About Theatre-Hikes

Theatre-Hikes began when a group of professional AEA actors wanted to present an afternoon of entertainment on the trails and the Morton Arboretum wanted to provide entertainment to its patrons in the fall of 2001. It has grown and changed over the past 11 years, but we have kept to our values of paying our performers and other artists who create the stories we bring to you every year. We work with professional actors, costume designers, props masters and other local Chicago-land artists to bring you an afternoon of fun, accessible for all ages.

Take an afternoon away from the busy city streets of Chicago to enjoy a stroll through some wilderness not too far off the beaten path. We’ll take you on a journey to another time and place for an afternoon, all you need is an imagination, (though a blanket/camping chair and water bottle are suggested).

Our Mission Statement

The specific purposes for which Theatre-Hikes is formed are for establishing and maintaining theatrical performances combined with hiking, offering an event that travels to various locations; and as most performing will be outdoors, Theatre-Hikes hopes to nurture in the public, a respect for the preservation of hiking trails and the local, city, county, state and national parks where these trails can be found.

Theatre-Hikes will seek to involve diverse populations in its staff, board members, volunteers and audiences. It will have a strong commitment to use actors who are members of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the union of professional actors and stage managers. Theatre-Hikes will compensate all staff and actors who are not members of AEA.