Oil Lamp Theater was originally founded in February 2005 as a by-invitation-only theater group. The Theater was dedicated to the preservation of a traditional theater experience in unique and original venues. The initial vision for this dates back to Keith Gerth’s childhood when he would watch the Dick Van Dyke show. If you are not familiar, the main characters, Rob and Laura Petri would entertain friends at home with theater or musical entertainment. Keith was always inspired by this and thought it to be a truly unique way to experience theater - with a group of your friends who were already bonded in that they knew each other before coming into the experience. It made the experience that much more personable.

So, with that vision in mind Keith staged 20 productions for up to 35 friends and guests each night in his home, a condo in Lakeview. The name of the company comes from Keith’s childhood, where due to the rural nature of his home town, they lost power often and used oil lamps to light the house. This brought the family closer and created a beautiful soft and intimate glow. He therefore continued the tradition his mother started of collecting oil lamps.

In March 2012, Oil Lamp Theater was incorporated as a not-for-profit theater and established its new location in downtown Glenview at 1723 Glenview Road. Our new venue provides seating for 60 guests. Oil Lamp Theater is BYOB, so feel free to bring a drink and enjoy before, during and after the production. Oil Lamp provides corkage and glasses at no additional charge. We also offer fresh-baked complimentary cookies at each performance. We also invite you to meet and mingle with the actors after each performance.

Please join us to experience this special and unique theater opportunity. Bring some friends, make new friends and experience a night you will never forget. Oil Lamp is more than theater, it's an experience. Experience it today!

Oil Lamp Theater

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