New ‘Tiny Encounters’ event transforms downtown Elgin into performance spaces July 18

Posted July 15, 2026 12:19 am

Submitted by Side Street Studio Arts

DanSeries Collective will perform at Side Street Studio Arts’ “Tiny Encounters” on Saturday, July 18. The duo features dance artists kt Williams, who's on the College of DuPage dance faculty, and Caitlyn Schrader of Greensboro, N.C. Courtesy of Carter Wade Photography

On Saturday, July 18, Side Street Studio Arts is introducing “Tiny Encounters,” a new addition to its annual Going Dutch festival, from 4 to 6 p.m. throughout downtown Elgin.

Designed as an intimate walking tour, “Tiny Encounters” transforms plazas, sidewalks, and the like into unexpected performance spaces.

As audiences journey through downtown, they will encounter a curated series of contemporary performances that invite them to experience familiar places in entirely new ways.

This inaugural event features artists from across the Midwest presenting contemporary dance, physical theater, puppetry, and interactive performance.

Each work has been thoughtfully paired with a unique downtown location, creating an afternoon of discovery, connection, and artistic exploration.

Featured artists include Ambo Dance Theatre (Louisville, Kentucky), Renee Clippinger (Akron, Ohio), DanSeries Collective (Caitlyn Schrader + kt williams, Greensboro, North Carolina and Chicago), Joanna Meccia (Morton Grove, Illinois), Irmak Sagir (Chicago), and Michele Stine (Chicago).

Chicago-based actor and puppeteer Michele Stine is bringing “Always, Sometimes, Maybe” to Elgin on Saturday, July 18. Her solo clown show about a janitor so lonely she makes her friends out of trash is returning to the Edinburgh Fringe in August. Courtesy of Michele Stine

“Tiny Encounters invites people to slow down, experience downtown through a different lens, and discover the innovative work of these incredible artists in places they might otherwise walk right past,” said Erin Rehberg, founder and artistic director of Going Dutch and founder and executive director of Side Street Studio Arts. “Rather than sitting in a traditional theater, audiences become part of the journey — walking together through the city and discovering extraordinary performances in unexpected places.”

The walking tour begins at Side Street Studio Arts, 15 Ziegler Court in downtown Elgin.

Going Dutch is its annual celebration of female and nonbinary voices in the arts, featuring bold contemporary performance, creative collaboration, and new artistic work.

“Becoming the Monster,” a piece by movement artist Renee Clippinger of Akron, Ohio, will be presented as part of Side Street Studio Arts’ “Tiny Encounters.” Courtesy of Renee Clippinger

The event is pay what you can, with a suggested donation of $12. Donations directly support participating artists and help make innovative arts experiences like “Tiny Encounters” possible. Everyone is welcome, regardless of their ability to pay.

Following the performances, artists, volunteers, and guests are invited to stay for a casual picnic with light snacks and refreshments — a chance to celebrate the afternoon together and continue the conversations inspired by the work.

Joanna Meccia of Morton Grove will be performing “Interstitial” with Colleen Welch on Saturday, July 18, as part of Side Street Studio Arts’ “Tiny Encounters” walking tour. Courtesy of Joanna Meccia

“Tiny Encounters” is supported in part by the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission.

For tickets or more information, visit sidestreetstudioarts.org.

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