About the Youth Series

The Krannert Center Youth Series is dedicated to sharing the life-affirming power of live performance with school communities throughout central Illinois. Formed in 1982 through a visionary collaboration with Children’s Theatre Incorporated—a local organization committed to presenting and producing theatre for young audiences—and Krannert Center, the Youth Series has touched the lives of more than 360,000 young people in its 38-year history. Children who grew up participating in the Youth Series are now sharing these remarkable experiences with their own students. 

Through the Youth Series, children and youth experience meaningful artistry, encounter the breadth of genres in the performing arts, and move toward deeper intercultural understanding. Study guides and curricular materials invite students to expand their understanding of the artists and art forms and to explore their own creativity through classroom activities.

We look forward to welcoming students from public, private, and home schools throughout our region and sharing with them the magic of live performance, this year and for many years to come. Join us!