Theater in Chicago

Theater in Chicago tells the story of how small, modestly funded theater companies grew into important institutions known around the world. Chicago has always been a favorite place for traveling shows and for creating new plays that later move to Broadway and other cities.

According to Variety editor Gordon Cox, besides New York City, Chicago has one of the most active theater scenes in the United States. By 2018, as many as 100 shows could be watched any night from 200 different companies. Some of these theaters are very famous, while others perform in creative small spaces called "storefront" theaters. This shows how lively and growing Chicago's theater world is. As American Theatre magazine says, Chicago's theater is "justly legendary".

History

Chicago's theater history began in 1834 with its first show performed by a fire eater and ventriliquist named Mr. Brown. In 1837, the first resident theater company, the Chicago Theater, opened in the Sauganash Hotel. One of its young actors, Joseph Jefferson, later became a famous comedian, and Chicago’s main theater award, the Joseph Jefferson award, is named after him.

After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, producer David Henderson helped Chicago gain a national reputation for theater. Many new theaters opened, attracting famous acts. In the 1890s, Hull House started a theater program that introduced new plays. In 1912, the Chicago Little Theatre was founded, helping start the Little Theatre Movement in the United States. After World War II, new theater styles developed in Chicago, including ensemble theater. Famous theaters such as The Second City, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, St. Nicholas Theatre Company, and The Goodman Theatre all grew from small groups into important institutions.

The Second City, started in 1959, became famous for its improvisational style and has influenced many playwrights. Other theaters like The Kingston Mines Theater and the Organic Theater Company also helped build Chicago’s lively theater scene. The Goodman Theatre became known for its revivals and new plays, especially works by David Mamet. Over the years, Chicago has earned many honors, including several Tony Awards for its regional theaters. Today, Chicago remains a key place for theater in the United States.

Today

Chicago has many small theater companies, like A Red Orchid Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, and Remy Bumppo Theatre Company. Some have their own special places to perform, while others use unique spots such as storefronts, bars, or small studio spaces around the city.

Many of Chicago’s bigger theaters create shows that might later go to Broadway. Famous plays and performances often visit Chicago, especially in the busy Chicago Theatre District. These theaters work together with groups of artists who help make each show come to life. Chicago is also known for helping new plays and writers grow, with special programs to support them. Some of these new plays have gone on to be performed in other cities too.