Who We Are

At Intrinsic Theatre, we believe that theatre, and all forms of art, are just that: intrinsic! We strive to remind the community that the arts aren't just something you have to do for a half-credit in high school. It is something that needs to be experienced, cultivated, and shared.

Formed in Detroit in 2017, we relocated to Chicago a year later. It is our aim to give the residents and visitors of Chicagoland a way to rediscover the magic of theatre through engaging and provocative storytelling. Each of our seasons focuses on a different aspect of our lives that is central, intrinsic if you will, to what we call the American experience. What does it mean to be alive today? What does it mean to be an American? What unites us all? Or, what collectively divides? These are the questions our seasons, both past and future, will attempt to answer.

Our Mission

To tell stories of cultural relevance that allow us to engage with intrinsic truths of the American experience.

Our Motto

Provide Entertainment. Provoke Thought. Prompt Conversation.

Our Artistic Director

Bradley Hamilton is a Wilde Award-winning native of metro-Detroit who has grown up in the theatre. Someone once told him "don't pursue a career in theatre unless you are absolutely, one-hundred percent certain you cannot survive without it." Since then, he has come to realize it's true: theatre is a tough business and he cannot survive without it. Acting throughout school, Bradley eventually found his way to Hope College to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with an emphasis in performing. After graduation, he worked throughout Michigan as a professional actor with companies such as Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, Thunder Bay Theatre, Wild Swan Theater, Outvisible Theatre Company, and Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company. Along the way, he acquired a Wilde Award in addition to several additional nominations. In 2017, he took a hiatus from the stage to form Intrinsic Theatre Company.

While in Detroit, he served as the first Secretary of the Board of Directors for PRISM: Gay Men & Allies' Chorus of Metro Detroit.

Our Administrative Staff

David Lew Cooper
Creative Director

Originally hailing from Ann Arbor, David Lew received his BFA in Theatre Performance from Western Michigan University and promptly moved to Chicago to create and collaborate with other like-minded working class Midwestern artists. David Lew has worked with theatre companies regional and local, primarily as a director and actor (What A Do, Huron Playhouse, The Comrades, Rhinofest, et al) and several of his short plays have been produced domestically and abroad. David Lew is an activist and advocate for mental health services and the reform of cannabis laws on the federal and state level. He's also a rapper - www.soundcloud.com/wasmaname

Caitlin Holland
Director of Development

Biography coming soon.

Special Thanks

Adriane Galea for our logo design

Michael Johns for our May Play Series logo design

It is the policy of Intrinsic Theatre Company not to discriminate based on age, race, color, creed, religion or lack thereof, creed, disability or handicap, genetic makeup, marital status, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, military/veteran status, or any other protected status.

Intrinsic's Charitable Ratings