In August 1996 Karen and Alyn Cardarelli and three other theater, business and marketing professionals sharing a passion for theater and children, founded Emerald City Theatre Company. The goal was to provide the Chicago community with quality, affordable family theater and contribute to Chicagos growing reputation as a family destination. Corporate support from Quaker Oats Corporation allowed the company to launch with a full season of three productions over 14 weeks at the Athenaeum Theatre. "The Littlest Angel" started off the premier season followed by "Rodgers & Hammersteins Cinderella" and Emerald Citys first new work, "Captain Virtue and the Champions of Justice". The first season had a total attendance of nearly 5,000 translating to enough revenue and community support to plan for a second season. In its third season, Emerald City made its home at Old Town School of Folk Music turning their Concert Hall into a 150-seat theater. The season included another new work, "Green Eggs & Ham" which was a box office and critical success and was reopened at the Royal George Theatre in February 2000 for an open run. In Fall 2000, the need to move to a larger theater became evident so Emerald City made its new performance home at The Apollo Theater. An outreach program was started with a touring version of "Green Eggs & Ham" to schools all around the Chicagoland area reaching over 8,000 schoolchildren. The company faced financial challenges and extreme cash flow issues due to the economic downturn and results of 9/11. The company ended the year with an increased debt load (20 % of our Operating Budget) and a challenge for the future to become financially stable. 2004/2005 saw continued growth with an increase of subscribers of 21%. The World Premier of "Where The Wild Things Are & other bedtime stories" kicked off the season and went into a two month extension after its initial 8 week run. During this extension Emerald City's new adaptation of "Cinderella" ran in repertory. This show went on to break all box office records by 10%. The season finished with another new work: "The Sorcerers Apprentice", written by Phillip Klapperich of the House Theatre. Both our Education department and Touring Departments were expanded during this season. With the aid of grant support a consultant was hired to help with Board and Staff update a long term strategic plan. 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 have continued to experience unprecedented growth. The budget and attendance figures have doubled in the two years. The Board has nearly tripled in size and, importantly, has voted to increase their annual commitment from $100 to $2,500. New works continue to roll out including best selling childrens author Janell Cannon ("Stellaluna and other Tales") and grammy-nominated song writer Ralph Covert ("A Nutcracker Christmas").

Emerald City creates theater experiences that serve as a Child's Gateway to the Arts, inspiring early learners through play.

Current Programs offered are a year-round season of live theater productions aimed at the entire family, celebrate reading tour throughout Chicagoland and a theater school for youth ages 2 - 10.