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.
The continued progress of our Next Act Campaign continues, following breaking ground in March 2025 and ongoing construction, which is well underway. The 2025-26 season is expected to be the final season in 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.”
— Timothy J. Evans, Executive Director, Northlight Theatre