CHICAGO THEATERS
Chicago’s vibrant theatre scene is home to numerous small and mid-sized companies offering a diverse range of productions. Here are some notable examples:
A Red Orchid Theatre
- Website: aredorchidtheatre.org
- About: Located in Chicago’s Old Town district, A Red Orchid Theatre has been producing compelling and innovative works since 1993. The ensemble includes acclaimed actors such as Michael Shannon and Natalie West.
Steep Theatre Company
- Website: steeptheatre.com
- About: Founded in 2000, Steep Theatre is known for its bold, ensemble-driven productions. Located in the Edgewater neighborhood, the company has produced over 60 plays, focusing on stories that explore the complexities of modern life.
Trap Door Theatre
- Website: trapdoortheatre.com
- About: Specializing in avant-garde and experimental performances, Trap Door Theatre brings challenging and rarely produced works to Chicago audiences. Established in 1990, the theatre is located in the Bucktown neighborhood.
TimeLine Theatre Company
- Website: timelinetheatre.com
- About: TimeLine Theatre presents stories inspired by history that connect with today’s social and political issues. Their productions often explore historical events and figures, providing context and insight into contemporary topics.
Porchlight Music Theatre
- Website: porchlightmusictheatre.org
- About: Porchlight Music Theatre specializes in music theatre, offering a range of productions from classic musicals to innovative new works. Known for their intimate and engaging performances, they have become a staple in Chicago’s musical theatre scene.
Black Ensemble Theater
- Website: blackensembletheater.org
- About: Founded in 1976, Black Ensemble Theater is dedicated to eradicating racism and its damaging effects upon society through the utilization of theatre arts. They produce original musicals that depict the African American experience, often celebrating the contributions of Black artists to music and culture.
Chopin Theatre
- Website: chopintheatre.com
- About: An independent performing arts venue located in Wicker Park, Chopin Theatre hosts over 500 events annually, ranging from theatre and music to literary readings and film screenings. The venue is known for its eclectic programming and support of avant-garde performances.