You’re driving through the winding, tree-lined streets of Lake Forest, past the sprawling estates and the quiet dignity of the North Shore, and you might miss it. It’s tucked away. It doesn’t have a massive neon marquee or a ten-story fly loft. But Citadel Theatre Lake Forest has become, quite honestly, one of the most vital professional theater hubs in the Chicago suburbs. Most people see suburban theater and think "community play," but that's a huge mistake here. We're talking about Equity-level talent in a room so intimate you can see the sweat on the actor's brow. It’s raw. It’s real.
Founding Artistic Director Scott Westerman and Managing Director Megan Behm have cultivated something specific. They aren't trying to be the Goodman or Steppenwolf. They're trying to be the place where you feel like the play is happening in your living room.
The Weird History of the West Campus
Actually, the location itself is a bit of a trip. The theater is housed in the West Campus of Lake Forest High School, but it’s its own distinct professional entity. It’s a 144-seat space. That is tiny. For context, most mid-sized theaters sit around 300 to 500. When you sit in the front row at Citadel, your feet are basically on the stage.
This intimacy changes the acting. You can't "cheat" here. You can't do those big, theatrical gestures that work in a 2,000-seat house because, from five feet away, that just looks like yelling. The actors have to be subtle. They have to be honest. It’s why so many Jeff Award-winning performers keep coming back to this specific corner of Lake Forest. They want to test their craft in a space where the audience is part of the scene.
What Most People Get Wrong About Suburban Equity Houses
There is this lingering snobbery in the Chicago arts scene. If it isn't in the Loop or Wicker Park, is it "real" theater? Citadel Theatre Lake Forest puts that nonsense to bed every season. They operate under a transition contract with Actors' Equity Association (AEA). That means they are hiring the same pros you see on the big stages downtown.
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The range is also kind of wild. One month they'll do a massive, glittery musical like Annie or Little Shop of Horrors, and the next they're staging a claustrophobic, intense drama like The Glass Menagerie or something brand new that’s never been seen in the Midwest. They don't play it safe. They take risks that a lot of larger theaters won't touch because their overhead is so high.
Why the 2024-2025 Season Matters
If you look at their recent programming, you’ll see a pattern of "big stories in small spaces." They recently tackled Doubt: A Parable. Think about that for a second. That play is all about subtext, silence, and flickering shadows of truth. In a 144-seat theater, that tension is suffocating in the best way possible.
They also lean into the "theatre for all" vibe with their Education Company. It's not just a place to watch; it's a place where the next generation of North Shore talent actually trains. They have classes for kids as young as five. It’s a pipeline. You see these kids grow up in the wings, and eventually, some of them are understudying the pros. It gives the whole place a soul that a lot of corporate theaters lack.
The Logistics: Not Your Average Night Out
Parking is easy. I know that sounds like a boring "suburban" thing to say, but if you've ever spent $45 to park for a show in the Loop only to walk six blocks in the rain, you get why this matters. It’s stress-free. You show up, you park, you walk in.
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But here is the real insider tip: The acoustics in that room are surprisingly sharp. Usually, converted spaces have dead spots or weird echoes. Not here. Whether it's a belt-heavy musical number or a whispered confession, the sound design is consistently top-tier.
- Address: 300 S. Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest, IL.
- The Vibe: Sophisticated but totally unpretentious.
- The Crowd: A mix of Lake Forest lifers, Chicago theater junkies who know where the good stuff is, and families.
Challenging the "Safe" Narrative
Some people think Citadel is just for "polite" theater. Wrong. They've produced shows like The Roommate and The Explorers Club—pieces that deal with complex social dynamics and biting satire. They aren't afraid to make the audience a little uncomfortable.
In a world where we spend most of our time staring at 6-inch glass screens, there is something almost spiritual about being in a room with 143 other humans watching a person cry or laugh or scream three feet away from you. You can feel the air change. That's the "Citadel Magic" people talk about. It’s the lack of a barrier.
How to Actually Support Local Professional Arts
If you want to keep places like Citadel Theatre Lake Forest alive, you can't just go to the Christmas show. You have to buy the season subscription. That’s the lifeblood. It’s what allows them to program the "hard" plays alongside the "fun" ones.
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Honestly, the price point is a steal. You’re paying a fraction of what a Broadway in Chicago ticket costs, but you’re seeing the same caliber of talent. Sometimes you're even seeing the same actors who were just in a massive production downtown, but here, they’re doing a passion project.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just show up at curtain time. Lake Forest has some incredible spots for a pre-show dinner. Hit up Market Square. Grab a coffee or a drink. Make it a whole thing.
- Check the "Preview" nights: If you're on a budget, preview performances are usually cheaper and just as good. Plus, you get to be the first to see the set in action.
- Follow their social media: They often post behind-the-scenes clips of rehearsals. Seeing the process makes the final product so much more impressive.
- Bring the kids to the "TYA" (Theatre for Young Audiences) shows: It’s the best way to get them off the iPad and into something that actually stimulates their brain.
- Talk to the staff: It’s a small team. They’re passionate. If you have questions about the script or the casting, just ask. They actually care about the community.
The reality is that small, professional theaters are an endangered species. Rising costs and changing habits mean a lot of these spaces are closing their doors. But Citadel is thriving because it knows exactly what it is: a world-class theater with a small-town heart. It’s not just a building; it’s a hub for the North Shore’s creative soul.
Next time you're looking for something to do on a Friday night, skip the Netflix scroll. Head over to the West Campus. Sit in that intimate room. Let a story happen to you. You won’t regret it.
Practical Insider Info: If you’re a student or a senior, always ask about the specific discount tiers. Citadel is notoriously good about making sure their tickets stay accessible to the local community regardless of income. Also, keep an eye out for their annual "Gala"—it’s the primary fundraiser that keeps the lights on and usually features some pretty incredible live performances you won't see during the regular season. For the most current showtimes and to grab tickets, the only real place to go is their official website or call the box office directly at 847-735-8554. Avoid third-party ticket resellers; they mark up the prices and the theater doesn't see a dime of that extra cash. Supporting the box office directly ensures every dollar goes back into the costumes, the lights, and the actors' paychecks.