Chicago Shakespeare Theater

We think that every city needs its own Shakespeare theater and Chicago's is definitely one worthy of visiting. Located at Navy Pier, the non-profit Chicago Shakespeare Theater claims over 600 performances every year and has acquired a hefty amount of awards, including three Laurence Olivier Awards. Founded in 1986, it started out by playing the Bard's most well known works, like Hamlet and King Leer, and has since done everything imaginable.

The theater even travels around neighborhoods every summer for their free Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour, bringing the art of stage performance to anyone willing to show up.