July 7, 2026
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Egyptian Theatre’s Flashlight tours offer a memorable experience we hope you’ll enjoy. The event includes a guided tour from balcony to backstage, covering the theatre’s history, architecture, and lots of ghost stories – including a showcase of photos and videos guests have taken on prior tours. Looking ahead to upcoming summer tours on July 10th and August 22nd, marketing intern AJ Evon spoke to the Egyptian’s Executive Director, Alex Nerad, to learn more.
AJ: The theatre hosts flashlight tours several times throughout the year. What initially inspired this event?
Alex: We got the idea from another historic theatre in Florida. We borrowed the idea and modified it to fit the Egyptian Theatre. We did them maybe once or twice a year to start. During the pandemic, there were months when we could have only 25 or so people at an event. So we started doing the Flashlight tours every month, sometimes more than once. They sold out every time we added one. We have continued doing them a few times a year now that our live event programming has picked back up after the pandemic.
AJ: The Egyptian is described as one of the most haunted theatres in Illinois. What factors contribute to its eerie reputation?
A: I think all historic theatres inherently have an eerie quality simply because of how many people have passed through their doors and graced their stages over the years. We always describe our spirits as not being ominous but more playful. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there continue to be so many unexplained occurrences inside the Egyptian.
AJ: Theatres everywhere are known to house one or more ghosts. How many ghosts can participants expect to learn about during the tour?
A: During our Flashlight Tour, we share personal stories and many stories people have shared with us. The tour tends to focus on four of our more prominent spirits. But strange things do occur on the tours that sometimes lead us to talk about some of our less active spirits.
AJ: Why do you think so many ghosts are attracted to the Egyptian in particular?
A: I think it is symbolic of the nearly 100 years of history and how special the Egyptian Theatre is. From those who have sat in our seats to those who have performed on our stage, countless people have made memories inside the Egyptian. It seems only natural that there would be spirits drawn to the Theatre.
AJ: A “BOO’ze” tour can be best completed with a spirited beverage in hand. What can guests look forward to at the concessions stand?
A: We have all our typical concession stand drinks and snacks, plus a specialty drink available only at our Flashlight Tour. The drink is our “Lady in Green,” a green glowing adult beverage named after one of our ghosts in the balcony who is thought to be a vaudeville actress.
AJ: The Egyptian has a great selection of merchandise showcasing its history and artistry. Will there be any spooky items available for purchase at the event?
A: We have some really neat theatre merchandise available at all of our events. At the Flashlight Tours we have a special t-shirt you can only purchase at one of these tours and we’ve recently added the cutest little ghost stress reliever.
