Learning Guide: Out Here

Photo of Cliff Chamberlain, Amanda Pulcini, Z Mowry, Ellie Duffey, Alex Goodrich, and Becca Ayers by Michael Brosilow.

Check out these resources for academics, enthusiasts, and educators to support your learning and viewing of Out Here, concept by Leslie Buxbaum, David J. Levin, and Erin McKeown; book and lyrics by Leslie Buxbaum; music and lyrics by Erin McKeown; Dramaturgy by David J. Levin; and directed by Chay Yew.

Background

Synopsis and Characters: Read a detailed synopsis of the play and get to know the characters of Out Here.
Historical Background, Dramaturgy, and Design: Explore the context of Out Here, its dramaturgy and role in the canon of American musicals, and the design of Court Theatre’s production.

Activities and Resources

Out Here Reading List: This list of texts – compiled by our partners collaborating on the suite of public programs for Out Here – will enrich and extend your understanding of this bold new musical.
Out Here Library Guide: Courtesy of the University of Chicago Libraries, check out these additional resources, readings, and archival materials that complement the production.
- Please note that many resources in this guide require University of Chicago borrowing privileges. If you are not faculty, staff, or a student at the University of Chicago, you are welcome to use the Library’s print and electronic collections by visiting the Library.
Glossary: Familiarize yourself with essential vocabulary words from the musical.
Pre-Show Classroom Activity: Guide students to compare and contrast the stereotypes of familial roles and the ways they are actually lived.
Post-Show Discussion Activity: Dive into discussion questions to explore themes and impressions of Out Here.
Post-Show Classroom Activity: Invite students to dispense advice to the characters in Out Here in the style of an advice column.

Articles

Discover Erin McKeown: Musical Innovator Behind Out Here: As Court Theatre opens its doors to a brand new musical on April 10, we are thrilled to introduce our audience to the exceptional composer behind the work: Erin McKeown.
My Time in the Room: Out Here: Jo Selmeczy, a Theatre and Performance Studies major at the University of Chicago, offers a firsthand account of their experience working on Out Here. They give insight into what it means to be “in the room” during the development of a new musical and how that process deepened their sense of collaboration and creative agency.
An Abridged Out Here Dictionary: Dramaturg David J. Levin introduces two terms—“undo-sical” and “tripod”—that emerged during the creation of Out Here. These terms help explain both how the piece functions and how its authors collaborated.
In Conversation: As anticipation built for the debut of Out Here, three ensemble members—Becca Ayers (Dawn), Ellie Duffey (Cleo), and Cliff Chamberlain (Brian)—sat down to discuss their journey with the new musical.