Announcing the Retirement of Founding Executive Director David Rice

And First Folio Theatre Will Cease Operations in 2023

Over two-and-a-half decades we have mounted over 80 productions, including twenty-five productions of Shakespeare’s works on their outdoor stage. We also produced 14 world premieres, 6 of them specifically commissioned for First Folio.

First Folio has had more shows directed by women in the past 25 years than almost any other Equity theater in the Chicago area. We also led the way in opportunities for women designers, resulting in multiple Jeff Nominations and Awards for the many women who have worked here.

First Folio's 2022-2023 season has been announced and First Folio will cease operations at the close of Twelfth Night in April, 2023.

See what the critics are saying about our outdoor summer Shakespeare-under-the-Stars...

"First Folio offers something Navy Pier can't... plenty of greenery, gentle breezes and the chance to stretch out on a blanket with family and friends while being transported to Shakespeare's otherworldly romance."

- Chicago Tribune