Chicago boasts one of the nation’s most diverse and lauded arrays of live theater. Its impressive venues stretch to all corners of the city, from the historic Downtown Theater District to Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park, and beyond. Here, you can find an array of world-class Broadway, independent works, and off-Loop productions.
Chicago boasts many historic venues from the turn of the century. It is home to the world’s second-largest opera house and an array of flexible spaces that host live plays, musicals, ballet, music, comedy and more. On any given night, you can take part in an intimate audience-performer relationship across the city with Chicago’s diverse and dynamic theater scene.
Lookingglass Theatre
Lookingglass Theatre is a Tony Award–winning ensemble based in the historic Water Tower on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Headliners like David Schwimmer and Mary Zimmerman are among performers who put on the theater’s award-winning plays. The black box theater is customizable to an array of performance styles.
Steppenwolf Theatre
The Steppenwolf Theatre company has been based in Chicago since the mid 1970s. Today, the theater building is home to three unique venues: a main stage, intimate theater, and small flexible space. The venues host Steppenwolf productions as well as touring acts and emerging local artists.
Briar Street Theatre
Built as a turn-of-the-century carriage house, this unique venue was transformed into a theater in the 1980s. It features a flexible layout with impressive sightlines designed so that there is a great view from every angle. Today, the Blue Man Group is the resident long-touring act.
Goodman Theatre
Goodman Theatre is the city’s largest and oldest continuously operating nonprofit theatre. Under the leadership of Tony-winning director Robert Falls, Goodman hosts an array of spirited original stage performances throughout the year, including a yearly holiday favorite, A Christmas Carol.
Athenaeum Theatre
This historic venue is Chicago’s longest-running off-Loop theatre. Athenaeum Theatre Productions (ATP) is a nonprofit group that works to highlight the city’s art and cultural community. The theater has a large main stage and several black box studio spaces, which host an array of dance, theater and music throughout the year.
Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University
Auditorium Theatre is one of the city’s most historic venues, completed in 1889. It features original gilded accents and ornate materials, located in the heart of Magnificent Mile. Programming here includes world-class dance, ballet, music, and theater, featuring both touring and local talent.
Broadway Playhouse
Broadway Playhouse is located in the historic Water Tower Place shopping center in the heart of Magnificent Mile. The intimate 549-seat venue features contemporary styling and an accessible feel. Entertainment is hosts by Broadway In Chicago for dynamic performances and world-class talent.
Cadillac Palace Theatre
The Cadillac Palace Theatre has been an anchor to Chicago’s Theater District since 1926. Its ornate interiors are equally as impressive as the entertainment on stage, with plush seating and luxe accents like marble, brass, and gold leaf. Today, performances are managed by Broadway in Chicago.
The Chicago Theatre
Chicago Theatre is arguably the most recognizable emblem of the city. Its six story illuminated “C-H-I-C-A-G-O” sign has been a State Street mainstay since the Roaring Twenties. Today, it hosts some of the best touring musical, comedy, and theatrical acts. Performances are planned by Madison Square Garden, Inc.
Chicago Cultural Center Theater
The Chicago Cultural Center is perhaps the city’s crown jewel or architecture. It features the largest Tiffany domed ceiling as well as such ornate materials as Carrara marble, Favrile Glass, and mother of pearl. Come for the beauty and stay for the free cultural programming including music, dance, and art exhibitions.
CBIC Theatre
The CBIC Theatre opened in 1906 as the Majestic Theatre in the heart of the Chicago loop. It grew to prominence with Vaudeville, then later reopened as a Broadway theater. In 2006, a meticulous restoration brought the theater back to its former glory. Today, performances are held by Broadway in Chicago.
Harris Theater for Music and Dance
The Harris Theater for Music and Dance is Chicago’s leading modern arts venue for entertainment downtown. Its contemporary, innovative design can host up to 1,499 patrons for its array of resident and touring acts. Leading musicians, orchestras, dance companies and more have graced the stage.
Royal George Theatre
In the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park, Royal George Theatre hosts innovative off-Broadway entertainment. It has a diverse complex with four distinct stages, and its programming is equally varied. One-man shows and gut-busting comedy routines are weekly favorites here.
James M. Nederlander Theatre
An undisputed Chicago icon, the James M. Nederlander Theatre opened as the Oriental Theatre in 1926. It features original Art Deco mosaics and multicolored glazed Buddhas. A diverse array of high-quality programming is held by Broadway in Chicago, the city’s premiere organization for musical theater in the city.
Stage 773
Stage 773 is the anchor of the Belmont Theatre District. It highlights unique off-Loop talent with diverse entertainment spanning comedy, theater, dance, musicals and more. It is run by a non-profit that also works to catalyze Chicago’s theater community and train up-and-coming talent.
Lyric Opera House of Chicago
One of Chicago’s most valuable gems, the Civic Opera House is highlighted by its Art Deco interiors. Built in 1929, it still boasts the second-largest opera auditorium in North America. Lyric Opera of Chicago is the resident group here, but the facility hosts touring acts as well.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Chicago Shakespeare Theater pays tribute to the Great Bard with an array of powerful performances spanning original classics and modern interpretations. It has an unparalleled location on Navy Pier with several flexible venues and a 500-seat space called the Courtyard.