Gift Theater Reviews

This small storefront theater in Jefferson Park is a gift to theater goers seeking an intimate performance experience.

Small neighborhood theater with high quality theater company

So good! If your looking for something to do in Jefferson Park this should be one of your first stops.

We love this theater! The Gift is known for their fearless performances, phenomenal acting and thoughtful plays. Highly recommend!

Love this small store front theater in Jefferson Park!

This theater is just a short walk away from the Jefferson Park blue line stop and also close to the Gale Street Inn. This makes for a convenient "theater package" by public transportation. The theater itself is what you might expect of a "storefront theater". It's tiny, cramped, grungy. You'd have to practically cross the front of the stage if you needed to use the restroom during a show. Maybe the actors would not mind. The seats are just a few feet off the stage..... and there are fifty seats or less..... maybe only thirty. I don't recall. At the show I attended, the patrons in the front row of chairs were kindly asked to move back a few inches to allow a bit more room for one of the acts.

I say all this not so much in a negative fashion, but to accurately describe the ambiance of this theater which is a really cool experience. I saw the show Royal Society of Antartica here and was quite impressed with how much you can do with so little. I'd certainly come back here .... and maybe even bring friends for a grass-roots theater experience which is completely different from what you might find at a more sophisticated venue. Give it a try and check your expectations at the door.

The ultimate Chicago storefront theatre experience. Up close and intimate. Mostly new plays. The Spirit of Chicago theater is alive and well here

Wolfplay was absolutely wonderful. Loved every second. Wonderful theatre done in such a great, intimate space.

High quality shows & tremendous acting. I leave inspired everytime

Small cramped theater with uncomfortable seating stuck in the middle of nowhere.

Exceptional and wonderful night of entertainment. I really laughed and was delighted by the show. A small intimate room

Love, love, loved it! Hilarious team for the improv night!

Saw a great performance of The Unseen. Wonderful little theater.

The Gift is the smallest Equity theatre in Chicago but they put on some of the biggest stories. Every time we see a show I am so impressed with how the scenic designers transform the space. We saw Good for Auto and Grapes of Wrath here and both were such beautiful, intimate, and heartbreaking performances. The small space definitely helps create this atmosphere.