Des Plaines, Ill (Sept. 24, 2024) – Get ready for Oakton College’s fall 2024 Performing Arts season! From a Grammy-winning guitarist who’s rocked with Paul McCartney to a festival of student-written productions, this season promises unforgettable performances, captivating stories and incredible music. Don’t miss out!
“As we enter the new season, we are excited to present a lineup that celebrates diverse stories and voices,” said Bob Gynn, Speech, Theater and Performing Arts Center chair and professor. “Our productions offer unique perspectives that invite audiences of all ages to explore, reflect and engage in meaningful conversations about connection, self-discovery and strength.”
All performances will take place at Oakton’s Des Plaines campus, located at 1600 E. Golf Road.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Oct. 10-20
Footlik Theatre
Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play, this adaptation by Simon Stephens is based on the novel by Mark Haddon. The play tells the story of Christopher, a teenager with an extraordinary mind for mathematics but challenges in everyday life. When Christopher is suspected of a neighborhood crime, he embarks on a journey to solve the mystery, which changes his world forever.
Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets: $12 general admission, $10 for students and seniors.
Guitar Festival, Oct. 25-26
Studio One Theatre
This year's Guitar Festival showcases some of the world’s top guitarists, including Margaret Slovak, Marcos Rios, Alexa Muhly, Roddy Ellia, and a three-time Grammy winner, Laurence Juber, who played with Paul McCartney as a member of Wings. Enjoy free workshops for students and the community, plus concerts by these renowned artists.
Workshops are scheduled throughout the day, with evening concerts at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $12 general admission, $10 for students and seniors.
Special Night of Fingerstyle Guitar, Nov. 1
Footlik Theatre
Enjoy an evening with three renowned fingerstyle guitarists: Calum Graham, Richard Gilewitz, and Oakton professor Tom Clippert. The event offers a unique opportunity to experience a range of styles from some of the best in the field.
The concert begins at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $10 general admission, $5 for students and seniors.
Play On! Festival, Nov. 22-24
Studio One Theatre
Now celebrating its fifteenth year, the Play On! Festival showcases the creative talents of community college playwrights from Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Audiences will be among the first to experience these new works, with proceeds supporting performing arts students at Oakton.
Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for general admission, $5 for students and seniors.
Oakton String Ensemble, Dec. 2
Footlik Theatre
Celebrate the holiday season with the Oakton String Ensemble, directed by professor Daniel Golden, performing classics such as Vivaldi’s “Winter” and Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz.”
The concert begins at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $8 general admission, $6 for students and seniors.
Speaker Showcase, Dec. 3
Footlik Theatre
Discover Oakton’s finest speech students as they present inspiring, educational, and comical presentations in this unique showcase directed by Bob Gynn, Speech, Theater and Performing Arts Center chair and professor.
The event starts at 7:30 p.m. and is free to the public.
Oakton Guitar Ensemble, Dec. 4
Footlik Theatre
Join the Oakton Guitar Ensemble, led by professor Tom Clippert, for a musical journey featuring classical, jazz, rock and world music.
The concert starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $8 general admission and $6 for students and seniors.
Choral/Vocal Concert, Dec. 5
Footlik Theatre
Experience the beauty of winter through music with Oakton’s choir, directed by professor Mallory Harding, performing works by Samuel Barber and Eric Whitacre.
The concert begins at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $8 general admission and $6 for students and seniors.
OMG Improv, Dec. 7
Footlik Theatre
Get ready to laugh with Oakton’s student improvisation group, OMG Improv, known for its energetic and interactive performances.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $10 general admission.
Jazz Invasion, Dec. 9
Footlik Theatre
Celebrate the holiday season with the swinging sounds of the Oakton Jazz Ensemble, directed by professor Mark Olen. Featuring a variety of styles and composers, the concert promises to delight jazz enthusiasts of all ages.
The performance begins at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $8 general admission and $6 for students and seniors.
Tickets for all events can be purchased online at Oakton's Box Office or by calling 847.635.1900.
For more information about the events, visit Oakton’s website.