Design: Dan Streeting

It’s been a strange year, to say the least, in the performing arts, with theater and opera companies of all sizes facing significant financial challenges, while dance seems to hold its own or even thrive. But even with what seems like a relentless drumbeat of doom and gloom, bright spots shine, with theaters ranging from the Goodman and Writers mounting their most successful shows ever, and Albany Park Theater Project mounting a production massive in both ambition and in ticket sales. Meanwhile, theater is expanding to new places and new spaces, laying the foundation for new audiences, as well. And if anything will help restore the performing-arts realm of Chicago to a thriving state, it’s the talent and passion of the leaders we’ve profiled this year.

—Brian Hieggelke

Players 50 2024: The Music Makers
Players 50 2024: The Advocates and Changemakers
Players 50 2024: The Institutions
Players 50 2024: The Rising Stars and Storefront Stalwarts
Players 50 2024: The Producers and Places

Players 50 2024 is written by Tristan Bruns, Sharon Hoyer, Dennis Polkow and Mary Wisniewski with additional contributions from Aaron Hunt, Hugh Iglarsh and Noel Schecter.

All photos by Joe Mazza | brave lux.