Collaboraction Theatre opens new 'House of Belonging' in Humboldt Park

The community-driven theater company aims to anchor the growing arts scene along The 606 trail.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:55am

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Collaboraction, a social justice-oriented theater company, has opened its new 4,000-square-foot 'House of Belonging' performance space inside the Kimball Arts Center in Humboldt Park. The theater's inaugural show is 'Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till,' which has been extended until March 15. Collaboraction signed a 20-year lease with the building's owner and is betting the new space will draw audiences seeking meaningful human connection in a post-COVID world.

Why it matters

The opening of Collaboraction's new theater comes at a challenging time for the arts, with funding cuts and ideological audits of cultural institutions under the Trump administration. However, Collaboraction leaders are optimistic the House of Belonging will help anchor the growing arts scene along The 606 trail in Humboldt Park, providing a community-driven space for local artists and audiences.

The details

The new theater space includes a 99-seat black box theater, a 49-seat lounge with a full-service bar and small stage, and will host a variety of programming beyond Collaboraction's own productions. The $800,000 to $1 million project was supported by donations and in-kind contributions from local arts organizations. Collaboraction previously operated out of the Flatiron Arts Building in Wicker Park.

  • Collaboraction opened its new House of Belonging space in March 2026.
  • The theater's inaugural production, 'Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till,' is extended until March 15, 2026.

The players

Collaboraction

A social justice-oriented theater company established in 1996.

Darlene Jackson

The CEO and executive director of Collaboraction, also known as Chicago house music DJ Lady D.

Anthony Moseley

The artistic director of Collaboraction Theatre.

Kimball Arts Center

The building that houses Collaboraction's new House of Belonging space, located in Humboldt Park.

Stocking Urban Development

The owner of the Kimball Arts Center building, which Collaboraction has signed a 20-year lease with.

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What they’re saying

“People are now working at home. They watch their movies at home. This is a space to be with other people and experience art that is authentic and rooted in our belonging to one another.”

— Anthony Moseley, Artistic Director, Collaboraction Theatre

“It's a new era.”

— Darlene Jackson, CEO and Executive Director, Collaboraction

“We really want to support and be a space for artists in the area. You don't have to go Downtown or to the Far North Side … It could happen for you in your community.”

— Darlene Jackson, CEO and Executive Director, Collaboraction

What’s next

Collaboraction's 'Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till' production is extended until March 15, 2026, giving audiences more opportunities to experience the new House of Belonging space.

The takeaway

Collaboraction's new House of Belonging theater in Humboldt Park represents an important investment in the local arts scene, providing a community-driven space for artists and audiences at a time when the arts sector faces significant challenges. The theater's optimism and commitment to supporting hyperlocal talent signals a promising future for the growing arts corridor along The 606 trail.