Goodman Theatre

Goodman Theatre is Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theater. It is well regarded for its quality productions, depth and diversity of artistic leadership, and community programs. The theater has an array of venues and performance spaces, all housed in its central-loop locations. Goodman Theatre hosts an array of stage plays each year, as well as the New Stages Festival and spirited holiday performances like A Christmas Carol.

Goodman Theatre Facilities

Goodman Theatre’s historic building is home to an array of diverse performance and event spaces. The Albert Theatre is the building’s crown jewel. This grand main stage has a capacity of 850 with a proscenium stage with floor and balcony seating. The Albert houses Goodman’s largest performances as well as lectures and conferences.

Slightly smaller is the Owen Theatre, with a capacity of 400. This unique venue has three flexible levels of courtyard seating surrounding a large stage. It hosts the company’s more intimate performances as well as lectures, conferences, and presentations.

The Goodman Lobby features bar service and space for table and seating during pre-performance events. Its windows overlook Chicago’s Dearborn Street. Above that is an Upper Lobby with a capacity of 175 for other pre-performance events.

The building also has the Healy Rehearsal room for 120, Walter Lab for 110, Polk Rehearsal Room for 75, Baskes Rodunda for 75, Clifford Lobby for 60, and Goodman Lounge for 40. All of these versatile spaces host an array of pre-performance and non-profit events throughout the year. They are all available to rent for the public.

Goodman Theatre Programs

Today, The Goodman’s programing is helmed by Tony-winning director Robert Falls. The company enlists premium Chicago talent to put on an array of American classics like Death of a Salesman and Long Day’s Journey. The stage theater goes beyond tradition, as the group strives to produce ethnically diverse programming. For example, the annual Latino Theater Festival is curated by Henry Godinez to sed the theater apart from its contemporaries.

The theater is also known for its yearly take on A Christmas Carol, held during the holiday season each year. It also hosts the New Stages festival — a yearly celebration and discovery of new work by some of America’s best established and emerging playwrights. Since the festival’s inception in 2004, more than 80 plays have been produced as a developmental production or staged reading.

Goodman also has three membership options: Classic, Choice, or Whenever. Classic members enjoy permanent seats from inventory and eight plays throughout the year. Choice members select three or more plays at the Albert or Owen Theaters. Finally, Whenever members purchase four to 10 passes for the season, redeemable whenever they like.

Getting to the Goodman Theatre

Located in the heart of the Loop, Goodman partners with InterPark for convenient, discounted parking. Government Center Self Park and Theatre District Self Park are two garages convenient to the theater.

Additionally, take the L train to Clark/Lake on the Blue, Pink, Green, Orange, Purple, and Brown lines. Or, the Red Line stops conveniently nearby at Lake.

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