For over 105 years, the JCC has fostered a commitment to universal Jewish values and strengthened the community through life-enriching programs for children and adults. See the Web site for a complete list of summer camp programs.
Devonshire Cultural Center is a facility providing everything from a preschool program, private music lessons, children’s theatre, dance, culinary and visual arts classes to enrichment programs and performing arts camps. Its facility also houses the Skokie Art Guild and Devonshire Community Playhouse. It is also available to host birthday parties.
The Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra is a 65-piece community orchestra that presents five concerts per year. Auditions are held by appointment, and applicants with previous orchestral experience are favored. Concerts include such performances as "The Nutcracker," Pops Concerts and "La Traviata." The Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra has a young artist competition that is open to musicians ages 16-22; additionally, the orchestra is a sponsor of the Mittenthal Chair Scholarship.
An offical landmark of downtown Skokie, the Skokie Theatre Music Foundation is a not for profit organzation aimed at promoting the musical arts. Established in 1912, the Skokie Theatre Music Foundation received a $1.5 million renovation and was even said to be "one of the 10 best sounding theatres in the entire world" by Steven Cochran of Meyer Sound.
Since 2004, the theatre has been managed by Al Curtis. One of Curtis' goals is to go around colleges and help aspiring artists. Curtis said the ultimate goal is to "keep the theatre open, all the time."
Ars Viva! Symphony Orchestra is a musical organization that performs classical music concerts at the North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., in Skokie.
The organization focuses on outreach to the elderly, the disadvantaged and the physically challenged. The orchestra, which consists of many members from the Chicago Symphony, also sponsors youth initiatives, competitions and senior outreach programs.
The North Shore Center for Performing Arts in Skokie is the premier performance venue on Chicago's North Shore.
The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie is a dynamic two-theater complex designed by Boston-based architect Graham Gund.
The North Shore Center opened in November 1996 to operate as part of the Village of Skokie’s plan to provide cultural, literary and educational programs to benefit the citizens of Skokie and Chicago’s North Shore. The facility features an 867-seat main theater, and a convertible 342-seat theater.
In addition, there is a 6,000 square foot grand lobby, rehearsal hall and conference rooms. The North Shore Center presents a Feature Series and the curriculum-based Youtheatre program, which has provided supplemental arts education to over a million Chicago area students.
The North Shore Center is home to the Northlight Theatre, Skokie Valley Symphony, Ars Viva Symphony Orchestra and hosts numerous other cultural and special events. The North Shore Center is managed by Professional Facilities Management, Inc.
Gorilla Tango Theatre offers sketch, improv comedy and burlesque shows and family events. Affordable wine and beer are sold in the lobby. Improv and burlesque classes are also offered for aspiring performers.
