Chicago Visitors Guide - 2025
Dynamic Local Theatre
2025-01-14 08:52:50
The soul of Chicago can be found on the city’s stages. Our dynamic theatre scene is home to cutting-edge storefronts, Tony Award-winning companies, exciting pre-Broadway debuts, and beyond — making a trip to the theatre an essential part of any visit to Chicago.
We chatted with Marissa Lynn Jones, Executive Director of the League of Chicago Theatres, about can’t-miss theatrical experiences and what makes Chicago’s theatre scene special.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE THEATRE INDUSTRY?
I grew up in performance and watching performance. When I was younger, we would do Black history plays in church as a way to learn about our culture, our ancestors, and each other.
From there, I grew to have a deep love for theatre and the performing arts. I knew I wanted to explore how to share stories on a large scale, not just the performance side but also the administrative side, learning how everything is done and made.
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES CHICAGO’S THEATRE SCENE UNIQUE?
We have over 200 theatre companies here, which many people don’t know. And Chicago is known for its storefront theatre scene. We have amazing storefront theatre companies that do phenomenal, award-winning work throughout our 77 neighborhoods and beyond.
HOW DOES THE CITY ITSELF INFLUENCE OUR THEATRE SCENE?
Chicago’s diversity has a huge impact on our stages. We as a city are very reflective of the diversity of the nation as a whole. This empowers us to tell stories from different cultural backgrounds and share those different lived experiences with those in the room. It’s very special, and an opportunity to share stories and humanity through performance.
WHAT ARE SOME ESSENTIAL CHICAGO THEATRE EXPERIENCES?
I would say visitors definitely should check out our storefront theatre scene — places like Steep Theatre, A Red Orchid Theatre, Aguijón Theater, PrideArts, Lifeline Theatre, and so many more. Then there are the classic theatres like the Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, and The Second City. Broadway In Chicago also brings amazing works and artists from across the country to be seen on our stages.
WHAT IS THE MISSION OF CHICAGO THEATRE WEEK?
Every February, Chicago Theatre Week offers accessibly priced tickets to shows all over the city and surrounding suburban areas. The tickets are priced so that people can see as many shows as possible. It’s a great opportunity to come enjoy Chicago and become a theatre fanatic during that time.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHICAGO’S THEATRE COMMUNITY?
I love how much of a family we are. We really support each other and the work we are doing on stage. Chicago is an incubator for playwrights, actors, and new theatre companies to develop their talent.
And our theatre scene is a reflective voice of what makes Chicago Chicago — different people from different backgrounds, coming together and sharing space.
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