TBC Shares Space
A unique performance complex, Theatre Building Chicago is located in the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, north of the “Loop”. Each year, Theatre Building Chicago provides space and services to more than a thousand artists in 16 presentations and 315 special events. Since opening its doors on March 15, 1977, Theatre Building Chicago – Chicago's very own theatrical crossroads –has hosted more than 500 companies, 800 long-running shows, 8,920 events, 1,078,000 audience members, 29,400 theatre artists and 24,500 performances.
Theatre Building Chicago serves as a forum for a variety of important community and civic events – people have voted, married and memorialized every kind of life event at Theatre Building Chicago. Theatre Building Chicago is proud of its place in the Chicago performing arts community. We admire the creativity of all the artists who have shared their talent by crafting their work at the crossroads of Chicago theatre.
About TBC’s three-theatre complex:
As a non-profit performance complex, TBC provides its services at below cost rates to emergent and established companies and artists. We offer performing, rehearsal, meeting and reception space as well as box office, marketing, publicity, technical and other consulting services.
TBC’s spacious lobby accommodates all three theatres, including food and beverage concessions with a fully stocked bar and courteous service-staff. Convenient low-cost valet parking is also available. TBC has dining discount arrangements with several neighborhood restaurants, offering an eclectic mix of cuisines and providing plentiful space for large groups.
Theatre Building Chicago has three “black box” theatres and each space can offer 148 seats. TBC’s South Theatre is a pseudo-proscenium space with the other two theatres (North & West) in a thrust configuration. The pseudo-proscenium space has a playing area of approximately 20 x 40 feet. The North Theatre has a playing area of approximately 25 x 35 feet and the West Theatre has a playing space of approximately 20 x 32 feet. All three theatres have their own dedicated dressing room, each with a private restroom.
Technical Services & Information:
All basic utility costs such as electricity, heat, and air conditioning are included. Each theatre space has 200 amp, 3 wire, three-phase electrical capacities and is equipped with 35 lighting instruments, cable and an ETC Express 24/48 dimmer light board. Additional lighting instruments are available to rent for the run of the show. A piano is available for rent on a weekly basis, upon request. Each space is equipped with a dual CD player, mixer and amplifier. Additional sound equipment or additional lighting equipment can be obtained elsewhere without restriction. There is a one-time fee for custodial service and a one-time fee for disposal service for scenic strike if necessary.
Marketing/Publicity:
Save money with customized "e-Marketing” using TBC’s weekly e-News (15,000 + patrons). Reach out to Chicago’s theatre patrons with our extensive database (we’re celebrating our 30th anniversary with loyal & longtime patrons!). Promote your production with your theatre poster, taking advantage of pre-sale opportunities in our bustling lobby. Membership has its privileges: once you’ve signed on with TBC, use low cost Co-Op advertising rates with the Chicago Dance and Music Alliance; the ART League and the League of Chicago Theatres. If you’re looking for business contacts (advertising support/sponsorships), then look no further than TBC – we’re members with several chambers of commerce and have the contacts you want!
Box Office & Performance Scheduling:
With our comprehensive box office services, patrons not only receive extraordinary personal box office service, they’ll benefit from 24 hour – 7 days a week online sales support from industry powerhouse 
. TBC’s hands-on marketing & PR gives you the edge you need to reach your patrons early & often, whatever your budget!
Theatre Building Chicago typically has a general admission seating policy. Any reserved seating performance is an additional fee per performance. Theatre clients (the producer) set their own ticket prices. Any ticket can be purchased in person or by phone at Theatre Building Chicago’s box office. Box office receipts are paid weekly on Wednesday for the prior week's performances. Full price tickets are also available at outlets, phone room, and website. The public performance schedule provides for up to 5 performances weekly:
- One performance on Thursday night
- One performance on Friday night
- Two performances on Saturday &/or
- Two performances on Sunday (matinee and evening)
Additional performances can be added on consecutive evenings for a nominal fee per performance.
For complete details, contact:
Allan Chambers Director of Theatre Services / Associate Artistic Director
Phone: 773.929.7367 x229 • Fax: 773.327.1404 •
