Best performance spaces in Chicago

Our Local Expert Says:

Not only is the museum great for art lovers, the performances are not to be missed. World class performances are hosted by the MCA year round that are always cutting edge.

Description:

Located in the heart of the loop, The Museum of Contemporary Art brings today's most innovative visual work ranging from painting to sculpture to live performance. Pieces date from 1945 to present day, with works by famous artists like Andy Warhol. The MCA's permanent 2,500 piece collection focuses on a broad sampling of modern art in a variety of medias, and also shares works by great Chicago based artists. The performance series spans a wide scope from around the world as well, featuring artists like Philip Glass. Culture, history, and art become one at the MCA, sparking a great venue for new ideas and discussion. The MCA also features a great dining experience at its' restaurant Puck's, led by Chef Wolfgang Puck.

Description:

While "Friends" star David Schwimmer is perhaps the most famous member of the theater company, no one in this troupe could be accused of riding on Schwimmer's coattails. The genesis for the company was a 1986 acting class at Northwestern University. There, seven students met to produce an adaptation of Andre Gregory and the Manhattan Theatre Project's "Alice!" Shortly after graduation in 1989, the students formed the company in 1989. Now, over30 premieres, four Joseph Jefferson Awards and 26 Joseph Jefferson citations later, the theater is still going strong. Past productions included "The Idiot," "Metamorphosis" and "Her Name Was Danger." While the group's front office is located in the historic Athenaeum Theatre building, it currently has no permanent performance space (although a permanent space has been designated for construction). Instead, productions are staged at various locales throughout Chicago. Please call for schedule and locations.

Description:

To be or not to be, that is the question - if this famous line rings a bell, then pop on down to the Chicago Shakespeare theatre. This place is known for its high quality productions of the bard's plays. It is also the hub for new and original works by some of the country's exceptionally talented playwrights and directors. Highlights at this theatre include Measure For Measure, Comedy Of Errors, Kabuki Lady Macbeth, and the classic, Romeo and Juliet. Viewers who are interested in knowing more about an upcoming play can attend the free introductory lecture given by cast members or a scholar.

Description:

A fixture on Chicago's late-night theater scene, the Neo-Futurists have been doing their hit Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind since 1988 (it's now the longest-running show in Chicago). The setting -- a cramped room above a funeral home -- isn't much, but the gimmick is irresistible: Every night the performers stage a new collection of "30 plays in 60 minutes." The "plays" vary from a 3-minute comedy sketch to a lightning-quick wordless tableau; the mood veers from laugh-out-loud silly to emotionally touching. The show starts at 11:30pm on weekends; get there about an hour ahead, because seats are first-come, first-served, and they do sell out. The late-night curtain attracts a younger crowd, but I've taken 60-something relatives who have had a great time (unlike many improv comedy troupes, the Neo-Futurists don't rely on raunchy or gross-out humor). Admission is random: Theatergoers pay $9 plus the roll of a six-sided die. If you want to feel that you've experienced edgy, low-budget theater -- but still want to be entertained -- this is the place to go.

Description:

The Auditorium Building has been a major historic landmark of Chicago since 1890. Back then, architects Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan created a hotel, several offices and the wonderful Auditorium Theater inside this masterpiece construction-the building was considered the world's eighth wonder when it first opened its doors to the public. Although the structure stood independently since it took shape, it is a part of the Roosevelt University today and is preserved by the university's authorities-a number of literary events, music shows and educational forums are held at the Auditorium.

Description:

Ruth Page Center for The Arts is a wonderful place, that helps promote art but more specifically dance. It's open to people of all age groups. So put on your dancing shoes and get yourself enrolled, have fun and learn some smooth dance moves... Oh and by the way Ruth Page also hosts shows, so you can dazzle the audience with your new found love!

Our Local Expert Says:

Great place to support local artists and experience the wide array of Chicago talent!

Description:

Wrigleyville is packed with sports fanatics and a plethora of bars, but is also home to one of the best performance venues in the city. Established in 1978, Links Hall is home to many local performing artists, and virtually every weekend you can catch a show in the small, intimate performance space, which also seconds as a rehearsal studio rented by many local theater and dance artists. This is a great way to see some of Chicago's smaller scale artists and experience something off the normal tourist path.

Description:

If you're looking for more than just drama, visit the Joan W Irving B. Harris Theater, a center for a variety of shows by dance and music companies from the Chicago region. The companies that have performed at the theater are Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago Opera Theater and Hubbard Street Dance Company. This is a great theatre to watch local talents perform. If you're in the city, check it out. Some of the highlights for the coming months are the River North Chicago Dance Company, La Resurrezione, an Opera composed by Handel and the Vermeer Quartet.

Description:

Originally presented as a gift to the Art Institute, this theater is now the oldest and largest not for profit theater in the city. A new, much larger location, in the heart of the theater district, opened to rave reviews. While many students have honed their craft at the Goodman School of Drama, the theater has also won much acclaim for major productions like "Death of a Salesman" with Brian Dennehy as Willy Loman, and the annual production of "A Christmas Carol." Productions are of consistently outstanding quality, under the guidance of art director Robert Falls and his committed staff of associate directors and artistic staff.

Description:

Enjoy outdoor theater as only Chicago can do it. Located in Lincoln Park, yards from Lake Michigan, this summer theater dates back to 1942, when it featured amateur productions. It now boasts encore performances by some of the city's many renowned production companies, including Second City, the Steppenwolf Theatre, the Eclipse Theater and the Porchlight Theater.