

What will it take to save Chicago theaters?
Theaters have yet to see the cultural comeback that art advocates have hoped since the pandemic began.
Pandemic-era federal relief funds were a lifeline to theaters in Chicago and across the country. Now, those dollars are drying up as theater seats aren’t filling up at the same rate as before the pandemic. Do theaters need to rethink their business model to stay alive?
Reset checks in with two Chicago theaters, a critic and arts advocate for more.
GUESTS: Chris Jones, chief theater critic, Chicago Tribune
Claire Rice, executive director, Arts Alliance Illinois
Jeannie Lukow, executive director of Porchlight Music Theatre
Kara Riopelle, managing director with Chicago Shakespeare Theater
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons


What will it take to save Chicago theaters?
Theaters have yet to see the cultural comeback that art advocates have hoped since the pandemic began.
Pandemic-era federal relief funds were a lifeline to theaters in Chicago and across the country. Now, those dollars are drying up as theater seats aren’t filling up at the same rate as before the pandemic. Do theaters need to rethink their business model to stay alive?
Reset checks in with two Chicago theaters, a critic and arts advocate for more.
GUESTS: Chris Jones, chief theater critic, Chicago Tribune
Claire Rice, executive director, Arts Alliance Illinois
Jeannie Lukow, executive director of Porchlight Music Theatre
Kara Riopelle, managing director with Chicago Shakespeare Theater