A Versatile Venue for Smaller Productions and Gatherings

The North Shore Center For The Performing Arts is a dynamic two-theater complex operating as part of the Village of Skokie’s plan to provide cultural, literary and educational programs to benefit its citizens and neighboring North Shore communities. North Shore Center spans 69,000 SF sitting on two acres, and hosts two state-of-the- performing arts theater spaces, dressing rooms, backstage artist amenities, and a 6,000 square foot atrium-style grand lobby ideal for parties and receptions. The North Theatre is a versatile venue with 318 seats, ideal for intimate shows, as well as social, corporate, and community events. The theater's seating capacity of 318 is arranged into three sections, each with 10 rows. The seats are tiered from the stage level up to the main floor level, which is elevated 6 feet above the stage. The last four rows are situated on risers at the main floor level. With only ten rows in total, every seat is within 30 feet of the stage, ensuring an intimate viewing experience.

 

Leading By Example/ Awards Achieved

National Commercial Builder’s Award of Excellence 1998

Photo of Exterior shot of the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts marquee at night
Photo of audience watching the stage in the North Theatre
Photo of Empty theatre showing red theater seats
Photo of Concessions stands in the lobby
Photo of Stage at the North Shore Center North Theatre lit up for a performance
Metrics
Seats
Events per year (combined)
sq ft Atrium Grand Lobby
School Children attend annually

Services

Full-Service Facility Management

Accounting & Financial Services

Event Booking & Sales

Event Management and Operation

Food & Beverage Operations

Venue Branding & Marketing

Operations

Human Resources

Environmental Stewardship

Emergency Planning & Security

Community Engagement

Host Off North Shore Music Festival

Host of Youtheatre – Performing Arts Access for PreK-12

North Shore Visitors & Convention Bureau – Board Member

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Foundation Annual Show

Rotary Club of Skokie Valley - Member

Skokie Valley Kiwanis Club - Member

Local Schools Spring Dance Recitals

Participate in Skokie fundraisers

Participate in Skokie’s Back Lot Bash

Volunteer at Annual Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser

Photo of Lynn Cannon
Executive Director

Lynn Cannon

Lynn Cannon joined the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie in February 2023. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism at Northern Illinois University. During college, she worked part-time security at Poplar Creek Music Theater in Hoffman Estates, which later became a full-time role, launching her career in venue management. Ms. Cannon has managed some of the area’s iconic venues, including Alpine Valley Music Theater, the United Center, Arlington Park Racecourse, and Navy Pier. In 2006, she joined VenuWorks at their 8,000-seat arena in Bloomington, IL, and recently opened a 3,000-seat outdoor amphitheater in Jefferson City, MO. She has four children: adult twins, a daughter at the University of Missouri, and a high school son involved in club volleyball. She looks forward to spending more time with them and her family in the Chicago area.

Contact Lynn Cannon and the North Shore Center - North Theatre Team!

Photo of Lynn Cannon

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