About

About the

North Shore Center

Where Skokie’s Cultural Story Keeps Unfolding

The Story Begins Before the Center

1948–1968

Fun Fair and the Spirit of Gathering

Long before the North Shore Center opened its doors, this corner of Skokie was already a place where people came together for entertainment. From 1948 to 1968, the site was home to Fun Fair, a family amusement park filled with rides, games, and neighborhood memories. That early chapter matters: even then, this was a destination for shared experience, excitement, and community life.

1979–1995

From Centre East to a New Vision

The roots of today’s North Shore Center run through Centre East, the influential nonprofit founded in 1979 under the leadership of Dorothy Litwin. Working out of the former Niles East High School auditorium, Centre East built a loyal audience and established professional performing arts programming on the North Shore. As its reach grew, so did the dream of creating a permanent, purpose-built home for live performance in Skokie.

By the early 1990s, that vision had gained real momentum. Plans were unveiled for a new performing arts center at 9501 Skokie Boulevard, a project shaped by public investment, community belief, and years of persistence.

1996 – A New Landmark Opens

1996

The Ribbon Cutting, the Gala, and the Beginning of a New Era

When the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie opened in 1996, it marked the culmination of decades of planning, fundraising, and belief in the arts. The opening year was filled with celebration, ribbon cutting ceremonies, gala events, and a launch season designed to introduce a new cultural landmark to the North Shore.

This moment represented more than a building opening. It signaled a long-term investment in arts, education, and community, a place designed to bring people together through performance and shared experience for generations to come.

Ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Jacqueline Gorell

Ribbon cutting ceremony in 1996, featuring then-Mayor Jacqueline Gorell.

Artists, Companies, and Unforgettable Moments

Over the years, the Center has welcomed a remarkable range of artists and performances, from gala headliners and acclaimed musicians to comedy, dance, family programming, and resident theatrical work. Early seasons featured names such as Marvin Hamlisch, Kurt Elling, Philip Glass, Joel Grey, Ricky Skaggs, and Don McLean. Across later years, audiences have also encountered performers including Alan Parsons, Michael Feinstein, Savion Glover, Bob Newhart, Taylor Dayne, Marc Maron, and many more.

1996–1997

Gala celebrations, ribbon cutting events, and early appearances by Marvin Hamlisch, Kurt Elling, Philip Glass, Joel Grey, and more.

1998–2005

A growing reputation for music, theater, comedy, and special events, with artists such as Alan Parsons, Michael Feinstein, Faith Prince, Tom Wopat, and Bob Newhart.

A Lasting Home

The Center has served as a home for resident arts organizations and as a place where local audiences can experience national talent without leaving the North Shore.

Still Evolving

Today, the story continues through touring entertainment, theatrical productions, music, dance, family offerings, rentals, celebrations, and community events.

What We Offer

Live Performance

The Center presents and hosts a wide range of live experiences including theater, music, dance, comedy, family programming, and special events.

Resident Arts Partnerships

The Center has long served as home to major resident companies and arts partners, helping make Skokie a year-round destination for culture on the North Shore.

Community & Education

From school-connected programming and family engagement to public celebrations and civic gatherings, the Center was built to be part of the community, not separate from it.

Events & Rentals

In addition to performance programming, the Center’s spaces can support receptions, lectures, celebrations, and other audience-focused events in a distinctive architectural setting.