Lifeline Theatre

Lifeline Theatre was founded in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in 1983 by five Northwestern University graduates - Meryl Friedman, Suzanne Plunkett, Kathee Sills, Sandy Snyder Pietz, and Steve Totland. The company moved into its permanent home in Rogers Park--a converted Commonwealth Edison substation—in 1986. The facility includes a 99-seat theatre, rehearsal and office space, a scene shop, and costume, prop, and scenery storage. The site is the anchor of the Glenwood Avenue Arts District, a neighborhood of studios, theatres, and restaurants.

Lifeline serves over 17,000 people each season running from September through August with a 3-play MainStage season and a 3-play KidSeries season. Additionally, Lifeline hosts The Fillet of Solo Festival, a solo performance and storytelling festival, which attracts national talent.

Lifeline's Student Matinee program serves 2,500 students each year through special weekday performances and extensive study guides.

Lifeline's Artists-in-Residence program pairs up professional actor-teaching artists with classroom teachers in Chicago-area schools to teach drama to children in grades K-8 and provide professional development to teachers. Lifeline's residency programs not only teach acting basics, but help students in all areas of learning and social development. In 2010-11, Lifeline worked with over 850 students, 25 classrooms, and seven schools.

Lifeline’s Theatre School classes and workshops bring professional artists together with children ages 4–11 to teach them skills that make the arts fulfilling and fun. Over 80 children participate annually in Lifeline’s Drama Camp (ages 7–11), Junior Camp (ages 4–6), Winter Drama Camp (ages 6–11), School's-Out Workshops (ages 7–11), and Stories Come Alive! Workshops (all ages).

Lifeline's Arts-For-All and Community Days initiatives are aimed at providing financially accessible cultural experiences for everyone, particularly residents of Rogers Park, a low-income, culturally diverse neighborhood. 3,500 people take advantage of this program annually.

Since 2002, Lifeline has collaborated with Rogers Park artists, businesses and community organizations to produce the annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest: two and a half days of art, music and family activities. Approximately 8,000 people attend this free event.