As the curtain rises on another season, we are shining a spotlight on some of Chicago's top theater companies. Find out why these companies ooze bold productions, creative talent and commitment to making the theater scene what it is today.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Founded in 1974 by Jeff Perry, Terry Kinney and Gary Sinise, Steppenwolf Theatre Company is internationally known for its powerful storytelling. Located in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, Steppenwolf has become one of the most influential regional theater companies in the United Stages; often showcasing an ensemble of actors who have gone on to have careers in television and film. 

Some notable shows that origination at Steppenwolf and later transferred to Broadway include 'August: Osage Country' (2007) - written by Tracy Letts. This dark comedy-drama premiered at Steppenwolf before transferring to Broadway where it went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and several Tony Awards including Best Play. 'True West' (1980) - Sam Shepard's play was first performed at Steppenwolf in 1980 before transferring to Broadway in 1982! 'The Grapes of the Wrath' (1988) - Frank Galati directed this adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel. It transferred in Broadway in 1990 and received critical acclaim alongside winning several Tony Award, including Best Play and Best Director. 

Goodman Theatre

Founding in 1925 and named after playwright Kenneth Sawyer Goodman, Goodman Theatre is Chicago's oldest and largest non-profit theater. Located in the Loop, the Goodman as built a reputation for producing a mix of classic plays, bold new works and large-scale productions. 

Some notable shows that originated at the Goodman and transferred to Broadway including 'I Am My Own Wife' (2003) - written by Doug Wright and directed by Moises Kaufman. The play premiered at the Goodman before moving to Broadway, where it won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. 'Death of a Salesman' (1998) - this revival, directed by Robert Falls and starring Brian Dennehy, started at the Goodman before transferring to Broadway, winning for Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Play. 'The Light in the Piazza' (2004) - a music by Adam Guettel and Craig Lucas, had its pre-Broadway tryout at the Goodman before moving to Lincoln Center, where it won six Tony Awards. 

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Founded in 1986 by Barbara Gaines, Chicago Shakespeare Theater is located on Navy Pier and is known for its interpretations of Shakespeare's work as well as new plays and musicals. The theater has earned a reputation for its high-quality productions. 

One of the most notable transfers from CST to Broadway is 'Six' (2019) - the British pop musical about the six wives of Henry VIII has its U.S. premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater before transferring to Broadway in 2020. The show went on to become a global phenomenon, earning multiple Tony nominations and awards. 

Lookingglass Theatre Company

Founded in 1988 by a group of Northwestern University graduates including David Schwimmer, Lookingglass Theatre Company is known for its ensemble approach to theater; the company focuses on inventive storytelling and visually rich productions. 

A notable production that transferred to Broadway is 'Metamorphoses' (1998) - written and directed by Mary Zimmerman, this adaptation premiered at Lookingglass before moving to Off-Broadway and then Broadway in 2002. It received widespread acclaim and earned Zimmerman a Tony Award for Best Direction.