First Folio Theatre

==First Folio Theatre== First Folio Theatre was a non-profit professional theater company located in the western suburbs of Chicago, specifically in residence at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook, Illinois. Established in 1996 by David Rice and his late wife Alison C. Vesely, the theater concluded its operations on February 26, 2023, after a 24-year history of presenting intimate productions of classic and contemporary works. ===Mission and Values=== The theater's mission was to present intimate productions of classic and contemporary works, enriching the community through a unique theatrical experience. First Folio Theatre was committed to the belief that theater is for everyone and must reflect diverse perspectives. It emphasized the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in storytelling, supporting the creation of new work, and developing the contributions of women, non-binary, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), and LGBTQIA artists and leaders. ===Land Acknowledgement=== First Folio Theatre acknowledged that it gathered on the traditional and ancestral homelands of Native nations, including the Ojibwe, Ottawa, and Potawatomi. The theater recognized the complex legacies of violence, migration, settlement, and displacement that have shaped the region and paid respect to the indigenous peoples upon whose lands the theater operated. ===History=== First Folio Theatre was founded with the vision of bringing high-quality Shakespeare and other classic performances to the Chicagoland suburbs. The theater began with a production of "The Tempest" on a custom-designed outdoor stage at the Mayslake Peabody Estate Forest Preserve in the summer of 1997. Over the years, the theater expanded from an annual outdoor summer show to a year-round season, eventually staging four productions each year, including a summer Shakespeare production. The theater experienced growth and recognition, earning 7 Jeff Awards and 42 Jeff Nominations for Excellence in Chicago Theater. It was also listed in The Shakespeare Book of Lists as one of the 150 Great Places to See a Shakespeare Play. First Folio's repertoire included half of the Shakespearean canon, original adaptations, and world premieres. Notable productions included "Cymbeline: A Musical Folk Tale," "The Madness of Edgar Allan Poe," "The Gravedigger," and stage adaptations of P.G. Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster series. ===Community and Support=== The success of First Folio Theatre was largely attributed to strong community support. As a professional, not-for-profit theater, it relied on fundraising for various aspects of its operations. The theater encouraged visitors to experience the unique setting of the historic Peabody mansion, which added to the immersive experience of its productions. ===Closure=== Despite its achievements and community engagement, First Folio Theatre closed its doors in March 2023, marking the end of a notable chapter in the cultural life of the Chicagoland suburbs. The theater's legacy continues through the memories of its patrons and the impact it had on promoting the arts in the local community. ==External Links== * [http://www.heronagency.com Heron Agency] - For press inquiries * [http://www.getartseen.com Get Art Seen] - Website design [[Category:Theatre companies in Illinois]] [[Category:1996 establishments in Illinois]] [[Category:2023 disestablishments in Illinois]] [[Category:Non-profit organizations based in Illinois]]