Probably one of the coolest unknown theatres in the city. Well it must known by some since it's stayed in business since 1981, they mainly focus on adaptations from literature giants like Burroughs, Salinger, Bradbury, Dick, Twain, and Algren to name a couple. I had the pleasure of seeing a German interpretive play Seven Doors based on the seven deadly sins. At this times it was quite disturbing but overall the actors were phenomenal. The theatre is small and it might be easily overlooked from the street because it's a store front theatre but inside the place has depth. Only having two stages it's really set up for smaller crowds but you're not packed in. The walls are filled with colorful photo's and old posters from Chicago performances, these are really cool to look at. In my opinion it gives the theatre a historical presence. If you get a chance check it out, I'll be added it to my list of favorite theatres!! Support the arts!! read more

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Very homey, cool vibes at this little hole in the wall theater. Performers from The Uploose Odditorium killed it last Friday! The monologues and interactive games were equally enjoyable. Performances were all impressive & don't forget to check the art on the walls in the hallway. Unique, all the way around! read more

I came for my first show here: Third Eye Theater Ensemble, which was a fantastic production of a modern opera "With Blood, With Ink": I love the idea of small lower budget opera companies that do shows in an intimate space, it works so much better than in the large auditoriums. It's deceivingly understated on the outside, I thought I had the wrong address until I stepped inside and saw people! There is a cozy little reception room and a space to get snacks which were whipped up (slowly, she was just getting set up a little late) by a snazzy lady making fun drink mixes. The only near disaster was that I was waiting for the doors to open and finally went in and sat down, waiting for the show to start, it seemed to be a little late. The person behind me saw my program and told me I was in the wrong theater! I was supposed to be in the other room, which nobody had really pointed out or mentioned the whole time I was there. I hope the administration notes that you should tell people which room they are supposed to go to, it's general admission and there was nobody checking things on the way in to let you know you are in the right place. There are some nice restaurants nearby, I will hope to plan ahead and enjoy those when I come back the next time! read more

I live across the street. I know some of the actors/directors/writers... They know where I live. Five stars! Actually, the performances, the plays are really good. Whatever Daley might legislate, we locals need some fresh alternatives to Wicked, y'know? And for me, the location convenience can't be beat. For you too. Added bonus: Starbucks is going in next to Jewel, so you yelpsters won't be knocking on my door for high-octane coffee and cookies. For those of you looking for more substantial cocktails, Chief O'Neil's. Choose wisely and you may find me (Hint, hint: say something nice about the shoes!) read more

This is a small, local venue. They put on small local shows with local starving artists. This is not Broadway or the Apollo people. HOWEVER it was a nice, unique venue, cozy and personal. We sat in the front row. Staff was very friendly. We saw American Idiot (Greenday) and loved it. The art of the musical was fantastic. This is a LOCAL gem. I always support local, small organizations over large corporations! Anyone with a hustle and a dream has my support. I don't want to be an American Idiot. Fantastic Job! I give props to the Prop Thtr and will return gladly. read more

Classic Chicago Storefront Theater venue. Rented by itinerant companies from all over Chicago. 2 black box theaters, 50+ seats each. No frills, just great shows by future stars. I love when I can get to a show here. It reminds me that great theater doesn't need a million dollar set or stage to entertain and move you. Restaurants nearby- Parachute, next door. Chief O'Neils, 1/2 block. Honey Butter Fried Chicken, 3 blocks. Kuma's Corner, 6 blocks. read more

I haven't been to the Prop Thtr in probably 20 years, since they were at their old home at Clybourn and Fullerton. But Prop is hosting Rhinofest, a big alternative theater festival now in its 21st year, so recently I found myself bussing to Elston and Addison to see what they were up to. Prop is truly a "storefront" theater -- you'd walk right by if you didn't know where you were going. But when you go in, you'll be surprised by the amenities. Two small theaters -- a black box and a more traditional proscenium-style stage (but without a proscenium) -- a comfortable lobby, and first-class bathrooms. Hey, I notice these things! The playing space in the fixed-seating theater is small, but since we were seeing solo performances, it worked well. Prop's own work tends to be new adaptations of literary works, but they also play host to other companies doing non-traditional theater. This is way-off-Loop stuff. As an added benefit, Chief O'Neill's is right across the street, for some carbo-loading before the show or memory-erasing boozahol after. Always a fine idea. read more

So this is Elston Avenue, not Broadway, but damn that show I saw last weekend was good. This is a classic Chicago style storefront theater. The front door looks kind of like a back door, so if you're accustomed to Goodman, Steppenwolf, or Broadway for that matter, you run the risk of freaking out and running back to the car before you even get through the door. The place looks ominous from the outside, but once you get inside (if you can even get tickets!) you're in for a great experience. I don't give Prop five star props becuase the facility could use an update, but I give the Prop four stars props because the show I saw there last week was amazing. The facility consists of two small theater spaces. The night I was there they were running two shows simultaneously. If you would like to show off Chicago's unique brand of theater to some adventurous out-of-towners, this is what to do... Order tickets to see "Hizzoner", by the incredibly talented Neil Giuntoli. Do this at least two to three weeks in advance because the show is popular, and the theater only seats 80 people or so. After you're blown away by Mr. Giuntoli's stunning depiction of the the first Mayor Daley during the tumultuous summer of 1968, brag to your friends about how Chicago has the most exciting theater scene in the world and how almost every production you see in this city is (a) sold out and (b) full of a raw, vigorous creative spirit that destroys Broadway's over-commercialized, sensationalized, blah blah blah theater a la Disney. While this characterization may not be dead on, this is the Windy City, so why not live up to the wind bag tradition? It's just plain fun. And so is this great little theater in the middle of nowhere. FYI, parking is relatively easy so I'd recommend driving. I was able to get to Prop from Streeterville by taking Grand, to Milwaukee, to Elston. Elston is super fast. It took me about 20 minutes from Downtown. Highway option would work too. read more

Maybe it's me, but if I am going to support the performing arts...I will spend my money in the theatre district. I visited this place a few years back. Saw a "comedy" skit, was not very funny. Then that was followed by another skit, more on the "dramatic" side. Again, did nothing for me. During intermission, I was able to purchase a couple drinks that cost me an arm and a leg. After the show, I ran across the street to Chief O'Neils and got shitfaced. Overall, the night was a success, but Chiefs saved my day. ADIOS!!! read more

A nice, very small independent theatre. It seats about 40 people tops which is good because all tickets are general admission so you pick the seat you want when you get there. They have concessions that they allow you to take into the theater itself which is nice. read more

Just saw the Catzilla 3. It was fabulous! Great show! Funny & Emotional. Thank u Prop Theater for great music, good comedy and phenomenal cats performance. We'll be back soon! P read more

Went to see Hey Dancin with a friend. We bought our tickets through goldstar. There is plenty of street parking and no need for quarters or dollars depending on where you are in the city. Loved that cans of pop where only a $1, and I think you can carry in. The Theatre holds about 40-50 people it is standard Theatre set up. It did sell out so they asked everyone to move in and no one seemed to object. The actors are not paid and look to be having a great time which makes it a great experience to watch. I will definitely go back to this Theatre. read more

I went there over the weekend with the girlfriend to watch "Black Gold" and was really impressed with the theatre's setup. The play itself was amazing to watch (with each actor taking on at least 4 different personas) and the direction kept things moving right along. The bathrooms are probably the nicest I've seen in off-off broadway type setups and the theatre's room itself was perfectly suited to the production. Extra high steps for the audience means that each seat has an unobstructed view (there is some room for wheelchair access as well). Bonus points for 'recession pricing' (pay what you can!) Recommended! read more

I saw a great show here last weekend- "Den of Thieves" by Consortium Project. I guess this review covers the venue and the show. It was a great show- the kind of offbeat dark comedy that is off-loop theater's bread and butter. Really well done. The space was really cool. I feel like Avondale/Logan Square could use more little theatres like this. It has a lot of character read more

Great venue, wonderful atmosphere, and a wide variety of interesting work. Even the building itself and the way it's set up feels like art -- and simultaneously like a home you're being welcomed into. Just the way theatre should be. read more

I just went to the Prop theater for the first time, though I'd driven by many times. It's a neat little storefront theater in an area that is unexpected. Seems like it used to be some kind of an office space that was turned into a theater. When you walk in you feel like you are going to meet with an insurance agent. The theater space itself is pretty good visibility--it's small, and the seats are on risers. There are a lot of old Chicago theater posters on the wall in the lobby. (We went to see Hizzoner, which is a really wonderful show--get tickets if you can!) read more

Dusty, uncomfortable seats, and hot inside. If you go in with these expectations, you may be in the right place. Otherwise opt for a nice venue. I won't comment on the mediocre show as it is not a reflection of the venue. read more

Quite possibly one of the worst shows I've ever been to. It's not theater when you're looking at your lines or what you're going to say the entire time. Lift your head up and look your audience. Practice your performance dare I say. read more

Renfaire: A Fist Full of Ducats was HILARIOUS! Great cast, great price show!

I went to see "Beast Women" the other night for a bachelorette party. We were greeted with a bottle of wine at the door and a front row table for the show. Probably obnoxious to other theatregoers, almost every act integrated something about our party as a theme. The maid of honor said she was asked, upon booking, which female acts she wanted them to assign that night. Crazy, right? I'm glad she mentioned the fire-spinner, burlesque martini-makin' dancer and comedic acts in with the all-female talent. For good measure, they threw in a gift for the bride, champagne toast and Pop Rocks...yes, Pop Rocks. So, it's not Broadway theatre or even off-Broadway, but it was affordable, memorable and funny as hell. Ladies, when you've spent all your money on a dress, shoes, shower gifts and lingerie, and don't want to go the stripper route, consider supporting local female talent instead! read more

I saw "When Angels Wept" and was horribly disappointed by the awful writing and even worse acting. I don't expect much from a small local theater, and that's exactly what I got with this performance. The "creative license" taken by the writer was offensive to those who are familiar with what happened that terrible day in 1958. read more