We invite everyone to support the construction of a community focused theater that will become a creative hub for our village and the surrounding areas.
We are seeking Community financial support for this project to bring a unique, state-of-the art theater and multi-purpose space to Barrington as well as provide access to unique and immersive artistic performances and cultural experiences.
As a not-for-profit theater company, we reinvest every dollar we earn to bring high quality performing arts to this wonderful area we call home. We do this because we believe that the arts are an integral part of a vibrant community and can benefit every single member. Our board of directors, artistic staff, and artistic ensemble members currently give in many ways--donating their time, talent and resources--to support this effort.
Partner with us to Stage the Build of a permanent home for the performance arts and to establish a legacy for our use and for future generation of Barrington area residents.
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The entire theater, including front of house and back of house areas, rests within a 10,000 square foot space in The Barrington complex.
Karl Heitman of Heitman Architects Inc. designed the state-of-the-art performance space replete with modern architectural styling; an inviting lobby; two lounges serving cocktails, concessions and merchandise; relaxing café areas both inside and outside the building; and an intimate interior Black Box Theater outfitted with the latest lighting and audio technology where no seat will have poor sightlines or muffled acoustics.
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This theater will become a home for not only Parker Players Theater Company, but also stage ensembles, Special Needs Events, Educational Programming, Children’s Theater, Musical Acts, Business Symposiums, Improv Groups, Team Building, and an array of other users.
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New plan offers performers, educators, designers, and staff two large dressing rooms; two private bathrooms; entryways and exits onto stage; a green room and kitchenette; rehearsal rooms; costume and prop storage and repair areas; and a set build area.
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A beautiful permanent wall display in the theater lobby will recognize the Founders Circle of donors with gifts of $50,000 and more. A digital wall will display ongoing recognition for donors of all levels.
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In addition, naming opportunities are available for the Theater, the Bars, the Rehearsal Room, the Dressing Rooms and the Green Room.
Please contact us at info@ParkerPlayersTheater.org if you are interested in learning more about naming opportunities.
THE PROPOSED THEATER
Born from a philanthropic and cultural vision shared between Parker Players Theater Company and the owners of The Barrington complex on Northwest Highway, this theater and presentation space will provide opportunity for all interested parties to come and nurture Barrington’s growth both artistically and economically.
Stage The Build: Where We Are Now
Looking Ahead
Thanks to extraordinary community support, Parker Players Theater Company has reached a major milestone in our Stage the Build campaign—an initiative to transform our current home at The Barrington into a fully realized, state-of-the-art black box theater.
A Matching Challenge Met
Through the generosity of our donors, we successfully raised $500,000 toward a leadership matching challenge. In response, Todd Rieke and Libby Rieke, along with Kim Duchossois, fulfilled their commitment with a combined $500,000 match.
With $1 million now secured and available, we are able to move forward immediately with critical improvements.
Stage The Build is not just about construction—it’s about creating a welcoming, accessible, artist-centered home for theater in Barrington and the Northwest suburbs.
Every phase completed brings us closer to a cultural destination rooted in artistic excellence, community connection, and sustainability.
If you are inspired to support the next phase of this transformation, we invite you to contribute to the Stage the Build campaign and continue shaping the future of Parker Players Theater Company.
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One challenge surfaced consistently from patron feedback: restrooms located too far from the theater space.
In May of 2026, Construction for new restrooms adjacent to the performance venue were completed, including a waiting alcove that significantly improved accessibility, comfort, and convenience—particularly for patrons with mobility needs.
PPTC committed $75,000 in donor-supported funds
Bourns, Inc., owner of The Barrington, generously covered remaining construction costs and will handle ongoing maintenance
Barrington Area Community Foundation granted $20,000 toward invoiced project costs
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With support from the Barrington Area Community Foundation, acoustically designed, theater-friendly seating risers debuted in February 2026 during our production of The Lion in Winter. The risers are now being utilized for all productions, allowing us to continually reconfigure the space for a wide variety of staging needs—an essential element of a true black box theater.
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One of the most common things we hear from first-time patrons is: “I didn’t realize there was a theater here.”
We’re changing that.
Thanks to a $24,000 grant from the Barrington Area Community Foundation, along with generous support from Stage The Build donors, Parker Players Theater Company is moving forward with a permanent illuminated roadside sign along Northwest Highway.
Designed by Parvin-Clauss Sign Company, the elegant new sign will prominently feature the PPTC logo and the words Parker Players Theater — creating a welcoming beacon for patrons and a visible reminder that compelling, professional-caliber theater is thriving right here in Barrington.
We are currently completing the permitting process with the supportive Village of Barrington and anticipate installation in autumn 2026.
A Phased Approach to Transformation
While our long-term vision remains a $2 million goal to fully realize a flexible, intimate black box theater, the Board has chosen to move forward in strategic phases. This approach allows us to:
Maximize every donor dollar
Make visible, tangible improvements now
Continue producing outstanding theater without interruption
