I have heard of Filament--a small storefront, black box theater in Irving Park--from my days as an usher for the Saints, but hadn't ever visited. It's only in the last couple of weeks that I learned they're a children's theatre. Their mission is somewhat radical, to be honest--adultism as a form of oppression and the need to eradicate it. I totally dig it, and what a thought-provoking place from which to produce programming and events. We went for Forts!, which seems to be a perennial experience here at Filament. Although it seems like just a time for kids to play, it is structured. There's a portion of the event where the kid just get to knock down the boxes. Then they bring down some sheets and blankets for the kids to drape over their forts and make them more fort-like. There are couches littered about the place for children and adults alike. Throughout the rest of the performance they add other elements like flashlights, music, and so on. My babe had fun and I'd bring her again when she's older, as I assume this will return. I'm keeping an eye on Filament for future plays and events so that I can enjoy some time at the theatre with my girl. read more

See all

Filament Theatre is a cool little place for kids to catch a play. It has a cycling schedule of shows and seems to cater to you a younger audience. It is intimate and the 30 or so seats are arranged in a circle around the interactive stage. The theatre is located on Milwaukee Avenue in Portage Park and there is plenty of meter parking. We saw "The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles" which was a very unique performance. In the middle of the room is a large sandbox and the kids all sit on pillows and get to play with the sand during the show. The actors were all very talented and they story was interesting. It lasted about 1.5 hours and was the perfect length for youngsters. There was lots of audience interaction to keep the kids engaged. They also do acting lessons here and a variety of camps. There are many options on their website so check that out. Pricing was pretty affordable and they have many options. I highly recommend checking out a play here if you have little kids who show an interest in theatre. read more

Filament Theatre - The Uncorker Ocean Bottles - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

It's so exciting to see the families of Portage Park have a place to play and use their imagination! read more

Filament Theatre - The original play 'Gather' - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I took my family to see the Filament Theatre's production of the Snow Queen (a live "Frozen" play). I thought that since the weather was threatening....that few folks would be attending this performance....but no! The show was practically sold out! If you arrived at the theater early enough....you had a chance to make snowflakes and flowers (which would be used in the show). You could also sip free hot coco provided by the good folks at the City News Cafe. Once we were allowed to enter the theater.....the kids sat on pillows on the floor which put them thisclose to the action! The adults sat on chairs next to tables or on comfortable sofas. The Snow Queen included music, singing and dancing .... and one of the finest examples of story telling anywhere. There were also puppets that became such an integral part of the story....you forgot they were puppets! The story emphasized the importance of friendship, perseverance and our duty to garner friends as we fight evil. In the end....the good guys win....but even the Evil Queen is looked upon with sympathy....and given a chance at redemption. Across from me, sitting on the floor was a little one, maybe 3 or 4 years of age. She hardly moved during the more than 60 minute performance. She seemed to hardly blink. Yes, it was that captivating. My grandsons...one 6 and the other 11, were also deeply into the story telling, the music, dance.....bright lights and fantastical experiences as well. They also enjoyed an opportunity to interact with the actors at the end of the performance. Needless to say...their grandfather (who saw the original Filament production of the Snow Queen in 2014) sat there amazed at the talent, showmanship, and special effects (that often required a bit of your imagination) of the newest reincarnation of this timeless story. Take your family to see this show. Sip coco. Make snowflakes and flowers. Clap your hands to the music. Meet the actors.... You'll be glad you did....this is how to make memories your family will cherish. The Filament Theatre Where Families Come to Play! More info here about the Filament Theatre's Snow Queen. http://www.filamenttheatre.org/snowqueen/ read more

See all

I've never been here and came for a special event. I was able to find parking right out front on Milwaukee on a Friday around 6:30 p.m. There is also a lot with meters about two blocks away by the laundry place. This was a cute setting for the event; however, it was pretty small for what I went to..not the theaters fault. There were two toilets, so the line was a bit long. Overall, the venue was nice for a casual event. read more

Filament Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We love local theater, so we were excited when we won tickets to a show during a local charity raffle. Our tickets were for Robin Hood, which honestly wouldn't have been my first choice. However, the show had something for adults as well as children, with a message that left me thinking about the nature of leadership and our ideas of good guys vs. bad guys. Not bad for an hour-long play! In the lobby area, there were a bunch of kid games and activities tied to the show (like "Spin for your medieval nickname"). The theater was small and seating was arranged in a horseshoe shape. The two actors were energetic, engaging and very balletic! They did a great job slipping between several characters and in making the audience laugh. The set design was good quality and as inventive as it must be in small theaters. And the staff was wonderfully welcoming and warm. I'm delighted! Next show is "Van Gogh's Cafe" at one of our favorite local restaurants, Fannie's. We're excited! read more

See all

I had my 6 yr old nephew this past weekend and while looking for things to do with him I came across Forts at the Filament theater. Forts is not really a play, its more like a set up for kids to build their own forts. What a brilliant concept! We had boxes, blankets, pillows and flashlights! We had so much fun!! This was better than taking him to a movie and it was probably cheaper! read more

This place is great, we just had 3 generations of fun building massive forts! We (2 grandparents, 2 parents) took a 5 year old to Filament's Fort Night as a birthday treat. The event lasted nearly an hour where we followed several other families back stage and were met with a mountain of cardboard boxes. The event starts with a frenzy as each group secures a strategic location and builds a fortress with a variety of boxes, sheets and clothes pins. The kids don't tussle over the boxes because there is more than enough to go around, and the staff stresses kindness and sharing before the event begins. Once each fort is built, the staff supplies crayons for decorating and then flashlights. It was great to see all the kids give each other tours and show off their designs. The event ends in a dance party and the forts are dismantled back in to their original piles. The event by itself is great, but the staff at the Filament are what make the theater special. Christian specifically is a rock star. I cannot wait to see what other kid friendly events they put on. read more

My family and I went to see Sherlock Holmes and The Mystery of Portage Park last weekend on 5/21/2016. We got discounted tickets and thought it sounded interesting, and boy were we right! I wasn't sure what to expect, but we all had a blast!! The characters were SO AMAZING at playing their parts, and you truly forgot that you were working with actors and became completely immersed in the interactive atmosphere. I may be a little biased, but I feel that our 2 guides (Sherlock and Watson) were the best! They were animated, playful, energetic, HILARIOUS, and always kept an eye on the safety of the group. We had everyone from ages 8-50+ in our group, and there was fun had by all. The walking wasn't strenuous either. I'm pregnant and had zero issues keeping pace, and my mom, who has back problems was completely fine as well. There were 4 people in my group, and as soon as we left, we were planning on when we would come back and do it again. This is a great event for kids as well as adults. 100% unique in every way with five star performances by all! Bravo Filament Theatre, you've just won yourself a big time fan! We can't wait to come back and see the show again! read more

I purchased tickets to an event at this theater. I drove around the block four times attempting to find this theater. Neighborhood was sketchy and I didn't want to be there in the day time much less wait for the dark. I got out of my car and again looked for the theater the only thing I saw was a building with glass windows and old chairs with the name Filament Theatre on the front. There were old chairs piled up in front, it looked kind of bomber out: 1940's nightclub look. I'd bring an escort if you must go..... read more

Wonderful addition to Six Corners. We saw Pinocchio. It was a really nice theater for families. They have games and a popcorn machine in the lobby. The theater usually has rugs and pillows for the wee ones during the show. Audio is clear. The acting is great. They expect a lot from their actors and it shows. Very nice theater! read more

We went to the Filament Theatre for the first time yesterday for Robin Hood. It is a very small, intimate theater. They were very friendly greeting us. They had some wonderful smelling popcorn available for sale. The play was excellent - very unusual telling of the Robin Hood story with two actors telling and acting the story. I was very impressed and hope this theater continues to thrive and provide quality family entertainment! read more

Took a 5 year-old to see the musical production of Pinocchio at Filament. She had never been to a play and this small, informal setting turned out to be the perfect introduction to live theater. Kids can sit on quilts and pillows on the floor and eat popcorn during the play while adults are comfortably seated in chairs. Not once during the 65 minute production did her attention wander from the actors. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience - the musical numbers are amazing - and would recommend it for children 4 and up. read more

My 12 year old son, my mother, and I saw the opening of 'Robin Hood' tonight. This is maybe our 5-6th play here and we were not disappointed. We were all impressed with the timeliness of the subject and the performance of the two actors who displayed it (Jyreika Guest and Molly Bunder). Julie Ritchey continues to be engrossing artistic director and we plan on following her vision. Please consider supporting to local Portage Park neighborhood theater. This is a definite 5 star venue. read more

Attended a production of Pinocchio with a toddler, preschooler and a lap infant. The whole experience was a delight! Seating is general admission but it's a small theater so there are no bad seats, and there are floor quilts and pillows for kids. The actors were very talented with an impressive array of instruments. The costumes and masks (done by the art studio upstairs) were great and the use of simple props to create dramatic effects was charming. All the children in the audience sat riveted through the entire performance, and there are brief moments of low-key audience participation. It was not too scary for the kids, even the little ones. I called ahead about bringing an infant - the lobby is only separated from the stage by a curtain so if you're bringing an infant, arrive early so staff can show you an appropriate place to escape in case baby cries. Overall a great theater and we will be back! read more

Filament Theatre - Pinocchio - Performing Arts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been for 2 shows and both were fantastic. What a fun place. Dinner at the portage and then a show here or at the Gift is so easy and nice. read more

Fantastic theater for the whole family! We have been to three of Filament's productions and have absolutely loved every one! The physical space is small, so every seat is good. The imagination and craftsmanship used in their props and costumes adds greatly to the experience and inspires my kids to do their own creating afterwards. There is a touch of magic in a Filament production - I tell all my friends they ought to try them out. read more