Upcoming Events at The Center!
Coming Soon - The 2026-27 Season: Electrifying Performances that Spark Joy!
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Upcoming Arts in Education Events (Weekday Matinees)
Cirque Us Stories
Friday, October 2, 2026 at 10 AM & 12 PM
Grades: All
A curated show that delivers a touching narrative about community and identity, featuring aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, clowns, and more to engage audiences.
SUGAR SKULL!
A DÃa de Muertos Musical Adventure!
Friday, October 23, 2026 at 10 AM & 12 PM
Grades: All
A bilingual musical about twelve-year-old Vita Flores, who explores her family's DÃa de Muertos celebration with a candy skeleton that takes her on a magical journey to uncover the holiday's true meaning.
A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
Presented by Theatre and Performance Studies at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ
Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 10 AM
Grades: 6th and Up
This modern adaptation follows four young lovers exploring identity and love amidst chaos, making Shakespeare engaging and accessible while inviting students to examine themes of transformation, self-expression, and imagination.
J is for Jazz
A Celebration of Oscar Brown, Jr.
Presented by MPAACT
Friday, November 20, 2026 at 10 AM & 12 PM
Grades: All
Jae introduces her brother Jason to the enchanting world of jazz in this celebration of Chicago jazz legend Oscar Brown Jr.’s 100th birthday, through history, cultural significance, and special guests Maggie and Afrika Brown.
Ruth Page's The Nutcracker Suite
Friday, December 4, 2026 at 10 AM
Grades: All
Discover "The Nutcracker Suite," an abridged version of the beloved holiday tale where Clara's magical adventure unfolds with toy soldiers, mice, a prince, and dancing Snowflakes after a mysterious gift from her godfather, Drosselmeyer.
Clifford the Big Red Dog
Thursday, February 4, 2027 at 10 AM & 12 PM
Grades: Pre-K - 2nd
Clifford the Big Red Dog stars in a musical comedy about friendship, creativity, and love, as Emily Elizabeth's affection for her giant red puppy leads to delightful discoveries that his size helps friends and spreads joy on Birdwell Island.
Pigfoot Mary's Harlem Renaissance
Wednesday, February 10, 2027 at 10 AM & 12 PM
Grades: 4th - 12th
A wealthy food stand owner in Harlem, inspired by Lillian Harris Dean, dreams of moving to California while her life connects with figures like Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes, in a vibrant two-actor play with jazz, dance, and literary references.
Illuminate
Presented by South Chicago Dance Theatre
Friday, February 26, 2027 at 10 AM & 12 PM
Grades: 5th - 12th
Illuminate celebrates Black American activists, poets, dancers, actors, and musicians. Students learn about these figures through dance while exploring various dance styles, the African American flag, and the Black National Anthem.
Everybody Rejoice!
A Celebration of Broadway Dance
Presented by Theatre and Performance Studies at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ
Friday, February 26, 2027 at 10 AM & 12 PM
Grades: 5th - 12th
Illuminate celebrates Black American activists, poets, dancers, actors, and musicians. Students learn about these figures through dance while exploring various dance styles, the African American flag, and the Black National Anthem.
The Math Maniac Show
A Pi Day Celebration!
Tuesday, March 16, 2027 at 10 AM & 12 PM
Grades: K - 5th
Learning math can be fun! The Math Maniac showcases engaging, fast-paced demonstrations that make math enjoyable, so much so that students might not even realize they’re learning. Plus, there might be pie for Pi Day!
Once On This Island
Presented by Theatre and Performance Studies at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ
Thursday, April 8, 2027 at 10 AM
Grades: All
Once on This Island is a vibrant musical that follows Ti Moune, a brave girl on a journey across social divides on a Caribbean island, exploring themes of love, community, and resilience through storytelling, song, and dance.
Upcoming Youth Camps
The Lion King Jr.
Performing Arts Summer Camp
June 8 - July 9, 2026 (Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
Ages: 8-15
Perfect for aspiring performers ready to shine, this camp offers a well-rounded, inspiring introduction to the world of musical theatre—onstage and beyond.
Perform to Transform
Teen Intensive
August 3rd - 7th, 2026 (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
Ages: 12-18
Campers will develop their performance skills and individual voices under professional guidance, culminating in a final showcase and obtaining a professional headshot for agency submissions.
The Center
1 University Parkway,
University Park, IL 60484
Summer Box Office Hours (June 1 - July 31, 2026)
Tuesdays - Thursdays: 10A-4P
OPEN TWO HOURS PRIOR TO SHOWTIMES
CONTACT
708.235.2222
TICKETS@GOVST.EDU