Lifeline Theater, founded in 1982, is located on North Glenwood Avenue and features a popular "KidSeries" line of children's productions. This company produces adult theater as well. Lifeline Theater specifically focuses on theatrical adoptions of literary works. The theater is located in the Rogers Park neighborhood and is part of the Glenwood Avenue Arts District.
Emerald City Theater operates out of the Apollo Theater Center. The company performs adaptations of classic children's works. The 2010-2011 season features a renditions of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Don't let the Pigeon Drive the Bus," among several others. The theater caterers to many local school groups with matinee performances during the week. The Emerald City Theater is a theater meant for children's productions.
The Adventure Stage Chicago theater company operates inside the Vittum Theater on North Noble Street. According to the company, the Adventure Stage Chicago aims to create influential theater for younger audiences ages eight through 14. The theater is not meant for the younger audiences that would most likely enjoy and benefit from the shows performed at the Emerald City Theater. Like most children's theater, they hope to infuse elements of the theater into schools and its curriculum.
Chicago Playworks is one of the city's oldest children's theater companies. Founded in 1925 the company now operates out of the Theatre School of DePaul University. The theater was originally founded as the Goodman's Children's Theater. The theater entertains more than 35,000 students and families each year, according to Chicago Playworks. Weekday matinees are also available for school groups. The theater company put on an average of three different productions each season.