Theater walk, art show in downtown Elgin

The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission will present "Walkabout: Theater on your Feet," a theater walk and art show in downtown Elgin. Walkabout will run on Saturdays, Aug. 16, 23 and 30 in downtown Elgin. Tour guides will lead groups of people to different downtown locations where local theater companies will perform short plays.

The theater walk ends where the Alley of Art begins at DuPage Court and Spring Street next to Al's Cafe. Local artists will create, display and sell their art all to the sounds of live music.

How does it work?

Walkabout: Theater on your Feet starts with a group of people at the Professional Building. A guide will lead them through the sites and sounds of downtown Elgin, where theater will be presented in nontraditional spaces.

"We want to show off Elgin's downtown businesses," said project coordinator Sean Hargadon. "This will give people a chance to see how Elgin is changing for the better."

Who's participating?: The Janus Theatre, Nothing Special Productions, Vex Theatre, Independent Players and Face to Face Productions will present original and newer short plays at various venues, like Al's Cafe, Elgin Books, Public House, Ravenheart Cafe and Lilly Falls.

"Each theater will have its own venue to present their work," Hargadon said. "So when people do the walk, they will see a different theater piece at each place."

What's the Alley of Art?: The art show Alley of Art will be outside at DuPage Court and Spring Street next to Al's Cafe, where artists will create, display and sell their art in an open-air gallery layout all to the sounds of live music.

"Our goal is to create a laid-back atmosphere where people can mingle with the artists, ask questions, listen to music and just enjoy the experience," Hargadon said.

Currently, there are 30 artists slated to show work, which will break down to roughly 10 artists per Saturday. There will also be live music featuring the Rory Miller Band on Aug. 16, the Elgin Symphony Quartet on Aug. 23 and the Ain't No Nothin' Jazz Band on Aug. 30.

"We're excited about bring a mix of folk, classical and jazz music to the DuPage Court," Hargadon said. "This is long overdue."

The show runs at 1 p.m. Saturdays, Aug. 16, 23 and 30. Tours are every 15 minutes until 2 p.m. Admission is $12.

The starting location is the Professional Building, 164 Division St., Elgin. Tickets can be purchased by paying cash only at the door.

Call (847) 841-1713 to reserve your spot. Reservations are essential.