Chicago Dramatists has added six new resident playwrights to its ensemble of scribes–Aaron Carter, Will Dunne, Laura Jacqmin, Arlene Malinowski, David Alan Moore and Tania Richard. That makes a total of 31 resident writers at this storied Chicago incubator. … Actor Patrick Stewart stars in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s touring productions of both “Antony and Cleopatra” and “The Tempest,” headed to Ann Arbor, Mich. later this month. The RSC–a regular visitor to this Michigan college town–also is performing “Julius Caesar.” The shows run in rotating repertory between Oct. 24 and Nov. 12. They aren’t coming to Chicago. Visit www.ums.org for more information. … “Raisin” has extended its run at the Court Theatre through Oct. 29. … After weeks of previews, the pre-Broadway tryout of “The Pirate Queen” finally opens to the Chicago press on Oct. 29. Current plans (although things may change) call for the Tribune review to run on Oct. 31. In the meantime, several reader reviews can be found on metromix.com. … Second City is turning over the show in its e.t.c. Theatre. The new revue, “Disposable Nation,” is directed by Jim Carlson and is slated to open on Nov. 2. … A new improved and expanded version of the hit (anti-)holiday show, “500 Clown Christmas” is slated for Nov. 17-26 and Dec. 8-Jan. 6 at the Storefront Theatre at 66 E. Randolph St. … “Rent” star Anthony Rapp is one of the honorees at the Bailiwick Repertory’s Trailblazer Awards, given out Dec. 4 to noted achievers in the gay and lesbian community. … The Quest Theatre Ensemble is behind a new puppet, percussion and dance festival slated for the corner of Ashland Avenue and Gregory Street on Oct. 29. If that combination sounds intriguing to you, take note: The free event begins at 11:30 a.m. Visit www.questensemble.org for full details.
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Compiled by Chris Jones
