By Laura Michaud & Melissa G. Wilson

Chicago’s western suburbs have long embraced collaboration within individual communities, with local chambers and cities integrating performing arts into events. However, a larger opportunity lies in building a network of cross-community artistic partnerships, potentially transforming the region’s cultural landscape.

For example, the Salt Creek Ballet of Westmont performed The Nutcracker alongside the New Philharmonic Orchestra of Glen Ellyn last December, illustrating the power of such partnerships. There’s potential for more collaborations, such as professional singers from Brightside Theater of Naperville performing with the Elmhurst Symphony, not just sharing stages but fostering a more vibrant, interconnected arts community.

According to Arts DuPage Director Debbie Venezia, “The arts are a panacea,” providing more than just entertainment and economic development; they build bridges between communities. The success of the Cleve Carney Museum of Art’s Andy Warhol exhibit at the College of DuPage in 2021, which attracted 100,000 visitors and generated $10 million in just three months, supports this idea.

When artistic groups collaborate, they break down traditional boundaries, combining resources, talent, and creative visions to create something greater than the sum of its parts. By sharing stages and ideas, they forge dynamic, cross-pollinated communities that lead to bolder, more innovative productions. This model transforms the theatrical experience and deepens the connection between performers and audiences.

Resource sharing is another key element of collaboration. The York High School theater program, for instance, shares costumes with neighboring communities, maximizing impact and minimizing redundancy. Such partnerships help elevate productions while fostering a sense of community among various organizations.

Furthermore, cross-genre collaborations have emerged as a powerful way to expand audiences and enrich cultural experiences. Rather than competing, organizations are finding creative ways to merge different art forms, creating performances that appeal to broader audiences and showcasing how varied genres can complement one another.

By collaborating across community lines, art organizations can reach new audiences and create unique artistic synergies. A successful chamber music series in Hinsdale, for example, may find an eager audience in Oak Brook, while a popular community theater production could tour multiple suburban venues, broadening its reach.

What you can do to support the arts:

1. Stay informed about local events—explore arts happenings in nearby communities you might otherwise miss.
2. If you’re part of a performing arts group, consider reaching out to organizations in different genres to explore creative collaborations.
3. Support arts organizations beyond your immediate area—your ticket purchase contributes to the region’s cultural vitality.
4. Artists and event organizers: expand your reach by participating in events across multiple communities.

The collaboration seen in Chicago’s western suburbs proves that when theaters and communities unite, everyone benefits—the artists, audiences, and the broader region. As the West Suburban Theater Connection continues to grow, this new era of collaboration shows that, in art and life, the whole can truly be greater than the sum of its parts. n

Laura Michaud

Melissa G. Wilson

About the authors:

Laura Michaud is a founding member of the Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts and Stage 773. Melissa G. Wilson is a performing arts enthusiast, author, and renowned networker. For more information visit ecpa-elmhurst.org and networlding.com.