Lifeline Theatre was founded in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in 1983 by five Northwestern University graduates —Meryl Friedman, Suzanne Plunkett, Kathee Sills, Sandy Snyder Pietz, and Steve Totland. The company moved into its permanent location in Rogers Park —a converted Commonwealth Edison substation— in 1986. The facility includes a 99-seat theatre, rehearsal and office space, a scene shop, and costume, prop, and scenery storage.

Awards

Lifeline Theatre has received numerous awards and nominations for both adult and children's programming:

Chicago/Illinois awards

Since 1986, Lifeline members have received 48 Joseph Jefferson Awards (both Equity and Non-Equity, various areas of work) while being nominated 135 times. It also received After Dark awards for excellence in Chicago theatre. In 2007, Lifeline was honored by the Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee with a Special Citation for its 25-year contribution to Chicago theater.

Honoring Lifeline’s children's programming, New City named Lifeline the Best Children's Theatre Company in Chicago in 2000, and Chicago Magazine named Lifeline Best Kids' Company in 2002. In 1991, Lifeline received an award from the Illinois Theatre Alliance for Outstanding Contribution to Children's Theatre, and in 2006 the City of Chicago presented Lifeline Theatre and Joyce Kilmer School with a special award honoring 15 years of educational partnership.