About Us:

The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie (NSCPAS) is a dynamic, two-theater complex located in one of the most vibrant communities in the country. The NSCPAS is home to three distinct resident companies: presenting organization Centre East, Inc, producing theater company Northlight Theatre, and the Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra. The facility is also the performance home to the acclaimed Ars Viva Symphony Orchestra and hosts numerous other cultural organizations and special events each year.

The NSCPAS is located just off of I-94 (Edens Expressway) about 30-minutes north of Downtown Chicago. In addition to a diverse programming schedule, its proximity to Old Orchard Shopping Center, a wide range of excellent restaurants and plenty of free parking, make the North Shore Center a convenient and popular destination for entertainment.

The State-of-the-Art, Award-Winning North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie was designed by Boston-based architect Graham Gund and opened in November 1996. It is owned by the Centre East Metropolitan Exposition Auditorium and Office Building Authority and managed by Professional Facilities Management, Inc.

The facility features an 867-seat main hall named for Centre East, and a 342-seat theatre, which serves as the home for Northlight Theatre In addition there is a 6000 square foot grand lobby, a rehearsal hall and conference rooms. The NSCPAS hosts hundreds of events each year attended by more than 175,000 people.

Since its opening, the NSCPAS has hosted performances by Bob Newhart, Kathy Griffin, Queen Latifah, Bill Maher, Rita Moreno, Paula Poundstone, Neil Sedaka, Bill Cosby, Joffrey Ballet, Twyla Tharp Dance Company, The Capitol Steps and many more.