Youtheatre productions offer a unique opportunity to engage students from PreK through 12th grade in the performing arts. Whether they are historical, cultural, scientific, or literary, Youtheatre productions that are educationally augmented with Teacher Resource Guides, inspire creative learning opportunities that enhance Illinois Priority Learning Standards and achievements. A Youtheatre field trip is the perfect way to infuse your school’s curriculum with empathy, imagination, and high-quality performing arts presentations.
Youtheatre Basics:
- Shows are approximately one-hour long
- Receive one FREE adult ticket for every 15 student tickets
- Teacher Resource Guides are available for each show to aid in making curriculum connections (See listings below)
- Tickets range from $9-$12 (See listings below for details)
- Ticket grants may be available to qualifying schools (please email or call with inquiries)
Accessibility & Inclusivity
Please be aware that during a Youtheatre performance your students may be seated alongside students from other schools. Our Youtheatre audiences are very diverse, and represent a range of ages, grades, school districts, and personal backgrounds. Some may have attended the theatre many times, while for others, this may be their first theatre experience. Additionally, every year the North Shore Center is proud to host students with a range of physical disabilities, as well as cognitive differences during Youtheatre programming. We ask all our patrons, young and old audiences alike, to practice good theatre etiquette, and to be patient, respectful, and welcoming to all audience members attending the performance. We thank you for your compassion and commitment to making the arts accessible to all audiences.
For School Group Reservations:
Youtheatre(at)northshorecenter(dot)org
(847) 673-6300
Click here to join our Youtheatre email list
Select “Teacher Email List” when signing up!
Thank you Youtheatre supporters:
Village of Skokie, Jack and Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund, Rice Young Peoples Endowment of NSCPA Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Skokie Valley, and Rotary Club of Skokie Valley.
2025-26 Youtheatre Season!
Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System
Friday, October 24th, 2025 | 10am & 12pm
$9 | Grades K – 5
Curriculum Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Music, Science, Social Studies
Themes: School, Family, Forgiveness, Teamwork, Science, Space
When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip! But when rivalries both old and new threaten to tear the students apart, our young heroes must learn to pull together or risk getting forever lost in the solar system.
Hop on the Magic School Bus for a ride in this new musical adaptation based on the original book series published by Scholastic.
Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
Fun Fact: Original director/choreographer Connor Gallagher is also the choreographer of Beetlejuice on Broadway and directed and choreographed Beauty and the Beast for Disney Cruise Line.
Original Credits
Music and Lyrics by Matthew Lee Robinson
Book by Marshall Pailet
Give ‘Em Hell Harry
Friday, November 7th, 2025 | 12pm
$9 | Grades 5 – 12
Curriculum Connections: Communication and Language Arts, U.S. History, Political Science, Government
Themes: Leadership, Integrity, Determination, Civic Responsibility
GIVE ‘EM HELL, HARRY! – written by Samuel Gallu, is a faithful and often humorous portrayal of President Harry S. Truman’s life and presidency. It spans his childhood, his “political apprenticeship” as a judge in Jackson County, MO, his years in the US Senate and his momentous two terms as President. Actor James Whitmore originated the role in 1975. Clifton Truman Daniel took up the mantle in October 2017, marking the first time in history a US President would be portrayed onstage by a direct descendant….in this case, his oldest grandson.
Approximate Running Time: 50 Minutes
Black Violin
Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 | 12pm
$12 | Grades 3 – 12
Curriculum Connections: Music, Communication and Language Arts, Cultural Studies, Social Studies
Themes: Creativity, Perseverance, Breaking Stereotypes, Empowerment, Innovation
Black Violin is a Grammy-nominated duo that blends classical music with hip-hop to create a sound all their own. Made up of violinist Kev Marcus and violist/vocalist Wil Baptiste, the group defies stereotypes and inspires audiences by mixing rich orchestration with hard-hitting beats. They’ve performed everywhere from the Kennedy Center to national TV, and their music promotes creativity, confidence, and community. Offstage, Black Violin reaches thousands of students each year through school visits and their nonprofit foundation, using music to empower and uplift young people from all backgrounds.
Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
The Peking Acrobats
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 10am & 12pm
$12 | Grades K – 12
Curriculum Connections: Music, Dance, Art, Foreign Language
Themes: Chinese Culture, Traditional Dance, Acrobatics, Pageantry
The Peking Acrobats have been called “incredible,” “breathtaking,” “stunning,” and “quite unbelievable,” to quote but a few of the critics. As a special treat for the fans of THE PEKING ACROBATS, this all new production now features performers from THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS to create a very special Chinese Acrobatic extravaganza unlike any other!
The amalgamation of THE PEKING ACROBATS and THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS offers the unique talents and the very best of both shows, suitable for playing arenas and concerts, fairs, theme parks, festivals, special events and corporate events, and casinos in North America and the world over. With the addition of fresh elements from THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS, the amalgamation of their incredible talents brings a whole new dimension to the ancient artistry of Chinese Acrobatics!
THE PEKING ACROBATS with THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS offers more than a glimpse into the fascinating traditions of the Orient. It consists of sensational Chinese acrobatics, comedy, balancing feats, and much more. A truly Oriental spectacular and a show for all ages, the grace and precision of the acrobats are the triumph of years of dedicated training and discipline. Chinese Acrobatics are, in fact, more than just a series of stunts. Most of these acts clearly demonstrate the achievement of perfection through finding harmony between mind and body – an ancient concept in the Orient. The art form has been transformed from its simple “folk art” roots to the spectacular entertainment event we see today, by centuries of tradition.
THE PEKING ACROBATS new partners, THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS, have been entertaining audiences of all ages for over thirty years in the United States including two six-week Broadway engagements. Recognized as being among the best acrobatic shows that introduces young people to the magic of theatre, these acrobats were awarded Best Variety Show in Branson, MO, due to their continual demonstration of the highest caliber of professional, trained athletes, jugglers, and contortionists. Their acts often trace their origins to traditional harvest festivals down through the centuries. It is no wonder the New York Times reported, “THE SHANGHAI CIRCUS is providing entertainment in abundance!”
The tremendous response of the audience is a testament to the popularity of their unique brand of artistry, which transcends time to delight people of all ages.
Cat Kid Comic Club
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 | 10am & 12pm
$9 | Grades 1 – 5
Curriculum Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Music, Creative Writing
Themes: Teamwork, Friendship, Imagination, Writing, Creating
Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog have started an epic club to teach 21 rambunctious baby frogs how to make their own comics! Their fishy father Flippy is overjoyed that his kids will learn to unleash their creativity, but when the frogs’ constant bickering and outrageous imaginations send their comics comically off the rails, Flippy flips out! Will the club survive? Will the frogs ever get along? And will creativity finally save the day? All will be answered in this madcap musical based on Dav Pilkey’s irreverently hilarious book series.
This hilarious musical adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man spin-off series, Cat Kid Comic Club, is written by Kevin Del Aguila and Brad Alexander – the team that brought you DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL!
Approximate Run Time: 60 minutes
Fun Fact: Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical is written by the same team that brought you Dog Man: The Musical!
Original Credits
Book and Lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila
Music by Brad Alexander
Adapted from the CAT KID COMIC CLUB series of books by Dav Pilkey
Directed and Choreographed by Marlo Hunter
Set Design by Cameron Anderson
Costume Design by Jen Caprio
Lighting Design by David Lander
Co-Sound Design by Scott Stauffer, Jesse Desrosiers
Puppet Design/Fabrication by AchesonWalsh Studios
Orchestrations by Brad Alexander
Cast featured in photos and video: Markia Nicole Smith, Brian Owen, L.R. Davidson, Sonia Roman, Dan Rosales, Jamie LaVerdiere
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 | 10am & 12pm
$9 | Grades Pre-K – 2
Curriculum Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Music, Literature Based
Themes: Friendship, Exploration, Teamwork, Creativity, Adventure
Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA‘s Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party!
It’s not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.
Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
Fun Fact: #1 New York Times Bestseller Mo Willems (Author of the book Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!) began his career as a writer and animator for PBS’ Sesame Street, where he garnered 6 Emmy Awards for his writing.
Original Credits
Script by Mo Willems, Mr. Warburton
Lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Based on the book Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
Production Photos by Jeremy Daniel. Cast featured in Photos: Sonia Roman, Markia Nicole Smith, Arturo Hernandez, Sarah Hogewood, Wesley Slade, Bryce Hayden
If you would like to see more Youtheatre programming like these, please consider supporting the North Shore Center.
