Punched in the Gut

The city of broad shoulders holds steadfast and prides itself in uniquities that are described as utterly Chicago; Wrigley Field, deep-dish pizza, Naperville Ribfest, and a work ethic unmatched by any other major American city. However, a longstanding tradition is perhaps the least known compared to its traditional counterparts: actors who cannot read are punched in the gut at auditions. It might be common knowledge that in Los Angeles and New York more actors can't read than in Chicago, but only in the Windy City does illiteracy carry a price for thespians.