The Black Ensemble Theater will add a 150-seat studio theater and rehearsal room to its Uptown performance complex through $2.4 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) support approved by City Council today.

The $5 million project at 4450 N. Clark St. will enable the nearly 50-year-old nonprofit organization to increase its small theater productions from four to eight shows annually. The improvements will replace vacant second-floor space.

Black Ensemble Theater has operated in Uptown since 1976. The organization opened its current location in 2011 with support from a City TIF grant.