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.
“This is a breakthrough moment in the history of Northlight. This future theater, education, and community complex will be a major component in the arts and cultural scene in Chicagoland and the North Shore, and will for decades bring artists, audiences, students, and community members together to experience compassionate and compelling art, entertainment, and theater education.”
A Home for Northlight
Northlight’s new home will be a stand-alone building housing a state-of-the-art theatre with approximately 275 seats, spacious community lobby, contemporary bar and lounge areas, adaptable rehearsal spaces for arts organizations as well as student and community groups, plus theater support spaces, on-site box office, and offices for Northlight staff. 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
“I read a definition of ‘home’ once that said it was ‘a happy place where one can live, laugh, and learn; somewhere where you are loved, respected, and cared for.’ I’d like to think that Northlight will find in its return to Evanston just that—a place where we can share, through our development of new work, a common conversation and a safe space. A home, where we find love, respect, and care.”
Renderings by Eckenhoff Saunders
Northlight’s future location at 1012-1016 Church Street, Evanston IL