American Theatre

This is a fabulous little theater in Lincoln Square. I visited to see several of my current and former students perform «The People’s Temple» as part of the ATC’s Humanity Project. Chicago Public School students audition for spots in the ATC Youth Ensemble and perform various works throughout the school year and summer. This play required the senior members of the ATC Youth Ensemble to visit San Francisco for four weeks to interview former People’s Temple members so they could immerse themselves in the lives and culture of the people they would portray on stage.
The play itself was excellent and the ATC Youth Ensemble does a great job of working with CPS students to cultivate and foster great acting in each player. I am happy to support a theater that purposely reaches out to CPS to provide these kinds of opportunities to students interested in acting and the performing arts. The Youth Ensemble plays are always fantastic.
The theater itself is small, but the space provides a level of intimacy that is fun, engaging and unique. Tickets are always reasonably priced and the theater offers opportunities for patrons to become members to support the troupes and needs of the theater. On the walls in the foyer, there is a «wishlist» of supplies that are needed for the theater that interested patrons can purchase to keep the theater running. I think this is a great idea, especially since many of us would like to know what our donations actually support at various institutions.
I love visiting this theater and always welcome an opportunity to see the Youth Ensemble in action. Parking is fairly easy on Bryon and Lincoln, but you have to pay the meter on Lincoln. Tons of restaurants in the area so you can go eat and drink before/​after any show.