Home to more active performance and event space than any other building in the country.
Mission Statement
The Den Theatre believes in the power of human connection. Our mission is to bring artists and audiences together in the spirit of respect, empathy, and community. We are a center for entertainment and artistic expression, providing a warm and diverse environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered to gather, play, create and share.
Intercultural Development Statement
Acknowledging that theatre is inherently social and political we understand that we have a responsibility to actively develop a culture that is accessible and safe for patrons and artists to gather, play, create, and share. We strive to develop a workforce that is at least as diverse as our community and to reflect Chicago’s full spectrum of talent in the work that we invite to perform. We believe that art is stronger and more authentic when we welcome all voices from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the narrative. We strive to curate a community where diversity is not only hard-wired into the fabric of our organization but that actively aspires to achieve equity. We consider it a privilege to be a part of the discussion in creating a more inclusive theatre. We understand that this is a process and that we must be willing to listen to our community, accept our missteps, and always strive for growth.
Respect: We believe in holding a deep appreciation for the community in which we serve, by practicing respect between each other every day. It is through our ability to sympathize and empathize that we create a welcoming environment for our patrons and team members.
Community: We believe in curating a climate of unity and kinship where diversity, equity, and inclusion are heralded.
Quality: We believe in seeking the highest quality entertainment available in the nation and providing it to the greater Chicago area.
Integrity: We believe in upholding a moral code of honesty, acceptance, and love. And that we must actively work within and outside of our institutions to manifest this code.
Innovation: We are always prepared to take new risks and expand our ideas of what defines art and what art we are ready to present to our patrons.
History of The Den Theatre
In 2010, Ryan Martin rented a second floor with one room, and opened his very own theatre in Chicago’s Wicker Park. What was once a space without a name is now The Den Theatre, home to diverse and exciting theatre, events, and stand-up!
