Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Premier Performing Arts Destination in Skokie
Founded in 1996, we are a premier two-theater complex dedicated to enriching Chicagoland's cultural landscape through world-class performances, educational initiatives, and community engagement. Our state-of-the-art facility features an 867-seat mainstage theater and a 318-seat convertible theater, both designed for optimal acoustics and accessibility. We present over 40 performances annually across genres while providing critical arts education through our Youtheatre program, serving 18,000+ students yearly. As a Village of Skokie-owned facility, we host diverse cultural organizations and events that reflect the region's multicultural communities. Our 69,000-square-foot space includes ADA-compliant amenities, rehearsal halls, and event spaces supported by 1,500 free parking spaces.With 2019 National Commercial Builders Award recognition, we combine architectural excellence with programming that spans comedy, dance, music, and theater. Our partnerships with resident companies like Northlight Theatre and Music of the Baroque ensure year-round cultural vibrancy. We maintain industry leadership through infrastructure improvements like hearing assistance technology and energy-efficient systems. Community outreach remains central to our mission, offering hundreds of free and discounted tickets annually. This commitment to accessibility, quality, and innovation has made us a regional cultural cornerstone for nearly three decades.
Services
Theater performances
Youtheatre education
Event rentals
Resident company support
Community outreach
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 28 years of cultural programming excellence in Chicago's North Shore
- Our state-of-the-art facility features two acoustically superior, ADA-compliant theaters
- We provide arts education to 18,000+ students annually through Youtheatre programs
- Our 69,000-square-foot complex includes versatile event spaces and 1,500 free parking spaces
- We host diverse cultural organizations reflecting the region's multicultural communities
Associations and certifications
- National Commercial Builders Award of Excellence Merit Award
What people say
Perfect acoustics
Diverse programming
Excellent educational value
Accessible facilities
Community engagement
Services
Theater performances
Presenting over 40 world-class performances annually across genres including music, dance, comedy, and theater. Our mainstage theater accommodates 867 guests while the intimate North Theatre seats 318 patrons. Both venues feature state-of-the-art technical capabilities and exceptional acoustics for professional productions.
Youtheatre education
Delivering performing arts education to 18,000+ students annually through weekday performances and workshops. Our educational programs align with school curricula while providing accessible arts experiences for Chicago area school children through subsidized ticket programs.
Event rentals
Offering flexible event spaces for weddings, corporate functions, and community gatherings. Our 6,000-square-foot grand lobby and additional meeting rooms accommodate various event types with professional support services and preferred catering partners.
Resident company support
Providing permanent home to Northlight Theatre, Music Theater Works, and Music of the Baroque. We support resident companies through technical resources, marketing assistance, and infrastructure while hosting 200+ annual performances by regional cultural organizations.
Community outreach
Implementing diversity-focused programming that reflects local communities through multicultural events in multiple languages. We offer hundreds of free/reduced-price tickets annually while organizing community engagement initiatives like open houses and artist meet-and-greets.
People
John T. Lockerby
Manager
Overseeing operations at North Shore Center since its 1996 opening, John brings extensive venue management experience to ensure optimal facility performance and community engagement.
Dame Jane Glover
Conductor
Internationally acclaimed British conductor leading Music of the Baroque, Jane brings global expertise to our resident programming while maintaining Chicago's rich musical heritage.
Terrence Guolee
Board Chair
Leading Performing Arts Center Board with civic leadership experience, Terrence guides strategic initiatives while ensuring alignment with community needs and cultural development goals.
Al Rigoni
Foundation Board Chair
Directing foundation activities with business leadership expertise, Al focuses on fundraising and community engagement to support programming and facility improvements.
Chris Pepsnik
Rental Coordinator
Managing venue rental operations with event planning expertise, Chris assists clients in creating successful events while coordinating technical and logistical support services.
Questions
How do I purchase tickets for performances?
Tickets are available through our Box Office at 847-673-6300 or online via Ticketmaster. We advise against secondary market purchases for reliability.
Can I rent the facility for private events?
Yes, our spaces accommodate weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings. Contact our rental department for availability and details.
What educational programs do you offer?
Our Youtheatre program provides arts education to 18,000+ students annually through weekday performances and school group ticket options.
Are there accessibility features available?
Our facility includes ADA-compliant spaces and hearing assistance technology in the Center Theatre for guests with hearing impairments.
How can I support the performing arts center?
Support options include donations, corporate sponsorships, and our Sponsor-a-Seat program through our 501(c)3 foundation.
What makes your venue unique?
We combine two acoustically superior theaters, 1,500 free parking spaces, and diverse programming that reflects Chicago's North Shore communities.
Reviews (7)
Miriam Schuman
Jan 15, 2022
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Skokie Center for the Performing Arts is an attractive and comfortable venue with high level programming. It's easy to get to off highway 94, and the covered parking lot is free. Right now, proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. All the seats in both houses have good visibility and acoustics.
Imke Janssen
Dec 08, 2021
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This theater is just around the corner from where we live. We like the atmosphere. And boy, did they put on some nice shows in the parking lot during the pandemic! Glad to be back inside, though.
Michael Biskin
Oct 23, 2021
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Excellent live play, Ragtag. New theater company with 5 shows in the coming year. Free parking and several good restaurants within half mile.
Colleen O'Rourke
Sep 14, 2021
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I wanted to like this venue. It is intimate. Even though our tickets were a few rows toward the stage from front of house, the sound was awful! None of the front fill speakers were on. I could hear Robert Cray talk and sing louder from stage then through the mic. I'm not sure if it was the age of the crowd, or just poor sound mixing from the FOH, but was a big disappointment,
Kevin Durnbaugh
Jul 30, 2021
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I really enjoy this venue as a patron, a parent and a performer. They're offering great outdoor performances now in the parking lot to help with social distancing. In the past I've really enjoyed shows on the mainstage or catching a North light production. The crew and facilities are great if you're behind the scenes, and management is good to work with if you need a facility rental. Dropoff for dance recitals is well organized and low stress. Lots of restaurants in the area as well for before or after a show. These photos are from their 2021 Stevie Wonder tribute concert, which was awesome.
January Miner
Jul 26, 2021
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I saw the Bodeans here and totally enjoyed the show. We had 3rd row! The venue is quaint and the acoustics are great! Excellent place to see a concert or performance.
Nicholas Earle
Feb 08, 2020
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I had a wonderful experience seeing a show here. I loved how cozy and intimate the theater and building made my show. I would love to see many more shows here!
