Discover a world of creativity and inspiration at Columbia Spotlight, your one- stop destination for exciting cultural events in the South Loop.
Columbia Spotlight offers something for everyone, providing a platform to connect with the arts, engage with the community, and celebrate the vibrant cultural life of Columbia College Chicago.
The Dance Center provides students with a superior contemporary dance education in the context of a world-class, nationally recognized dance performance season. Since its doors first opened in 1969, the Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago has presented hundreds of professional companies and choreographers.
see dance events
The Music Center presents more than 200 concerts each year, by professional and student performers alike. Located across from Grant Park on Michigan Avenue, this intimate 148-seat venue provides the perfect setting for students to experience the art of music performance up close.
see music events
The Theatre Center offers a dynamic hub for live performance on campus and is a lively part of Chicago’s artistic scene. The Center’s four performance venues incorporate student talent in everything from acting to set design. Each season is directed by department faculty and professional guest artists.
see theatre events
Afro Contemporary Dance Workshop by Nautica Turner-Briscoe November 22 | 10:30 a.m.
The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan Ave. Admission: $15, free to Columbia College Chicago students This workshop, open to movers of all levels, explores African and contemporary movement styles in conjunction with movement exploration and choreography.
The Dance Center
1306 S. Michigan Ave
Free for Columbia students
$15
PAMOJA: Repertory
Performance Works
December 12-13 | 7:30 p.m.
PAMOJA - Swahili for “together” - features works set on the kinesthetically fluid students of the Dance Center by alumni, faculty, and visiting artists. Featuring work by Bevara Anderson, Rachel Damon, Allen Desterhaft & Kelsa “K-Soul” Rieger-Haywood, Darrell Jones, Camila Rivero Pooley, Kia Smith, and a special performance by Central West Regional Senior Center during Friday’s matinee.
The Dance Center
1306 S. Michigan Ave
$15 Public
Free for Columbia students
Choreographic Projects November 21-December 6 | 7:30 p.m.
Engage with dance that resists compartmentalization and showcases what promising choreographers are inspired to create. Each weekend’s program is distinct. Featuring work by Violet Czerwinski, Kaya Gross, Kayla Hansen, Konnie Kakridas, Shannon Lane, Adrean Maxwell, Vi McMahon, Aly Owens, Lauren Payne, Sophia Peck, Devon Saxman, and Rhianna Young.
The Dance Center
1306 S. Michigan Ave
Free
MARANA’S Organismo January 23, 24 | 7:30 p.m. January 25 | 4 p.m.
An immersion into an organism created from wool, sounds, colors, and textures combined with circus acrobatics, dance, rhythms, and music. Presented in partnership with the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival.
The Dance Center
1306 S. Michigan Ave
Purchase tickets through the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival box office
Kendrick Scott Residency Concerts November 14-16 | 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. November 17 | 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Kendrick Scott, a Houston native, began drumming at age 8 and studied at HSPVA before attending Berklee. He’s toured with prominent jazz musicians and released several albums on Blue Note, including “Corridors” with Walter Smith III and Reuben Rogers.
Jazz Showcase
806 S. Plymouth Court
From $20
Jonathan McReynolds
Residency Concert
February 28 | 7 p.m.
Chicago-born Christian music artist McReynolds is known for his soulful voice and inspirational lyrics. He’s collaborated with artists like Stevie Wonder and Justin Bieber and is a faculty member at Columbia College Chicago.
Music Center Concert Hall
1014 S. Michigan Ave
$15 Public
$5 for Columbia students
Fabulation or the Re-education of Undine November 20-22 | 7:30 p.m. November 23 | 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
A successful African American business owner has everything going for her: great career, handsome husband, and success by any measure of the word. Only, she has given up her past to get there. Then one day she loses it all, to find that what she has given up is just what she needs to be able to renew her life. Recent Jeff Award-winning director Aaron Reese-Boseman will direct this hilarious social satire.
Getz Theatre Center, Courtyard Theatre
72 E. 11th St.
TBD
24-Hour Play Festival December 13 | 8 p.m.
In this unique theatrical event, students write, rehearse, and stage original short plays within a single day. The festival highlights the collaborative efforts of emerging playwrights, directors, and actors, showcasing their creativity and adaptability on stage.
Getz Theatre Center, Courtyard Theatre
72 E. 11th St.
Free Public
Musical Theatre Dance Cabaret February 20-21, 7:30 p.m.
Dive into the newly created School of Theatre and Dance with student choreographers and performers from both Theatre and Dance bringing their original interpretations of classic musical theatre dance numbers.
The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago
1306 S. Michigan Ave.
Free