So, wait… Is this a PLAY?

FORTS: Build Your Own Adventure is both a play (the noun) and a play (the verb). Just like a play (noun), there is theatrical lighting, sound design, and music that shapes your imaginative journey. Unlike a play (noun), you won’t sit in a seat and watch, YOU will play (verb). We think of it as more of an experience where everyone can build, dream, and create together.

But what do I do?

Picture Filament Theatre as a giant living room filled with couches, cardboard boxes, sheets, clothesline and more. When you enter, the lights come up on giant towers of boxes. First order of business—build a fort! Maybe it’s the tallest fort ever. Maybe it has lots of rooms. Maybe you team up with other participants and make a giant super fort. Maybe it’s cozy and you curl up and have a chat. Maybe you take a tour of someone else’s fort and make a friend. It’s up to you! With new elements added throughout the experience and lights and sound that take you from day to night and back again, the story is different every time.

For a peek into the adventure check out this clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCW8Z3B2zVc

Who is in charge? 

The experience is facilitated by two amazing guides who are there to support your journey and make sure everyone has a great time and stays safe! 

Are food & drink allowed in the space?

While you can’t take food and drink into the adventure, there will be space outside of the adventure zone to fuel up or take a break and concessions will be open.   

How can a 5-year old and a 50-year-old enjoy the same experience?

When we say “people of all ages” – we mean it. When was the last time you had the chance to build, create, and explore? Rediscover your inner child by taking a moment to unplug and play. And of course, young people are experts at playing so FORTS is a great opportunity to let the young ones in your life lead the way. Want to leave the kids at home? Check out our Adult Nights in the ways to play below.

How long is FORTS?

The experience runs for 60 minutes. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the show to enjoy pre-show activities with your guides.

How many kids may I bring?

There is a limit to 3 kids to each adult. The first ticket you purchase will include one adult admission and one child admission. You may purchase additional adult or child tickets after first purchasing the companion ticket. There may be no more than 3 children for every 1 adult ticket purchased. If you would like to bring a larger group of children, there will be an additional fee for us to provide additional facilitators.

Anything else I should know?

Shoes aren’t allowed in the play-space so choose cute socks the day you visit!

A limited number of walk-up tickets will be available at each performance to accommodate last minute additions to your party. Please check the website for the most up to date availability.

NOW BOOKING THROUGH JANUARY 2025

We love celebrating special days with young people! Parties for birthdays or other events can be booked online. For questions, please contact boxoffice@filamenttheatre.org

Birthday Party info or young people:
Birthday Party Info Sheet 

Party info for every occasion:

Book Your Private Party at Forts

Adult Night Tickets

Book a Private Party at Forts:Adult Night!

FORTS: Build Your Own Adventure was Conceived and Directed by Julie Ritchey. 

Created in collaboration with Andrew Marikis, Eleanor Kahn, Jeffrey Levin, Carley Walker, and Christian Libonati

2023 Creative Team:  Eleanor Kahn (Environment Design), Jeffrey Levin (Sound Design), Andrew Marikis (Facilitation Design), Joel Zishuk (Lighting Designer), and Carley Walker (Creative Consultant, Lighting Design).

Field Trip Performances

Recommended for ages 2 and up. 

Enter a world of imagination and creation as Filament Theatre transforms into an interactive play-space full of fun, creativity, and community! Using cardboard boxes, sheets, clothesline and more, build your own adventures.  With theatrical design elements working together to support creative play, all are sure to be swept away in the adventure. 

Field trip performances occur on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 10am and 12pm from December 6 – 20th. Each performance has a capacity of 35 people including adults. There must be 1 adult for every 6 students. A ratio of 1:5 is recommended for younger ages. The performance lasts one hour and a lunch room is available. 

Field Trips are priced at $400-$500 per show depending on the needs of the school. Please fill out the registration form below and we will reach out to finish your field trip booking. For further questions please contact Caroline Watson at BoxOffice@filamenttheatre.org

Field Trip Request Form

How to Request Accommodations

When checking out for FORTS you can request accommodations and notify us about your accessibility needs by filling out the checkout question “Are there any accessibility needs you would like us to be aware of?” or by emailing your needs or questions to boxoffice@filamenttheatre.org.

We are committed to adhering to the guidelines set forth in the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please know that we will try to accommodate your needs to the best of our ability. We value community feedback, particularly the ways we can best accommodate those with disabilities attending Filament programs. If you would like to share feedback, please email us at boxoffice@filamenttheatre.org.

Physical Access

Filament Theatre is on the first floor at 4041 N Milwaukee Ave and is physically accessible from the sidewalk. Filament does not have automatic doors, but FORTS Guides and Filament staff will be present, should anyone need the door held open. 

Once inside the theatre space, the FORTS experience will take place on a rubber tiled mat that spans the majority of the theatre floor. The tiles are raised about an inch off the floor and have a firm texture with a small amount of give to them. There are also rugs located throughout the space that are taped down to the floor.

Due to the nature of FORTS, each show is different and the general accessibility of the space will change based on how boxes fall and where forts are built. Should you need help maneuvering the space or need boxes to be adjusted, FORTS Guides will be there to assist you.

Two gender-neutral restrooms are located down the side hall of the theatre through a set of double doors that will remain open during FORTS. There will be signage throughout the hall directing you to the restrooms. Each restroom is equipped with a grab bar next to the toilet. The further bathroom is equipped with a changing mat. 

The audience will be asked to remove their shoes before entering the theatre space in order to keep the tiled mat clean. If you are unable to remove your shoes, that is alright. If you need to leave shoes on but are able to bring a pair of indoor shoes, that would be greatly appreciated.

Hearing Access

FORTS features two scripted portions at the top and bottom of the show that can be found here. If you would like a printed copy of the text please let us know when filling out the checkout question when purchasing tickets, via email at boxoffice@filamenttheatre.org, or by requesting it upon your arrival. 

FORTS features a subtle theatrical soundscape that will flow through daytime and nighttime city and nature sounds and a thunderstorm, followed by a rooster’s crow and dance party to the song Safe and Sound by Capital Cities. 

Due to the nature of FORTS, each show is different in terms of any verbal interactions that happen with the Guides throughout the show.

COVID-19 

During FORTS, Filament will be equipped with two air purifiers provided by Clean Air Club. SmartAir Blast “Mini” HEPA Purifiers that span 600 sq ft each with a CADR of 740 cubic m/hr will be located in the lobby and theatre space. 

At this time, masks are highly encouraged but not required for audience members. Due to the interactive nature of FORTS, you may find yourself playing alongside someone outside of your household. We encourage everyone to make decisions that keep themselves and others safe and comfortable.  If you would like a mask, please speak to a Guide or a Filament staff member.

If you or a member of your household is experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, had a direct exposure, or has received a positive COVID-19 test, please stay home and contact us at boxoffice@filamenttheatre.org and we will exchange your tickets for a later date.

Sensory Friendly 

Filament recognizes that every audience is, in fact, a neurodiverse audience.  We welcome those with sensory sensitivities to attend any performance they wish, and we also designate specific performances for those who would like a sensory-friendly show. 

FORTS sensory-friendly performances will be held on Sunday, December 8 at 10:30am and Saturday, December 21 at 3:30pm. To ensure that families seeking a sensory-friendly experience have priority access to these performances, tickets for these performances can only be reserved by emailing boxoffice@filamenttheatre.org. 

A social story about attending FORTS can be found here. 

Filament will have three pairs of child sized noise reducing headphones with SNR 26dB protection available for use during FORTS. There will also be two different types of quiet fidget toys available for use in the lobby during the show. Please speak to a Guide or Filament staff member to request these items.

Filament recognizes that every audience is, in fact, a neurodiverse audience.  We welcome those with sensory sensitivities to attend any performance they wish, and we also designate specific performances for those who would like a sensory-friendly show. 

FORTS sensory-friendly performances will be held

• • Sunday, December 8 at 10:30am 
  • Saturday, December 21 at 3:30pm

Email boxoffice@filamentttheatre.org to reserve tickets. 

To ensure that families seeking a sensory-friendly experience have priority access to these performances, tickets for these performances can only be reserved by emailing boxoffice@filamenttheatre.org. 

What changes are made during a sensory friendly performance? 

• • The volume of sound effects is lowered. 
  • Box towers are stacked slightly lower to minimize crashes. 
  • Filament guides receive additional information about welcoming families with sensory sensitivities.  

What stays the same during a sensory friendly performance? 

• • The lobby is always available for those who need a quiet break.
  • The guides are always eager to welcome and support families’ unique needs. 
  • A social story is available to families preparing for their visit.  
  • The story, events, and magic are the same!

Review our SAFETY PLAN before your visit.

COVID-19 

During FORTS, Filament will be equipped with two air purifiers provided by Clean Air Club. SmartAir Blast “Mini” HEPA Purifiers that span 600 sq ft each with a CADR of 740 cubic m/hr will be located in the lobby and theatre space. 

At this time, masks are highly encouraged but not required for audience members. Due to the interactive nature of FORTS, you may find yourself playing alongside someone outside of your household. We encourage everyone to make decisions that keep themselves and others safe and comfortable.  If you would like a mask, please speak to a Guide or a Filament staff member.

If you or a member of your household is experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, had a direct exposure, or has received a positive COVID-19 test, please stay home and contact us at boxoffice@filamenttheatre.org and we will exchange your tickets for a later date.