Chicago Children’s Theatre’s new West Loop location will stage its inaugural production on Jan. 31st – the world premiere of Magic City. The nonprofit theater company has staged productions and educational programs across Chicago and its suburbs for 10 years.
Its new home – The Station – has been transformed over the last year with the help of a $1.5 million renovation loan from IFF. Chicago Children’s Theater raised an additional $8.4 million in renovation funding from state and foundation grants and private donations after purchasing the property from the City of Chicago for $1. The 19,000-square-foot venue – formerly a police station – now includes two theater spaces, classrooms, and supporting spaces.
In addition to professional-grade theatrical productions, the Chicago Children’s Theatre offers group and individual classes and workshops, specialized camps, school residencies, and field trips for students, parents, and educators. One such offering is the internationally-known Red Kite Project, an interactive theatrical and learning experience designed specifically for the unique needs of children on the autism spectrum.
Chicago Children’s Theatre serves 8,000 adults and 20,000 youth annually. Since its inception in 2004, more than 350,000 youth and families have attended its productions. Also, it has served more than 275 Chicago Public Schools and expects to expand capacity by offering more on-site programs for CPS.