2026 SPOTLIGHT GALA
Unmask the Night, Embrace the Drama
Monday, October 19, 2026
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
City Hall Recess
858 W Kinzie St., Chicago, IL
Purchase Gala Tickets – HERE
Donate or Become a Sponsor – HERE
The League of Chicago Theatres Annual Spotlight Gala is back— with a night full of excitement, glamour, and a touch of theatrical magic.
Honoring:
TRIBUTE AWARD: Luther Goins
PHILANTHROPIC AWARD:
Ellen Placey Wadey, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Ron OJ Parson
2026 Broadway In Chicago Awards Winners:
Broadway In Chicago Backstage Champion Award Winner – Mia Park
Broadway In Chicago Emerging Theatre Award Winner – Red Theater
Expect a cocktail reception, light bites, a live performance, raffles—all in support of Chicago theatre. Proceeds from the Spotlight Gala will directly benefit the League’s ongoing efforts to enhance the art of theatre in Chicago through audience development, professional development, and support services for theatres and theatre professionals. We look forward to celebrating with you at our evening masquerade!
Our Raffle Prizes Include:
🍽️ Restaurant Gift Cards – from local favorites to fine dining hotspots
🎟️ Theatre Tickets – to some of Chicago’s most exciting productions
✨ Experiences & Packages – curated for unforgettable nights out
Every dollar raised helps support the League’s mission to keep theatre thriving across our city.
Purchase your ticket today! Tickets are $350. Purchase HERE.
Find Inspired Looks on our Mood Board HERE.
Know Before You Go:
🅿️Parking:
Outdoor prepaid discounted parking is available via ParkWhiz. If you wish to park in a covered garage on the night of the gala, parking is available at the 832 W. Fulton Market Garage (859 W. Wayman St)
🚇Transit:
We are within walking distance of all CTA Loop train lines, and close to CTA bus routes.
Sponsorship and in-kind donation opportunities are available. For more details email development@chicagoplays.com. Additional questions? Please call 312-554-9800 for more information. Donate or Become a Sponsor – HERE
2026 Spotlight Gala Sponsors
2026 Spotlight Gala Host Committee Members
Doris Davenport
Janie Dickerson
Heidi Thompson Saunders
Ivan Vega
2026 Spotlight Tickets
We’re thrilled to bring back the Spotlight Ticketing Initiative for its fourth year. This effort helps make our annual Spotlight Gala more welcoming and accessible to everyone in the Chicagoland theatre community.
Thanks to the generosity of our gala sponsors, we have a number of free tickets available for theatre workers, artists, and community members who may not otherwise be able to attend. These sponsors have kindly donated some of their seats back to the League so we can share them with you.
Join the Waitlist HERE.
Completing this form does NOT guarantee you a ticket to our Annual Spotlight Gala. When tickets become available, a League staff member will reach out to you to confirm.