The Court Theatre, designed by Harry Weese, was specifically conceived to accommodate large productions of classic repertory. The space is very intimate, with 3/4 round seating and no seat farther than seven rows from the stage.

The Court Theatre formally had its beginning in 1955. In the early 1970s, the Court Theatre set out to create a professional classical theatre with a permanent resident ensemble. A major campaign conducted jointly by the Court Theatre and the University of Chicago in 1979 raised the necessary funds to construct a permanent theatre facility for the Court Theatre.

The Court Theatre is one of the best settings in the Chicago area to view great classical theatre. Due to the theatre's size and its intimate design, every seat has an excellent view, and the sound quality is superb.