Our Mission

Apple Tree Theatre is committed to producing a diverse and challenging selection of both dramas and musicals, from new works to classics, all of which illuminate the human condition, celebrate the tenacity of the human spirit, and expand the vision and understanding of artists and audiences alike—culturally, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually, as they connect with one another. Holding to rigorous artistic standards, Apple Tree is determined to make these productions accessible by virtue of its regional location, by sensitive accommodation to the physical limitations of audience members, and by employing strategies to diversify its audiences.

Apple Tree Theatre in Highland Park, Illinois (near Lake Michigan in the Northshore suburbs of Chicago), has been producing award-winning plays and musicals since its inception in 1983. Now nationally known and highly respected, Apple Tree has remained an artistic and cultural force in Chicago theater for 25 years. Apple Tree provides a professional five show mainstage season.

Apple Tree moved to its Elm Place location in Highland Park after starting out in the same church basement previously used by Steppenwolf Theatre. As an interum location, Apple Tree moved into the Karger Center in Highland Park providing an intimate 97-seat theater in the round. In addition to its reputation for artistic excellence over the past 24 years, Apple Tree has proudly earned 109 Joseph Jefferson (Jeff) nominations and 28 Jeff awards. View the production history.

In 1997, Apple Tree made history by becoming the only theatre to ever receive Jeff awards for both outstanding play and outstanding musical in the same season: for Blade to the Heat and Assassins. In addition, Apple Tree was recognized with eight Jeff awards in 1997-more awards than any other theatre in the Chicagoland area that year. Apple Tree selects plays and musicals that diversify, enrich and enlighten the vision and understanding of both its audiences and its artists.

Established in 1983, Apple Tree Theatre is the professional performing division of its parent corporation, The Eileen Boevers Performing Arts Workshop (incorporated in 1970).  The Workshop was founded as a program committed to building confidence, creativity, self-esteem, skills, imagination, and a love of the arts.  Our professional staff of nurturing, dedicated artists assures each student the finest instruction available in a non-competitive, supportive environment. 

In addition to its mainstage season, the Workshop produces a unique educational outreach, Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA), which is committed to presenting works focused to an underserved audiences - middle and junior high school age groups. Established in 1989, TYA presentations include stage adaptations of literature directly from state-mandated school curriculum, focusing on diverse themes such as multi-cultural sensitivity and the Holocaust. The Theatre for Young Audience's productions have been performed throughout the Chicagoland area, including Theatre Building Chicago, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Griffin Theatre, Harold Washington Library, Gorton Center and Apple Tree Theatre. TYA field trips give teachers the opportunity to provide a professional theatre experience while bringing literature to life for students.

The Traveling Troupe of the Eileen Boevers Performing Arts Workshop is a unique group of extraordinary young people, ages 11-14, who travel throughout the Chicagoland area delighting audiences of all ages with their outstanding musical revues. The Traveling Troupe was founded in 1975 and its members are selected by audition each fall. They have traveled as far as Italy and are available for booking for fundraising activities and/or special events.

APPLE TREE DOES NOT ACCEPT UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS OR SYNOPSIS. ANY MANUSCRIPTS OR SYSNOPSIS RECEIVED WILL BE DISREGARDED.

production history | current season | subscribe | tickets

Photos (top to bottom): Deanna Dunagan, Robert Breuler in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (2002); Will Clinger, Wendi Weber, Stephen Full in "Fuddy Meers" (2001)