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.

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.

Upcoming Events:

  • Ready to explore one of Chicago’s most colorful neighborhoods? Come along for a walking and food tour of Pilsen with Dr. Jimmy Noriega, Director of the School of Theatre and Dance, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. We’ll hop on the CTA and head to Pilsen for a visit to the National Museum...
  • Come join us at the Dance Center to get your body moving before the semester starts! Learn from the Dance Faculty and dance along with us!...
  • Come join us at the Dance Center to get your body moving before the semester starts! Learn from the Dance Faculty and dance along with us!...
  • Join us for snacks, theatre and dance activities, a class photo, and meetings with your program coordinators! This event is for all new Theatre and Dance students (new first year students and new transfer students)! Come meet fellow students, faculty, and staff and learn about this year’s theatre and dance productions. We will share information...
  • Join us for the 2025–2026 Getz Series Season Announcement on Friday, September 5, from 5–7 p.m. We’ll unveil the productions for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 and give you a sneak peek of the incredible talent taking the stage this year. Whether you're in the cast, crew, or cheering from the seats, this is your chance...
  • September 17 is Black Theatre Day, a celebration designed to acknowledge the vitality and vibrancy of Black theatre in the United States. As part of those celebrations, the School of Theatre and Dance is hosting a presentation on the topic. Moderated by Theatre faculty member: TBD. Photo credit: International Black Theatre Summit, Accra, Ghana, April 2025...