Chimera Ensemble’s mission is to produce socially relevant, forward-thinking shows and make its work widely accessible. Using an innovative theatrical platform, Chimera features new artists and new works while partnering with other Chicago nonprofits to raise awareness of important causes. Chimera aims to create a welcoming, accessible, and diverse environment for performers, directors, designers, playwrights, and audience members in the Chicago community.
Chimera Ensemble’s founding members met while completing the five month long intensive ACADEMY training program at Black Box Acting. Having not had enough of working together upon graduation,they decided to form Chimera Ensemble in order to continue creating Meisner-based work together in the city of Chicago.
An itinerant storefront theater company, Chimera is now in its third season and looks forward to performing this year at The Frontier in Edgewater.
Since Chimera’s founding in 2015, the company has produced several regional premieres in addition to curating genre-defying one night shows. Chimera produces well-reviewed plays of high artistic caliber, has raised the standard for access programming in storefront theatre, and consistently partners with local nonprofits to give back to the community.
This season, Chimera starts a new chapter as a company by leaning into the surreal and exploring new ways of working, playing, and making art together in an ever-changing world. We hope you’ll join us on this new and exciting adventure.
Chimera is proud to implement the Chicago Theatre Standards for every show produced. The company also served as a member of the Pilot Project while the CTS was in development. Learn more about this tool for accountability and self governance.