Since 1986, Chicago Shakespeare Theater has been dazzling Chicagoans with award-winning, Shakespeare-inspired performances. Founded by the current Artistic Director, Barbara Gaines, the regional Tony Award-winning theater performs for schools and neighborhoods throughout Chicagoland and on stages around the world. CST is now housed in one of the city’s most iconic destinations, Navy Pier.
On June 8, Chicago Shakespeare Theater held GALA 2018, an event celebrating the arts and honoring leaders in both the theater and philanthropic community. CST presented awards to philanthropists Marilynn and Carl Thoma for the pivotal role they’ve played in the growth of the company, and award-winning actor John Lithgow for his outstanding career and embodiment of Shakespeare.
The evening included an exclusive performance at The Yard by Tony and Grammy Award-winner Heather Headley and “The Voice”‘s Chris Mann.
GALA 2018 raised $1.6 million for the theater’s education and community outreach initiatives. CST’s education programs support literacy and creativity for 40,000 students each year.
The evening was made possible thanks to the generosity and support of: Thoma Bravo — Seth Boro, Orlando Bravo, Scott Crabill, Lee Mitchell and Holden Spaht — the Lead Consortium, the Host Committee, and the advocacy of CST’s Board of Directors.
The free Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour is a popular pastime amongst both locals and visitors. The nonprofit theater welcomes 30,000 guests to shows in neighborhood parks across the city each summer.
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Emily Stone is Associate Editor at Make It Better. She earned a degree in journalism from Elon University in North Carolina. Along with writing, Stone has a passion for digital storytelling and photography. Her work is published in Chicago Athlete Magazine. Stone is a supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Stone is a fluent Spanish speaker who in her free time loves a good dance class.
