Announcing the Retirement of Founding Executive Director David Rice

And First Folio Theatre Will Cease Operations in 2024

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.

We will be announcing our 2022-2023 season this coming spring and will announce our final three-show season in early 2023. Following the end of the 2023- 2024, season we will be dissolving the not-for-profit corporation.

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