Theatre is thriving in Evanston!

The Actors Gymnasium

At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn to Fly – physically, emotionally and creatively. Founded in 1995, The Actors Gymnasium (AG) has grown to become one of the nation’s premiere Circus Arts training and performance centers. AG is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre, through developing physical performers and encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration. AG promotes core values of creativity, community and courage across three program areas: classes that reach over 1,000 students every year, original and daring shows that blend circus and theatre, and award-winning event entertainment. Located in the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. 847-328-2795.

Evanston Children's Theatre

Evanston Children’s Theatre and Tater Tot Theatre Company present productions starring Evanston children.  Evanston Children's Theatre is for children thespians age 8 through eighth grade. The “little sibling” to the Evanston Children’s Theatre, Tater Tot Theatre Company was created to allow young thespians ages 5-7 the opportunity to participate in the magic of live theatre.  Phone calls about Evanston Children's Theatre should be directed to 847-448-8263. Phone calls about Tater Tot Theatre Company should be directed to 847-866-5915.

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre (FJT) is a municipally-supported theatre program.  Founded in 1979, under the name of the Foster Community Theatre, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre has been thrilling audiences with over three decades of unique, inspirational and invigorating African American and African Diaspora-centered storytelling. From original plays to the best of Broadway, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre remained committed to supplying the very best in theatre. "Umoja!! ….Working Together in Unity" is the foundation from which FJT began and continues to thrive!  Sign up for "The Fourth Wall" and stay up to date with the Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre. 

Howard Street Theater 

 The Howard Street Theatre located at 721 Howard St. is municipally-owned and only stand-alone performing arts theater in the City. The Theo Ubique Theatre Company is currently holding performances at the theater.  Ubique Theatre Company was founded in 1997 by Fred Anzevino, Artistic Director, Matt Yde and Farell Wilson; then, incorporated in 2004. Before moving to their new theatre space on Howard Street in Evanston,  productions were held in Rogers Park and Lakeview. Cabaret Theatre represents a theatrical format where audience and performers connect in an intimate, interactive experience.  Elements of cabaret theatre include music, dance, comedy, drama and storytelling as well as food and drink (including the actors as servers in a cabaret-style setting).  Performers engage the audience in conversation with the theatrical presentation, and audience members discover they are a crucial part of an environment, which is itself the show. Performances are held at 721 Howard St., Evanston. For tickets and information call 773-347-1109.   Be one of the first to receive news from Theo Ubique sign up for their newsletter. 

Mudlark Theater

Mudlark Theater is a not-for-profit organization where children are taken seriously as artists, and learn theater by making it. As a rule, the general public expects little of children’s theater. Mudlark's goal is to raise that expectation and keep it there. By holding children to a higher standard and empowering them to make strong artistic choices, we create the possibility for great theater—vibrant, funny, compelling shows that erase the boundary between youth and professional theater.  Mudlark Theater Company is located at 1417 Hinman Ave, phone number 847-448-0708. 

Northwestern University's Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts 

The Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts annually mounts more than 40 productions in theatre, music theatre, and dance. Undergraduate actors, managers, and playwrights, alongside graduate designers, directors, and dramaturgs, collaborate on works both classic and contemporary for audiences of all ages.  Click here for box office and theater locations.

Piven Theatre Workshop

Piven Theatre Workshop is located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street. Piven Theatre has provided classes from beginning children (4th grade and higher) to professional adults for over 30 years. Many famous actors have been through the Piven program, including the entire Cusak family. For information on workshops, please call 847-866-6597. The Piven Theatre puts on performances each year at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. For more information about upcoming performances, visit or call the box office at 847-866-8049.

Savoyaires

Founded in 1964 by Frank Miller and Lilias Circle, the Savoyaires soon became the first U.S. company to produce all 14 Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. Since 1994, the company’s annual production has been presented in Evanston’s Chute Auditorium, marking a renewed dedication to bringing G&S to the community and cultivating young audiences. For additional info., go to www.savoyaires.org, call 847-563-0155 or e-mail info@savoyaires.org.

2nd Act Players
The 2nd Act Players is the North Shore’s best-kept theater secret. They’ve been producing new works for the stage since 2013, featuring more than 40 new actors in those shows.  See stories about how people deal with major 2nd acts in their lives, such as divorce, heart disease, war, and caring for an aging parent. Performances take place at Northminster Church, 2515 Central Park Ave., Evanston.