Description
Founded in 1982, Lifeline moved into its permanent home in Rogers Park, a converted Commonwealth Edison substation, in 1986. The facility includes a 99-seat theater, rehearsal and office space, a scene shop, and costume, prop, and scenery storage.
Our board, staff and artistic ensemble remain committed to Lifeline’s role as a collaborative environment for the development of new artists, a creative nest for the development of new theatrical work, and a key player in the ongoing development of the Rogers Park community.
Lifeline serves 17,000 people each year drawing primarily from Chicago’s north side and near north side suburbs. Lifeline’s season runs from September through August producing 3 MainStage and 3 KidSeries plays.
Lifeline's Student Matinee Program serves 2,500 students each year through special weekday performances and extensive study guides.
Lifeline's Residency Program places working artists into the classrooms of Chicago Public Schools for 8 to 10 -week residencies using creative dramatics to enhance curriculum. Lifeline serves over 800 students and teachers at CPS schools in Rogers Park.
Lifeline’s Theatre Classes bring professional artists together with children ages 7-12 to teach them skills that make the arts fulfilling and fun. Over 80 children participate annually in Lifeline’s Off-School Day Workshops or Drama Camps.
Lifeline's Arts For All and Community Days Initiatives are aimed at providing financially accessible cultural experiences for everyone, particularly residents of Rogers Park. 3,500 people take advantage of this program annually.
Since 2002, Lifeline has collaborated with a host of 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.
