Chicago Jazz Orchestra Presents The Duke and The King

Concerts

December 8 3:00 pm

The Chicago Jazz Orchestra performs the authentic edition of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite," as arranged in 1960 by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington, as well as Elvis tribute artist Victor Trevino Jr. performing holiday favorites from Elvis's best-selling Christmas album.

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Manual Cinema's Frankenstein

Drama

October 25 – 27

Love, loss, and creation merge in unexpected ways as Manual Cinema presents its thrilling version of the classic Gothic tale Frankenstein. The Chicago-based performance collective imaginatively combines shadow puppetry, cinematic techniques, sound effects, and live music in haunting shows like nothing else you’ve ever seen.

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WBEZ Presents Marc Ribot Performing a live score to Aelita: Queen of Mars

Film

October 20 7:30 pm

This fall, WBEZ is proud to present a new film & live concert experience - A Century of Silent Cinema. Storied guitarist Marc Ribot joins us on October 20 at the Studebaker Theater as he performs his original score to Aelita: Queen of Mars. Unveil the power of cinema & music with silent films that speak volumes with their vivid imagery that will keep you on your toes the entire time. And who better to add a layer of sonic suspense than the eclectic and avant-garde Marc Ribot?

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Winifred Haun & Dancers Absent Moon

Dance

October 18 7:30 pm

Absent Moon is an evening length performance of Winifred Haun & Dancers Repertoire. It will feature the world premiere of Winifred Haun's “Absent Moon,” a work for 9 dancers and 2 benches. The program will also include "The Fight to be Found" by Imani English, "When the Rain Speaks" by Julia Schaeffer, and the acclaimed "Your nearest exit may be behind you" choreographed by Winifred Haun in 2016.

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Rogue Virtue Presents Dalal Abu Amneh Benefit Show

Concerts

October 13 7:30 pm

Join us for an unforgettable night with Dalal Abu Amneh, the renowned Palestinian singer, songwriter, and neuroscientist. With her powerful voice and unique style, Dalal brings a fresh take on Arabic music, blending traditional Palestinian folk melodies with contemporary sounds.

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Chicago Opera Theater Presents LEONORA

Opera

October 1 – 6

Leonora is based on a deeply moving, true story that took place in France in the 18th century that revolves around a young woman who disguises herself as a man and under the name of Fidelio to rescue her wrongfully imprisoned husband.

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/ v. anthology / PRESENTED BY PARA.MAR DANCE THEATRE

Dance

September 20 – 21

/ v. anthology / marks the culmination of PARA.MAR's fifth season, featuring an exclusive collection of works curated by founder and director Stephanie Martinez with renowned choreographers Jennifer Archibald, Xavier Nuñez, Hélène Simoneau, and Yin Yue.

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Magic Men Australia

Other

August 23 – 24

Worldwide sensation - the MAGIC MEN AUSTRALIA are finally coming your way! Voted Australia’s BEST MALE DANCE GROUP, find out what makes these group of guys the talk of the town. So, grab your girls and enjoy an epic GIRLS NIGHT OUT, and be treated like a queen and experience a night of fun, laughter and lots of eye-candy.

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Hamlet A New Kind of Circus

Other

August 15 – 18

Hamlet by New York Circus Project transforms Shakespeare's classic into a unique acrobatic performance. NYCP is a contemporary circus company bringing theatrical classics to life through circus choreography. NYCP’s debut tour is not to be missed!

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Second City Divas A benefit for Season of Concern

Concerts

Monday, May 20, 2024, 7:00pm

Season of Concern and She Inspires Productions presents this one night only one-night-only benefit concert for Season of Concern. Featuring the outstanding talents of Chicago’s Leading Ladies, who have been seen, and celebrated, on professional stages throughout the Greater Chicagoland area and across the country. This performance will not only showcase your favorite Chicago Divas but will also welcome the younger generation of Divas to the stage. Whether you’re a fan of Broadway classics, pop hits, or soulful jazz, this concert has it all! Don’t miss this opportunity to support Season of Concern and to enjoy a night filled with pure entertainment.

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WBEZ Presents Mortified Live: Summer Vacation

Comedy

May 18 8:00 pm

Witness personal redemption through public humiliation in a refreshing show that is equal parts comedic, cathartic and voyeuristic. Presented by WBEZ at the Studebaker Theater on May 18, Mortified stars everyday people reading aloud their most embarrassing and private teenage diary entries, poems, love letters, lyrics and locker notes… in front of total strangers.

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Porchlight in Concert Sunday in the Park with George

Concerts

May 11 – 12, 2024

Porchlight celebrates the 40th Anniversary of one of Stephen Sondheim’s most celebrated works with a new special event concert staging. Audiences will experience Sondheim and James Lapine’s Pulitzer-, Tony- and Oliver-winning musical masterpiece with the original Broadway orchestrations performed by musicians live on stage with an all-star cast at Chicago's historic and beautifully restored Studebaker Theater.

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The Master's of Art Therapy and Counseling program at SAIC presents MAATC Graduate Exhibition Hard-fought and hand-built by the perseverance of the 2024 cohort

Visual Art

May 10 - 19, 2024

The annual MAATC Exhibition presents the artwork and practices of students graduating with a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling. The educational aim of this exhibition is to provide an opportunity for students to present their own individual lived practices and collaboratively examine the clinical, ethical, and aesthetic implications of presenting the profession of art therapy through an exhibition. Deeply reflective and inquisitive, the artists present a multitude of approaches, exemplifying the program’s philosophy of integrating the emergent artist-art-therapist identity. For more information about the program, visit saic.edu/arttherapy.

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CCPA Symphony Orchestra

Concerts

April 24 7:30 pm

Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) Symphony Orchestra presents a concert under the direction of CCPA Orchestra Director Stephen Squires.

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WBEZ Presents Stop Making Sense

Film

March 29 – 30

Join WBEZ and the hosts of popular podcast Sound Opinions on March 29 to celebrate 40 years of the greatest concert films of all time, Stop Making Sense. Put on your dancing shoes and meet us at the venue that first brought the film to Chicago audiences, the Studebaker Theater!

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Late Nights in Chicago First Episode

Other

March 24 8:00 pm

Be the first to be a part of Chicago’s brand new late night talk show hosted by Jeremiah Paprocki! Late Nights in Chicago is taping their very first episode at the Studebaker Theater to a live audience to experience this new era of late night entertainment.

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Inside the Fine Arts Building with Doorways of Chicago

Tour

2024 Dates

Step into the heart of Chicago’s enchanting artist’s colony with this exclusive tour inside the Fine Arts Building. Explore the studios that once hosted influential artists, musicians, and writers, immersing yourself in the same spaces that inspired the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright, Lorado Taft, Solon Beman, and the Leyendecker Brothers.

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The Yale Whiffenpoofs In Curtiss Hall

Concerts

March 22 7:30 pm

The Yale Whiffenpoofs, the world's oldest collegiate a cappella group, will be coming to Chicago in March! Join us for a concert at the Chicago Fine Arts Building featuring Chicago native Joshua Gonzalez (Yale '24). Come experience an unforgettable night of music and humor!

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Paula Poundstone

Comedy

March 15 7:30 pm

Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend. Time magazine, in the March 2020 “Best of” issue, listed Paula’s HBO special, Cats, Cops and Stuff as one of The 5 Funniest Stand-Up Specials Ever. Paula can be heard weekly as the host of the comedy podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone and as a regular panelist on NPR’s comedy news quiz, Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!

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Introduction to Figure Drawing With Don Yang

Class

March 2 9:00 am

In this figure drawing workshop, students are introduced to basic concepts and practice of figure drawing from a live model. Through various drawing exercises and mediums, students will explore shape, proportion, rhythm and dynamics of human form. Students will also create a proportionate rendition of human figure by using measuring technique and block-in method. Emphasis will be on creating a convincing representation of human figure on paper.

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Dog Man: The Musical

Musical

January 31, 2024 – February 25, 2024

Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming new production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture.

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6th Floor Fine Art Holiday Fair

Open Studios

December 10 1:00 pm

Join artists on the 6th floor for a Fine Art Holiday Fair! Shop local art and enjoy refreshments during this holiday celebration from 1:00 to 5:00pm on the 6th floor of the Fine Arts Building. Participating artists include Ann Pickett, Robin Malpass, Tiffany Gholar, and Alyson Lyon. We'll see you there!

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Artists Sunday

Open Studios

November 26 10:00 am

Join the Fine Arts Building for Artists Sunday, a celebration of local art and artists during the holiday season! Explore all 10 floors of creativity and history at the Fine Arts Building, and buy locally-made art as gifts for your loved ones this year!

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Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas

Musical

November 17, 2023 – December 31, 2023

The live theatrical adaptation of “Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” is making its Chicago debut this holiday season at the Studebaker Theater! Packed with puppets created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas is a heartwarming celebration of the true spirit of the holidays.

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WBEZ & Mindworks Present Science Friday Live

Other

October 29 6:00 pm

Join Ira Flatow and the rest of the SciFri crew as they hit the road to uncover and report on the amazing science news and stories happening in Chicago, IL! This is your chance to look behind the curtain of your favorite national radio show and participate in a special live performance with the experts and conversations you love.

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Camerata Chicago Milenkovich Performs the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto

Concerts

October 27 7:30 pm

In the presence of Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia the Camerata Chicago Chamber Orchestra holds its 20th Anniversary Celebration concert. Internationally renowned violinist Stefan Milenkovich performs the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. Conducted by Maestro Drostan Hall, Camerata Chicago will also perform Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, the Pastoral, and the Barber of Seville Overture by Rossini.

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Seven Thirty Theatre Presents The Color Purple

Musical

September 30 – October 1, 2023

An unforgettable story of enduring love and triumph over adversity, The Color Purple is a landmark musical from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker. This stirring family chronicle follows the inspirational Celie, as she journeys from childhood through joy and despair, anguish and hope to discover the power of love and life.

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WBEZ Presents Mortified Chicago

Comedy

September 23 7:00 pm

Witness personal redemption through public humiliation in a refreshing show that is equal parts comedic, cathartic and voyeuristic. Presented by WBEZ at the Studebaker Theater on September 23rd, Mortified stars everyday people reading aloud their most embarrassing and private teenage diary entries, poems, love letters, lyrics and locker notes… in front of total strangers.

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Personality The Lloyd Price Musical

Musical

June 2, 2023 – July 30, 2023

“ONE OF THE TOP SHOWS TO SEE THIS SUMMER!” – Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, New City Magazine You might not know his name, but you know his music! Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical is a thrilling new musical that tells the story of Lloyd Price's revolutionary musical career.

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Whose Live Anyway? At the Studebaker Theater

Comedy

May 12 – 14

Prepare to laugh until you cry when four of the world’s most masterful improv artists take you on the high wire act of comedic acrobatics. The rapid-fire wit and non-stop jokes will have your sides splitting and begging for mercy…and also begging for more.

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Vibrant Variations Children and Families Edition

Dance

April 29 2:00 pm

Join Chicago Repertory Ballet as they take the stage with an evening of new dance works by Founding Artistic Director Wade Schaaf. See world premiere contemporary ballet works by Schaaf whose choreography is known for its emotional sensitivity, musicality and choreographic innovation. Perfect for first timers and dance lovers alike, this is a theatrical experience not to be missed!

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Chicago Repertory Ballet Presents Vibrant Variations

Dance

April 27 – 30

Join Chicago Repertory Ballet as they take the stage with an evening of new dance works by Founding Artistic Director Wade Schaaf. See world premiere contemporary ballet works by Schaaf whose choreography is known for its emotional sensitivity, musicality and choreographic innovation. Perfect for first timers and dance lovers alike, this is a theatrical experience not to be missed!

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Seven Thirty Theatre Presents The Bodyguard The Musical

Musical

April 22 – 23

Whitney Houston’s music ignites this breathtaking Broadway romantic thriller based on the 1992 Warner Brothers movie. This show features a cascade of irresistible Whitney Houston classics, including: “Queen of the Night” “So Emotional” “One Moment in Time” “Saving All My Love” “Run to You” “I Have Nothing” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and one of the biggest-selling songs of all time: “I Will Always Love You.”

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Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival

Puppetry

January 18 - 29, 2023

In collaboration with the Fine Arts Building, the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival presents its brand new Pop Up Puppet Hub on the 4th floor! Bursting with site-specific activities, it’s the perfect place to relax between shows, meet up with friends, and make some new ones! For all Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival inquiries, contact the Festival Box Office at (312) 753-3234.

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Chicago Jazz Orchestra Presents Musical Tribute to “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

Concerts

December 4 4:30 pm

Join the Chicago Jazz Orchestra for A Musical Tribute to "A Charlie Brown Christmas," featuring the music of Vince Guaraldi with 17-year-old piano prodigy Brandon Goldberg and his trio along with youth voices of the Timeless Gifts Performance Company, Joan Collaso, director. The program will also include a performance of the legendary Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn Jazz Nutcracker.

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Andy Borowitz The Profiles in Ignorance Tour

Comedy

November 7 7:00 pm

Why have American politics deteriorated intellectually over the last 50 years? How has mass media encouraged the election of ignorant leaders? And how can we change course? With his signature wit and insight, award-winning comedian and New Yorker magazine satirist Andy Borowitz dives into these questions and more, as he brings his instant New York Times/Washington Post/Wall Street Journal bestseller, Profiles in Ignorance: How America’s Politicians Got Dumb and Dumber to the Studebaker Theater on Election Eve, November 7 at 7pm.

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Not Quite Yet An Album Release Concert

Concerts

November 4 8:00 pm

To celebrate the release of acclaimed vocalist Paul Marinaro's long-awaited album Not Quite Yet, Paul will be performing the album in its entirety backed by a 12-piece band of Chicago's finest musicians. Featuring brilliant arrangements by guitarist Mike Allemana, Not Quite Yet is the singer's very personal exploration of life and love, pondering 'what's next' after the global pandemic.

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Code Switch Supported by Russell's Reserve Bourbon

November 2 7:30 pm

It’s your favorite podcast about race, identity, and culture—live on stage! Join Code Switch veteran Gene Demby and welcome new host B.A. Parker for a dope evening of entertainment, humor, and fearless conversations about race. And about the city of Chicago, of course.

From poetry, to music, to our signature “Ask Code Switch” segment, our variety show will explore the theme: Home. We invite you to be part of the story (and how it’s made), live for the first time since the before pandemic times.

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Studio Pastorale Presents Night Music

Concerts

September 8

Join us for an intimate musical experience in the beautiful and historic Venetian Courtyard of the Fine Arts Building, and be a part of a truly special cabaret style show with some of Chicago’s greatest talents.

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Skates

Starring American Idol favorites Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young

Musical

May 28, 2022 – June 26, 2022

Rock star Jacqueline Miller is headlining her first national tour, has a hit record, and she's agreed to kick off the gala re-opening of her beloved childhood roller rink, Windy City Skates. When complications hit her head-on, she takes a retrospective journey back to 1977 and finds herself again when she meets up with her 12-year-old self and all of the people who have made her who she is. SKATES explores the magic and hope of finding your one true love while still being true to yourself.

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Plan your visit

New musicals. Open studios. Podcast tapings. Architecture tours. All this and more at the Fine Arts Building!

See the calendar

Join us for our monthly Second Fridays open studios event! Explore all ten floors of creativity and history, and meet the tenants who make the Fine Arts Building a home for art in all forms.

See Dates