Displaying items by tag: fundraiser

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents Halloween Boo Bash, its annual costumed fundraiser benefiting artists' wages during Season 41. This popular, all-ages celebration features live performances and ghost stories, trick or treating in the theater, contests, seasonal bites and brews, and more. Halloween Boo Bash will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, 4:00pm-7:00pm at the company's home, 5627 N. Lincoln Ave.

Tickets, priced at $35, are available now at americanbluestheater.com.

Highlights of the Halloween Boo Bash include:

Pumpkin Decorating, Costume Parade, Outdoor Games, & Prizes

4:00pm-5:00pm

Guests must provide their own pumpkins. American Blues Theater will have tables, some tools, and paint! You may bring your pumpkin already decorated to enter the contest. Prizes will be awarded for all ages. Costumes are optional. Partygoers wearing costumes will automatically be entered for prizes.

Trick or Treating in the theater, Seasonal Bites, Bevs & Brews

5:00pm-5:30pm

Trick or Treat inside American Blues Theater's home! Guests will also enjoy seasonal bites of sweet, salty, and savory snacks and specialty witches brew and drinks for all age and thirsts.

Karaoke Performances & Campfire Stories by incredible artists

5:30pm-7:00pm

American Blues ensemble and artistic affiliates perform karaoke and campfire stories with spine-chilling flair. Some karaoke spots are available for members of the public.

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request a slot. Space is limited and subject to availability.

There will be no reserved parking for this event as many of the activities and games will take place in the lot. There is free street parking on Lincoln and neighborhood streets.

To learn more about the Halloween Boo Bash or to make a donation, contact Director of Development Sarajane Johnson at (773) 654-3103 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About Season 41

American Blues Theater's Season 41 opened with the world premiere of Black Girl from a White Suburb, a tour-de-force solo show by Artistic Affiliate Tania Richard, directed by J. Nicole Brooks (September 4 – October 4, 2026). The season continues with the 25^th Anniversary production of Chicago's original holiday hit It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! (November 19 – December 27, 2026); the world premiere of Ken Urban's Blue Ink Award winner The Conquered, directed by Jonathan Berry (June 11 – July 18, 2027); and the Chicago Premiere of UHURU by Gloria Majule, directed by Mikael Burke (Sept 3 – Oct 10, 2027) Tickets are available through the American Blues Theater box office, online at www.americanbluestheater.com or by calling (773) 654-3103.

Public Programming and Special Events

American Blues Theater is excited to offer audiences even more ways to engage with artists, neighbors and the larger community through its two programs The Commons and @Home Accessibility Series.

The Commons features readings, live concerts, open mics, game nights, town halls and more at American Blues. The @Home Accessibility Series features readings, live concerts, and town halls from the comfort of home via Zoom. For the most up-to-date programming schedule or to purchase tickets, visit www.americanbluestheater.com. Additional programming will be announced throughout the season.

About American Blues Theater

Winner of the prestigious National Theatre Company Award from American Theatre Wing (Tony Awards). American Blues Theater is an Ensemble of artists committed to producing new and classic diverse stories that ask the question: "What does it mean to be American?"

The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Ensemble theater in Chicago. As of 2026, the theater and artists received 265 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 44 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades.  

BrightSide Theatre will celebrate its 15th anniversary with "Monte Carlo Night," a gala and fundraiser, on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Yellow Box Theatre, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville. The special evening will bring together supporters, artists, audiences, and community members to honor 15 years of stories, performances, and memories while raising support for BrightSide Theatre's future.
 
Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, Italian dinner buffet, entertainment, casino-style games, live and silent auctions, and special anniversary moments celebrating BrightSide Theatre's impact in Naperville and the surrounding area. Tickets may be purchased online at https://brightsidetheatre.com/15th-anniversary-gala/.
 
For 15 years, BrightSide Theatre has brought professional theatre, concerts, youth productions, and community performances to Naperville and the surrounding area. The anniversary gala will celebrate everyone who has helped shape that journey and will help make the next 15 years possible.
 
Proceeds from the event will support BrightSide Theatre's continued work creating professional theatre, providing opportunities for local artists, and inspiring young performers through the BrightSide Theatre Youth Project.
 
Event Details
What: Monte Carlo Night: 15th Anniversary Gala & Fundraiser
When: Friday, September 25, 2026
Where: Yellow Box Theatre, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville 60540
Tickets: $125 per person, available at https://brightsidetheatre.com/15th-anniversary-gala/ 
RSVP Deadline: September 21, 2026
Schedule: 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception and check-in; 7:00–10:00 p.m. Italian buffet, entertainment, casino-style games, and auctions
 
ABOUT BRIGHTSIDE THEATRE
 
BrightSide Theatre (Jeffrey Cass, Artistic Director and Julie Ann Kornak, Executive Director) is committed to Enlighten, Educate, and Entertain through comedies and inspirational stories from across the globe.  A unique blend of award-winners, premieres, modern works and timeless classics meant to reflect upon and inform our community inhabit BrightSide's stage. For more information on BrightSide Theatre, please visit www.BrightSidetheatre.com.