Our Mission and History

At Invictus Theatre Company, our mission is to create theatre that promotes a better understanding of language: its poetry, its rhythm, its resonance; through diverse works by diverse artists. We respect the power of heightened language: spoken, written, sung; to express the breadth of the human condition. We work to harness the power of language: to promote diversity, to engender respect, to foster collaboration; and to empower our communities to share their voices. 

Invictus Theatre Company incorporated in January 2017 and received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in February 2017. A diverse group of Chicago actors and directors founded Invictus with the vision to empower their communities through theatrical productions of heightened language. We are committed to the idea that our productions should reflect the communities we represent, and, to that end, we are committed to non-discriminatory hiring practices. In working with local artists, designers, and production teams, Invictus Theatre Company does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, nationality, citizenship, religion, or any other status protected by law.

Our Commitment to Equity and Anti-Racism

At Invictus Theatre Company, we are committed to upholding our solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Invictus Theatre Company does not tolerate racism. In congruence with our earlier statement we wanted to share with you the actionable steps we have taken or will be taking to eliminate racism from our organization and to help create a just and equitable world for all:

  • We continue to grow and expand our Juvenile Justice diversion program “Shakespeare in the Courts” where we actively seek to dismantle systemic racism in the juvenile justice institution by empowering marginalized voices and changing cultural narratives around youth of color. 

  • We continue to develop our youth leader program, which provides opportunities for youth of color to further their involvement in the arts and Invictus Theatre Company’s main stage productions.

  • We seek to continue to produce works by artists of color and marginalized voices to empower our communities and provide diverse, equitable, and inclusive programming.

  • We are in the process of professional development initiatives including educating our volunteer staff and board by taking anti-racism courses from Chicago ROAR. 

  • We commit to equity in our casting and hiring process and are actively seeking people of color to join our board of directors. 

  • We commit to continuing to listen, learn, and engage with all of our Chicago communities.

  • We commit to donating a percentage of our ticket sales to organizations that focus on mental health and wellness of BIPOC communities. We proudly donated a percentage of our tickets sales from 2020’s ‘Night Mother to Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness and a percentage of our ticket sales from 2022’s Ruined to City of Joy.

We look forward to continuing this important work and staying in touch with you.