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EVENTS Family-Friendly Featured Fundraisers News

Pedal Into the Night with Raue Center’s Night Owl Bike Ride on Aug 2nd, 2025

<Crystal Lake>, IL – May 6, 2025 – Get ready to light up the streets this August at the Night Owl Bike Ride, hosted by Raue Center For The Arts.  Returning at 9 pm on Saturday, August 2, 2025, this fun, family-friendly evening of cycling under the stars is a night you won’t forget.

 

Now an annual tradition, the Night Owl draws cyclists from across the region for a unique nighttime biking experience.

 

Starting at City Hall (100 W. Woodstock St.), riders will wind their way along the 10- and 20-mile routes through Crystal Lake by starlight before ending at the Brink Street parking lot, directly behind Raue Center.  All participants are encouraged to light up their bikes and get creative!

 

Once the ride wraps up, the Night Owl After-Party begins at Raue Center, featuring live music and a cash bar.

 

Registration is open now, and the early bird cost for the ride is $36 (ends June 13th). After June 13, 2025, the registration fee is $41 and $51 on the day of the event. Registration fee for kids 12 & under is $21. Registration fee includes a soft-style t-shirt and admission to the after-party at Raue Center For The Arts.

 

The ride will start from Crystal Lake City Hall, and the rider check-in will begin at 7:30 p.m. The ride will commence at 9:00 p.m. New this year are simplified family-friendly routes (10 and 20 miles)*The route may change based on current path/street conditions and road construction. 

 

Too late to drive home after the ride? The Holiday Inn of Crystal Lake has partnered with us to offer a discounted rate for a limited number of rooms when you call 1-800-HOLIDAY (1-800-465-4329) with Code: NOR. Reserve your room today!

 

“The Night Owl Bike Ride is a great way to bring the community together and promote a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Richard Kuranda, Executive Director of Raue Center For The Arts. “We are thrilled to host this event and bring people together for a fun-filled evening.”

 

The safety of the participants is of primary importance to the organizers, and they have taken all necessary measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. Helmets, lights, and reflectors are mandatory, and riders must obey all traffic laws. The Crystal Lake Police Department bike patrol will ride along with the participants to ensure a safe and fun ride for all.

The Night Owl Bike Ride is limited to 500 riders. Any rider 18 years and under must be accompanied by an adult throughout the ride. The rest stop is located at Woodscreek Park, where water, restrooms, snacks, and first aid will be available. 

 

Volunteers are also welcome to help during the event. The organizers are looking for people to check in and register riders, course marshals, people to assist at rest areas, and more. Volunteer on our registration page.

 

The Night Owl Bike Ride promises to be a fun-filled evening for the entire family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Crystal Lake on your bicycle. Register today!

 

For more information, please visit rauecenter.org. Register today at https://raceroster.com/events/2025/105018/raue-centers-night-owl-bike-ride-2025

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

 

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Community EVENTS Family-Friendly Featured News Visual Arts

Mix and Mingle at Raue Center’s 7th Annual 6X6 PROJECT, June 14th

<Crystal Lake>, IL – May 5, 2025 –  Join Raue Center For The Arts as they host the 7th Annual 6×6 Project Art Auction & Exhibition on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams Street, Crystal Lake. Deadline to return completed canvases has been extended to May 16, 2025! 

 

Our call for artists went out from January to May! Blank canvases were available for a  $5 donation at Raue Center’s box office (26 N. William Street in downtown Crystal Lake) and its partner locations. The finished artwork will be available for viewing and bidding online through Auctria.com starting June 1, 2025.  Bidding will continue until 8 pm the evening of the public reception at Raue Center on June 14, 2025. Mix and mingle with the artists, enjoy live entertainment, refreshments, and win wonderful prizes!

 

“In the past six years, nearly 600 artists contributed almost 1300 individual works of art to support Raue Center’s educational programs, Mission Imagination, and Raue Center School For The Arts. Each year, more artists get involved, and the art keeps getting more impressive,” says 6×6 Project Chairperson, Michelle Nowland. “The artwork is uploaded to an auction site, and the bidding is all done online. Anyone, local or not, can bid on these mini works of original art, and we ship to winning bidders free of charge.”  

 

All proceeds of the 6×6 Project benefit Raue Center’s educational programs, Mission Imagination, and Raue Center School For The Arts, enriching the lives of over 20,000 children each year in the local community since 2001.

The 6th Annual 6×6 Project is made possible through the generous support of Raue Center donors and grantors. If you’d like more information about becoming a sponsor, please email Meredith Flowers at [email protected]. 

Anyone can be an artist! For more information on how to participate in this annual event, visit rauecenter.org/6×6-project/ or email [email protected].

 

Many thanks to Raue Center’s partner locations and supporting local businesses:: Out of the Box, Creative Arts Inc., Piano Trends, Reprographics, Makity Make, and Material Things, Our Happy Space, Henna Body Art & Studio, Abalabix Book Store, Pots and Pies, Marvin’s Toys, and Spice and Tea Exchange!

 

About Raue Center’s 6×6 Project

6×6 Project invites artists of all ages and abilities to support the arts in their community by creating an original work of art in a variety of mediums on 6×6” canvases. Since our inaugural 6×6 PROJECT fundraising event in 2019, over 1,200 small original works of art have been donated, and over $100,000 has been raised.

 

All artwork submitted to the 6×6 PROJECT is available for viewing online and can be bid on in an online auction culminating with a public reception at Raue Center For The Arts. Artists and the community are invited to attend the reception to view the art in a full mosaic installation featuring all submissions and bid on the art. Proceeds benefit Raue Center and its education programs, Raue Center School For The Arts, and Mission Imagination. 

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming, striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor, Lucile Raue, Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians, and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Family-Friendly Fundraisers Visual Arts

Artist Call for Raue Center’s 7th Annual 6×6 Project Art Auction & Fundraiser

Raue Center proudly announces the 7th annual 6×6 PROJECT Art Auction & Fundraiser!

Pick up blank canvases to participate in Raue Center’s 6×6 PROJECT from January 3, 2025, through May 2, 2025. Get up to two blank canvases at any of the following locations for a $5 donation. Raue Center’s box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from Noon to 4 pm. Please check each participating location’s hours of operation as they are all different and may have changed with the new year. 

  • Creative Arts Inc. – 400 Highland Avenue | Crystal Lake, IL | (815) 219-9243
  • Makity Make – 203 S. Main Street | Algonquin, IL | (224) 678-7090
  • Material Things – 103 E. Van Buren | Woodstock, IL | (815) 575-9710
  • Out of the Box – 71 N. Williams Street | Crystal Lake, IL | (815) 444-7446 
  • Piano Trends – 35 Berkshire Drive | Crystal Lake, IL | (815) 477-4266 
  • Raue Center Box Office – 26 N. Williams Street | Crystal Lake, IL | (815) 356-9212
  • Reprographics – Crystal Lake Plaza | Crystal Lake, IL | (815) 477-1018

Attached to this email is the Participation Form and the Artist Guidelines. Feel free to print out the form in advance and complete it before going to get your canvases. Make sure to write legibly AND include a working email so we can send you important information about the 6×6 PROJECT. The deadline to return completed art is May 13, 2025. All submitted art to the 6×6 PROJECT will be included in the online auction and can be bid on starting June 1, 2025. All art can be viewed online at the auction site and will be displayed in a huge mosaic during the 6×6 PROJECT art reception to be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025. More details about the reception will be sent in April/May.

The goal of the 6×6 PROJECT continues to be the promotion of art while raising funds to benefit Raue Center’s educational programs which serve 20,000+ kids a year. Since our inaugural event in 2019, and with your participation and support, the 6×6 PROJECT has raised over $95,000 for Raue Center’s educational programs with canvases coming from around the nation!

Visit rauecenter.org for more information. Don’t forget to Like and Follow our Facebook page at facebook.com/6x6project and our Instagram page at instagram.com/the6x6project for updates, sneak peeks of the art, and more! Questions? Please reach out to us at [email protected].

We hope you will support Raue Center and look forward to your participation in our 7th annual 6×6 PROJECT.

Family-Friendly Featured News

Bicycle Riding at Night

By Ron & Jackie Eberle

“Nothing goods happens after midnight” is a saying that has been used in various contexts; however, when it comes to riding your bicycle, a totally new experience can be realized during a night ride. A regular route you cycle through the daytime changes with the arrival of night. Vehicular traffic lessens, nocturnal animals emerge, your senses see and feel a different environment from the daytime hours and ride. 

You do not need to stop cycling in low light or nighttime hours, but you do need to tweak some things to make riding at night safer.  Here are some tips to make yourself seen.  Regardless of daytime or nighttime, you should ALWAYS wear a helmet, ride with the flow of traffic (never against) and ride predictably. 

Ride with Lights:  Either a flashing or steady white light in the front of your bicycle and a red light on the rear of your bicycle. Based on LED technology, the brightness and range of bike lights has increased substantially.

Visible Clothing:  Bright colors with reflective strips on your torso and on body parts that move the most (i.e., legs, feet or ankles).  These colors and reflectors make you stand out to drivers better. In addition, you can purchase tires with reflective sidewalls that also help at night by focusing on the distinctive movement of a bicycle to someone driving.

Plan Your Route and/or Ride the Route in Daylight First:  Know where you want to go, and which route is safest.  Even in daytime, there are streets and roads that are to be avoided. This understanding does not change during the night, regardless of reduced traffic.   Cycle the route you are planning to ride at night, during the day.  This is to make sure you know of any challenging spots and can manage them in the day – they can often be more difficult at night.

Ride with a Group:  If possible, having additional bike riders around you when cycling at night can help increase your visibility to other road users. There are also more eyes to look out for hazards on the road and more hands to lend if a mechanical problem happens. Remember though, when riding in a group, ride no more than two abreast in the street and stay to the right. 

Ride where you can be seen. Try not to hug the gutter when riding at night and try not to weave in and out of the flow of traffic.  Stop at stop signs and follow other traffic regulations and patterns.  Never ride against the flow of traffic.

Specific to the Night Owl, remember it’s a ride and NOT a race.  Ride in control, at a comfortable pace and have fun!

 

Event: Raue Center’s Night Owl Bike Ride
Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024
Time: 10:00 p.m., rider check-in begins at 8:30 p.m.
Location: Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock St. Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Cost: By August 2nd $30 | Day of Registration $35 | children 12 & under $15
T-shirts are an additional $25 and can be purchased via our store on the registration page.

Register at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/85921/raue-centers-night-owl-bike-ride

Community Family-Friendly Featured Fundraisers

Explore Crystal Lake at night with the Night Owl Bike Ride

Raue Center appreciates The Land Conservancy’s history and help with the transition of The Night Owl Bike Ride. Originators Ron and Jackie Eberle are on the 2024 committee and sat down with us recently to share a little Night Owl History.  Please enjoy this quick trip down memory lane and we hope you’ll join us on August 3, 2024.

The Crystal Lake Night Owl Bicycle Ride has its roots in The L.A.T.E. Ride put on by the Friends of the Chicago Park District. The L.A.T.E. Ride was a fundraiser for the Chicago Park District that took place in the City of Chicago and circled the city in the late evening hours.

After participating in a number of L.A.T.E. Rides, I approached the City of Crystal Lake with the idea of hosting a similar ride in Crystal Lake in 2012. The ride’s purpose was to promote bicycling as a means of transportation within the City of Crystal Lake.

From the initial planning stages, City staff was supportive of the ride and worked with the planning group to make the ride happen. Kudos go out to the late Mayor Aaron Shepley for his enthusiasm, and to City Council Members Ellen Brady and the late Ralph Dawson for volunteering as Route Marshalls. To this day, the ride starts and ends at the Crystal Lake City Hall.

Not knowing what to expect as far as participation, the initial ride generated nearly 200 riders. The primary sponsor of the initial ride and for many years thereafter was The Land Conservancy of McHenry County and our two local bike shops, Wheel Werks and Lucky Brake.

We are excited for the Raue Center to take on the Night Owl Ride as it is one of the unique events that makes Crystal Lake A good place to live.

 

To register for Raue Center’s Night Owl Bike Ride visit
https://raceroster.com/events/2024/85921/raue-centers-night-owl-bike-ride

Ballet Dance Family-Friendly

ENGAGE DANCE THEATRE brings dazzling production of “THE NUTCRACKER” to Life!

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL – Raue Center For The Arts is pleased to welcome Engage Dance Theatre for a co-production as they present “The Nutcracker” on December 16 and 17, 2023 at 1 p.m. and 5 pm with a special sensory-friendly performance on December 20 at 6 pm. 

 

“From dancing to acting and even tumbling, Engage’s ‘Nutcracker’ has something for everyone! This year, the production includes the addition of several new elements to keep the show fresh and exciting for our audience,” says Courtney Petrocci, Artistic Director of Engage Dance Theatre. “As Milwaukee Ballet company prepares for a brand new Nutcracker of their own this year, we have gratefully purchased multiple costumes and stage sets from their previous production, designed by Zak Brown. These additions will continue to take our production to new heights with its professionalism and majesty.”  Engage Dance Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ is an annual holiday tradition at Raue Center, featuring guest artist Elijah Richardson (one of Dance Magazines 2022 top 25 dancers to watch) as Arabian and Spanish Cavalier, guest artist Annia Hidalgo (former leading Artist Milwaukee Ballet) as Sugar Plum and Pedro Lapetra Miñana (former dancer with English National Ballet) as Cavalier. ,” says Courtney Petrocci, Artistic Director of Engage Dance Theatre.

 

Join Clara at her annual Christmas Eve party at the Staulbaum house enjoying a night full of celebration, dancing, and magic! As the party comes to a close Clara sneaks downstairs to find her precious new Nutcracker doll and falls asleep dreaming of her wonderful evening. She is startled awake by a group of mischievous mice and taken on an exciting journey with Drosselmeyer and her precious Nutcracker. Battling a life-size mouse Queen, slipping & sliding with snowmen & dazzling Snow Queen, and then flying off on an enchanted crystal sleigh to meet the Queen of the Angels and her herald of Angles at the gates of the Land of Sweets. Spanish Chocolate, Arabian Coffee, Chinese Tea, Russian Taffy, Marzipan Candy, Merry & her sweet Mini Mints, Dew Drop with her carousel of flowers, and the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy & her Cavalier all dance for Clara in an adventure not to be missed this holiday season! 

 

Audience members will be moved to leap from their seats to battle the Mouse Queen and her horde of mice, have a snowball fight alongside Clara and a family of snowmen in the Land of Snow and Ice, and, of course, dance along with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

 

This beautifully reimagined production of “The Nutcracker” features over 100 performers, as well as guest artists from renowned dance and theatre companies throughout the United States. 

 

The new sensory-friendly performance will be a special one-hour presentation of the Nutcracker with open seating in a reduced house size with softer lighting and sound effects, to support a comfortable sensory-friendly experience. Please call Engage for further details and help answer any questions regarding this inclusive performance.

 

Performance times are 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on December 16th and 17th. Tickets are $30 ( $18 for students 17 and under and Seniors). Tickets for the sensory-friendly performance are $20 ($15 for students). Tickets can be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or at 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. 

 

About Engage Dance Theatre 

Engage Dance Academy is a premiere dance academy owned & operated by Courtney & Marc Petrucci, former professional dancers at the Milwaukee Ballet, bringing professional caliber dance training to McHenry County for dancers ages 18 months-Adult. Engage is a triple-track dance studio offering dance classes for all levels; Engage Dance Theatre, a year-round pre-professional dance company for the more serious dancers ages 5-18, training includes partnering classes with professional dancers from the Milwaukee Ballet and three performances a year including a full-length production of The Nutcracker; an award-winning competition team for those dancers looking to compete in Chicago based competitions; and an Open Division for dancers looking for a wide variety of weekly classes ranging from baby ballet, jazz, hip hop, and Aerial Silks & Tumbling. 

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Family-Friendly Featured Magic

CELEBRATE 18 YEARS OF FAMILY FUN MAGIC

<Crystal Lake>, IL – September 19, 2023 – Get ready for a magical show filled with fun for the whole family! Children and adults alike will be mystified, dazzled, and bamboozled by tricks, illusions, and more as “Nothin’ Up My Sleeve” celebrates almost 18 years of family magic fun at Raue Center For The Arts at 7 p.m. on October 29, 2023, at 3 p.m. 

 

“‘Nothing Up My Sleeve’ returns to Raue Center with magic that is sure to please all who love tricks and illusions,” says Raue Center Board President, Tim Paul. “Back by popular demand, this show always dazzles and leaves audiences wondering ‘How did they do that?’”  

 

Co-hosts and co-producers Glenn Chelius and Nino Cruz will once again bring some of the finest magic, juggling, and comedy entertainment to the stage, this time with a vaudeville/variety theme. “Nothin’ Up My Sleeve” is a family-friendly magic variety show filled with tricks and treats that you won’t want to miss! This year’s Halloween show features magician Steve Chezaday, circus performer Bobby Hunt, magician Placido “Plaz” Garcia, and children’s television favorite, WIZZO!

  

Raue Center will still be decked out in spooktacular Halloween decorations for the evening, so kids of all ages are encouraged to wear their costumes (nothing too scary, please!) to the show. Guests should also be sure to arrive early to experience all the magic! Doors open at 2 p.m.

 

“Nothin’ Up My Sleeve” is sponsored by Northwest Herald. Tickets start at $20 and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Proceeds of this magic variety show will benefit Raue Center. 

 

Adult tickets start at $20* ($14 for RaueNOW Members*) and $8 for children and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. 

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians, and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

Family-Friendly Featured Fundraisers

THEODORE ROOSEVELT TAKES THE STAGE AT RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS!

<Crystal Lake>, IL – August 23, 2023 – Raue Center For The Arts is excited to announce a fundraiser for Raue Center and the Crystal Lake Library Foundation! See history come alive when scholar, writer, and historical interpreter Clay Jenkinson steps into the shoes of our 28th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt on October 21, 2023, at 7 p.m. 

 

“We are excited to be working with the Raue Center to bring Clay Jenkinson and one of his classic characters, Theodore Roosevelt, back to Crystal Lake,” said Crystal Lake Library Foundation president Terri Reece. “If you haven’t seen Clay in the past, you are in for a treat! Clay brings all the energy and enthusiasm that the 26th President had in his portrayal of Roosevelt. It’s an evening you won’t want to end.”

 

 The audience will experience Jenkinson’s great depth and talent as he reveals the many sides of America’s greatness! Jenkinson’s performances are always humorous, educational, thought-provoking and enlightening!

 

Jenkinson is known for his portrayals of multiple historical characters, including Jefferson, Roosevelt, Meriwether Lewis, J. Robert Oppenheimer and John Wesley Powell. He is also the author of nine books, including the critically acclaimed “The Character of Meriwether Lewis.” Jenkinson has also created four documentaries and has appeared in three documentaries by Ken Burns, including his most recent film, “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History.”

 

A distinguished scholar of the humanities at Bismarck State College, Jenkinson has won multiple awards, including the National Humanities Medal, the highest honor awarded to a public humanities scholar in the U.S. He has also been named Humanities Scholar of the Year in Kansas, Nevada and North Dakota. Jenkinson is also the founder of the Theodore Roosevelt Center at Dickinson State University.

 

 

Tickets tickets for this fundraising event are $45 / $50 / $55* and may be purchased online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. 

 

About Crystal Lake Public Library

Crystal Lake Public Library has been serving the community for 109 years! The library is located at 126 Paddock Street in Crystal Lake. Everyone who lives in the city of Crystal Lake is eligible for a library card, which provides access to books, ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music, games and a long list of online resources. Visit clpl.org for more information!

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named in the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Classes Education Family-Friendly

RAUE CENTER SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS ANNOUNCES FALL 2022 SEMESTER CLASSES

[Crystal Lake, IL] – August 31, 2022 – Raue Center School For The Arts creates a welcoming place where students of all ages can let their creativity soar. Now offering classes for students of all ages—from 18 months to 18 years. Adults too!

Raue Center School For The Arts (RCSA) announces Broadway Baby running September 5 through December 12, 2022 (off the week of Thanksgiving) on Tuesdays from 10:00 am-10:45 am. Broadway Baby is a fun discovery class for your little mover (ages 18 to 36 months) to explore music, storytelling, and movement. Sign up for the full 14 weeks ($210) or drop in per class ($15/class).

Tiny Tunes (ages 3 & 4) is a new 45-minute class full of songs, rhymes, rhythm, coordination, imagination, and FUN. Bring your dance and music-loving kid in for their first taste of theatre. Each class will have time for music, dancing, and storytelling. The class runs September 5 through December 12, 2022 (off the week of Thanksgiving), Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 1:00 pm-1:45 pm. Sign up for the full 14 weeks ($210) or drop in per class ($15/class).

The littlest stars get to shine in Little Stage Stars (ages 5 to 7). This six-week class is full of fun theatrical play, creative movement, and skill-building theatre games to help students explore their own creativity and talents. This class culminates in an open class where parents and families can observe the students at play, and even be treated to a “mini-showcase”! Class runs September 13 through October 18, Tuesdays from 4:00 pm-4:45 pm. Tuition is $150 per student (RaueNOWFamily Price: $112.50).

Our popular intro to acting series, Ready, Set, Act! (ages 7 to 12), uses theatre games and creative play techniques to help bring students out of their shells and teach them the basics of theatre. In classes tailored to the unique needs of each age group, our staff of working theatre professionals offers individualized attention and encouragement as students hone their skills and learn tips and tricks from the best. Each class section runs for six weeks and culminates in a showcase on the Raue Center stage! Tuition is $200 per student (RaueNOWFamily Price: $150).

In addition to introductory classes, RCSA is proud to offer several pre-professional classes as well. Acting II: Scene Study (ages 13 & up) is a new class for those actors who are ready to advance their skills and build stronger connections to text and character. Using the techniques of Uta Hagen, students will take a deeper dive into character relationships and learn to use their impulses to create dynamic scenes. The class culminates in a showcase on the Raue Center stage on the last day of class! Class runs September 12 through October 20, Mondays & Wednesdays from 4:00 pm-5:30 pm. Tuition is $250 per student (RaueNOW Family Price: $187.50).

Raue Center For The Arts is excited to offer a new all-encompassing class aptly named Musical Theater T³: Triple Threat for Teens with instructor Robin Irwin! Musical Theater combines singing, acting, and dancing to create a uniquely American form of stage magic. Musical Theater T³ will consist of 3 classes a week: an acting class, a song interpretation class, and a fully staged/choreographed number. The class will conclude with a showcase of the student’s work. These sessions provide individual training for each student in a variety of musical theatre styles and acting techniques all presented in a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. Class runs Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6:00 pm-7:30 pm, September 12-26. Tuition is $375 per student (RaueNOW Family Price: $281.25).

Youth Musical Theatre Ensemble is back by popular demand! YMTE focuses on a vocal technique that expands beyond solo singing into small and large group ensemble singing. The group will work on multiple songs that will feature all members in some way, with a final performance at the end of the session. Students in this class will also join Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and the Tony Guerrero Quintet in “A Swingin’ Christmas” for special performances on Raue Center’s stage at 8 pm on Saturday, December 10th and 1 pm on Sunday, December 11th! YMTE rehearses October 10 through December 6, Tuesdays from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm. Tuition is $350 per student (RaueNOW Family Price: $262.50).

RCSA is proud to introduce Song and Story: An Adult Musical Theatre Intensive for our adults! This fun-filled course will allow adult students to experience the joys of storytelling through song. We believe that growing in the arts and growing as a human being are synonymous and this intensive allows adult students to explore that magical moment when a scene becomes a song. The class will culminate in a cabaret-style showcase where you can strut your stuff. Why should the kids have all the fun? Class runs Mondays from 7:30 pm-9:00 pm, September 12-26. Tuition is $100 per student (RaueNOW Family Price: $75).

 

Risk. Explore. Create. Visit https://www.rauecenter.org/education/.

Become a RaueNOW Family Member and get early access and 25% off all classes and workshops! For more information on enrollment, discounts, and financial aid visit rauecenter.org/education or email [email protected].

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the nation’s finest examples of restored art and decor. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination.

More information and tickets are available by visiting www.rauecenter.org or by calling the box office at (815) 356-9212. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Family-Friendly Festivals Music

Truck Off: An epic evening of food & fun!

The 5th Annual Truck Off food truck festival returns Saturday, September 10, 2022 at the McHenry County Fairgrounds in Woodstock, IL. 50% off Early Bird tickets are on sale through April 30. Then they go up to $10. Buy & save now!

What to Expect

Truck Off curates a lineup of food trucks and vendors from all over Chicagoland serving everything from ethnic to fusion to American comfort food & desserts. We currently have more than 20 trucks confirmed and will be announced shortly. Enjoy a beer tent and live entertainment. General admission begins at 5 p.m. – plus a VIP Hour from 4-5 p.m.

Major event announcements are shared on Facebook and Instagram leading up to the event, so be sure to follow along!

Reminder: Buy your tickets early and save! Get 1/2 off general admission through April 30 – this is the deepest discount that will be offered! Don’t miss it! 

Questions? Contact truckoff@mchenrycountyliving.com

 

Get Early Bird tickets at eventbrite.com/e/truck-off

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