Inspiring Creative Revolutions since 1969

“Our goal is to cut through the layers of political, social and religious philosophy that have separated people from one another and to concentrate on the rhythms and energies common to all people.”
- Patrick Henry, Free Street Founding Director

Free Street has been creating theater with Chicago's low-income communities since 1969. Our roots are in the spirit of social questioning that followed the assassination of Dr. King. A lot has changed in 40 years but we are still working with diverse ensembles in one of the most segretaged cities in America. We continue asking what is next for community, individual, and creative development.

Free Street is hosting events throughout this year to honor our history and to celebrate the continuing potential our little arts labrotory to change the landscape of community arts, make strides in understanding creative human development, and influence the next decades theater in Chicago.

Sub-Prime Youth Preview Sneak Peak
When:  Friday January 9th  at 6:00 pm
Where:  Free Street Theater 1419 W. Blackhawk, Chicago, IL 60642
Tickets:  $40

Kick-off our 40th anniversary celebration with this special behind-the-scenes invitation to join the Free Street directors and teen artists for some food, conversation, and look into our creative process of building ensemble shows.  We will also premiere some selections from Sub-Prime Youth.

Appetize: a benefit for Free Street Theater at Lula Café
When:  Tuesday February 24 at 6:00 pm
Where: Lula Café 2537 N. Kedzie Blvd. Chicago, IL 60647
Tickets: $100

Come engage in a feast of delicious food and tasty conversation. Free Street will invite luminaries in a variety of fields; journalists, activists, artists, scientists, and together we will all delve into questions and insights about passion and inspiration.

Skeptics Movie Priemere at the Gene Siskel Film Center
When:  Saturday March 28 at 11:30 am
Where: Gene Sisklel Film Center 164 N. State St. Chicago, IL 60601
Tickets: $10

Skeptics is Free Street’s first full-length feature film.  It was adapted from a stage play created in the off-kilter time that followed in the wake of the September 11th attacks.  It tells the story of a group of teens who willingly risk their own destruction in their quest to embrace life in spite of pain. 

Stirred Preview
When: Friday April 3 at 6:00 pm
Where: Free Street Theater 1419 W. Blackhawk, Chicago, IL 60622
Tickets: $40

This ensemble has been working together since the fall learning theater, yoga, and writing skills as well as researching youth involvement in social justice movements.  We will invite you behind-the-scenes to see our creative process and preview segments of the work-in-progress.

Flashback Benefit at Steppenwolf
When:  Tuesday October 1 at 6:00 pm
Where: Steppenwolf Garage Theatre 1650 N. Halsted Chicago, IL
Tickets:  $100

Celebration of the 40 year history of Free Street with multi-media unveiling of archival footage, retrospective of performances, reunion of alumni, and a chance to be a part of a significant milestone in Chicago Theater history.