Delighting audiences since 1911.
Historic Main Stage
at the Athenaeum Center in Chicago.
Are you looking for a performance venue to rent in Chicago?
Welcome to the Historic Main Stage
The Historic Main Stage at the Athenaeum Center is a magnificent space and has been a cultural landmark in Chicago since its construction in 1911.
A breathtaking venue, the auditorium has seating on the main floor, lower balcony, and upper balcony. Thanks to a unique design, the Historic Main Stage offers an intimate setting that belies the grandeur of the theatre. With no barriers, columns, or pillars to obstruct the view of the stage, patrons enjoy not only magnificent acoustics, but also clear sight lines from every seat.
The stunning architectural details of the venue include a grand proscenium arch featuring a depiction of the Divine Comedy’s Dante and Beatrice, ornate plasterwork, and beautiful woodwork throughout, making it a true gem of the Chicago cultural scene.
The Historic Main Stage has been the site of countless memorable performances, from classical concerts to cutting-edge theatrical productions. The venue can accommodate up to 950 guests, making it a popular destination for large-scale performances and events on Chicago’s Northside.
Venue Rates
- Standard $4850
- Non-Profit $3850
Above rates are per performance, which must occur between 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. All organizations must submit an application to be considered for a rental. Non-performance and dark days are available at lower rates.
Spaces & Equipment
The spaces included in the rental of the Historic Main Stage are the theatre lobbies and auditorium. There are two main lobbies that are connected to the auditorium. The theatre lobby is off of the main floor entrance to the auditorium and contains two concession windows and bathrooms on either end. The balcony lobby is on the second floor which gives access to both the lower and upper balconies. There are additional bathrooms on either end of the balcony lobby. The balcony lobby is also the primary location for merchandise. Small receptions can be held in either lobby. The auditorium seats between 900-950 (depending on holds).
You can find our technical specifications and rider here.
Audience Services
Audience Services is comprised of our Box Office and Front of House team. These departments provide a smooth and enjoyable event experience for you and your patrons. Our Box Office team will build your event from start to finish, which includes setting up a seating map, pricing, ticketing and marketing page on the Athenaeum Center website. Additionally, renters will also receive post show reports and financials. Box Office services include online, phone, and walk-in orders during normal box office hours. Our Front of House team will assist patrons with all customer service questions, seating, ADA support, crowd management, and ticket scanning.
Audience Services packages vary in price depending on, but not limited to, your event details, schedule, and ticketing structure. Packages are not inclusive of ticketing handling fees, consignment fees, credit card charges or any fees associated with late requests or expedited service requests. Renters are required to use the Athenaeum Center Box Office for all ticketing sales.
Production & Crew
The Historic Main Stage requires a four person tech minimum, which includes a Venue Supervisor and various department supervisors for all calls. These supervisors as well as stagehand labor are not included in the venue rental rate. The Technical Director and the company will agree upon a schedule (Labor Estimate) that will ensure the best use of time and comply with local labor laws and regulations. The number of staff and supervisors varies and is dependent on each event’s production needs. Our venue is staffed by non-union crews, but can work with union stagehands as needed.
A full production meeting is required no later than thirty days prior to your load-in after which the schedule and estimate will be solidified. The Operations team will use the Labor Estimate to calculate the Labor Deposit needed to cover labor costs prior to load-in.
Please note that any recording or live-streaming is subject to additional fees. For more info on crew staffing please talk to your event manager.
Miscellaneous
The following services may require additional fees, stage labor and set up time.
Orchestra Pit
The theater has an orchestra pit which will seat up to 20. The orchestra pit is an additional cost to have removed and/or restored.
Dance Floor
Black marley dance floor can be added and installed onto the deck if required. The venue does not have a sprung floor option on site.
Pianos
All pianos and tunings must be scheduled by the Technical Director and are rented and paid for by the renting company.
Rehearsal Studios
There are additional rehearsal studios available in the building. Please ask your Event Manager for more information.
Projection
Our venue has full stage front projection.
Dressing Rooms
We have six dressing rooms and a green room.
Concessions
There are two concessions windows located in the theatre lobby, serving soda, beer, wine, cocktails, and a variety of snacks. Additional pop-up bars can be added in the balcony.
Gala / VIP / Pre-Show or Post-Show Space
We have a brand new event space available off the first floor. See more information about the Paradiso here.
ADA Accessibility
ADA accessible seating is located on the orchestra level in Section 1 and upper balcony level in row P. Please contact the box office for additional questions about available handicap seats.
