Chicago City Wire

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) have announced a new initiative, "100 Free Acts of Theater," in collaboration with Goodman Theatre. This year-long event aims to bring arts programming to each of Chicago's 50 wards as part of Goodman Theatre’s Centennial 2025/2026 Season. The program will begin in late summer, offering free participation for all residents.

"We’re excited to collaborate with the Goodman Theatre on this extraordinary initiative that celebrates the diversity, creativity and vibrant artistic spirit of Chicago," said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. She emphasized that the project is more than just a performance series but an expression of community engagement.

Walter Artistic Director Susan V. Booth highlighted the importance of community support in reaching their centennial milestone: "You don’t hit the centennial milestone without deeply robust community support."

The initiative is led by Jared Bellot, The Goodman’s Clifford Director of Education and Engagement, along with Artistic Coordinator Emi Suarez and Producer Ericka Ratcliffe. Each act is developed in collaboration with partner organizations within various communities across Chicago.

As part of its 100th anniversary season, The Goodman will also present 11 theater productions, including six world premieres and one revival. This extensive lineup aims to honor past achievements while setting a stage for future endeavors.

The first-quarter partnerships include events such as "Book Up!" presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks Series from July 23 to August 10. Another notable event is "Sweetest Season," hosted at Goodman Theatre on August 1-2, celebrating Indigenous creativity.

Other events include Perceptions Theatre's BIPOC Play Festival from August 15-24 and Jackalope Theatre's Living Newspaper Festival opening night on August 21. These programs aim to highlight diverse voices within Chicago's artistic community.

The program also features exclusive workshops like Move Me Soul's Musical Theater Movement Workshop for youth artists on July 9 and Gage Park Latinx Council's artist-led workshop on July 25.

Partner organizations involved include DCASE and Goodman Theatre. DCASE supports artists throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods by investing in creative economies and expanding access to arts participation. Meanwhile, Goodman Theatre has been a cornerstone of Chicago’s cultural scene since its founding in 1925.

For more information about upcoming events or how to participate, visit GoodmanTheatre.org/FreeActs.