Despite living in this neighborhood for 5 years I had never heard of this place until my orchestra help perform an Opera here in January 2014. I was surprised to find a nice top floor theater in this area; it seems somewhat old (although surprisingly built in the 90s!) but comfortable and well kept. For an opera the sound projected forward well and it was not too overwhelming for a smaller space. There was no orchestra pit, forcing the orchestra on stage, but after the first act when the orchestra was behind the cheap scenery (a camera kept the singers in touch) you didn't think about this. According to online sources:
"The 299 seat theater is named after Harriet Elizabeth Vittum, head resident of the Northwestern University Settlement House from 1907 to 1947. Miss Vittum was a friend, counselor, and good neighbor to thousands of new Chicagoans in her community. She advocated dramatic and musical arts because she believed that they empower self-expression and self-worth." The Vittum Theater is owned and operated by the Northwestern University Settlement House and was built in 1998. In addition to hosting multiple performances and other events, Vittum Theater is also the home of resident theatre company Adventure Stage Chicago" read more