Rob Scharlow, Raue Center’s director of education, inspires a cheer among children at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake.
Courtesy of Raue Center for the Arts
Attention educators! The Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake is offering its popular arts education program, Mission Imagination, for another season, presenting new titles and shows for all ages.
Since its founding, Mission Imagination has provided high-quality theater productions for young audiences to over 400,000 students in Chicago and the surrounding area.
Unless otherwise noted, performances take place weekdays at 10:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. This offering is ideal for school classes and homeschooling cooperatives looking to foster an appreciation for live theater and the arts in general.
“We are thrilled to welcome our young audiences back to the theater for another exciting Mission Imagination season,” said Rob Scharlow, Raue Center’s Director of Education. “At the Raue Center, we believe that an appreciation of the arts begins at a young age. What better way to start that journey than to see one of your favorite books or stories come to life on stage?”
Kicking off the 2024-25 season on November 13 at 10:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. is The Pout Pout Fish, produced by Theatre Works USA (suggested ages: preschool through 2nd grade). Turn even the poutiest pout into a smile in this musical featuring whimsical puppets and live actors in a sweeping ocean adventure. When Mr. Fish sets out to find Miss Clam’s missing pearl, he discovers there’s more to him than his permanently taped-up pout.
On December 6, Mission Imagination presents an original holiday show created by and starring students from Raue Center School For The Arts’ Devised Theatre Workshop. The tension is palpable, the excitement is building, and the intoxicating scent of competition is in the air in this “mockumentary-style” look at the highly competitive and unforgiving world of Christmas tree decorating. Recommended for third through eighth graders.
This spring, a literary classic comes to life in “Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus!” on April 17 at 10:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Whatever you do, don’t let the pigeon star in its own musical production! With a script by Mo Willems, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller and Caldecott Honor Award-winning “Pigeon” picture book, and music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (“Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!”), TheaterWorksUSA’s “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical” is even more fun than staying up late having a hot dog party! Recommended for preschool through second grade.
To reserve for your group, visit www.rauecenter.org/mission-imagination/ or call the box office at (815) 356-9212.
About the Raue Center For The Arts
The Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all people through the arts. For 20 years, it has offered quality programs with the goal of making them relevant, accessible and affordable for all. A carefully restored 1920s regional showcase theater named for its patron, Lucile Raue, the Raue Center has attracted the best stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. The Raue Center is a member of the League of Historic American Theaters and is one of the finest examples of restored art and interior design in the country. Located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, the 750-seat theater has become a gathering place for our region’s citizens and a true destination.
For more information and tickets, visit www.rauecenter.org or call the box office at (815) 356-9212. Follow us on facebook.com/RaueCenter.
