Overview
The Goodman Theatre is a major nonprofit theatre company located in Chicago's Loop. Long regarded as one of the city's leading resident theatres, it produces a season of plays that ranges from new commissions and contemporary work to revivals of classic drama. The company operates from a downtown theatre complex that occupies, in part, the historic Harris and Selwyn Theaters site and maintains a public profile through subscriptions, single-ticket offerings, and community partnerships. Visitors can learn more about the Loop location on the theatre's public information pages: Chicago's Loop.
Facilities and structure
The Goodman is organized around multiple performance spaces and the supporting production facilities typical of a large regional company. Its complex generally includes a principal proscenium or thrust stage for mainstage productions, a smaller studio or black-box space for experimental work and readings, and offstage shops for set construction, costume, and props. The use of the landmark Harris and Selwyn property contributes historic theatre architecture to the company's physical identity while providing flexible venues for a variety of theatrical forms.
History and development
Founded in the early 20th century and growing through the decades into a professional repertory institution, the Goodman has been integral to Chicago's theatre ecology. Over time it has expanded from a single season of offerings to a multi-faceted organization with artistic staff, resident artists, and partnerships with directors, playwrights and designers. The theatre’s development reflects broader trends in American regional theatre: professionalization, emphasis on new-play development, and increased attention to community engagement.
Productions, commissioning and influence
The Goodman stages a mixture of premieres, commissioned new work, contemporary plays, and established classics. Productions mounted at the Goodman have served as launching platforms for new American plays that travel to other regional theatres, national tours, or commercial runs. The company is active in commissioning and development programs that support playwrights and directors, and it contributes to the vitality of the wider Chicago theatre community through co-productions and artist residencies.
Education, outreach and community role
Beyond its mainstage work, the Goodman runs educational and outreach initiatives aimed at young people, teachers, and community groups. These programs commonly include school matinees, workshops, artist talks, and internships that build audiences and train emerging theatre professionals. The theatre’s public programs are designed to deepen access to live performance and to connect productions to broader civic and cultural conversations.
Distinctive features and legacy
As the city’s oldest currently active nonprofit theatre organization, the Goodman occupies a distinctive place in Chicago’s cultural landscape. Its combination of historic performance spaces, a commitment to new and established plays, and robust education work make it a focal point for theatre-makers and audiences in the region. For those interested in learning more about current seasons, community offerings, or visiting performances, the Goodman’s official information portals provide schedules, ticketing, and visitor guidance.