Arts Education Programs at McAninch Arts Center
McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
About
Arts Education Programs at McAninch Arts Center include MAC Chats before or after select performances, SchoolStage theatrical and musical performances, and educational theater, music, and dance programs. The programs also feature school outreach programs, meet-and-greets, master classes, lectures, demonstrations, one-day workshops, seminars, lecture demonstrations, comedy shows, special events, and art exhibits.
• Ages: 4–13 years old
• Schedule: Box Office open Tuesday–Saturday, 12–6pm, and two hours prior to performance
Planning for the McAninch Arts Center began in 1981 with a budget of $14.4 million, and it opened its doors in October 1986. In 2013, the center underwent a $35 million renovation. The mission of the McAninch Arts Center is to foster enlightened educational and entertaining performance opportunities, encourage artistic expression and engagement, establish a lasting relationship between people and art, and enrich the cultural vitality of the community. The center presents over 368 public ticketed and free events annually, averaging seven public events weekly, 52 weeks a year, and each season includes more than 200 performances of plays, concerts, and lectures, as well as numerous art exhibits.
The McAninch Arts Center offers school outreach programs and is committed to providing area residents and College of DuPage students with long-term artist residencies, professional development, and youth classes, and residencies enable artists to be part of the local community for an extended period of time. The center provides a cultural space in which people can participate in, interact with, and view the arts, and it offers rentals to community groups. The MAC offers free Lakeside concerts, and parking is free in any of the lots when visiting the MAC.
Leadership for the McAninch Arts Center includes Director Diana Martinez and Business Manager Molly Junokas. Additional roles include Assistant Business Manager Linda Sharbaugh, Project Manager Kari Schoettle, Marketing and Patron Services Coordinator Janey Sarther, Education and Community Engagement Coordinator Mandy Rakow, Administrative Assistant Morgan Bainbridge, Press Contact Ann Fink, Box Office Manager Julie Elges, Assistant Box Office Supervisors Daniel Arzola and Elise Wash, and Box Office Assistants Patrick Garon and Joanne Hunt. Patron services and operations staff include Patron Services Manager Tom Murray, Front of House Manager/Volunteer Coordinator Rob Nardini, Production and Rentals Manager Joe Hopper, Technical Theater Coordinator Rick Arnold, Technical Theater Supervisor Sabrina Zeidler, and Costume and Make-up Design Coordinator Kimberly G. Morris. The Cleve Carney Museum of Art staff includes Museum Curator Justin Witte and Assistant Curator Julia Walker. Artistic leadership includes Music Director and Conductor of New Philharmonic Kirk Muspratt, New Philharmonic Manager Paula Cebula, and Interim Managing Artistic Director of Buffalo Theatre Ensemble Amelia Barrett.
MAC Chats are free presentations offered before or after select performances to provide audiences with greater understanding and appreciation of the accompanying program. Common Ground Conversations are free, moderated post-show conversations discussing issues related to the show. The SchoolStage series offers theatrical and musical performances designed specifically for youth, connecting with school curriculum and focusing on subjects that resonate with students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The MAC has been described as “the cultural center for greater DuPage County” by the Daily Herald, and the COD Courier noted that “the acoustics in the performance hall are absolutely excellent.” Art Intercepts described the renovation by stating that “the chairs are comfy, the legroom is generous, and the site lines are lovely,” and also noted the presence of an art gallery for intermission entertainment and comfortable gathering places in the lobby and front patio.
Last updated May 24, 2026.
• Ages: 4–13 years old
• Schedule: Box Office open Tuesday–Saturday, 12–6pm, and two hours prior to performance
Planning for the McAninch Arts Center began in 1981 with a budget of $14.4 million, and it opened its doors in October 1986. In 2013, the center underwent a $35 million renovation. The mission of the McAninch Arts Center is to foster enlightened educational and entertaining performance opportunities, encourage artistic expression and engagement, establish a lasting relationship between people and art, and enrich the cultural vitality of the community. The center presents over 368 public ticketed and free events annually, averaging seven public events weekly, 52 weeks a year, and each season includes more than 200 performances of plays, concerts, and lectures, as well as numerous art exhibits.
The McAninch Arts Center offers school outreach programs and is committed to providing area residents and College of DuPage students with long-term artist residencies, professional development, and youth classes, and residencies enable artists to be part of the local community for an extended period of time. The center provides a cultural space in which people can participate in, interact with, and view the arts, and it offers rentals to community groups. The MAC offers free Lakeside concerts, and parking is free in any of the lots when visiting the MAC.
Leadership for the McAninch Arts Center includes Director Diana Martinez and Business Manager Molly Junokas. Additional roles include Assistant Business Manager Linda Sharbaugh, Project Manager Kari Schoettle, Marketing and Patron Services Coordinator Janey Sarther, Education and Community Engagement Coordinator Mandy Rakow, Administrative Assistant Morgan Bainbridge, Press Contact Ann Fink, Box Office Manager Julie Elges, Assistant Box Office Supervisors Daniel Arzola and Elise Wash, and Box Office Assistants Patrick Garon and Joanne Hunt. Patron services and operations staff include Patron Services Manager Tom Murray, Front of House Manager/Volunteer Coordinator Rob Nardini, Production and Rentals Manager Joe Hopper, Technical Theater Coordinator Rick Arnold, Technical Theater Supervisor Sabrina Zeidler, and Costume and Make-up Design Coordinator Kimberly G. Morris. The Cleve Carney Museum of Art staff includes Museum Curator Justin Witte and Assistant Curator Julia Walker. Artistic leadership includes Music Director and Conductor of New Philharmonic Kirk Muspratt, New Philharmonic Manager Paula Cebula, and Interim Managing Artistic Director of Buffalo Theatre Ensemble Amelia Barrett.
MAC Chats are free presentations offered before or after select performances to provide audiences with greater understanding and appreciation of the accompanying program. Common Ground Conversations are free, moderated post-show conversations discussing issues related to the show. The SchoolStage series offers theatrical and musical performances designed specifically for youth, connecting with school curriculum and focusing on subjects that resonate with students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The MAC has been described as “the cultural center for greater DuPage County” by the Daily Herald, and the COD Courier noted that “the acoustics in the performance hall are absolutely excellent.” Art Intercepts described the renovation by stating that “the chairs are comfy, the legroom is generous, and the site lines are lovely,” and also noted the presence of an art gallery for intermission entertainment and comfortable gathering places in the lobby and front patio.
Last updated May 24, 2026.
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