Take a break from all the screens and explore the theater scene here in St. Charles, IL. This city is home to first-class theater entertainment, which makes for a perfect way to spend a fun evening out. Here are some great venues to see a show, places where you can improve on your own skills, and even more ways to dive into the performing arts.
Catch a Show
Photos Courtesy of Marquee Youth Stage
The Marquee Youth Stage is a children's performing arts education organization that hosts a variety of shows throughout the year. They work with students as young as Pre-K , and as old as 12th grade, producing plays specifically for the different age-groups. All children who sign up will participate in the collaborative process of putting on a play or musical for the community. This is a great opportunity for children to develop their skills and perform in a show, while providing wonderful theater entertainment for St. Charles. Make sure to view their website to see their upcoming shows and to reserve your tickets.
Photos Courtesy of the STC Theater
Located just east of downtown is the STC Theater. The STC Theater is an intimate venue that presents both mainstage and children's performances. It also serves as a venue for smaller performing arts groups to produce their own shows, as well. If you are looking for ways that you can contribute to the theater, volunteering is a perfect option! Click here to see all the ways you can get involved with the STC Theater. If you'd like to catch a show, click here to see what's coming soon and to reserve your tickets.
Photos Courtesy of Steel Beam Theatre
Situated right in the heart of downtown is the Steel Beam Theatre. The Steel Beam Theatre is a pillar in St. Charles that offers engaging and entertaining professional theatre. They also offer a youth stage where children can have the opportunity to participate and perform a show for the community. To view the list of performances and to get your tickets, please click here.
Photos Courtesy of the Norris Cultural Arts Center
The Norris Cultural Arts Center is a world-class performing arts venue that was founded in 1978. This 1,000 seat theater hosts a wide variety of shows throughout the year, including theatrical performances, and other musical acts. To view their schedule of upcoming shows and to get tickets, please visit their website.
Photos Courtesy of the Moonlight Theatre
Coming soon to downtown St. Charles is the Moonlight Theatre. The Moonlight Theatre is in the historic Idle Hour Theatre that was built in 1900. You'll be able to catch excellent full-scale theatrical productions all while experiencing this unique, vintage theatre. Not only will they host theatre performances, but they also will have weekly music acts, cabaret, stand-up comedy, improv, open mics, children's theatre, and workshops. To stay updated on the Moonlight Theatre's opening, please visit their website or their Facebook page.
Take a Class
Photos Courtesy of Marquee Youth Stage
Along with their youth shows that they frequently have throughout the year, the Marquee Youth Stage also offers workshops for children so that they may continue to build on and improve their skills. Their workshops are split into different age ranges, accommodating to children from Pre-K to 12th Grade. Aside from their workshops, they also have weekly improv and jam sessions for all ages and experience levels, and private voice and acting coaching, as well. Please visit their website for more information.
Photos Courtesy of the STC Theater
Another excellent place to learn more about theater and develop your skills is at the STC Theater. Not only do they have outstanding shows that you can get tickets to, but they also offer classes and camps for aspiring actors. They have camps for children such as "Spring Break Song and Dance" and "Day off Drama". They also offer classes for teens and adults alike, such as "Learn to Podcast" and "Intro to Playwriting". To find more information on the camps and classes they offer, please visit their website.
Photos Courtesy of the Steel Beam Theatre
Whether a child is new to the world of theatre, or they are looking to improve on their craft, the Steel Beam Theatre is the place to go! The Steel Beam Theatre offers youth classes in order to hep develop children's theatrical abilities. From acting to working backstage, these classes are led by instructors who are professional performers themselves. To view the classes that are being offered, you can visit their website.
Photo Courtesy of the Hunt House Creative Arts Center
Brand new to downtown St. Charles is the Hunt House Creative Arts Center. They offer private and group lessons for children and adults to improve their vocal skills, and on an array of different instruments. This is a good resource if you want to be come a better musician, or even to take those skills into the theater world, such as in musicals. To stay up to date with the Hunt House Creative Arts Center, and to sign up for lessons, please visit their website.
More Ways to Experience
Photos Courtesy of the Kane Repertory Theatre
The Kane Repertory Theatre is a theatre group that performs professional, intellectually stimulating theatre for the community. They have shows at different of venues, including the Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, and even the historic pavilion located at Pottawatomie Park. Visit their website to find their upcoming performances.
Photos Courtesy of the Arcada Theater
The Arcada Theater has been a staple in the St. Charles community since 1926, and is home to 200 plus live music performances per year, along with being a resource for community groups and local performers. Not only can you catch a fantastic live concert, but they also host other types of entertainment such as silent film nights and musicals. To view the list of all the upcoming shows, and to reserve your tickets, please visit their website.
Photos Courtesy of the Fox Valley Concert Band
Looking to hear some remarkable concert music? The Fox Valley Concert Band performs Fall, Winter, and Spring concerts, along with other performances such as special Christmas concerts and a Summer concert series. Not only will you get the opportunity to listen to a wonderful band, but you can do so at no cost. All of their concerts are free of charge to the public! Interested in being part of the Fox Valley Concert Band? They are currently looking for musicians for most of their sections. You can email webmaster@fvcb.com to inquire. To view the list of their concerts, please visit their website.
Photos Courtesy of the St. Charles Singers
The St. Charles Singers is an organization that provides the community with terrific interpretations of choral classics. This 32-38 person choir's home venue is at the Baker Memorial Church, but they also perform all around the Chicago area, as well as internationally, on occasion. to view the list of upcoming performances, and to get tickets, please visit their website. Looking to audition to be part of the St. Charles Singers? Please click here to learn how you can get involved.
Looking for more things to do around St. Charles? Download the Travel St. Charles App to find plenty of activities, events, and more that this city has to offer.