Center for Performing Arts

Dance into Our Legacy Season with South Chicago Dance Theatre!

“A company to watch in 2025 and beyond” - The Berkshire Eagle

Kick off The Center's 30th Anniversary season with the electrifying artistry of South Chicago Dance Theatre (SCDT), led by visionary Chicago-native and WBEZ “breakout artist” Kia S. Smith.

For one night only, experience a powerful retrospective of works that blend classical and contemporary dance with global influences—featuring “Soul Power” (Monique Haley), “On a Lark” (Stephanie Martinez), “Under the Skin” (Tsai Hsi Hung), and “IN/WITHIN” (Kia S. Smith).

Celebrate 30 Years of Music at The Center!

Save 15% on our 2025-26 Music Series
From unforgettable tributes to iconic eras with CeCe Teneal, The Rat Pack, and Lizzy and The Triggermen, to highlighting the best talents from the Southland, our music series celebrates the beauty of musical legacies.
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Celebrate 30 Years of Theatre at The Center!

Save 15% on our 2025-26 Theatre Series
Dive into the world of camp with The Rocky Horror Picture Show and John Waters, enjoy the return of the holiday classic It's a Wonderful Life, and experience thought-provoking productions like Anon(ymous), Divided, and By the Way, Meet Vera Stark.
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All That Jazz Auditions

Friday, September 4, 2025 at 7pm
Casting a dynamic and diverse ensemble of creative dancers for the GovState Theatre and Performance Studies spring dance production All That Jazz. Auditions are open to students and non-students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Must be at least 18 years of age.
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Nutcracker Auditions

Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 10am - 1pm

Attention dancers ages 6-16! We want YOU to audition for Ruth Page’s The Nutcracker! No prior registration required. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this magical tradition!

Questions? Contact audition@ruthpage.org

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Anon(ymous) Auditons

Monday, September 15 and Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Casting versatile, high-energy performers/storytellers passionate about creating social change through art. Auditions are open to students and non-students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Previous theatre experience is not necessary.
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SCDT Community Dance Masterclass

Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 5:00 – 6:15 PM
Join Kia S. Smith — internationally recognized choreographer, educator, and founder of South Chicago Dance Theatre — for a masterclass designed to inspire and challenge young dancers through contemporary movement and creative exploration.
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Ballet 5:8 presents La Llorona

Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 2 PM
This powerful performance reframes the legend of "La Llorona" through a deeply human lens—illuminating the often-overlooked struggles of postpartum depression and maternal mental health.
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Ruth Page's The Nutcracker

Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 1 & 5 pm and Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 3 pm
Returning to The Center after sold-out performances in 2024, this beloved holiday family classic is the only production that recreates the original version’s full-length staging.
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GovState TAPS presents: All That Jazz

Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 2 & 7:30 PM
Celebrate the rhythms of American dance in this lively performance featuring jazz classics and fresh new works. The show highlights choreography by students, faculty, and alumni in a joyful tribute to jazz past and present.
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Unleash the Beats by Chicago Tap Theatre

Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 7:30 pm
Chicago Tap Theatre takes tap dance to the next level of creativity and innovation. The show features live music and original choreography, along with the works of Buster Brown, Eddie Brown, Bill Evens and classic tap pieces such as the BS Chorus and the Shim Sham.
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UPCOMING EVENTS

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