“The expanded mission of the new Northlight will reflect the changing definition of how a cultural institution should interact and support the community. The welcoming new complex will act as a physical ‘public square’ for inclusive community gatherings and diverse conversations and events.”
Our NEW Theatre
Our new 300-seat theatre, located at 1012-16 Church Street, will feature:
A spacious lobby ideal for community gatherings and conversations.
Main floor and balcony seating with comfortable seats and excellent sight lines
State of the art sound and lighting systems, wings, traps, and ample backstage space.
Bar, cafe, and lounge areas on both main and balcony levels.
Multi-purpose rehearsal space available for use by arts organizations as well as student and community groups.
The theatre, designed by architects Eckenhoff Saunders, will feature theatre planning by Schuler Shook and acoustics by Kirkegaard Associates, all Chicago-based firms.
Enhancing Evanston
Evanston, a thriving urban ring city easily accessible by a variety of public and private transportation options, will be elevated and enhanced with the addition of Northlight Theatre in the downtown district.
In the first five years of operation, Northlight will generate*
$56,000,000 in new spending
Over $450,000 in city tax revenue
115 full-time equivalent jobs
When a city experiences an increase in new spending and tax revenue, the outcomes are a lesser burden on residential taxes and a more vibrant local economy that helps existing businesses thrive and attracts new business development.
*Economic impact study conducted by Hunden Strategic Partners
Building bridges in the community
Northlight’s thriving education programs serve up to 4,000 students per year, including numerous schools in Evanston. A new theatre center allows us to grow and deepen our programming, building the next generation of theatre goers.
Northlight is deeply invested in using the arts to build strong communities, and our commitment to being a true community partner will be more fully realized with a new theatre center in downtown Evanston. Our Evanston community partnerships with Y.O.U., YWCA Evanston/North Shore, Family Focus, YWCA Evanston Scholars, McGaw YMCA, and Youth Job Center engage with hundreds of individuals each year. Our newest initiatives with the Levy Senior Center and CJE work to engage seniors with the arts. Plus our Arts for Everyone program provides partnering organizations with free tickets to our productions and other artistic events. A location in Evanston will serve to deepen these partnerships and expand our impact.
“Northlight Theatre has served as a valuable and productive community partner with YWCA Evanston/North Shore for years. Northlight has given the women with whom we work an opportunity for creative expression as they heal from trauma and abuse. Northlight has enabled them to safely explore their own experiences and be nurtured and supported. We are so grateful to have Northlight in our community and look forward to an even closer relationship when they have a home in Evanston.”
Steering Committee
Percy Berger, co-chair
Jennifer Christensen, co-chair
Mark McCarville, co-chair
Atlee Pope, vice-chair
Sara Schastok, vice-chair
Ingrid Stafford, vice-chair
Betsy Baer
Christy Callahan
Julie Chernoff
Tim Evans
Donna Frett
Doug Gray
Kim Hoopingarner
BJ Jones
Paul Lehman
Blythe McGarvie
Ed Michael
Tom Stringer
Dr. Eric Witherspoon