Introducing Northlight's new theatre in downtown Evanston-a home of our own to share with you!
Northlight's bold vision to build a world-class theatre in downtown Evanston, the vibrant community where Northlight began in 1974, has become a reality thanks to all of you! We are thrilled to be back in Evanston with a state-of-the-art theatre located in a diverse and dynamic, urban community accessible by several forms of public transportation. The new theatre helps ensure that the art on our stage as well as our programs with schools and community partners will thrive for the next 50 years and beyond!
And though we have successfully raised the money to build our beautiful new theatre, Northlight's Next Act campaign continues! Opportunities remain to name several of the spaces in the new theatre center as well as to name a seat and inscribe a brick! If you haven't yet supported Northlight's Next Act, there's still time! And if you're already one of our 625+ campaign donors, donate again as continued support helps ensure our future!
““After decades dreaming of owning our own home, we can now celebrate that dream come true as we open our first season in a beautiful, elegant state-of-the-art theatre in the heart of downtown Evanston. Our new theatre is now a reality because hundreds of patrons, donors, trustees, artists and staff members – present and past - believed that Northlight could make this improbable dream come true.
I am grateful to everyone for being on this remarkable journey with us! Please continue to play a role in what happens IN our beautiful new building – the art, the education, the community outreach-because these are the very reasons why we built the new Northlight Theatre!”
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A Home for Northlight
Northlight’s new home will be a stand-alone building housing a theatre with approximately 285 comfortable seats with excellent sight lines, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, a dedicated box office and contemporary bar/cafe in the lobby, a second floor rehearsal and event space, and lounge and gathering areas on the first and second floors, plus theater support spaces. Our desire is to create a dynamic performance, event, and educational environment that will serve Evanston, Chicago, and the entire Chicagoland area long into the future.
AN Asset for Evanston
Located in the heart of downtown, steps from parking and public transportation options, Northlight will contribute to a vibrant local economy. In the first five years of operation in the new location, Northlight will generate:*
$56,000,000 in new spending
Over $450,000 in city tax revenue
115 full-time equivalent jobs
The addition of Northlight Theatre in the downtown district will be a much needed boost to the economic redevelopment of the city that helps existing businesses thrive and attracts new business development.
*Economic impact study conducted by Hunden Strategic Partners
“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.”
Renderings by Eckenhoff Saunders
Northlight’s new location at 1012 Church Street, Evanston IL