News

Theatre Center

72 East 11th St.

The Theatre Center offers a dynamic hub for live performance on campus and is a lively part of Chicago’s artistic scene. The Center’s four performance venues incorporate student talent in everything from acting to set design. Each season includes student productions and Mainstage productions, directed by department faculty and professional guest artists.

Visit the Theater Center site

The Theatre Center has a variety of performance and production venues for Columbia's plays, musicals, concerts and directing projects, including the historic Getz Theater.

Mainstage productions are directed by department faculty and professional guest artists; are cast from the student population; and are designed by student design majors in collaboration with other departments in the college that are engaged in the use of new technologies.

• Theatre
• Theatre and Dance
• Performing Arts Center

Upcoming Events:

• 2:30PM - 4:30PM One Act Play Fest 2026
  The One Act Play Festival, a four-day event featuring six one-act plays written and directed by Columbia College Chicago students. Bill One: What the Hell? on Weds, Feb 4 and Fri, Feb 6 Bill Two: Time Bomb on Thurs, Feb 5 and Sat, Feb 7 Join us!...Get the details
• 8:00PM - 9:30PM Comedy Night
  Three nights of comedy hosted, written by students in Comedy Studies majors. • February 13 • March 6 • May 1 Every Comedy Night is a new brand new set of laughs....Get the details
• 7:30PM - 8:30PM Musical Theatre Dance Concert
  The 3rd annual student produced, directed, choreographed and performed revue featuring Acting, Dance, Design, and Musical Theatre majors bringing their take on musical theatre dance numbers. ...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 8:30PM Musical Theatre Dance Concert
  The 3rd annual student produced, directed, choreographed and performed revue featuring Acting, Dance, Design, and Musical Theatre majors bringing their take on musical theatre dance numbers. ...Get the details
• 1:00PM - 9:00PM B-Series Battle and Jam
  The 2026 celebration of Hip Hop & Street Dance Culture co-curated by faculty Daniel BRAVEMONK Haywood and Kelsa K-SOUL Rieger-Haywood centers on the theme B-PRESENT: a call to gather and move—physically, soulfully, and energetically—with awareness, intention, and deep connection to the sounds, the space, the culture, the legacies, our inner selves, and one another. ...Get the details
• 8:00PM - 9:30PM Comedy Night
  Three nights of comedy hosted, written by students in Comedy Studies majors. • February 13 • March 6 • May 1 Every Comedy Night is a new brand new set of laughs....Get the details
• 7:30PM - 9:30PM We Make Monsters
  We Make Monsters is an immersive theatrical experience that unearths the creatures lurking in our stories, our homes, and ourselves, blurring the line between the familiar and the terrifying. • Devised and Directed by Brain Shaw • March 11-21 • Studio 404 ...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 8:30PM The Seldoms' FLOE
  The Chicago premiere of Floe fits into a set of The Seldoms’ repertory about environmental issues and that the new normal is change. Research in the creation of the work included learning from locals affected by the Wisconsin floods of 2018, the sea ice changes at the Arctic’s Beaufort Sea Lagoon, and Houston’s Hurricane Harvey, revealing...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 9:30PM We Make Monsters
  We Make Monsters is an immersive theatrical experience that unearths the creatures lurking in our stories, our homes, and ourselves, blurring the line between the familiar and the terrifying. • Devised and Directed by Brain Shaw • March 11-21 • Studio 404 ...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 8:30PM The Seldoms' FLOE
  The Chicago premiere of Floe fits into a set of The Seldoms’ repertory about environmental issues and that the new normal is change. Research in the creation of the work included learning from locals affected by the Wisconsin floods of 2018, the sea ice changes at the Arctic’s Beaufort Sea Lagoon, and Houston’s Hurricane Harvey, revealing...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 9:30PM We Make Monsters
  We Make Monsters is an immersive theatrical experience that unearths the creatures lurking in our stories, our homes, and ourselves, blurring the line between the familiar and the terrifying. • Devised and Directed by Brain Shaw • March 11-21 • Studio 404 ...Get the details
• 2:00PM - 4:00PM We Make Monsters
  We Make Monsters is an immersive theatrical experience that unearths the creatures lurking in our stories, our homes, and ourselves, blurring the line between the familiar and the terrifying. • Devised and Directed by Brain Shaw • March 11-21 • Studio 404 ...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 9:30PM We Make Monsters
  We Make Monsters is an immersive theatrical experience that unearths the creatures lurking in our stories, our homes, and ourselves, blurring the line between the familiar and the terrifying. • Devised and Directed by Brain Shaw • March 11-21 • Studio 404 ...Get the details
• 8:00PM - 10:00PM Mircalla
  Mircalla by Mora V. Harris, cheekily adapted from Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, directed by Sam Surma. Forced to live a life of solitude, drinking tea and drying out bat specimens in Upper Styria, nineteen-year-old Laura is thrilled when a mysterious guest, Carmilla, joins her and her father's quiet household. But when her new friend...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 9:30PM We Make Monsters
  We Make Monsters is an immersive theatrical experience that unearths the creatures lurking in our stories, our homes, and ourselves, blurring the line between the familiar and the terrifying. • Devised and Directed by Brain Shaw • March 11-21 • Studio 404 ...Get the details
• 8:00PM - 10:00PM Mircalla
  Mircalla by Mora V. Harris, cheekily adapted from Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, directed by Sam Surma. Forced to live a life of solitude, drinking tea and drying out bat specimens in Upper Styria, nineteen-year-old Laura is thrilled when a mysterious guest, Carmilla, joins her and her father's quiet household. But when her new friend...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 9:30PM We Make Monsters
  We Make Monsters is an immersive theatrical experience that unearths the creatures lurking in our stories, our homes, and ourselves, blurring the line between the familiar and the terrifying. • Devised and Directed by Brain Shaw • March 11-21 • Studio 404 ...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 8:30PM Natya Dance Theatre's 50th Anniversary
  For its 50th anniversary season, Natya Dance Theatre (NDT) continues to share important milestones in NDT’s rich history at the Dance Center. In 2001, NDT made its Dance Center debut and celebrated its 25th anniversary with a 3-day international conference, Bharatanatyam in the Diaspora, convening scholars and artists from India, Europe, and North America. Subsequent...Get the details
• 8:00PM - 10:00PM Mircalla
  Mircalla by Mora V. Harris, cheekily adapted from Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, directed by Sam Surma. Forced to live a life of solitude, drinking tea and drying out bat specimens in Upper Styria, nineteen-year-old Laura is thrilled when a mysterious guest, Carmilla, joins her and her father's quiet household. But when her new friend...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 9:30PM We Make Monsters
  We Make Monsters is an immersive theatrical experience that unearths the creatures lurking in our stories, our homes, and ourselves, blurring the line between the familiar and the terrifying. • Devised and Directed by Brain Shaw • March 11-21 • Studio 404 ...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 8:30PM Natya Dance Theatre's 50th Anniversary
  For its 50th anniversary season, Natya Dance Theatre (NDT) continues to share important milestones in NDT’s rich history at the Dance Center. In 2001, NDT made its Dance Center debut and celebrated its 25th anniversary with a 3-day international conference, Bharatanatyam in the Diaspora, convening scholars and artists from India, Europe, and North America. Subsequent...Get the details
• 12:30PM - 1:30PM Natya Dance Theatre's 50th Anniversary
  For its 50th anniversary season, Natya Dance Theatre (NDT) continues to share important milestones in NDT’s rich history at the Dance Center. In 2001, NDT made its Dance Center debut and celebrated its 25th anniversary with a 3-day international conference, Bharatanatyam in the Diaspora, convening scholars and artists from India, Europe, and North America. Subsequent...Get the details
• 2:00PM - 4:00PM We Make Monsters
  We Make Monsters is an immersive theatrical experience that unearths the creatures lurking in our stories, our homes, and ourselves, blurring the line between the familiar and the terrifying. • Devised and Directed by Brain Shaw • March 11-21 • Studio 404 ...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 8:30PM Columbia Ballet Club Showcase
  This inaugural festival showcases four of the student run organizations dedicated to dance and open to all majors at Columbia College Chicago: C2K Dance Team, Columbia Renegades Dance Team, En Pointe, and Renegades Hip Hop Dance Crew. ...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 8:30PM Renegades Hip Hop Dance Crew Showcase
  This inaugural festival showcases four of the student run organizations dedicated to dance and open to all majors at Columbia College Chicago: C2K Dance Team, Columbia Renegades Dance Team, Columbia Ballet Club, and Renegades Hip Hop Dance Crew. ...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 8:30PM Columbia Renegades Dance Team Showcase
  This inaugural festival showcases four of the student run organizations dedicated to dance and open to all majors at Columbia College Chicago: C2K Dance Team, Columbia Renegades Dance Team, Columbia Ballet Club, and Renegades Hip Hop Dance Crew. ...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 8:30PM C2K Showcase
  This inaugural festival showcases four of the student run organizations dedicated to dance and open to all majors at Columbia College Chicago: C2K Dance Team, Columbia Renegades Dance Team, Columbia Ballet Club, and Renegades Hip Hop Dance Crew. ...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 9:00PM Spring Forward: Student Performance Night
  The coveted platform for student choreographers to share original, short works on the Dance Center’s stage, where the audience is as dynamic as the performances. ...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 9:00PM Spring Forward: Student Performance Night
  The coveted platform for student choreographers to share original, short works on the Dance Center’s stage, where the audience is as dynamic as the performances. ...Get the details
• 12:00PM - 1:15PM Spring Forward: Student Performance Night
  The coveted platform for student choreographers to share original, short works on the Dance Center’s stage, where the audience is as dynamic as the performances. ...Get the details
• 8:00PM - 10:00PM 4.48 PSYCHOSIS
  A fragmented, poetic exploration of a mind in psychotic breakdown, dealing with themes of depression, self-harm, and suicide. 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane. Directed by Kreechur Moghaddam CONTENT WARNING This production includes frank discussions of suicide and self-harm. Tuesday, Apr 14 Wednesday, Apr 15 Thursday, Apr 16...Get the details
• 8:00PM - 10:00PM 4.48 PSYCHOSIS
  A fragmented, poetic exploration of a mind in psychotic breakdown, dealing with themes of depression, self-harm, and suicide. 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane. Directed by Kreechur Moghaddam CONTENT WARNING This production includes frank discussions of suicide and self-harm. Tuesday, Apr 14 Wednesday, Apr 15 Thursday, Apr 16...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 8:30PM Break/Through
  The Dance Center’s renowned professional dance faculty and alumni choreograph new works performed by students. ...Get the details
• 8:00PM - 10:00PM 4.48 PSYCHOSIS
  A fragmented, poetic exploration of a mind in psychotic breakdown, dealing with themes of depression, self-harm, and suicide. 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane. Directed by Kreechur Moghaddam CONTENT WARNING This production includes frank discussions of suicide and self-harm. Tuesday, Apr 14 Wednesday, Apr 15 Thursday, Apr 16...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 8:30PM Break/Through
  The Dance Center’s renowned professional dance faculty and alumni choreograph new works performed by students. ...Get the details
• 12:00PM - 1:15PM Break/Through
  The Dance Center’s renowned professional dance faculty and alumni choreograph new works performed by students. ...Get the details
• 8:00PM - 10:00PM The Maids
  Two sisters, maids to a wealthy society woman, act out fantasies of class, love and revenge while the lady of the house is out on a romantic rendezvous. The Maids by Jean Genet Directed by Roison Darby Tuesday, April 21 Wednesday, April 22 Thursday, April 23 ...Get the details
• 8:00PM - 10:00PM The Maids
  Two sisters, maids to a wealthy society woman, act out fantasies of class, love and revenge while the lady of the house is out on a romantic rendezvous. The Maids by Jean Genet Directed by Roison Darby Tuesday, April 21 Wednesday, April 22 Thursday, April 23 ...Get the details
• 8:00PM - 10:00PM The Maids
  Two sisters, maids to a wealthy society woman, act out fantasies of class, love and revenge while the lady of the house is out on a romantic rendezvous. The Maids by Jean Genet Directed by Roison Darby Tuesday, April 21 Wednesday, April 22 Thursday, April 23 ...Get the details
• 8:00PM - 10:00PM Broken Story
  Jess, a driven young New York reporter who arrives at the Los Angeles home of murdered novelist Jane Hartman, hoping to uncover the true story behind a mysterious Hollywood crime. Broken Story by Cyndy Marion Directed by Rae Ruiz Tuesday, April 28 Wednesday, April 29 Thursday, April 30...Get the details
• 8:00PM - 10:00PM Broken Story
  Jess, a driven young New York reporter who arrives at the Los Angeles home of murdered novelist Jane Hartman, hoping to uncover the true story behind a mysterious Hollywood crime. Broken Story by Cyndy Marion Directed by Rae Ruiz Tuesday, April 28 Wednesday, April 29 Thursday, April 30...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 10:00PM Fun Home
  Based on Alison Bechdel’s acclaimed graphic memoir, Fun Home is a groundbreaking musical that explores family, identity, and memory through the lens of a daughter discovering her own truth while uncovering her father’s secrets. Music by Jeanie Tesori |Book & Lyrics by Lisa Kron Based on the...Get the details
• 8:00PM - 10:00PM Broken Story
  Jess, a driven young New York reporter who arrives at the Los Angeles home of murdered novelist Jane Hartman, hoping to uncover the true story behind a mysterious Hollywood crime. Broken Story by Cyndy Marion Directed by Rae Ruiz Tuesday, April 28 Wednesday, April 29 Thursday, April 30...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 10:00PM Fun Home
  Based on Alison Bechdel’s acclaimed graphic memoir, Fun Home is a groundbreaking musical that explores family, identity, and memory through the lens of a daughter discovering her own truth while uncovering her father’s secrets. Music by Jeanie Tesori |Book & Lyrics by Lisa Kron Based on the...Get the details
• 8:00PM - 9:30PM Comedy Night
  Three nights of comedy hosted, written by students in Comedy Studies majors. • February 13 • March 6 • May 1 Every Comedy Night is a new brand new set of laughs....Get the details
• 2:00PM - 4:30PM Fun Home
  Based on Alison Bechdel’s acclaimed graphic memoir, Fun Home is a groundbreaking musical that explores family, identity, and memory through the lens of a daughter discovering her own truth while uncovering her father’s secrets. Music by Jeanie Tesori |Book & Lyrics by Lisa Kron Based on the...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 10:00PM Fun Home
  Based on Alison Bechdel’s acclaimed graphic memoir, Fun Home is a groundbreaking musical that explores family, identity, and memory through the lens of a daughter discovering her own truth while uncovering her father’s secrets. Music by Jeanie Tesori |Book & Lyrics by Lisa Kron Based on the...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 10:00PM Fun Home
  Based on Alison Bechdel’s acclaimed graphic memoir, Fun Home is a groundbreaking musical that explores family, identity, and memory through the lens of a daughter discovering her own truth while uncovering her father’s secrets. Music by Jeanie Tesori |Book & Lyrics by Lisa Kron Based on the...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 10:00PM Fun Home
  Based on Alison Bechdel’s acclaimed graphic memoir, Fun Home is a groundbreaking musical that explores family, identity, and memory through the lens of a daughter discovering her own truth while uncovering her father’s secrets. Music by Jeanie Tesori |Book & Lyrics by Lisa Kron Based on the...Get the details
• 7:30PM - 10:00PM Fun Home
  Based on Alison Bechdel’s acclaimed graphic memoir, Fun Home is a groundbreaking musical that explores family, identity, and memory through the lens of a daughter discovering her own truth while uncovering her father’s secrets. Music by Jeanie Tesori |Book & Lyrics by Lisa Kron Based on the...Get the details
• 2:00PM - 4:30PM Fun Home
  Based on Alison Bechdel’s acclaimed graphic memoir, Fun Home is a groundbreaking musical that explores family, identity, and memory through the lens of a daughter discovering her own truth while uncovering her father’s secrets. Music by Jeanie Tesori |Book & Lyrics by Lisa Kron Based on the...Get the details