The Chicago Shakespeare Theater was originally known as the Chicago Shakespeare Workshop, the name was changed to the Chicago Repertory Company, and finally in 1999, the name was changed to the name by which it is known today. The theater was founded in 1986, by artist Barbara Gaines, who is now the acting director. For the first twelve seasons, plays were performed at the Ruth Page Theater; the location had limited space so in the 1990's a new location was sought out.
In 1997, the theater announced plans to move from the Ruth Page Theater to a new location on Navy Pier. The location was in a better venue to attract tourists as well as being better known. On April 23rd, 1997, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley declared the day, "Shakespeare Repertory Day''. The theater company launched a campaign to raise funds for the move and in 2000, the theater finally opened at its new location. Since that time, the company has grown to be the third largest theater company in the Chicago area and the third largest in the Midwest region.
The new theater residence on Navy Pier is a seven story structure with 7,000 square feet and includes a box office, administrative offices and performance venues. The Courtyard Theater has seating for 510 people and is the primary production location for the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The Royal Shakespeare Company founder Sir Peter Hall, has called the location, the "best place in the world to see Shakespeare''.
Combined with state-of-the-art equipment, technology and acoustics, the venue allows even large productions to retain an intimate appeal. There is a second theater called "Upstairs'', which has black box seating for 200 people, the theater is devoted to smaller productions such as: "Romeo and Juliet: The Musical'', and "The People Vs. Friar Tuck''. The smaller theater is popular as an alternative to the larger, more formal theater.
The Chicago Shakespeare Theater sponsors a program entitled "Team Shakespeare''. The program is the largest arts-in education program in the state of Illinois and has over 50,000 students every year. The company reaches out to children and young adults and allows them to perform in group matinees, tours and theater productions. The group provides educational services, resources and workshops as part of its curriculum.
Currently the theater holds over 600 performances throughout a 48-week season every year. The theater has won 3 Sir Laurence Olivier Awards and 36 Joseph Jefferson Awards, all in 2005. Every year the Chicago Shakespeare Theater draws over 250,000 audience members, approximately 22,500 subscribers and 50,000 teachers and performers. The theater brings some of the best plays, dramas and performances to life every season, and provides guests from all over the world with a broad spectrum theatrical experience.
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