The wait for conventions to return in-person is over, and Wizard World is set to return to the Chicago area to celebrate the world of pop culture and entertainment. Chuck Load of Comics, in association with The Chumpcast, will host Wizard World Chicago's first-ever Creative Stage as a contributing main attraction alongside other Wizard World programming throughout the weekend on the show floor.
The Creative Stage is presented by Chuck Load of Comics host Chuck Lindsey, who will partner with The Chumpcast, and will produce live shows on an hourly basis. This is the first year that the Creative Stage is to be a featured event by Wizard World Chicago and will operate throughout show hours open to the general public. The Creative Stage will be designated as a part of Wizard World Chicago's Podcast Central. Podcast Central will feature exclusive Wizard World specials from Chicago's favorite podcasts and was originally co-founded by Chuck Load of Comics and The Chumpcast.
Live streaming and other convention-based broadcasts from Wizard World Chicago are anticipated to operate on a three-day basis and will present live conversations with convention guests, provide creative spaces for other on-site podcasters, and capture the excitement of the show's return in real-time. At the Creative Stage, there's no waiting and no lines, meaning fans can enjoy their content as it's happening, while it's happening. The Creative Stage schedule can be found below, with timing subject to change.
Friday, October 15:
4:00 p.m. - Relatable with Ilsa and Kyra
5:00 p.m. - IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE: A CONversation with Dean Cain
6:30 p.m. - Cosplay Competition Pre-Judging Pointers with Lady Dragon Creation
7:00 p.m. - INCREDIBLE: A CONversation with Lou Ferrigno
8:00 p.m. - The Chumpcast LIVE!: Nerd News Podcast
Saturday, October 16:
11:00 a.m. - Women's Sports Matter
12:00 p.m. - THAT'S A NICE BIKE: A CONversation with Robert Patrick
1:30 p.m. - Cosplay Foam with Papa Bear
2:00 p.m. - How Comic Create Real Heroes
3:00 p.m. - THE BLAKE AND SAL SHOW LIVE: The New Pro Wrestling Boom
4:00 p.m. - COMIC TRIVIA GAME SHOW: Featuring Dan Didio (Hosted by Chuck Load of Comics)
5:00 p.m. - What Not to Ask at a Celebrity Q&A / There Are No Stupid, People Only Stupid Questions
6:00 p.m. - Podlander Drunkcast: an Outlander Podcast
Sunday, October 17
11:00 a.m. - Quick Draw with MazeToons' Joe Wos
12:30 p.m. - Makeup 101 with Knightmage
1:00 p.m. - Meet the Makers - 501st Legion
2:00 p.m. - PROP/COSTUME BUILDING 101 with WULFGAR WEAPONS
3:00 p.m. - How to Make a Comic Book with Michael Watson
4:00 p.m. - The Walt Disney Birthplace Podcast
The Creative Stage at Podcast Central is one of many events that will take place during the extension of the convention, though it prides itself on being one of the most interactive in-house programs. Wizard World Chicago will be held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center from October 15 to October 17 in Rosemont, Ill. Children ages 10 and under are admitted for free when accompanied by a paid parent or guardian. Tickets for Wizard World Chicago 2021 start at $39.99 and can be purchased here.