Free Theater Isn't Free to Make

We believe we are what we need. Join our Be Free Street Giving Collective and be a part of making theater accessible to all in Chicago.
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“If we could create portals to new realities, what would we find?” 

 

57 Blocks is an immersive and interactive performance, that brings together Free Street’s two youth ensembles, and connects audiences to both of our spaces by way of a bus ride. Audiences will arrive at Pulaski Park, and be welcomed to their first day, not as “students,” but as accomplices to youth in Chicago in their mission to change the face of education as we know it.

Real money. REAL IMPACT.

At Free Street, we joke that we have THE WORST business model in the world. We pay everyone that works with us (theater is a job) AND we offer all of our programming for free/pay-what-you-can (theater isn’t a luxury). We are committed to finding ways to break down the financial barriers that keep people from participating in the theater as both audiences AND artists. We provide free children’s programming at plays and rehearsals (babysitters are expensive!) and our In/House program provides free rehearsal and performance space for artists developing new work. But we count on you to help make this possible. If you share our commitment to making theater for everyone, join our Be Free Street Giving Collective. From $10 to $1,000,000, your dollars make the difference for Free Street.  #BeFreeStreet

 

What’s in it for you?

Besides the warm and fuzzy glow of philanthropy, the Be Free Street Collective comes with perks!

Monthly donation of $1 or more: your name on our Be Free Street wall in lobby and invitation to our Season Brainstorming Session – help us decide new programming.

Any donation of $25 or more: this year’s Be Free Street shirt, plus the above.

Monthly donation of $10 or more: 2 for 1 ticket to our annual Radical Love party, plus a VFSP (Very Free Street Person) pre-gaming hour and toast before the party, plus all of the above.

Donation of $1000 or more annually: your name on website and all printed materials, an exclusive Dinner With the Artists invitation, and all of the above.

Donation of $400,000 or more: WE LOVE YOU, TELL US WHAT YOU WANT.

We need things!

Do you have or can you provide us these items?
  • Color Printer
  • Water service
  • Office supplies
    • Pens
    • Paper (reams and rolls)
    • Post its (large and small
  • iPads and Computers

Join Free Street’s Board

Love Free Street? Join our board and help support this historic organization grow past 50. Board meets every other month and connects Free Street to potential donors, new audience members, and other organizations.
For board and host committee information contact Caroline O’Boyle:
special thanks to these folks who already give us money

The Alphawood Foundation, the Arts Work Fund, the
ComEd Powering the Arts program, the Crossroads Fund, The
Chicago Community Trust, DCASE, The Gaylord and Dorothy
Donnelley Foundation, The Driehaus Foundation, the Field
Foundation, Illinois Arts Council, Illinois Humanities, the Reva
and David Logan Foundation, the Joyce Foundation, and many
individuals like you.