Author, In the Belly of the Blues
Request This Free SpeechTerry’s talk is great for baby boomers, black studies groups and music lovers. He takes the audience back to the crossroads of musical history with tales and photos from his book, “In the Belly of the Blues,” of his days with musicians like the Rolling Stones, BB King and Howlin’ Wolf using rare music, video and hilarious first-person anecdotes. MORE >
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The I&M Canal and Its People
James Carr, Canaller
Request This Free SpeechWhy was the I&M Canal built? How does it effect where you live today? “Meet” Timothy James Carr, a muleboy, tillersman, captain and locktender on the I&M Canal during the 1830’s!
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Video game accessibility
Robert Kingett, Journalist, Freelance
Request This Free SpeechVideo game accessibility is essential for all parties involved, from developers to gamers. This keynote lasts for about 30 minutes with Q&A afterwards but duration can be negotiable. In this keynote Kingett will talk about what makes a game accessible and why developers should strive for accessible game design.
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Why Shakespeare?
Bill Hammack, Theatre Junkie
Request This Free SpeechSo what’s so great about Shakespeare? Bill answers this question in a 50 minute presentation that he calls “a performance oriented lecture” where he illustrates the greatness, versatility, and astounding genius of The Bard by performing and dissecting several of his speeches and monologues. He also talks about Shakespeare the man, and reveals some little known facts and insights about Elizabethan England, Shakespeare and how his body of work came to us. MORE >
This is not a dry academic lecture, but rather a lively and entertaining exploration of some of the works of the greatest writer that ever lived.Much of Bill's presentation is visual, and requires the use of a projector and screen.
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Songs and Stories of Al Jolson, Judy Garland and Liberace
Larry Bergnach, Entertainer, Reminiscing with Larry
Request This Free SpeechEnjoy listening to recordings of these music icons and singing along. Reminisce about their lives, careers and their impact on the movies, radio, TV and Broadway.