Writers Theatre Inc

Artistic Programming:The 2024/25 Season opened with the Chicago premiere of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 by Dave Malloy, directed and choreographed by Katie Spelman (September 5 - October 3, 2024). Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan, directed by Kimberly Senior, followed, bringing its award-winning, intimate storytelling to WT (November 1, 2024 - January 13, 2025). Acclaimed writer and performer Vanessa Severo presented Frida....A Self Portrait, directed by Joanie Schultz, in a solo performance (January 23 - February 23, 2025). Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham then helmed Brian Friel's Translations (April 3 - May 4, 2025). The 24/25 Season closed with the world premiere of Dhaba on Devon Avenue by Madhuri Shekar, directed by Chay Yew (June 20 - July 27, 2025).

Educational Programming:WT Education continued to expand program capacity in the 2024-25 school year, building on sustained post-pandemic recovery. Core programs, including the Novel Series and Student Matinees, operated at or above pre-pandemic levels, with increased classroom partnerships and new school relationships. We remain focused on expanding access for students with limited, inequitable access to arts education and live theatre experiences, particularly through partnerships with Chicago Public Schools and Communities in Schools. WT Education served over 3,000 students and community members across programs and deepened its impact through both school-based and onsite initiatives that connect the art onstage with broader community engagement. RESIDENCY PROGRAMIn the 2024/25 school year, The Novel Series served 900 Chicago Public School students across 35 classrooms in 9 schools, surpassing pre-pandemic capacity. WT Education expanded partnerships with three new schools and continued collaboration with Communities in Schools-Chicago to increase access for students in under-resourced communities, with a focus on equitable program delivery and sustained school relationships.STUDENT MATINEESIn the 2024/25 school year, WT Education hosted 929 students and teachers across 23 schools through 7 Student Matinee performances of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, Every Brilliant Thing and Translations. The program included 5 new school partners and continued efforts to broaden access by engaging a more diverse range of schools while maintaining strong partnerships across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.ONSITE CREATIVE LEARNINGWT Education offered a dynamic slate of onsite creative learning opportunities for young people, families and adults. More than 250 young people and caregivers participated in programs including Wake Up Words Family Playtime, Pop-Up Day Camps, and Spring Break Camp, alongside additional engagement through family matinee workshops, adult storytelling programs, and community events connected to mainstage productions