Free Street Theater
Performing ArtsIllinois, United States11-50 Employees
Free Street Theater, based in Chicago, produces original performances that engage with the issues shaping the city and reflect its diverse communities. The company prioritizes economic accessibility, offering shows free or pay-what-you-can and providing free programming for families during rehearsals and performances. Founded in the wake of the 1968 riots, Free Street was created to help a divided city come together through theater. Historically, it has been among the city's early interracial theater companies and has pursued public-space performances that reach across neighborhoods. Today, it describes itself as a multiracial, multigenerational ensemble focused on original work that addresses local issues, with ongoing commitments to accessibility, captioning where possible, and artist development.