Circle Theatre Chicago


Circle Theatre Chicago founded in 1985 by Karen Skinner, Joe Bass, and Wayne Buidens, is a theatre company in Oak Park and Chicago, Illinois. They chose the name "Circle Theatre" to represent both Circle Avenue and the concept of infinity. Their work began in public buildings, and then settled in a church in 1987. A few years later, a fire destroyed the church and forced Circle to find its own space. The company was led by Karen Skinner until 1998 when she turned the artistic leadership over to her daughter Alena Murguia, and two company members Tony Vezner and Greg Kolack. The company left its building in 2012 to produce plays in a series of rented spaces in Chicago.
The company is noted for producing new works; Rebecca Gilman's The Glory of Living had its premier at Circle in 1996.
Kevin Bellie was artistic director from 2003-2012. Bob Knuth was Producing Director and resident Scenic/Graphic Designer for Circle Theatre Chicago in Forest Park from 2001-2013.