Founded in 1982 by five Northwestern University graduates - Meryl Friedman, Suzanne Plunkett, Kathee Sills, Sandy Snyder and Steve Totland - Lifeline moved into its permanent home in Rogers Park, a converted Commonwealth Edison substation, in 1985. The facility includes a 99-seat theater, rehearsal and office space, a scene shop, and costume, prop, and scenery storage.
Lifeline serves over 17,000 people each season running from September through August with a 3-play MainStage Season and a 3-play KidSeries season. Additionally, Lifeline hosts the Fillet of Solo Festival, Chicago's premier solo performance and storytelling festival, which attracts national talent.