Illinois Theatre Association upcoming events

ITA Professional Theatre Opportunities: Interviews, Auditions and Networking (03/07/2026)

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:00:00 GMT

A Year of Professional Theatre Opportunities!

The Illinois Theatre Association (ITA) proudly announces the launch of its revamped Professional Theatre Opportunities (PTO) Program, a first-of-its-kind event designed to transform how theatre artists and hiring companies connect. PTO 2026 offers Year-Round Theatre Opportunities.

Traditionally, this event was a one-day, in-person event held in Illinois. But now, we are extending the benefit of participating for a full year in a new digital format.

Participants will be invited to submit their headshot, bio and resume/CV along with a link to their videos, website and/or portfolio. Hiring companies will be able to gain access to this library of theatre talent for a full year as the need arises.

Throughout the year, the Professional Theatre Representatives of Illinois Theatre Association will share other mentorship and educational opportunities to create a vibrant environment for collaboration and professional growth.

With the PTO Conference, the Illinois Theatre Association reaffirms its commitment to networking, creativity and professional excellence. By bridging the gap between artists and employers, ITA is helping shape a more connected and sustainable future for theatre in Illinois and beyond.

The Professional Theatre Opportunities Program creates a powerful new platform where theatre professionals and employers can meet face-to-face, collaborate and discover fresh talent across all disciplines.

Participants will enjoy interactive networking sessions, live interviews, and one-on-one meetings — creating a vibrant environment for collaboration and professional growth.

Feedback will be given by the following Professionals:

Jimmy Calitri - Professional Theatre Division Rep (Auditions)

Noah Record - Professional Theatre Division Rep (Tech/Lighting/Design)

Brandon Wardell - College Theatre Division Rep (Resumes/Portfolios)

What to Expect Over the Year

Dedicated events and opportunities for actors, choreographers, designers, directors, musicians, music directors, stage managers, and technicians
Interactive networking and one-on-one meetings with hiring companies
Auditions and interviews designed to highlight your best work
A collaborative, energizing environment built for professional growth and creative exchange

Registration Details

$20 – Individuals auditioning or interviewing
$100 – Professional theatres or companies seeking talent

Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

For questions, contact professionaltheatre@illinoistheatre.org.

Audition/Interview Information Information for Professional Hiring Companies

Clyde's (06/05/2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Drama Group presents: Clyde's!

A serio-comedy by Lynn Nottag— a group of societal misfits working in a truck stop diner, struggle to overcome their tyrant boss as well as past behaviors by placing their beliefs for a better way of life through a mentor chef.

Tickets range from $19-$25, and ITA members can receive a discount. Contact the box office at (708) 755-3444.

June 5 - 14, 2026 Showtimes 7:30 Matinees at 2:00 Ticket and show information at Www.dramagroup.org

Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash (06/19/2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Festival 56/Princeton Theater Group presents: Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash!

Step into the world of “The Man in Black” with this musical portrait of Johnny Cash's life. Five actor-musicians bring his story to the stage through more than two dozen of his greatest hits.

Dates and Times: Fri, 6/19, 7:30 pm Sat, 6/20 2 pm Sat, 6/20, 7:30 pm Sun, 6/21, 2 pm Tues, 6/23, 7:30 pm Wed, 6/24, 2 pm Wed, 6/24, 7:30 pm Thur, 6/25, 7:30 pm Fri, 6/26, 7:30 pm Sat, 6/27, 2 pm Sat, 6/27, 7:30 pm Sun, 6/28, 2 pm

Adult: $33

Senior (65+): $30

Student: $17

Visit http://festival56.com or contact boxoffice@festival56.com for more information.

Festival 56 Cabarets (06/21/2026)

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Festival 56 cabarets - A long-time Festival tradition. Hear our summer ensemble in a more informal setting and hear songs from Golden-Age standards to new musical theater works. 7:30 shows and the first half of late night shows are family-friendly.

Sun, June 21, 7:30 pm “Meet the 56ers” Fri, July 10, 10 pm “Music of the Night: celebrating Andrew Lloyd Webber" Fri, July 24, 10 pm “Christmas in July” Sat, August 8, 7:30 pm “Thank You for the Music: the Music of ABBA”

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at http://festival56.com

The Comedy of Errors (06/28/2026)

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Festival 56/Princeton Theater Group presents: The Comedy of Errors!

Shakespeare's comedy of mistaken identity follows two sets of twins separated by a shipwreck. Years later, they find themselves in the same city on the same day; chaos and laughter ensue. Outdoor production, bring lawn chairs.

Sun, 6/28, 4:30 pm Wed, 7/1, 7:30 pm Sun, 7/5, 7:30 pm Wed, 7/8, 7:30 pm Sun,7/12, 7:30 pm Wed, 7/15, 7:30 pm Sun, 7/19, 7:30 pm Wed, 7/22, 7:30 pm Sun, 7/26 7:30 pm Wed, 7/29, 7:30 pm

FREE ADMISSION

815-879-5656 festival56.com boxoffice@festival56.com

You Can't Take It with You (07/03/2026)

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Festival 56/Princeton Theater Group presents: You Can't Take it With You!

Meet the eccentric Sycamore family in this Pulitzer Prize-winning classic play, a household full of charm and hilarity. This timeless comedy celebrates individuality and the joy of living life on your own terms.

Fri. Jul 3, 7:30 pm Sun. Jul 5, 2:00 pm Tue. Jul 7, 7:30 pm Thu. Jul 9, 7:30 pm Fri. Jul 10, 7:30 pm Sat. Jul 11, 7:30 pm

Tickets: Adult: $33; Senior (65+): $30; Student: $17.00

815-879-5656 festival56.com boxoffice@festival56.com

The Bridges of Madison County (07/17/2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Festival 56/Princeton Theater Group presents: The Bridges of Madison County!

Based on the bestselling novel and beloved film, this sweeping romance tells the story of a chance meeting between a traveling photographer and a Midwestern housewife, changing both their lives.

Fri, July 17, 7:30 pm Sat, July 18, 2 pm Sat, July, 18, 7:30 pm Sun, July 19, 2 pm Tues, July 21, 7:30 pm Wed, July 22, 2 pm Thur, July 23, 7:30 pm Fri, July 24, 7:30 pm Sat, July 25, 7:30 pm

Tickets: Adult: $33; Senior (65+): $30; Student: $17

815-879-5656 festival56.com boxoffice@festival56.com

Anastasia (07/31/2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Festival 56/Princeton Theater Group presents: Anastasia!

The story of Anya, a young woman who may be the lost Grand Duchess of Russia. Her journey takes her from post-revolution Russia to Paris, where she seeks family, love, and the truth about her past.

Fri, July 31, 7:30 pm Sat, August 1, 2 pm Sat, August 1, 7:30 pm Sun, August 2, 2 pm Tues, August 4, 7:30 pm Wed, August 5, 2 pm Wed, August 5, 7:30 pm Thur, August 6, 7:30 pm Fri, August 7, 7:30 pm Sat, August 8, 2 pm

Tickets: Adult: $33; Senior (65+): $30; Student: $17

815-879-5656 festival56.com boxoffice@festival56.com

ITA 2026 Come Together Community Theatre Festival (11/07/2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Come Together: The Heartbeat of Community Theatre in Illinois

There is something uniquely powerful about community theatre. It’s more than a stage and it’s more than lights and lines. It’s a gathering place. It’s where strangers become castmates, where castmates become friends and friends become family. This year’s theme for Illinois’ bi-annual community theatre festival, Come Together, beautifully captures the essence of what community theatre has always been, and continues to be, across Illinois.

In towns big and small across our state, community theatres serve as creative homes. They welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels. That spirit of inclusion is what makes community theatre so special. It doesn’t just invite participation; it depends on it.

Come Together celebrates the collaborative art that is the essence of community theatre. Your theatre can participate in our biannual play competition with a chance to represent our state and our region at the American Association of Community Theatre’s AACTFest in June of 2027. You’ll be able to network with other theatre makers and celebrate the very essence of community theatre.

Come Together will be Nov. 7th and 8th at Morton College (time TBD).

For more information contact communitytheatre@illinoistheatre.org.