Temperatures are dropping, and for some that signals a new season has arrived. Not autumn and pumpkin spice season, but Chicago’s theater season.    

Unfortunately, many Chicago theaters are in crisis mode, as live audiences still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Live theatre attendance in Chicago has dropped by 60% in the last four years, according to a recent report commissioned by Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events contains alarming data.

The report reveals that theaters are facing multiple challenges, including dwindling audiences, increased costs due to inflation and decreases in private donations. And with federal pandemic relief funds having come to an end, many theaters, in particular nonprofit ones, are facing an uncertain future.

Even beloved and respected theatres like Steppenwolf and Lookingglass have been forced to lay off staff or suspend productions.

“Chicago is one of the greatest cities in the world for arts and culture — and our working artists generate millions in economic revenue for the city. But as the data shows and we have seen first-hand in Chicago and nationally, the nonprofit theater sector still faces many challenges,” said DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey in a news release. “Understanding this is essential as we continue to support the sector through recovery and beyond.”

Chris Jones, chief theater critic for the Chicago Tribune, has described that last four years as a bloodbath for Chicago theaters.

In a recent column he argued drastic changes were needed from what he described as a “rudderless Chicago theater community, lacking in bold public facing leadership.”

He pointed to Chicago’s powerful restaurant industry lobby as a potential model for theaters.