Coming up in Philly theater: Clark Park, living with violence, and more

July can feel like the time when Philly theater lovers recline in the sleepy hammock between SoLow and Fringe. Most artists are resting, regrouping, or getting ready for their next projects. But if your need for live performance never rests, fear not. There’s plenty to keep you going this July.

Shakespeare in Clark Park presents Twelfth Night July 25 through 29. During this community tradition, watching your fellow picnickers promises to be at least as fun as the show. This year’s production, directed by Jack Tamburri, offers a gender-bending glam-rock take — a great way to spend a summer night.

We the People and ‘On the Exhale’

Philly Improv Theater hosts the We the People Improv Festival, featuring the hilarious Paul F. Tompkins of Mr. Show, BoJack Horseman, and (fangirl squeal) the Dead Authors Podcast. Check out the festival schedule for a full listing of featured performers from Philly and across the nation, including local favorites The N Crowd. The festival runs July 11 through 14.

In Pottstown, Elaina Di Monaco directs the Philly-area premiere of Martín Zimmerman’s On the Exhale, which wrestles with the gun debate in the aftermath of a series of mass shootings. Di Monaco, a young director, is making her name with new and political work like last year’s Hear Me War, which premiered at the Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival. On the Exhale runs July 11 through 28 at Pottstown’s Theater with a View.

PAPA and 12x12

Philadelphia Asian Performing Artists will present a residency mini-showcase offering a peek at the works in process of this year’s artists in residence: Claris Park, Rupal Pujara, Pratima Agrawal, and Stephanie Walters (who starred in PAPA’s production of Tiger Style). The performances will be at Asian Arts Initiative on Monday, July 16.

On July 11 at 7pm, Intercultural Journeys and the Leeway Foundation welcomes performer and poet Kavindu Ade to its 12x12 series, whose mixed-media work explores what it’s like to live in a black, queer, and trans body under the threat of violence. A mix of performance and discussion, the event comes to the Brandywine Workshop (730 South Broad Street).

Movie events

If you’re still hungry for live performance, consider a midnight screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show at 11:59pm on Friday, July 20, at Ritz at the Bourse, with a live shadow cast performance by Transylvanian Nipple Productions. If you want an offbeat film experience, hit the Omega Transport Video Club on July 14, presenting Whiteforce (billed as “the most American film starring Sam Jones filmed in the Philippines and produced in Australia ever”). Mystery Science Theater-style with popcorn, themed cocktails, and a free prize.