“There is nothing like welcoming a new theater company to our city. I love that young performers come here, seeking the opportunity to act on our stages, and start their own companies to do so. Lazy Susan Theatre Company is just such a company…” Alan Bresloff, Around the Town Chicago
The story of Lazy Susan Theatre Co. began on a sunny summer day on a pier overlooking Lake Michigan. Two newly graduated actors had just finished a morning swim and were drying off in oversized sweatshirts, clutching mugs of hot coffee. Eager to take the stage but with no immediate outlet for their creativity, they found themselves restless—full of artistic energy and nowhere to channel it.
Rather than wait for an opportunity, they decided to create one. That decision led to their first production, If the Moon Never Came Back, and ultimately to the founding of Lazy Susan Theatre Co.
Like all things, it began small—sunbeams, crashing waves, two friends, and a silly little idea. As the company has grown, it has never lost sight of that day on the lake. That moment remains home—the root of who they are. Though it is sometimes hard to believe how much the team and the seasons have expanded, Lazy Susan Theatre Co. continues to rediscover what it means to create purely for the love of it. That love, it turns out, only grows if you let it.
This growth has made it possible to welcome a wide array of talented artists into the fold. Now, Lazy Susan Theatre Co. extends that same invitation to others—to join in a once-small idea that has blossomed into something much more.
ABOUT US
At Lazy Susan Theatre Co., we embrace the importance of the artistic process by creating a space that is celebratory of the art. From the early stages to the final performance, we work to cultivate an environment where both audience and artist feel a sense of home and humanness. We believe the need to create is a reason to create. We work to grow our theatrical community and foster a safe and inclusive place for artists to learn and explore.
MISSION STATEMENT
Lazy Susan Theatre Co. aspires to continually provide opportunities to artists and connect with our Chicago community.
VISION STATMENT
Lazy Susan Theatre Co. is committed to celebrating the diverse voices and experiences that create our global theatrical community. We are committed to supporting those who have been historically underrepresented because of their gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, differing abilities, religion, or citizenship status. We recognize our privilege and hold anti-racism and anti-bias as part of our core values. We respect and celebrate our community and deeply appreciate those who enrich the great tapestry of Chicago.
DEAI STATEMENT
At Lazy Susan Theatre Co., we believe the art of creation is a uniquely human act. We prohibit the use of generative artificial intelligence in the development of any text, images, or ideas. The work we put into the world is authentically designed by real artists who dedicate themselves to their craft. We recognize the harm that A.I. generated materials contribute to our planet and the intellectual property of artists worldwide.
A.I. STATEMENT
Rehearsal & production photos from Spring Awakenings (2025). Production photos by Mollie Menuck.