Read Benno Nelson's articles in the "Full Storefrontal" series that focus on small theatre companies around Chicago:

The Strange, Full Dream of Dog & Pony
Strawdog Stands the Test of Time
Theater Oobleck Brings Risk to the People
Old Soul, Long Road, New Company: Route 66
Teatro Vista's World with a View
Red Tape Theatre Plans for the Future
New Leaf Theatre Begins Again, and Again...
The Plagiarists Steal This Stage
Caffeine Theatre Thinks You're Smart
Spotlight on Horror, WildClaw Theatre
The Mammals - Rehearsing the Dark Stuff
Remy Bumppo: Listen Up
Silent Theatre Company Wants to Change Your Life
WNEP Theater - You Have Permission to Punch Don Hall in the Face
Sideshow Seeks the Center Stage
Backstage Theatre Company: A Family Affair
Oracle Productions Sees Into The Future
Theatre Seven Keeps it Close to Home
Babes With Blades Carve Out a Home
Something's Developing at Chicago Dramatists
About Face Theatre - Looks Fresh
LiveWire Chicago Stays Current
The New Colony Settles In
A Red Orchid Theatre Keeps Its Friends Close
It's all Greek To Dream Theatre
Stage Left Asks The Questions
The Inconvenience at Home
The Side Project Gets A New Band Together
The Paper Machete Keeps the News Alive
Bruised Orange Theater Company: Hypertension
The Hypocrites - Young in Spirit