With over 200 performance arts spaces, Chicago is a theater powerhouse of a city. You don’t always have to go all the way to Broadway for good performance art, especially when Chicago is hosting some heavy hitting shows right now.
The Goodman Theatre
Founded in 1925, the Goodman Theatre stands as Chicago’s oldest active and largest non profit theater. Originally funded by William and Erna Goodman as a tribute to their late son, Kenneth Sawyer Goodman, the theater serves as a pillar of the arts in Chicago.
2026 SEASON HIGHTLIGHT: The Attic, a show written, directed and choreographed by Shana Carroll about her own life. Following her memoir, the story utilizes complex aerial and trapeze choreography.
The Den Theatre
Devoted to telling stories about human connection, the Den Theatre brings artists and audiences together to create a space of empathy and empowerment. Founded in 2010 when Ryan Martin rented out the second floor with one room, the Den Theatre now showcases art with a wide range of topics.
2026 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire, a story that follows Shelby Hinkley as she risks it all to kidnap Tobey Maguire, tie him up in her basement, and marry him. This show trended on TikTok for its extremely unique premise and its lead actress Alex O'Shea’s dedication to the role.
CIBC Theatre
Originally opened as the Majestic Theatre in 1906, the CIBC Theatre was Chicago’s first million-dollar venue and the tallest building in the city at the time. The attraction was so marvelous that it housed a plethora of high-end vaudeville acts such as Harry Houdini and the Marx Brothers. While the theater did close in 1932, it’s back and better than ever.
2026 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: Operation Mincemeat. The show delved into the historical deception case from World War II with over-the-top flair and diverse casting choices. From start to the finish, audience members laughed, cried, and danced in their seats to the beat at every showing of this fantastic musical. CIBC’s 2026 season ends with Jersey Boys, another fantastic musical that opens on November 11th.
The Black Ensemble Theater
Founded in 1976 by actress, producer, and playwright Jackie Taylor, The Black Ensemble Theater (BE) has been a pillar of the theater community in Chicago for decades. Dedicated to eradicating racism within the theater arts community, the Black Ensemble Theater has grown from being a small community arts organization to an internationally renowned arts institution full of vibrancy, diversity, and love. The shows are consistently high-quality and deeply impactful.
2026 SEASON HIGHLIGHT: You Can’t Fake The Funk: A Journey Through Funk Music, by Daryl D. Brooks. The show is chock full of high-energy and feel-good tributes that will have you feeling as if you had just been transported back in time to an era where everything was just groovy!
