Business Details
29 Years
experience
Timeline Theatre: History in Motion
Timeline Theatre has been a Chicago cultural institution since 1997, dedicated to presenting historically inspired stories that connect with contemporary social and political issues. Our collaborative team of Company Members and Associate Artists creates provocative theatre experiences that extend beyond the stage through interactive lobby exhibits, post-show discussions, and educational programs. With 95 productions including 15 world premieres and 43 Chicago premieres, we've earned 62 Jeff Awards and national recognition for artistic excellence and innovative programming.Our Living History Education Program has engaged over 8,400 Chicago Public School students since 2006, while our new Uptown home under construction will expand our capacity to serve the community. We maintain rigorous artistic standards while operating with sophisticated business practices, evidenced by our receipt of the Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and multiple strategic planning accolades.
Services
Theater Productions
Educational Programs
Community Engagement
Arts Integration
Playwright Development
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We produce award-winning theatre with 62 Jeff Awards and national recognition
- Our Living History Education Program has served 8,400+ Chicago students since 2006
- We maintain Actors' Equity Association contracts since 2008 for professional standards
- Our new Uptown home represents a $41.5 million investment in Chicago's cultural future
- We combine artistic excellence with sophisticated business practices recognized by industry awards
What people say
Provocative theatre
Award-winning productions
Engaging educational programs
Community-focused initiatives
Professional artistry
Services
Theater Productions
TimeLine Theatre presents historically inspired plays that examine contemporary social issues through award-winning productions. Our work combines meticulous research with artistic innovation to create immersive experiences that challenge audiences to rethink current events through historical perspectives. Each season features a mix of world premieres, Chicago premieres, and classic works reimagined for modern relevance.
Educational Programs
Our Living History Education Program brings theater arts into Chicago Public Schools through arts integration residencies that develop critical thinking and communication skills. Students explore historical themes through creative exercises that connect past events to contemporary experiences while fostering self-expression and ensemble building through our TimeLine South initiative on Chicago's south side.
Community Engagement
We extend the theatre experience beyond performances through interactive lobby exhibits, post-show discussions, and Sunday Scholars panels. These programs create opportunities for audience members to engage with artists and experts, deepening their understanding of each production's historical context and contemporary relevance while fostering community dialogue around important social issues.
Playwright Development
The Playwrights Collective supports Chicago-based writers through residencies and workshops that develop new works aligned with our mission. This program has produced world premieres like Relentless and To Catch a Fish, providing a platform for voices that explore historical narratives through contemporary lenses while nurturing local theatrical talent.
Arts Integration
Our educational initiatives combine theater arts with history and literature curriculum for Chicago Public Schools. Through six-to-13 session residencies, students analyze historical texts, create original performances, and develop critical thinking skills while exploring connections between past events and their own lives, fostering both artistic appreciation and historical understanding.
People
PJ Powers
Artistic Director
PJ Powers leads TimeLine's artistic vision, overseeing season selection and production development. With extensive theater experience, he champions historically inspired works that connect to contemporary issues while maintaining artistic excellence in all productions.
Mica Cole
Executive Director
Mica Cole manages TimeLine's operations and strategic growth, overseeing the $41.5 million capital campaign for the new Uptown home. She ensures the organization's financial sustainability while maintaining its artistic mission and community focus.
Thaddeus J. Malik
Board President
Thaddeus J. Malik chairs TimeLine's board, providing governance leadership and strategic direction. He represents the organization's commitment to equity and justice while supporting the transition to its new Uptown location.
Lara Goetsch
Director of Marketing and Communications
Lara Goetsch leads TimeLine's marketing strategy, promoting productions and community programs. She manages media relations and audience development initiatives to expand the theater's reach across Chicago.
Rosie Schultz
Director of Donor Engagement
Rosie Schultz oversees TimeLine's fundraising efforts, managing donor relations and development programs. She coordinates annual campaigns and planned giving initiatives that support 45% of the organization's operating budget.
Questions
What makes TimeLine Theatre's productions unique?
Our productions combine historically inspired stories with contemporary social issues through award-winning performances that include interactive exhibits, post-show discussions, and educational programs.
How does TimeLine engage with the Chicago community?
We offer educational programs in Chicago Public Schools, TimeLine South on the south side, and community engagement events that connect historical themes to local issues.
What educational programs does TimeLine offer?
The Living History Education Program provides arts integration residencies for Chicago students, while TimeLine South offers summer arts programs focused on self-expression and social justice.
Where are TimeLine's performances held?
Our 2025-2026 season includes performances at Lookingglass Theatre, Broadway Playhouse, and our new Uptown home opening in Spring 2026.
How is TimeLine supporting diversity and inclusion?
Our antiracism statement guides programming and operations, with initiatives like TimeLine South that provide arts access to underserved communities across Chicago.
What recognition has TimeLine received?
We've earned 62 Jeff Awards, the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions, and national recognition from The Wall Street Journal and Chicago Tribune.
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