Krannert Center Youth Series 2026-27 Preview and Teacher Appreciation Event

Since 1982 the Krannert Center Youth Series has shared the life-affirming power of live performance with over 365,000 students in school communities right here in central Illinois. On May 5, we want to help ensure YOUR students experience the performing arts and give you a sneak peek of youth-oriented performances coming to Krannert Center next school year.

Come Be Here for our annual Krannert Center Youth Series Season Preview & Educator Appreciation Event! You will be treated to drinks and snacks in a casual setting as we celebrate YOU and all you do to support the growth and wellbeing of our youth. Through the Krannert Center Youth Series, children and youth experience meaningful artistry, encounter the breadth of genres in the performing arts, and move toward deeper cultural understandings. Our Youth Series is available to students from public, private, and home schools throughout our region, including YOUR students!

Join the generations of students, educators, and parents who experience the arts for youth at Krannert Center! This event is free to all educators, and pre-registration is requested. Click here to register before May 1, 2026.

The appreciation begins at 4pm Tuesday, May 5 in the Krannert Center lobby, with our Youth Series season preview beginning at 4:10pm. Plenty of parking is available at curbside meters (accepting coins or pay-by-app); or at pay-by-app spots inside the Krannert Center parking garage (enter from Illinois Street and look for the I-block signs around the perimeter).

Can't attend the preview? Keep an eye on our Youth Series site for next year's lineup of fantastic artists! You can begin submitting ticket requests for your students at 4:30pm on May 5.

Join educators from throughout central Illinois as we honor your contributions to our students. We look forward to welcoming you.