It’s time for Northlight’s next act—a theatre home of our own.
Northlight’s bold vision is to build a world-class theatre in Evanston, the vibrant community where Northlight began in 1974. Today, our intensely entertaining productions broaden perspectives and deepen compassion. Our education programs touch the lives of thousands of young people each year, and we enrich our community through audience engagement and creative partnerships.
With a new theatre in downtown Evanston, we will entertain and inspire audiences with compelling new and existing work. We’ll nurture and grow the next generation of theatregoers, expand our civic impact, spark economic development, and serve as a cultural hub for the entire community.
As of December 11, 2024, we are thrilled to announce the robust progress of our Next Act Campaign, leading up to groundbreaking for the new theater in downtown Evanston in March 2025. Northlight has successfully exceeded our benchmark pre-construction fundraising goal by raising $26.2 milllion. The 2025-2026 season is expected to be the final season in the our current home at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, with an anticipated opening of our new home in Fall 2026.
“After five decades, Northlight Theatre will finally have a home of its own. A home in the heart of a revitalized downtown Evanston entertainment district steps from public transportation, parking, restaurants, shops, and Northwestern University. Our long-awaited homecoming to Evanston will transform the theatre landscape on the North Shore and Chicago. The password to any success in the theatre world is perseverance.”
A Home for Northlight
Northlight’s new home will be a stand-alone building housing a theatre with approximately 285 comfortable seats with excellent sight lines, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, a dedicated box office and contemporary bar/cafe in the lobby, a second floor rehearsal and event space, and lounge and gathering areas on the first and second floors, plus theater support spaces. Our desire is to create a dynamic performance, event, and educational environment that will serve Evanston, Chicago, and the entire Chicagoland area long into the future.
AN Asset for Evanston
Located in the heart of downtown, steps from parking and public transportation options, Northlight will contribute to a vibrant local economy. In the first five years of operation in the new location, Northlight will generate:*
$56,000,000 in new spending
Over $450,000 in city tax revenue
115 full-time equivalent jobs
The addition of Northlight Theatre in the downtown district will be a much needed boost to the economic redevelopment of the city that helps existing businesses thrive and attracts new business development.
*Economic impact study conducted by Hunden Strategic Partners
“To build our own theatrical home is a major achievement. It reflects the North Shore’s commitment to the arts and artists who call our community home. It invites world class artists to contribute to our communities. And it provides our audiences a gathering place to share our ideas, our values, and our vision for generations to come. Northlight is an investment in our community’s future and a gift to generations of artists who in return will enrich and inspire us with their talents.”
Renderings by Eckenhoff Saunders
Northlight’s future location at 1012-1016 Church Street, Evanston IL