Now Playing
Too Fat to Run
A Solo Show by Eileen Tull
Directed by: Jessica Landis
Assistant Director: Jules Dreitzer
Written and Performed by Eileen Tull
Three weeks before the Chicago Marathon, Eileen Tull gets a “concerned” email from a “concerned” acquaintance who is very “concerned” that she, fat as she is, plans on running the marathon. “What are you trying to prove?” they ask. In this funny, thought-provoking 60 minute show, Eileen Tull brings the audience along her marathon journey, skillfully weaving stories touching on sizeism, access, body image, disordered eating, sobriety, self doubt, self advocacy, self love, and many, many miles.
Eileen Tull is a Chicago-based theatremaker, poet, educator, and one-woman-show person. Her work has been seen all over Chicago in bookstores, art galleries, bars, non-traditional spaces, and sometimes in theaters. She has performed throughout the country, and her solo shows include Too Fat To Run (Elgin Fringe, Fillet of Solo, Inverse Performance Art Festival); Bad Dates, Or… (Abbie Fest, Dallas Solo Festival); Mommy, Give Me Pills (Yippie Fest, Women’s Theatre Festival); I’m Not Making Good Art Anymore (Rhino Fest); and Jesus, Do You Like Me? Please Mark Yes or No (San Francisco Fringe, Cincy Fringe, United Solo). In December of 2025, Eileen debuted a new work exploring Fat Joy at The Marsh Theater in San Francisco. She is a drama instructor with the Chicago Park District, where she has taught solo performance classes since 2017. Through the parks, Eileen has developed and supported solo projects including Mrs. Lincoln, The Curator Presents, and The Importance of Being Cosy. Eileen founded Fat Theatre Project in 2024 where she teaches, produces, writes, and directs.. She is a graduate of Loyola University of Chicago and is currently working towards an MFA in Directing/Playwriting at Randolph College. www.eileentull.com
Performance Dates:
February 4
February 11
February 18
February 25
March 4
About One-on-Wednesdays
On Wednesdays at Redtwist we invite unique solo performers to take over our space and bring their singular, edgy perspective to our black box in Edgewater.
One-On-Wednesday is a solo performance series entering its second year at Redtwist Theatre. Redtwist guarantees 5 performances for this series. Performances are on Wednesday nights at 7:30 PM. Performances happen on top of our MainStage set. We are happy to move furniture and props to accommodate performance needs, but we can not guarantee a completely 'clear' stage.
Redtwist is able to offer a $500 stipend to performers for the 5 show series. We can additionally pay $250 for stage management. If performers do not have a preferred stage manager, Redtwist can assist with hiring that role.
Our Values
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We value Chicago Voices.
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We value diversity and representation, including diversity of race, gender, sexuality, age, and ability. We intend to express this value at every level, from producers and readers, to playwrights and directors, as well as the performers on our stage.
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We value stories for NOW.
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We value character driven performances.
Submission Guidelines
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Submissions are encouraged from BIPOC or LGBTQIA+ artists
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All submissions must be written by an artist who is based in the Chicago Metropolitan Area.
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Performances should be performance ready. Redtwist does not currently have funding for development of plays in our Solo series. We can provide limited rehearsal space and technical support to bring your performance to stage.
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Productions must be performed by a single artist. Plays that require additional performers (including musicians) will not be considered for this series.
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Any submissions based on already existing intellectual properties must have secured rights independently. Redtwist cannot currently provide funding for securing rights.
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Selected performers will be contacted to coordinate dates within our season. All shows are performed on the set of our MainStage series so dates are non-negotiable.
Redtwist Provides
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5 performances held on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM during the run of our regular MainStage series.
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Digital marketing through Redtwist's website and social media.
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Printed Poster to hang in Redtwist's Bryn Mawr Streetfront window
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Rehearsal space (as available)
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4-hour technical rehearsal prior to opening
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Basic Lighting design (as available, to be coordinated day-of at technical rehearsal)
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Access to the space 90 minutes before and 30 minutes after each Wednesday performance
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Ticketing through the Redtwist Website (All tickets are Pay-What-You-Can).
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Box Office and Bar Management at each performance
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Storage for props/materials
Past Productions
