The Theatre of Western Springs

The Theatre of Western Springs is a community theatre located in Western Springs, Illinois, United States.[1] It has been in existence since 1929, making it one of the oldest on-going community theatres in the country.[2] It features main stage productions, children’s theatre and high school repertory productions with summer camp opportunities, educational workshops and a performance series showcasing well known entertainers. It offers a 359 seat auditorium, a 117 seat black-box space and outdoor performance areas.

The Theatre of Western Springs is a member of Arts Midwest and American Association of Community Theatres.

History

The Theatre of Western Springs, originally named "The Little Theatre of Western Springs", was founded in 1929 by Mary Cattell, a local resident who had studied at several theatre schools.[3][4][5] While studying directing under Ivan Lazaroff, founder of the Chicago Art Theatre, she learned the principles used at the Moscow Art Theatre, particularly the training of actors in a studio system setting, and was encouraged to start a theatre of her own, leading to the founding of The Theatre of Western Springs.[6] In 1946, the Children's Theatre of Western Springs was added, and included classes in acting technique, dance and movement, and scene design and construction.

Originally performing in the Western Springs Village Club, the Theatre recognized that it would need its own building and began fundraising for this purpose in 1957. The land it currently rests on was purchased that year. In 1976, the addition of a studio theatre allowed it to expand its offerings.[7]

Notable actors

The following notable actors have appeared at The Theatre of Western Springs:

Production seasons

The last five production seasons, including the current, are listed below:

2026 - 2027 Season

2025 - 2026 Season[18]

2024 - 2025 Season

2023 - 2024 Season

2022 - 2023

Past playbills can be found at the Chicago Public Library Theater Collection Archives.[20]

Non-profit status

The Theatre of Western Springs is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.[21]

References

  1. ↑ Petrak, Lynn (2016-07-11). "Western Springs". West Suburban Living. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  2. ↑ "community-theatre-history | AACT - American Association of Community Theatre". aact.org. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
  3. ↑ Green, Betsy (April 22, 2002). Western Springs, Illinois. Arcadia Publishing. p. 25. ISBN 0738519510.
  4. ↑ Day, Thomas (1980-01-01). "The theatre of Western Springs, Illinois : a successful community theatre". Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations.
  5. ↑ Devona, John (2015-09-08). "How One Woman Changed Western Springs". Western Springs, IL Patch. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  6. ↑ Murphy, H Lee (December 14, 1984). "Its audiences learn to trust theatre of western springs: COMMUNITY THEATER theatre of western springs doesn't do things by the book". The Chicago Tribune. pp. 10–12.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  7. ↑ "Web Extra: Little, Big Theater". WTTW News. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
  8. ↑ "Chloe Baldwin - Actor. Fighter. Producer". Chloe Baldwin - Actor. Fighter. Producer. Retrieved 2026-02-10.
  9. ↑ "Patty Duke To Perform At Theatre of Western Springs Benefit - Theatre News - Theatre In Chicago". www.theatreinchicago.com. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  10. ↑ Searles, Morgan; src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles_Badge__PNwMX" (2015-07-12). "Television and Film Star Nora Dunn to Appear at Theatre of Western Springs". Western Springs, IL Patch. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  11. ↑ "SNL alum Nora Dunn brings comic monologues to TWS". Chicago Tribune. 2015-07-17. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  12. ↑ "SNL alum Nora Dunn's show recalls her starstruck days". Chicago Tribune. 2016-02-05. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  13. ↑ "Local Event: The Cattell Series: A Conversation with David Eigenberg". Western Springs, IL Patch. 2026-04-29. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
  14. ↑ "Felicia Fields speaking at Theatre of Western Springs". Chicago Tribune. 2017-02-27. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  15. ↑ McRoy, Darren; src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles_Badge__PNwMX" (2012-07-11). "Theatre of Western Springs Announces '12-'13 (84th) Season". Western Springs, IL Patch. Retrieved 2025-12-01.
  16. ↑ Swanson, Lorraine; src="https://patch.com/img/cdn/assets/layout/badges/verified-patch-staff.svg"/>, Patch Staff<img alt="Verified Patch Staff Badge" class="styles_Badge__PNwMX" (2016-09-25). "Spend An Evening With Broadway Legend Mitzi Hamilton at Theatre of Western Springs". Western Springs, IL Patch. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  17. ↑ Price, Leslie; Neighbor (2013-06-28). ""He can act and he can sing and he can dance."". Western Springs, IL Patch. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  18. ↑ "Theatre of Western Springs kicks off 97th season with classic thriller". Chicago Tribune. 2025-08-15. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  19. ↑ "Community news: Western Springs theatre presents 'Doubt, a Parable,' Supreme Court decisions discussion, more". Chicago Tribune. 2025-09-15. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  20. ↑ "Chicago Theater Collection-Miscellaneous Programs". Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  21. ↑ Roberts, Andrea Suozzo, Alec Glassford, Ash Ngu, Brandon (2013-05-09). "Theatre Of Western Springs - Nonprofit Explorer". ProPublica. Retrieved 2025-11-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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