“If art doesn’t make us better, then what on earth is it for?” -Alice Walker

The creative energy emanating from Metropolis team members is wonderful and powerful – so many talented people grappling with unknowns, testing ideas, trying fresh concepts and, suddenly, one problem is solved. And then another. And another.

We are now preparing to re-commence full operations on July 31st with a series of concerts, comedy events and a school production throughout August. The State of Illinois has provided guidelines for re-opening theaters and cinemas – 50 person limit for now.

50 seats is less than 20% of our total capacity within the theatre, posing a financial challenge to our organization. We are committed to presenting great shows, employing local artists and bringing the Metropolis community together, even with our current constraints.

We are likely to be one of a very few number of performing arts centres in the area with programming. Since April, Metropolis has been creating procedures that ensure the safety of our patrons, our artists as well as our staff. We’ve purchased new touchless equipment, reconfigured our space for social distancing and upgraded our HVAC filters. Additionally, we’ve had the benefit of watching and learning from the best practices of our downtown Arlington Heights businesses.

Every week we receive messages from patrons, donors, school families and friends sharing how much they miss our Metropolis, how they look forward to the day we can share a show, a song and a laugh again.

We are building August programming with local bands, comedians and a school production. Look for our announcement of the updated line up on our newly-installed marquee and our new website in late July.

We would be remiss in not acknowledging the generous support of our donors – those who have contributed generously throughout the years as well as those more recently donating back the value of their theater ticket.

Thank you so much. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Joe Keefe                                                      Brookes Ebetsch
Executive Artistic Director                            Executive Operations Director