The Theatre School at DePaul University is committed to its “learning by doing” philosophy of professional theatre training. Subsequently, a significant portion of every Theatre School student’s education is hands-on practical experience through several production assignments. The school presents more than 200 performances of more than 35 productions each season, many of them for the public.

The Theatre School Showcase
The Theatre School Showcase series presents four contemporary and classic plays each season at the Merle Reskin Theatre. Productions are directed by faculty members or guest directors, designed by advanced students in the design programs and like all Theatre School productions, feature student work in all aspects of production. The top ticket price for this series is $15; subscriptions, group rates and various discounts are available. Dexter Bullard serves as Artistic Director of The Theatre School Showcase.

Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences
Chicago Playworks, founded in 1925 as the Goodman Children’s Theatre, is the city’s oldest continuously operating children’s theatre and has provided the first theatre experience for generations of Chicagoans. Today we are dedicated to reflecting our audience’s experience in a contemporary, multi-ethnic and urban environment. More than 35,000 people saw a Chicago Playworks production at the Merle Reskin Theatre during the 2004-2005 season. Ticket price is just $8, with subscriptions, group rates and various discounts available. Lisa Portes serves as Artistic Director of Chicago Playworks.

New Directors Series
New Directors Series are presented at the Athenaeum Theatre Studio Three and are directed by students in their final year of the M.F.A. Directing Program in partial fulfillment for the requirements of their degree.

New Playwrights Series
This annual series features a new play written by a current Theatre School student or recent graduate.