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The Playground Theater

The Playground Theater is a 501c3 nonprofit artist led organization, with primarily focused improvisational comedy. . Playground originated in 1994 in the city of San Franscisco. Cofounded by Jim Kleinmann, Brighde Mullins and Denise Shama. In 1996, Kleinmann accepted the position of Artistic Director and thus helping the expansion to southern California and New York. Playground-Chicago was the third regional expansion by the company. The Playground Theater- Chicago closed its doors in 2020 following the COVID19 pandemic. Currently they are renting out venue spaces to host events and performances. You can purchase tickets via web or through the social media platforms for shows and events (Instagram and Facebook). This location offers numerous programs for the youth, potential writers, and performers. They do not serve alcohol, but they do encourage the BYOB Program.

Theater Sign

About/Mission

The mission is to provide a home for artist to grow as writers, directors, performers and producers. Committed to entertaining audiences with shows that reflect core values of diversity, freedom, opportunity, and outreach. Since its founding, Playground has been able to screen and produce over 1,000 original 10-minute plays. Playground's alumni have won local, nationals, and international honors for their short and full-length productions. This would include recognition from Humana festival,  Sundance festival, Bay area playwrights festival, Newyork international fringe festival,  among others. Playgrounds writers are among the most distinguished writers in the country, including Lauren Yee, Geetha Reddy, amongst others.

Tickets

You can purchase tickets via web or through the social media platforms for shows and events (Instagram and Facebook). You can also purchase directly from the company website [1], where they update showtimes and productions daily. Tickets are non-refundable and they can also be purchased in person via cash or credit at the door.

BYOB (Bring Your Own Beer)

The playground theater is BYOB (Bring Your own beer). They do not provide bottle openers, glasses or corks. You must be 21 or older to participate and they reserve the right to verify age. There are no age restrictions for attending shows at the playground theater, but the shows are recommended for the audience of 16 or older.

The Incubator Program

The program is designed for first time performers to provide an opportunity to join an improv team. Through this program you would be introduced to a new opportunity and people from mixed backgrounds by participating in an open audition The winners would spend a year in the program and judged under the three following categories: directing, publicity, and performance. Each candidate will receive three directors during that time and judged within four-month increments. In doing so, this allows each candidate to receive a variety of artistic approaches to comedic improvisation Second year ensembles will go on to produce its individual work and continue a relationship with the theater through producing shows and creating work that represents who they are.

Youth & Outreach

RECESS: Really Excellent Classroom Enhancement Through Silliness and Satire

Recess is playgrounds educational outreach program that uses improvisation, interactive theater games, and laughter to introduce children to theater. The belief is that this will help open doors for creative self-expression. Recess entertains audiences monthly at The Playground Theater as well as Ann & Robert H. Lurie Childrens Hospital Of Chicago.