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.

North America’s Premier Tribute to Elton John, Elton Rohn, Comes Crystal Lake on New Year’s Eve

<Crystal Lake>, IL – 2024– Get ready to ring in the New Year with an unforgettable musical experience as Elton Rohn, North America’s premier tribute to Elton John, comes to Raue Center For The Arts on December 31, 2024, at 7 pm.

 

Elton Rohn has thrilled audiences all over North America, headlining over 400 theaters and festival shows, from Las Vegas to Atlantic City, California, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Myrtle Beach, Pennsylvania, across Michigan and upstate New York, and all across Canada. They were the only Elton John tribute asked to play the Elton John convention in Las Vegas where they met the band. Davey Johnstone (Elton’s long-time guitarist and musical director) told the band they were the best 70’s Elton John tribute in the world. Nigel Olsson (Elton’s long-time drummer) said “Elton has a twin”.

 

Ron Camilleri, as Elton, has the vocals, the piano, the look, and the feel of the real Elton John performance. You’ll feel like you are watching the real Elton John. The passion, energy, and those incredible vocals are there. Plus the harmonies. Performed live (no tracks), the band is the closest you’ll get to the real 70’s Elton sound. Even Davey Johnstone thinks so. The band is a regular best-in-show at festivals, and they’ve sold out theaters in major cities. An Elton Rohn show is just like seeing another Elton John. The music is played 100% live. The musicianship is on an elite level. One trip to the band’s website, and you’ll see hundreds of testimonials stating just how great this show is. This is a show not to be missed. The very best of Elton John.

 

According to Paul Russell, Freelance Journalist and contributor to Q107, Legends of Rock, former U.K., “The stunning musicianship and the array of Elton mannerisms put this remarkable tribute at way up there in the big league.” Bob Segarini, Toronto journalist, and artist explains that “Yes, this is a tribute band, but so right on the money you forget you’re not watching the real thing.”

 

Elton Rohn puts on a concert “the next best thing to the real guy” .. a truly outstanding tribute to Captain Fantastic. His band is exceptional, and it’s easy to think when you’re at the show that Elton himself is there.

 

Make your New Year’s Eve unforgettable with Elton Rohn at Raue Center For The Arts. Tickets start at $55  ($38.50  for RaueNOW Members) 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. 

 

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

Musical Theatre Masterclass with Broadway Star Emily Kristen Morris

<Crystal Lake>, IL – October 9, 2024 – Raue Center School For The Arts is thrilled to announce the upcoming Musical Theatre Masterclass featuring New York-based performer Emily Kristen Morris. This exclusive masterclass will be held on December 9, 2024, for ages 14 to adult and on December 10, 2024, for ages 8 to 13.

 

Participants can join the class either as a singer or as an observer. Singers will get an average of 13 minutes of one-on-one coaching, while observers will watch and get to ask questions. 

 

Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn from Emily Kristen Morris, an NYC-based actor, singer, dancer, and certified vocal instructor with an impressive career. She is currently starring as Elsa in Frozen at the Paramount Theatre and has performed across the nation and internationally. Emily was the Elphaba standby on the Broadway national tour of WICKED, and Bea in the Broadway National Tour of SOMETHING ROTTEN. Morris has also performed as a solo vocalist with symphony orchestras worldwide.

 

The masterclass will focus on Broadway-style singing and acting through song, providing valuable insights into musical theatre vocal technique, audition preparation, and how to make a lasting impression in the industry. Singers will receive one-on-one coaching. All participants can take part in a musical theatre-focused group warm-up and a Q&A session with Emily at the end of the class.

 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Emily for our upcoming Musical Theatre Masterclass,” says Raue Center School For The Arts’ Director of Education, Rob Scharlow. “ How exciting that our students will get to share in her passion and expertise right here in the Crystal Lake area. She’ll provide an unforgettable experience that will ignite our students’ creativity and elevate their skills to new heights.”

 

James Mablin, Raue Center’s resident music director, will serve as the accompanist for the masterclass. Participants enrolling as singers must come prepared with a memorized song cut down to audition length (16 – 32 bars) and provide a clean copy of the sheet music for the accompanist.

 

The masterclass welcomes both singers and observers. Observers will be able to watch the coaching sessions and participate in the Q&A session.

 

Tuition for participating singers is $125* (limited availability.) Observer tickets are priced at $55. Become a RaueNOW Family member and get a 25% off classes, workshops, and masterclasses. The masterclass will be held at the Raue Center For The Arts, located at 26 N Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL.

 

For more information and to reserve your spot, please visit rauecenter.org/education. Questions? email [email protected].

 

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to learn from a Broadway star and take your musical theatre skills to the next level. Join us for a memorable and enriching Musical Theatre Masterclass with Emily Kristen Morris at the Raue Center.

American country music singer/songwriter and Billboard chart-topper Phil Vassar returns!

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – September 23, 2024 – Raue Center For The Arts proudly welcomes country music billboard chart-topper Phil Vassar on November 16, 2024 at 7 p.m. for his Hits & Heroes tour.

Phil Vassar’s reign of signature songs includes 10 No. 1 singles and 26 Top 40 hits, including Carlene, Just Another Day in Paradise, Six-Pack Summer, When I Love You, and many more. Vassar was racking up hits on the radio long before he even began his own recording career that has seen the release of six albums, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year trophies, ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist, and sold-out shows across the country.

Vassar’s songwriting career blossomed in the mid-’90s when he landed a publishing contract with EMI and penned hits for Collin Raye (Little Red Rodeo), Alan Jackson (Right on the Money), Tim McGraw (For a Little While), Jo Dee Messina (Bye Bye, Alright), and Blackhawk (Postmarked Birmingham). He signed a record deal of his own with Arista in 1998 and was named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 1999.

Vassar continues to release incisive, soulful lyrics and infectious melodies that capture the heart and soul in the unique and special way that only he can.

Tickets for Phil Vassar start at $55* ($38.50 for members*) Purchase tickets 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.

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

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

Evening of Percussion Keeps the Beat

Evening of Percussion with the Crystal Lake Strikers wowed audiences for another sold-out show on Saturday, February 10 @ 7p at Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake.

This annual local fan favorite put the spotlight on a night of music featuring the best percussion and drumming groups around! Evening of Percussion featured the performing ensembles of the Crystal Lake Strikers and some surprise guests, performers ranging in age from seven to seventy. The Strikers also award scholarships to local high school students including the Tim Althoff, William Laskey, and Aaron Shepley Memorial Scholarships.

The Crystal Lake Strikers was formed in the fall of 2007 when three area men sat in a local coffee shop imagining the possibility of forming an organization that would achieve the essential goals of providing a performing outlet for drummers of college-age and beyond as well as supporting and educating aspiring young performers. In the 15 years since, the Strikers have performed in front of millions and have created seven ensembles for area students.

 

McHenry County Multi-Chamber Mixer brings community business leaders together.

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

Tuesday, October 14, 2022, Raue Center welcomed over 100 local business owners and representatives to our theater for a Chamber of Commerce Mixer that involved businessmen and women from Barrington, Cary Grove, Huntley, McHenry, Crystal Lake, and Algonquin Lake In The Hills. The local chamber members came out in force to enjoy a bratwurst, sample beers from Crystal Lake brewing, and network with peers from around the county.

Those who attended were treated to a peak at Raue Center’s upcoming schedule including the first look at our George Michael tribute coming up next February. Prizes were won, contacts were made, and good times were had by all!

RCSA MASTERCLASS – DANCING THROUGH LIFE with John Bolton and Marina Lazzaretto

@Raue Center For The Arts
26 N Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Monday, November 14 | 6:30 to 8:30p
Registration Fee: $15
Reservations required. Limited Availability. Reserve your spot today!

RCSA’s Masterclass Series, “Dancing Through Life,” welcomes cast members from the current national tour of “Wicked,” now playing at the Nederlander Theater in Chicago. Broadway and television veteran John Bolton (The Wizard), known for his work in the original Broadway casts of “Anastasia” (Vlad) and “A Christmas Story” (The Old Man), and Marina Lazzaretto (Swing), “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Schmigidoon,” as well as “American In Paris,” and “West Side Story” on Broadway, will lead a dance workshop in the style of “Wicked.”

The masterclass will begin with an open dance instruction on stage for all participants featuring choreography inspired by the musical “Wicked” followed by one-on-one demonstrations and a Q&A. All attendees are welcome to join us on stage for the dance portion of the workshop.

If you are interested in receiving one-on-one audition coaching during the workshop, please email [email protected] directly to reserve your spot. Spots are limited.

Doors will open at 6:00 pm
The masterclass will run from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

Each installment of the RCSA Masterclass Series is taught by professional artists from across the country, focusing on different arts disciplines and specialties throughout the year. Attendees are welcome to join as either a participant or spectators. Participants may be asked to join our experts on stage for exercises or practice modules in the class discipline. Spectators are encouraged to observe the process and are welcome to participate in the question-and-answer sessions following the workshop.

JOHN BOLTON
John Bolton starred on Broadway as Vlad in Anastasia (Outer Critics Circle, Rivera Awards nominations), The Captain in Dames at Sea (Astaire Award nomination), The Old Man in Christmas Story the Musical (Drama Desk nomination), as both Grady and Cioffi in Curtains, King Arthur in Spamalot, Michael in Contact, Charles Lightoller in Titanic, and J Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed… He made his Broadway debut alongside Jerry Lewis in Damn Yankees. On tour, he was Horace Vandergelder in Hello, Dolly! and is currently playing The Wizard of Oz in Wicked. He headlined 4 sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall and has been a soloist with the NY Philharmonic at Lincoln Center. On TV, Mr Bolton had recurring roles on The Blacklist, Madam Secretary, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Gossip Girl and All My Children and has guest-starred on Evil, FBI, Elementary, Blue Bloods, Boardwalk Empire, The Good Wife and Law and Order. He is featured in the film Mapplethorpe.
MARINA LAZZARETTO
Originally from Alberta, Canada, Marina Lazzaretto is a New York City-based Dancer, Singer, and Actress. Marina is currently in the national touring company of the hit Broadway show Wicked. She has performed all over the US and Internationally in productions such as The Broadway and First National Touring companies of An American In Paris, the First National Tours of Cats (revival), and Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away, The New Yorkers at City Center Encores, the Off-Broadway Companies of Trip of Love and Doctor Faustus and the Broadway Company of West Side Story. Most recently Marina has just finished filming Season 2 of the new Apple TV Musical Series “Schmigadoon”. She has also been seen on television in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Fosse/Verdon”, “The Tonight Show”, “SNL”, “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert”, and “Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris”. Marina has also been fortunate enough to work with the Verdon Fosse Legacy since 2013 honoring the work of the legendary Bob Fosse. For more info visit marinalazzaretto.com Instagram @marinalazz
John Bolton as The Wizard in Wicked. photo by Joan Marcus

Made possible through the generous support of the Jonny Carson Foundation

Engage Dance Theatre Looks Back on Nutcracker

Photographer Ron McKinney Photography
Solo dancer: Allyson Schmitt-Vallejo, Sugar Plum Fairy

Looking back on Nutcracker, co-produced by Engage Dance and Raue Center For The Arts.

Engage Dance Theater partnered with Raue Center for a holiday tradition and family favorite this past Christmas. The Nutcracker features 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. Clara, startled awake by a group of mischievous mice, takes 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, Clara visits the Land of Sweets in an adventure not to be missed this holiday season!

The Nutcracker was co-produced by Engage Dance Academy and Raue Center For The Arts.

ABOUT ENGAGE DANCE

Engage Dance Academy is a premier dance academy owned & operated by Courtney & Marc Petrocci, 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 dancer ages 5-18 with 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. For more info visit engagedanceacademy.com

Photographer Ron McKinney Photography
End of Clara’s journey with all of her new friends from the Land of Sweets, including the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

GREENROOM IMPROV JOINS RAUE AS RESIDENT COMPANY 

Improv Comedy for the whole family Finds a home at Raue Center!

Now in its 20th year, GreenRoom Improv joins Raue Center as one of its resident companies, performing its unique blend of clean, high-energy, multi-faceted improv comedy. Raue Center is the place to see GreenRoom Improv!

GreenRoom members include Dave Hunter, Matthew Aldis, Kerry Cox, Sam Barbaro, Christian Zierke, Miriam Naponelli, Jess Smith, Paul Gunsul (piano), & Erik Scheele (piano). For more information, visit greenroomimprov.com

Recommended Audience: All Ages

ABOUT GREENROOM

GreenRoom Improv is an ensemble-based theatre company that specializes in improvisation. GreenRoom was founded by a group of Judson University (Elgin, IL) students in 1999 as a result of the cancellation of the school’s Theatre program. Since then GreenRoom has performed nationally for a wide range of audiences and events. They currently have residencies in two theaters: The Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin, IL, and Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake, IL where they perform monthly. In addition to these residencies, GreenRoom plays multiple bookings throughout the year with their unique blend of clean, high-energy, multi-faceted improv comedy.

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 or call the Box Office at 815.356.9212.