About Us
Welcome to Rivendell Theatre Ensemble!
Please use the links on the left to learn more about our Ensemble members, Board members, and more. But first...
Our Story
Since our inception in 1995, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble has provided Chicago audiences with artistically challenging, thought-provoking plays that explore the female experience. Driven by the belief that the female experience is dynamic and ever-changing, Rivendell continues to revisit, revise, and reinvigorate its mission to serve women artists and audiences in new and challenging ways.
With each season, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble seeks to deepen its mission, expand our audiences, and challenge ourselves. Over the course of the past twelve years, Rivendell has produced four world premieres, fourteen regional premieres, received four Equity Wing Joseph Jefferson Awards and eight nominations for artistic excellence.
Notable productions include the critically acclaimed production of local playwright Anne McGravie's WRENS, the runaway hit Faulkner's Bicycle by Heather McDonald, the darkly hilarious Be Aggressive by Annie Weisman, and the gender-bending medieval comedy Silence by Moira Buffini.
We strengthen our commitment to the exploration of the female experience by supporting women artists of all types. In addition to producing women playwrights on our main stage, Rivendell provides opportunities for women designers, actors, directors, technical and administrative staff throughout its programming.
As we embark on each new chapter in Rivendell history, it is not only the Rivendell story that continues, but that of the audiences and artists we serve.
Become a Fan on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter
Our Mission
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble is a professional theatre company committed to recognizing and cultivating the talents of women in theatre — from playwrights and actors to set designers and costume artists. Rivendell productions explore the unique female perspectives of everyday stories in an intimate, salon environment.
Who We Are
Over the past fifteen years, Rivendell has grown to fill an important role in the Chicago theatre community as the only Equity Theatre in Chicago committed to producing works that integrate and promote the essential female experience.