Outreach

Outreach Partner Logos

This is where American Blues Theater brings heart to the art!


We think it is an honor and duty to serve our community. We raise awareness of other non-profit organizations’ great causes through creative collaborations. Using the themes of each manuscript, we choose outreach partners for every production.

In addition, we have an award-winning education outreach program, The Lincoln Project, about Abraham Lincoln’s evolution on the issue of abolition.

Education Outreach

Lincoln Project Logo

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, we developed The Lincoln Project, which provides a three-part education outreach program to 5th through 10th grade students in Chicago Public Schools and surrounding communities. We also present at museums, festivals, and other special events.


“We had the privilege to host American Blues…their spellbinding performance [of The Lincoln Project] brought home the human cost of slavery in the United States and offered a nuanced look at Lincoln’s evolution on the issue of abolition. It was an emotional and thought-provoking afternoon, one that our audience talked over long after the performance had ended.” –David Oberg, Executive Director, Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum.
Grayslake Soldier

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Chicago Public Schools (CPS) was found delinquent in complying with a public act made in 1991 requiring African-American History to be taught year-long from middle school through high school. CPS announced that it would be issuing a new Social Studies program for this upcoming school year. Through an integrated arts education approach, this challenge can be overcome with The Lincoln Project from American Blues Theater.

Grayslake Student
Grayslake Student

Session 1: Students read “The Heavens Are Hung in Black” a Pulitzer Prize-nominated play about Abraham Lincoln, written by American Blues Theater Artistic Affiliate James Still. Students also read the customized study guide prepared by our outreach staff.

Session 2: Professional actors perform and discuss scenes from Still’s play in your classroom.

Session 3: Students have the opportunity to write and perform their own dramatic scenes inspired by current events.

Grayslake Student
Show Photo

Get Involved


There are numerous ways to get involved with our theater. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent of the law. Discover the various possibilities in which you can support us, such as giving, attending events, and purchasing merchandise at our American Blues Store. We also have volunteer opportunities for professional pro-bono assistance and internships. We welcome all artistic inquiries too!

Donate


Thank you for your contribution!

American Blues Theater is 501(c)3 not-for-profit. Your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. American Blues Theater relies on the generosity of our donors to create art. Without you, we would not exist. Learn about our Individual donor benefits.

You can direct your contribution to our True Blue Annual Fund, Pledge of Allegiance (education outreach), or Chip Pringle Fund.


There are several ways to support American Blues Theater:

Personal Check

Payable to American Blues Theater, send to American Blues Theater at 1016 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60610.

Matching gifts

Please check your company’s policy on charitable giving.

Phone

Call us at 312-725-4228.

Amazon.com Wish Lists

You can also purchase wish list items directly from Amazon.com!

If you would like to make other types of donations, including in-kind services and gifts of stock, please contact us at info@americanbluestheater.com