Light Opera Works, a nonprofit music theatre that produces musical theater from a variety of world traditions, has performed more than 100 musicals for residents of Evanston for the past 30 years. Although its name may include the word "opera," its productions aren't performed in the traditional Romance languages. Its productions are in English and foreign language works are carefully translated into modern English.
Since 1946 the MidWest Clinic has been inspiring musicians. The staff organizes international band and orchestra conferences, helps arrange performances and supports music education for professors and students.
Through a small alley between Starbucks Coffee and Bombay Indian Grill in downtown Evanston lies a courtyard with lovely apartments. Vincent Skowronski gives private classical violin and piano lessons in his home. Mr. Skowronski has been teaching for more than 35 years and is well established in the community. Call to schedule a lesson. Park on the street, or in the nearby paid garages.
Youth Company Chicago offers drama and musical theater classes, providing kids with a solid introduction to theater as well as a space to express themselves creatively, gain self-confidence and make new friends. Summer camps and after school programs are available for kids and teens are available, as are camp sessions that coincide with school vacations. Students participate in the formation and performance of a musical theater piece, and performances are held for family and community members. Workshops for schools are also available.
Mudlark Theater Company is a non-profit children's theater company offering professional-grade drama classes to kids and teens ages six through eighteen. Here, students are provided with hands-on acting experience that allows them to learn all about the theater while expressing themselves creatively. After-school classes are available at Mudlark's location, and Mudlark also hosts after-school programs at many schools throughout the Evanston and Skokie areas. Summer camps are available as well.
The Ethel M. Barber Theater is a performing arts venue in the heart of Northwestern University. It hosts various arts-oriented shows and performances throughout the year. For information regarding upcoming shows, call the number provided.
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall is located on the shore of Lake Michigan on Northwestern University's Evanston campus. Since its inception, the hall has functioned as both a performance facility and classroom for the Bienen School of Music. The hall features performing ensembles, faculty recitals, festivals and professional guest artists.
Regular seasonal programming includes jazz, folk, orchestral, contemporary, world, wind ensemble, choral, opera, chamber, brass and percussion concerts as well as solo recitals, lectures and master classes. Pick-Staiger Concert Hall hosts annual events including the Segovia Classical Guitar Series, the Winter Chamber Music Festival, a three-production Opera Series, the Kids Fare children's concert series and a varying themed Spring Festival featuring a host of notable guest artists.
Beginning in fall 2012, construction on Arts Circle Drive has altered the route to and from Pick-Staiger Concert Hall. For the latest directions and instructions for handicapped access, please visit http://www.pickstaiger.org/construction.
Bill Pollack, a booking agent for musicians, has been in business in Evanston for over 25 years. Corporations depend on him to hire musicians for weddings, galas and other important events. Pollack and his children, local residents, are actively involved in the Evanston community.
The Northwestern University Theatre and Interpretation Center is the administrative heart of the School of Communication. This center is in charge of producing, managing, funding and administering the performing arts productions campus wide. The School of Communication, Department of Theatre and Department of Performance Studies all fall under its umbrella. More than 40 productions are put on each year, many of them directed by MFA students. The center is largely funded by nearly two thousand season subscribers.
Arlen Music Productions provides live customized music for special events, including weddings, corporate events, fundraisers and galas. Its flagship group, the Ken Arlen Orchestra, and its four other dance bands - Indigo, Front of House, Entourage, and Skyline - are known for their variety, quality and fun performances. Arlen Music also provides exclusive specialty groups like the Sirens rock violin show and Jazz Quartess. The business has recently moved its office to downtown Evanston.
Entertaining and challenging theatergoers since 1981, productions at Next Theatre Company are varied and thought provoking. Next has put on award-winning productions that hope to spur awareness and change, and has earned numerous Jeff awards in every category throughout the years.
The Cahn Auditorium is the largest performance venue at the Pick-Staiger Concert Hall at the Bienen School of Music. This performance space seats over 1,000 individuals and features an orchestra pit. The historic venue was built in 1940. It is used for a wide variety of productions throughout the year, including the annual Waa-Mu Show.
Josephine Louis Theater is a performance venue located on Arts Circle Dr. in Evanston. The theater is part of the Northwestern University Theatre and Interpretation Center. The theater has 350 seats and holds all types of stage productions. Shows are directed by faculty, third-year MFA directing students and guest artists. The theater stages dramatic performances, classic and contemporary plays, dance performances and musical productions. Some past shows include “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Secret Garden” and “The Who’s Tommy.” Visit the Josephine Louis Theater's website for details on past or upcoming performances, or for information on purchasing tickets.
Located in the popular Evanston performance venue SPACE, the League of Creative Musicians is a recording studio and much more. Members can use the communal resources of the space and organization for networking, as well as enjoy special discounts on food and drink at the venue and its affiliated pizza parlor.
Membership is available at various levels. Call or e-mail for details.