The Genesee

What The Genesee does

The Genesee Theatre is a historic 2,403-seat performing arts venue located at 203 N Genesee Street in Waukegan, Illinois, operated by The Friends of the Historic Genesee Theatre, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Originally opened on Christmas Day 1927 as a Spanish Renaissance movie palace, the theater closed in 1989 and was acquired by the City of Waukegan in 1999, reopening on December 3, 2004 after a $23 million renovation that restored its 18-foot Baccarat crystal chandelier, Italian marble interiors, Barton Grande pipe organ, and tapestries while doubling the stage size and expanding seating. The 115,000 sq ft facility now hosts a diverse calendar of concerts, comedy, fine arts, family shows, ballet, and variety acts featuring nationally touring performers, alongside group sales, historical and ghost tours, and a productized venue rental business spanning the auditorium, seven themed lounges, the Grand Lobby, and the iconic marquee.

The venue's revenue model is multi-stream and primarily transactional. Ticketed performances are sold through a physical Box Office (no service fees), online via Ticketmaster as the exclusive authorized seller (with service charges), and by phone. A tiered annual membership program (Headliner at $500/year and Encore at $1,000/year) offers waived Ticketmaster fees, priority access, preferred seating, drink vouchers, and complimentary tickets. Venue rentals for corporate events, weddings, quinceañeras, bar mitzvahs, and graduations are sold direct, with in-house beverage, catering, and audiovisual support. Go-to-market spans a regional consumer base in Waukegan/Lake County (individual ticket buyers, groups of 15+ with discounted rates, and dedicated members), enterprise and social-event clients, and production companies booking ticketed rentals with backstage and dressing-room facilities.

The Genesee is owned by the City of Waukegan and governed by a Board of Directors led by Chairman Brian Shenker, with a professional staff including General Manager Dennis Sheen and functional leads across ticketing, marketing, booking, F&B, production, private events, accounting, PR, and administration. Distribution relies on the official website, an email newsletter, organic Facebook presence, Ticketmaster's national platform, and on-the-ground partnerships with Metra Rail, Pace Transit, and Advantage Valet. The organization's mission, as stated in its nonprofit charter, is to serve the cultural, educational, and economic needs of the community, with funds reinvested into the theater.

Name

The Genesee

Legal name

The Friends of the Historic Genesee Theatre

Website

https://geneseetheatre.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1927

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Genesee Theatre is a historic 2,403-seat nonprofit performing arts venue in Waukegan, Illinois, hosting concerts, comedy, ballet, and variety acts while renting its auditorium, lounges, and marquee for corporate and social events, supported by a tiered membership program and Ticketmaster-exclusive online ticketing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Entertainment and Performing Arts Venue

NAICS

Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (71111), Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (711110)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Concert Halls & Music Venue Operations (Symphony Halls, Recital Venues) (MPAGALAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums) (THAHAAAG), Theater, Musicals & Performing Arts (THAJAFAB), Specialty & Historic Venues (Landmarks, Estates) (THAHAAAK), Event Operations & Venue Services (Box Office, FOH/BOH, Concessions) (MPAIAFAL)

Keywords

• Live entertainment venue
• Performing arts theatre
• Venue rental services
• Event ticketing
• Concert and comedy shows

Headquarters

HQ city

Waukegan

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Primary revenue stream from ticket sales for concerts, comedy, fine arts, family shows, and variety events. Tickets sold through Box Office walk-up and Ticketmaster online platform. Additional fees/service charges apply for online and phone orders.
2. Membership Program: Annual membership program with two tiers: Headliner ($500/year) and Encore ($1,000/year). Benefits include waived Ticketmaster fees, first access to tickets, preferred seating, $10 ticket offers, discounted lounge rentals, drink vouchers, and free tickets.
3. Venue Rental - Auditorium: Rental of Grand Auditorium for corporate events, dance performances, graduation ceremonies, weddings, quinceañeras, and bar mitzvahs. Includes 2,403 seats and 4,600 sq ft stage.
4. Venue Rental - Lounges and Spaces: Rental of multiple lounges (Jack Benny, Road Show, Stage Door, Strings & Things, Laugh Track, Spotlight, Red Carpet), Marquee Terrace, and Grand Lobby for private events, corporate outings, cocktail parties, business meetings, and seminars.
5. Marquee Rental: Rental of the iconic marquee sign for personal announcements including birthdays, congratulations, well wishes, and proposals.
6. Food & Beverage: Full bar service and packaged snacks available in lounges during events. In-house beverage and catering available for venue rentals.
7. Historical and Ghost Tours: Historical and ghost tours available by appointment for groups, providing additional revenue and community engagement.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Genesee Theatre is a historic 1,799-seat (expanded to 2,403 seats) performing arts venue in Waukegan, Illinois that presents ticketed live entertainment including concerts, comedy shows, fine arts performances, family shows, and variety acts. The theatre also offers comprehensive venue rental services for corporate events, weddings, banquets, graduation ceremonies, and private functions across multiple spaces including the Grand Auditorium, Grand Lobby, seven private lounges, and Marquee Terrace. Tickets are sold through an on-site Box Office and exclusively online via Ticketmaster, with an annual membership program available at two tiers.

Product overview

The Genesee Theatre operates as a multi-purpose entertainment venue and event space offering a unified portfolio of services. The core offering includes ticketing services for live performances (comedy, music, fine arts, variety, and family shows) sold through Box Office walk-ups and Ticketmaster online. Venue rental services form a major product line, providing various spaces including the Grand Auditorium (2,403 seats, 4,600 sq ft stage), Grand Lobby, Marquee, seven private lounges, and special event spaces for corporate events, weddings, banquets, and private functions. The theater also operates membership programs (Headliner at $500/yr and Encore at $1,000/yr) offering exclusive benefits. Additional services include historical and ghost tours, group sales for 15+ attendees, and food & beverage operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Venue Rental Comprehensive venue rental services offered by The Genesee Theatre for corporate events, weddings, banquets, quinceañeras, bar mitzvahs, graduations, and private functions, encompassing the Grand Auditorium, Grand Lobby, seven private lounges, and the Marquee Terrace. Service includes in-house sound, lighting, AV, banquet equipment, and catering.
• Auditorium Rental Rental of the Grand Auditorium featuring 2,403 seats on Orchestra and Balcony levels, a 4,600 sq ft stage, gold-toned and red velvet decor, a self-contained sound system, professional stage lighting, audio/visual setups, banquet equipment, and in-house beverage and catering services. Suitable for corporate events, dance performances, graduations, weddings, quinceañeras, and bar mitzvahs.
• Grand Lobby Rental An elegant event space adorned with original Italian marble, two winding staircases, and an original 18-foot Baccarat crystal chandelier, accommodating up to 100 guests. Available for weddings, galas, and private celebrations with banquet equipment and catering available.
• Marquee Rental The Genesee Theatre's iconic marquee is available for rental to display personal announcements such as birthdays, congratulations, well wishes, or marriage proposals.
• Ticketed Rentals The theater is available for rental productions including theater productions, lecture series, film screenings, and concerts. Includes expansive backstage area, 2 Star Dressing Rooms, 10 Performer Dressing Rooms, and a Green Room with catering area and kitchenette. Tickets for rental productions are sold through Ticketmaster.
• Special Events Lounges Seven unique private lounges (Jack Benny, Road Show, Stage Door, Strings & Things, Laugh Track, Spotlight, and Red Carpet) available for showers, corporate outings, cocktail parties, business meetings, trainings, and seminars.
• Box Office Ticketing Services Ticket sales and distribution through the on-site Box Office walk-up (no additional charges), online ordering via Ticketmaster (24/7), will call pickup, and gift certificates. Box Office hours are Tuesday–Friday 11am–5:30pm and Saturday 10am–3pm, open 2 hours prior to every performance. Accepts cash and major credit cards.
• Membership Program Annual membership program with two tiers — Headliner at $500/year and Encore at $1,000/year — offering waived Ticketmaster fees, first access to tickets, preferred seating, discounted lounge rentals, drink vouchers, free tickets, signed posters, and a special gift. A portion of each membership fee is a tax-deductible contribution to The Friends of the Historic Genesee Theatre.
• Historical and Ghost Tours Guided tours of the historic theater available by appointment. Historical tours explore the theater's architecture and history, while ghost tours offer paranormal investigation experiences. Available for groups by appointment.

Named customers22 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TicketmastercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTicketmaster serves as the exclusive authorized online ticket seller for the Genesee Theatre. All online ticket purchases are processed through Ticketmaster's platform. The theatre's email subscription and membership programs are integrated with Ticketmaster's systems. This is a critical distribution partnership for ticket sales.
• City of WaukegancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn 1999, the City of Waukegan purchased the historic Genesee Theatre building and funded a $23 million renovation project. The city ownership and investment was critical to the theatre's rebirth and continued operation as a community cultural hub.
• The Friends of the Historic Genesee TheatrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the theatre's mission to serve the community's cultural, educational, and economic needs. Raises funds reinvested into the theatre. Manages membership program and seat sponsorship.
• Metra Rail (Union Pacific / North Line)minorOthersPublic transportation partner. The Metra Rail Union Pacific/North Line provides access to the theatre for visitors via short walk from the station.
• Pace TransitminorOthersPublic transportation partner providing daily service to downtown Waukegan, improving accessibility for theatre visitors.
• Advantage ValetminorGTM or Marketing PartnerValet parking service available for most events. Cash-only service with approach from East on Sheridan Road. Enhances visitor experience.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Arcada Theatre: Historic ~900-seat theater in St. Charles, IL (suburban Chicago) presenting national touring music acts, comedy, and tribute shows. Directly comparable as a small/medium historic suburban-Chicago performing arts venue running a similar concert-plus-events programming model.
• Embassy Theatre: ~2,400-seat historic 1920s theater in Fort Wayne, IN presenting national touring concerts, Broadway, and community programming. Closely comparable in scale, vintage, and historic-renovation model.
• Paramount Theatre (Aurora): 1,800-seat historic regional theater in Aurora, IL presenting Broadway tours, concerts, comedy, and family programming. Closest scale-and-format analog to the Genesee within the Chicago metro western suburbs.
• Drury Lane Theatre: Suburban Chicago (Oakbrook Terrace) theater producing plays, musicals, and dinner-theater-style programming with event-rental operations. Comparable as a multi-purpose suburban venue that pairs presented entertainment with private-event rentals.
• Palace Theatre (Columbus): ~2,800-seat 1928 historic theater in Columbus, OH operated as a performing arts venue with concerts, comedy, and Broadway. Comparable Midwest historic venue of similar vintage and capacity.

Regional players

• Murat Theatre at Old National Centre: ~2,500-seat historic 1920s theater in Indianapolis presenting national touring concerts, comedy, and family shows. Comparable historic Midwestern venue operating under a similar touring-act and event-rental model.
• Riverside Theatre (Milwaukee): Historic Midwest performing arts venue in Milwaukee presenting Broadway tours, concerts, and family shows. Similar format and audience profile, but serves the Milwaukee rather than Lake County/Chicago-suburb market.

Broad incumbents

• Ryman Auditorium: 2,366-seat National Historic Landmark performing arts venue in Nashville, TN. Comparable as a historic, large-capacity touring-act venue, but operates at substantially larger scale and brand profile ("Mother Church of Country Music").
• Chicago Theatre: 3,600-seat historic 1921 landmark theater on State Street in Chicago presenting national touring concerts and comedy. Same business model and demographic overlap as the Genesee, but larger capacity, city-center location, and stronger draw.
• Cadillac Palace Theatre: 2,300-seat Broadway touring venue in downtown Chicago. Comparable capacity and presenting format, but positioned as the primary Broadway-tour stop for the Chicago metro rather than a mixed-genre presenter.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/GeneseeTheatre
• Xx.com/geneseetheatre
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/genesee-theatre

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Genesee