Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Situated in downtown Chicago on Navy Pier, Chicago Shakespeare Theater has risen since its founding in 1986 to become a leading international theater company and recipient of both the Regional Theatre Tony Award and three Laurence Olivier Awards. Guided by the partnership between founder and Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, the Theater is dedicated to creating extraordinary productions of Shakespeare and other classics, new works, musicals and family programming; to unlocking Shakespeare’s work for educators and students; and to serving as Chicago’s cultural ambassador through its World’s Stage Series. Through a year-round season encompassing more than 650 performances, Chicago Shakespeare attracts 225,000 audience members annually. During 2016, the Theater spearheaded Shakespeare 400 Chicago, one of the world’s largest cultural festivals inspired by Shakespeare’s legacy. In 2017, the Theater opens its innovative new performance venue, The Yard.