Northlight Theatre Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, Artistic Director BJ Jones and the Board of Trustees are thrilled to announce the robust progress of the theater’s Next Act Campaign, leading up to groundbreaking for the new theater in downtown Evanston in March 2025. The company has successfully exceeded its benchmark pre-construction fundraising goal by raising $26.2 million.
The Theatre purchased the property located at 1012 Church Street in downtown Evanston in summer of 2022. The 2025-2026 season is expected to be the final season in the company’s current home at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, with an anticipated opening of their new home in Fall 2026.
Executive Director Timothy J. Evans comments, "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."
Northlight continues to raise funds for the final phase of the project. To date, more than 350 individuals, foundations, corporations, and government sources have contributed to the initial pre-construction phase of $26.2 million raised. A public fundraising campaign will start in January 2025 to complete the final phase of fundraising.
Artistic Director BJ Jones comments, “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.”
This theater, education, and community space will be a major component in the arts and cultural scene in Chicagoland and the North Shore. The theater will include approximately 285 comfortable seats with excellent sight lines, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, a dedicated box office and contemporary bar/café in the lobby, a second floor rehearsal and event space, and lounge and gathering areas on the first and second floors.
The design/construction team includes: Eckenhoff Saunders, architecture; Schuler Shook, theatre planning; Kirkegaard Associates, acoustic design; and Bulley & Andrews, general contractor.
President of Northlight’s Board Robert Regan adds, "Northlight Theatre's Board of Trustees voted unanimously to fully green light construction of our new theatre with the goal of breaking ground in March 2025. With great confidence, it is the board's belief that this new theatre will position Northlight to have yet greater success and influence in American Theatre."
Located in the heart of downtown, with easy, nearby access to parking and public transportation via CTA and Metra, Northlight will contribute to a vibrant local economy and will serve as an economic driver for downtown Evanston. In the first five years of operation in the new location, it is estimated that Northlight patrons will generate $56 million in new spending in Evanston and over $450,000 in tax revenue—a much-needed boost to the economic redevelopment of the city.
Daniel Biss, Mayor, City of Evanston adds, “Northlight's return to Evanston will be a game-changer for our downtown's economy and our whole community's cultural landscape. I am beyond excited for this groundbreaking, and even more thrilled at the prospect of attending world-class theatrical productions in this terrific new facility in 2026.”
Northlight’s Evanston surroundings will include numerous neighborhood restaurants, bars, and shops for its patrons and artists; nearby hotels for weekend stays; and close access to Northwestern University students, professors, and visitors. The Barn, a prestigious restaurant run by award-winning restaurateur Amy Morton, will remain on the property and function as a quality dining option for Northlight patrons. This dynamic setting will bring artists, audiences, community members, and students together long into the future.
Robyn Gabel, State Representative 18th District, says, "I'm delighted that Northlight intends to break ground on their new theatre in downtown Evanston in the coming months. I'm proud of the fact that the State of Illinois was an early investor in this project and also pleased to share that we recently committed additional important resources to this initiative that will revitalize downtown Evanston and greatly enhance the civic and cultural landscape of Evanston, Chicago and the North Shore."
Northlight’s Next Act Campaign Leadership team includes: Timothy J. Evans (Executive Director); BJ Jones (Artistic Director); Robert J. Regan (Chair, Board of Trustees); Percy Berger, Jennifer Christensen, Mark McCarville (Campaign Co-Chairs); Julie Chernoff, Sara Schastok, Ingrid Stafford (Campaign Vice-Chairs); Kim Hoopingarner (Capital Campaign Director); Janet Mullet (Managing Director); Logan Jones (Director of Accounting); Mara Mihlfried (Director of Marketing & Communications); and Emily Kneer (Production Manager).
Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community.
Founded in 1974, the organization has mounted over 240 productions, including more than 45 world premieres. Northlight has earned 230 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 36 Awards, as well as 11 Edgerton Foundation for New Play Awards. As one of the area’s premier theatre companies, Northlight is a regional magnet for critical and professional acclaim, as well as talent of the highest quality.
Northlight’s thriving education programs engage thousands of students per year in many schools including Evanston Township High School, schools in District 65, and Chicago Public Schools. Northlight’s existing community partnerships include Y.O.U., YWCA Evanston/North Shore, Family Focus, Evanston Scholars, McGaw YMCA, Youth Job Center, Levy Senior Center, and CJE. Northlight’s customized arts-related programs are designed to advance the mission of each social service organization, while the Arts for Everyone program provides free tickets to participants at all partnership organizations, expanding theatre accessibility to a broader, more diverse audience without the barrier of ticket cost.
For information and updates about the building and Northlight’s Next Act, visit: www.northlightsnextact.org