ETA marks 55 years with new productions

Residents of the South Side can continue to attend year-round live theater at the ETA Creative Arts Foundation. The organization, located at 7558 S. South Chicago Ave., is celebrating its 55th anniversary. It remains a central hub for Black theater in the country. The box office operates on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 AM to 4 PM. The phone number is (773) 752-3955.

The theater was established in 1971. Its founders intended to create a space where Black artists could tell their own stories. The institution has produced more than 200 original works since its opening. It functions as a training theater for actors, playwrights, producers, and directors. Students develop their skills under professional guidance. They participate in stage readings and fully staged productions.

Markena Peavy, the board president, states that the venue serves as a starting point for many artists. She notes that telling their own stories creates a holistic narrative. The stage has hosted well-known figures including Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, and Anthony Anderson. Don Carl Harper, a former Hollywood actor, now mentors artists at the facility. Director Chuck Smith also traces his career beginnings to this location.

In October 2025, the theater staged the original work My Bucket Blues. The play was written by LA Hopes. It addresses the impact of school funding cuts on high school staff. The audience included principals, teachers, and janitors from the local school system. Peavy says the community responded strongly to the honesty of the story. The production was part of a partnership with Pulse Theater, which is now the resident company.

The foundation runs arts education programs for youth and adults. These classes include acting, musical theater, dance, voice, and playwriting. The Useni Eugene Perkins Everyday Playwriting Institute trains students in a ten-week cycle. Participants move from writing drafts to fully staged 90-minute productions. A summer camp serves children ages 7 to 12. The organization is currently rebuilding its partnerships with the Chicago Public Schools as a vendor.

A daytime youth production is scheduled for this October. The building also includes a gallery space for private events. A free monthly produce giveaway continues to serve the neighborhood. The theater raised $1 million from the South Side community in the 1980s to expand the building. That fundraising effort helped solidify the current facility.

The organization maintains a strong presence on social media. It invites the public to follow updates on Facebook and Instagram. The website etacreativearts.org lists upcoming classes and events. A newsletter subscription option is available for those who want regular updates. The theater remains open to the public for performances and educational sessions throughout the year.

The 55th anniversary marks a milestone for the institution. The focus remains on elevating local playwrights and providing training for the next generation of artists. The community continues to support the venue through attendance and participation in its programs. The schedule includes a mix of original works and educational offerings. The theater operates as a community space for artistic development.