Welcome to The Athenaeum Theatre and Performing Arts Center

The Athenaeum opened in 1911 and was constructed by St. Alphonsus Church as a recreational center serving the mostly German community.  The building featured a 1000 seat theatre for German Operetta, A gymnasium, bowling alleys, music and meeting rooms. Over the years, meeting rooms gave way to classrooms and the theatre became a temporary church in the early 1950's after a devastating fire damaged the church.

Today, under the direction of SCT Productions, the Athenaeum is once again fulfilling it's original purpose. Offices and studio Theatres now occupy former meeting room space and the 1000 seat theatre has been updated. 

It is our mission to make affordable performance and office space available to to any size non-profit organization, with theatres  ranging in size from 56 to 984 seats and office space ranging from a desk in a shared space up to full office suites. For rental information, please call Dan Solari at 773.935-6860.

In addition, SCT also presents Dance Chicago each fall.  This five week festival features the best in Chicago Dance as well as a first look at exciting new talent. For information visit the Dance Chicago website.

Download a PDF copy of our mainstage seating charts:

Main Floor

Balcony