Raven Theatre

Raven Theatre has been a cultural cornerstone on the north side of Chicago for over 40 years providing revivals of modern dramas, thought-provoking new works, and first-class theater education programming. Founded in 1983, Raven moved into its current home in 2002 featuring an 85-seat Johnson Stage and 56-seat Schwartz Stage.

The theater’s subscription series offers three productions annually focusing on revivals of works from the late 19th century to present including both Chicago and World Premieres. Raven tells stories of today and the past that connect audiences to cultural landscapes through excellence in modern drama.

The Take Flight education program serves over 800 students and young people each year providing teaching artists to neighborhood schools for in-school theatrical residencies, field trip programs for elementary students, and summer theater camps. Programs emphasize ensemble work, creativity, confidence, and collaboration through immersive theater-making and imaginative play.

Take Flight Story Lab offers day camps on CPS days off and two-week summer camps for ages 6-14 divided into age groups (6-9 and 10-14). Camps run 9 AM to 3 PM featuring theater games, acting exercises, story-building activities, improvisation, and hands-on projects using popular stories as launch pads for original creations. No culminating performance emphasizes exploration, play, and creativity.

The theater is committed to sharing the importance and dynamic power of ensemble work helping young people unlock their creative potential in a fun, supportive, and creative environment with professional teaching artists.