aboutmetropolis

MISSION & GOALS

Performing Arts at Metropolis (PAM) is a non-profit theater management company dedicated to providing quality entertainment and education to the Northwest Suburbs. We do this by producing and presenting exceptional productions, developing a superior educational program and collaborating with the community of Arlington Heights.

In accordance with our mission, PAM’s organizational goals include: 1) providing an artistic and collaborative home for presenting companies, artistic associates and the community; 2) investing in high quality productions and education programs to generate income to support and broaden existing programs; 3) partnering with area nonprofit organizations, schools, libraries and park districts to provide our community with the best performing arts experiences possible.

BACKGROUND

Now beginning our eighth season, the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre – a $22 million live entertainment and arts education facility with an annual budget of over $2.5 million, located in downtown Arlington Heights, Ill. – has quickly become one of Chicagoland’s leading venues for quality programming. The complex is home to a 350 seat theater, ballroom, four classrooms and thirteen music studios. Metropolis offers a diverse array of Chicago’s most talented performers and performance troupes, as well as national acts spanning virtually all performance genres – all under one roof.

Launched in May 2000 as a for-profit organization, Metropolis completed its transformation to a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation in April 2002. Through the creation of our development, production and education departments and the establishment of a Board of Directors, Metropolis maintains an exceptional internal structure and nurtures innovative programs for the community to provide a center of cultural enlightenment.

In January 2005 – after more than a year of negotiations – the Village of Arlington Heights completed the purchase of the Metropolis theater space, as well as a portion of the lobby, our second floor classrooms and office space. This promising partnership reinforces PAM’s proud leadership role in our community and the community’s great expectations of us, which we will continue to meet and surpass.

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS

Metropolis School of the Performing Arts (SOPA)
Metropolis’ School of the Performing Arts now offers private instrument lessons, group music classes and a host of new musical arts programs in addition to our long-standing singing, dancing, acting and musical theater classes. SOPA offers performing arts instruction to students ranging from two-years-old to 90-years-young and focuses on building students’ creativity, communication skills and self-esteem. Some of SOPA’s specialized classes include:

Wiggle, Giggle & Grow - Using creative drama and story themes, parents and children (ages 2 yrs. - 4 yrs.) learn how to move, sing, react and further enjoy their time together. Wiggle provides a stimulating environment that educates the whole child cognitively, emotionally, socially and physically.
Flourish in the Footlights (in partnership with Friends of Children in Therapy and Arlington Pediatric Therapy) - Specialty classes structured for people with special needs ages 13 & up. Students perform on Metropolis’ mainstage in a production adapted to meet their special needs and interests.
Acting Through Life (in partnership with the Arlington Heights Senior Center) - Specialty class for adults 55 & up that teaches students to draw upon personal experiences and transform them into stories, monologues and foundations for scenes. In addition, the program explores vocal, physical and imaginative capabilities through exercises, games and scene study. Classes are taught by Metropolis instructors at the Arlington Heights Senior Center.
Suzuki Method & Traditional Music Training – All SOPA students have the option of taking private and/or group music lessons using either method of instruction.

Curtains Up! Summer Performance Camp (in cooperation with the Arlington Heights Park District)
This summer camp is intended to educate, entertain and nurture campers as they gain collaborative, hands-on experience in presenting a musical on Metropolis’ mainstage. Campers in grades pre-K — 9 learn acting, singing, dancing and theater design in a way that builds their confidence and self-esteem. Each summer we serve over 150 of the area’s youth.

Stories in Action!
To enrich students’ appreciation for literature and theater, and to supplement our local school districts’ arts curriculum, Metropolis offers our Stories in Action! series. These educational theater programs are based on the same literature that students have read in their school classes. In conjunction with these performances, we supply teachers with study guides complete with plot points, social context, character descriptions, lesson plans and activities for students. Throughout the year, Metropolis serves over 15,000 students and hundreds of teachers through this vital program.

Volunteering, Internship & Mentoring Programs
SOPA is often called upon to: 1) help start and/or help supplement theater programs in schools; 2) volunteer their time to talk with students at career events; 3) create day-long workshops and educational programs in schools across the Northwest Suburbs, including Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, Elgin and Lake Zurich.

In addition, SOPA offers Internships and Mentoring Programs at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. Students in this program range from high school-aged to master’s degree candidates, and get hands-on experience in the area of their choice. From production, lighting, sound, marketing, development, education and administration - this program is fully voluntary for students and Metropolis staff.

contactus

Box Office

Tues–Sat 10-5 (or until showtime)
Sun 1-5
847.577.2121

Education Office

Mon-Fri 12-7
Sat 9-3
847.577.5982 x221
Contact Education

Group Discounts
847.577.5982 x241
Contact Group Discounts

Friends of Metropolis
Contact Development
847.577.5982 x242
Contact Development

Address
111 W. Campbell St.
Arlington Heights, Il 60005
Map to Metropolis