To our community of patrons, artists, supporters and friends
After 30 years, Eclipse Theatre Company in Chicago has made the difficult but necessary decision to suspend all production activities effective immediately in 2022. We end though on a high note having achieved an amazing record of excellence and success over the past three decades.
Eclipse was founded in 1992 by a group of DePaul Theatre Students focusing on new work. In 1997, Eclipse changed its mission to focus on the works of one playwright per season inspired by the Signature Theatre Company in New York. Eclipse was able to produce 28 seasons of plays. Playwrights featured by Eclipse since 1997 include Jean Cocteau, Tennessee Williams, Lillian Hellman, Romulus Linney, John Guare, Neil Simon, Keith Reddin, Lanford Wilson, Rebecca Gilman, Pearl Cleage, Arthur Miller, Eugene O'Neill, Alan Ayckbourn, Lynn Nottage, Terrence McNally, Stephen Adly Guirgis, Kia Corthron, William Inge, Christopher Durang, and Caryl Churchill. Eclipse was the only theatre in the Midwest dedicated to the exploration of a single playwright in each season. Eclipse's productions garnered 67 Jeff Nominations and 12 awards including 2 Best Production Awards. In addition to productions, Eclipse hosted numerous playwright scholar series events, in-school performances, public readings and also hosted the annual Corona Award honoring various members of the Chicago Theatre Community that dedicated themselves to nurturing small Chicago Theatres.
We want to thank all of you - the patrons, donors, supporters, board members and artists who helped Eclipse thrive and grow over three decades of producing Chicago Theatre. Without the contributions of numerous individuals, Eclipse would not have been able to exist over many years. We thank you for allowing Eclipse to have an impact on the vibrant legacy of the Chicago Theatre Community and carve a place in its rich history.