Timber Lake Playhouse

About TLP

Timber Lake Playhouse came into existence in 1961 as a not-for-profit professional summer stock theatre, dedicated to providing a center for cultural opportunity for developing artists and a showcase of quality theatre for the residents of the midwest, particularly in northwestern Illinois and eastern Iowa. TLP is the oldest continuous operating summer theatre in Illinois.

Since TLP first opened its doors on June 28, 1962, the Playhouse has presented more than 350 plays and musicals and more than 3800 performances. TLP is proud of its national reputation for excellence as a professional summer stock theatre.

The Timber Lake Playhouse is unique from other summer theatre companies by its challenging choice of repertory: the mix of musicals, new plays, and contemporary classics. Many TLP alumni have gone on to film, television, and Broadway - a tradition we are proud of and hope to continue.

The present theatre building, (erected after a fire destroyed the original frame structure in 1974) houses a wide semi-thrust stage with a revolve, and 375 fixed seats (view a seating chart). Behind the theatre are 10 smaller structures which are used for costumes, scene and paint shops, and housing for the company.

The Resident Company consists of 25 - 30 persons selected by interviews and auditions in nine cities across the country. Many volunteer performers and instrumentalists augment the large cast shows.