Romantic & Industrial, Urban Gathering Spaces

Our Building: With an eclectic variety of mix-and-match spaces, our venue invites experimentation among and across creative disciplines, and offers unique, customizable audience experiences. Situated at the nexus of Chicago’s North Lawndale and Little Village (aka South Lawndale) neighborhoods, Theatre Y serves as a lively hub for unconventional and innovative work by both local and national artists who are committed to nurturing vibrant urban communities. Four-story industrial building perfect for hosting fundraisers, performances, classes/workshops, film screenings, auditions, photo/video shoots, gallery pop-ups, corporate events, vendor fairs, and more! What was once a store-house loading dock (at rear, with alley access) has been transformed into a gritty black-box theater with a soaring, chandelier-accented ceiling—ideal for developing choreography, rehearsing/staging plays, screening films, throwing galas (or, equally, raves), and showcasing musical acts. Beyond the building’s brick facade (at front, with street access) lies an intimate cabaret space where raw materials like painted cinder block and exposed pipes mingle freely with candlelit tables and vintage decor. Just off the stage, a charming baby grand piano sits beside an original safety-deposit vault—a cool, quirky spot to sip cocktails, exhibit art, or conduct small workshops. Depending on the number/combination of spaces booked, this location can accommodate between 60 and 150 people. Our organization: Theatre Y is proud and grateful to reside in the heart of Chicago’s West Side! We reduce barriers to entry for local artists and arts organizations, producing events that are free and open to the public. One of the ways we make this possible is by renting our unique venues for private events. Previously the Theatre Y building has been used for film shoots, parties, dance competitions, rehearsals, vendor fairs, performances and ceremonies.