Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Northlight?

Northlight Theatre is conveniently located just east of the Edens Expressway, across from Westfield Old Orchard- just minutes away from Chicago, as well as the North and Northwest suburbs.

Best of all, our location at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie features Complimentary Parking.

For specific directions from your location, visit our Directions page.

Can I get there on public transportation?

Both the Chicago el (Skokie Swift Yellow Line) and bus system can bring you to Northlight.  For more information on specific schedules and routes, visit the CTA web page at www.transitchicago.com

Where do I park?

Our location at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie features complimentary parking.  The adjacent surface lot directly east of the theatre offers free parking for all performances. The adjoining parking garage also offers free parking for weekday evening and all weekend performances. Handicapped parking spaces are also available to those with need.

How many seats does your theater have?/How big is your theatre?

Our  performance space is an intimate 342-seat theatre with a three-quarter thrust stage.  The furthest seat is a mere ten rows from the stage!

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets to our Mainstage productions range in price from $35 to $54, depending upon day of the week and section of the theatre.  Opening Night tickets cost $75, including a post-show reception.  Northlight does offer discounts for students, young adults (under 25) and groups (15+).  For more pricing information, visit our Box Office page, or contact the Box Office at 847.673.6300.  For group ticket information, contact our Group Sales Manager at 847.679.9501 x3509 or groupsales@northlight.org.

Can I buy tickets at the door?

Tickets may be purchased at the door, if available.  However, Northlight performances often sell out, so we recommend purchasing tickets in advance.  Tickets can be purchased by phone (847.673.6300), through our website, or in person at our Box Office. 

Box Office hours are 10am-5pm Monday through Friday, 12pm-5pm Saturdays. On performance days, the Box Office hours are extended to a few minutes past curtain.  The Box Office is open two hours prior to Sunday performances.

What if I can't come on the date that I'm scheduled?

If a conflict arises for a Northlight subscriber, we are happy to exchange your tickets to another performance at no charge, provided we receive your request 24 hours prior to the performance by phone, fax or mail.  Each subscriber is entitled to five exchanges per year (one per show)-more than that may incur a processing fee.  Upgrade fees may also apply.

Ticket buyers for an individual show may exchange their tickets for a $10 fee (per ticket) by coming to the Box Office in person or by faxing a copy of their torn tickets to the Box Office 847.679.3704.  Upgrade fees may also apply.

What happens if I'm late to a show?

Late seating is not guaranteed. If you arrive late, you will be seated at the discretion of the House Manager. You may not be able to sit in your assigned seats until intermission.

What happens if I lose my tickets?

If you are unable to locate your tickets, call the Box Office at 847.673.6300 and report your tickets as missing.  The Box Office will reprint your tickets and hold them at Will Call for you to pick up on the evening of your performance.

Are there dining options nearby?

Northlight is proud to have a wide variety of dining partners to serve our patrons, including options in Evanston and in Skokie near the theatre.  There are also many restaurants in the surrounding area-including many in the Westfield Old Orchard mall.  Visit our Area Dining page for more information.

Is Northlight Theatre accessible to those with disabilities?
Yes, Northlight is fully accessible to persons with disabilities.  If you require wheelchair-accessible seating, or have other specific seating needs, please contact our Box Office at 847.673.6300.

Does the theatre have listening devices?
Headsets for hearing-impaired patrons are available for every performance and can be checked out from the House Manager prior to the performance.  You may be asked for a Credit Card, Drivers License or other form of ID as a deposit.

What's your policy on cameras, pagers and cell phones in the theatre?
Photographic and/or recording equipment is not allowed in the theatre.  In consideration of other patrons and the performers on stage we ask that all pagers, cell phones, and watch alarms be turned off before the show.

Can I bring my kids to a show?
Children under 7 are not admitted to mainstage productions.  Please note that some Northlight productions may include content that could also be considered inappropriate for children over 7.  If you have questions or concerns about a particular production, please contact the Box Office at 847.673.6300.

Does Northlight have any programming for children?
Yes!  Northlight's Education programs have reached over 60,000 students in the past six years.  The Northlight Theatre Academy offers a variety of classes for grades 3-12, a performance company (by audition only), summer theatre camp, workshops, and more.  For more information, visit the Education section of our website.

What is the difference between Northlight Theatre and the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts?
The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie (NSCPAS) is a performance venue, a privately managed facility that is home to three distinct and separate Resident Companies: Northlight Theatre, Centre East, and Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra.  NSCPAS also hosts numerous other performance groups, community and private events each year.

Northlight Theatre is a producing organization (meaning that we are responsible for every aspect of the shows on our stage, from the selection of shows, to the costume and set design and construction, to the casting of actors).  Northlight was founded in 1974, and is among the largest and most respected theatre companies in the Chicago area.  Northlight has been a resident company at NSCPAS since 1996.

I have a question that has not been addressed here.  To whom should I speak?
Please direct all ticket and price related questions to the Box Office at 847.673.6300.  Please direct Website related questions to webmaster@northlight.org.  Any additional questions may be directed to customerservice@northlight.org