Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Chicago Shakespeare Theater, one of the world’s most celebrated homes for the masterworks of Shakespeare, is a showcase in the center of America for the country’s best classical actors,. Recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award, CST’s work has been recognized internationally with three of London’s prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards, and locally with 54 Joseph Jefferson Awards for Artistic Excellence. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, CST promotes a broad, inclusive annual program, spanning Shakespeare and other classical works of drama, international presentations and family fare. The Theater’s contributions to public learning range broadly from extensive work with Shakespeare in the schools to scholarly collaborations with Chicago’s great universities. Significant projects from recent seasons include: Barbara Gaines’ two-part epic Henry IV at the Royal Shakespeare Company; Chicago Shakespeare’s Olivier Award-winning production of Sondheim and Weidman’s Pacific Overtures at London’s Donmar Warehouse, directed by CST Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin; Edward Hall’s tour de force, Rose Rage, in Chicago and New York; a commissioned adaptation of Feydeau’s A Flea in Her Ear by David Ives; and participation in the inaugural campaign of the NEA’s Shakespeare in American Communications initiative. At its permanent facility on Navy Pier, CST houses two intimate theater spaces: the 500-seat Jentes Family Courtyard Theater and the 200-seat Carl and Marilynn Thoma Theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare. Visit www.chicagoshakes.com to explore more ideas and stories behind the art on CST’s stages.

show less