Evanston is well known as a place and people that celebrate culture and entertainment in all its forms and colors. Our live theater scene offers exciting performances for everyone. The Evanston Theater Alliance brings together these acting companies to support and promote this vibrant community. Please check out what each group will present each season.
2nd Act Players
Logan Theater in Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2515 Central Park Ave., Evanston, IL
The 2nd Act Players is the North Shore’s best-kept theater secret. We focus on producing new works for the stage and have been doing that since 2013, featuring more than 40 new actors in those shows. We’re the place to come to see stories about how people deal with major 2nd acts in their lives such as divorce, heart disease, war, caring for an aging parent, the financial challenges of old age—to name just a few of the topics we’ve tackled. We pride ourselves on our age-diverse casts and offering acting opportunities to both older and younger actors.
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston, IL
Founded in 1979, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre is Evanston’ professional theatre company that has been thrilling audiences with over four decades of unique, inspirational and invigorating African American and African Diaspora-centered storytelling. From original plays to the best of Broadway, FJT remains committed to producing powerful, thought-provoking theatre, with a commitment to diversity and creative excellence. FJT has grown to become one of the best theatre experiences anywhere. “Umoja!! ….Working Together in Unity”
FJT is financially supported by the City of Evanston and its residents, and funded in part by the Illinois Arts Council, A State Agency
Mudlark Theater
1417 Hinman Avenue, Evanston IL
Mudlark Theater is committed to presenting a new kind of theater featuring young people that highlights new work and innovative stories. To prepare young actors for the challenging work we do, Mudlark offers a robust training program of classes, workshops, and camps that develops them both as actors and as people.
Piven Theatre Workshop
Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston, IL
The mission of Piven Theatre Workshop is to encourage a process of creative exploration that celebrates each individual’s unique voice through an ensemble-based, community-oriented approach to theatre training and performance. We invite you to see that mission in action at one of our community-generated Lab performances and at our upcoming youth musical, Runaways. We also offer year-round improv and scene-based classes for adults, teens, and children as young as eight. Come play with us!
Theo Ubique Cabaret
721 Howard Street, Evanston, IL
Theo Ubique Cabaret is a professional theatre company presenting four musicals and periodic special events each season from September-August of each year. The Jeff Award winning company is known for hiring young musical theatre artists and giving them a chance to showcase their talent. Staged in an intimate space on Howard Street, Theo also offers a three course dinner with a menu themed to the show and served by cast members before each performance begins. Visit our website for more information and tickets.