Actor/film director Kevin Smith, whose 1994 debut indie hit “Clerks” helped launch a multifaceted career, will open the new season at Elgin’s Hemmens Cultural Center Sept. 18 with a live question-and-answer event.
Smith’s View Askew production company has been behind such movies as “Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy” and “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot.” His alter ego character, Silent Bob, has appeared in several of his 16 movies, according to film database IBMD.com.
Smith’s also behind That Kevin Smith Club, a website through which people can subscribe to his podcasts and view other content, and the Jay and Silent Bob website, which sells Smith-related merchandise, including movies, toys, books, apparel and comics. The two characters also star in “Jay and Silent Bob: Chronic Punch,” an animated video game released in April.
During his unscripted live appearances, Smith shares stories from his career and answers questions from the audience, according to a news release.
Tony Lentino, programming manager at The Hemmens, said he’s been trying to book Smith for the last two years.
“I’m so excited to bring Kevin to The Hemmens stage. I haven’t had the chance to see him live before, but I’m a big fan of his work and I’ve seen recordings of his events,” Lentino said. “I love the personal connection he has with the audience, and this is a great way for our audience to be able to interact with him and ask their questions.”
Smith’s 7:30 p.m. appearance will be the night before the Elgin Short Film Festival Saturday, Sept. 19, and it will tie in nicely with other upcoming Hemmens events, Lentino said.
“September will be Hollywood and movie themed with ‘Hollywood Revisited’ happening the following weekend,” he said.
Lentino said the rest of the Hemmens 2026-27 season is expected to be announced by mid-July.
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“We’re just crossing a few T’s on the last contracts, but we have some great acts lined up,” he said.
Tickets to see Smith range from $26 to $57.50. To purchase tickets, go to hemmens.org/tickets, call 847-931-5900 or visit the Hemmens box office at 45 Symphony Way.
Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.