First Floor Theater is a non-profit storefront theater company aiming to pave a new path for American Theater, pointing the way towards a reimagined model centering equity, radical interrogation, and unapologetic live performance that challenges the status quo in each story told.

Over 14 seasons, we have:

  • Produced 9 World Premieres and 16 Chicago Premieres

  • Commissioned 4 new plays by Chicago playwrights

  • Presented work by 54 playwrights

  • Collaborated with over 200+ artists

  • Earned 25 award nominations

Three young people sitting in a dark room with red theater seats, engaged in work or study, with two using laptops and one writing on a notepad.
A group of people in a lively discussion, some seated and others standing, in a classroom or rehearsal space, with a brick wall and lockers in the background.

First Floor Theater

The Vanguard For What’s Next in Chicago Theater

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Our Story

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