Champaign-Urbana Area Summer Youth Theater

Champaign-Urbana area students have been busy rehearsing while school is out, and there are numerous performances to catch this summer with your family

Families with children of all ages can find a performance to enjoy this summer

Youth all over Champaign-Urbana and beyond work hard to put on top-notch theater productions during the summer, when they pack their efforts into just a few short months of rehearsals. You’ll find student performers of course, and depending on the production, students will help with tech, perform music and more. These performances make great shows to take young kids to — depending on the show of choice, that is. Kids love to see kids performing on stage and who knows — maybe your child will be inspired to try it someday!

Our list is intended to include family-friendly shows in the Champaign-Urbana area, but it’s best to research the age-appropriateness of certain productions. Also, know that some of these might sell out during prime performance times due to their popularity. While we try to focus on shows that are low-cost, ticket prices vary greatly, so please read the fine print for each show.

Enjoy the show(s)!

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Annie: Presented by CPD Youth Theatre

Performance Time: 7:00 pm
Virginia Theatre
$14 – $16 Spend your summer in the spotlight with the next adventure of the CPD’s 2026 Youth Theatre season, Big Adventures, Bigger Dreams, as we bring the beloved Broadway classic Annie to the stage! This timeless tale follows a fearless young girl whose hope and determination carry her from…

Friday, July 17, 2026

An Evening of Old Time Radio

Performance Time: 7:00 pm
Rantoul Theatre Group
The next show is on its way! "An Evening of Old Time Radio" is a collection of shows from the Golden Age of radio performed in the style of the original shows, with actors standing at microphones and sound effects created live. Come celebrate the theatre of the mind and…

Annie: Presented by CPD Youth Theatre

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Annie: Presented by CPD Youth Theatre

Performance Time: 1:00 pm
Virginia Theatre
$14 – $16 Spend your summer in the spotlight with the next adventure of the CPD’s 2026 Youth Theatre season, Big Adventures, Bigger Dreams, as we bring the beloved Broadway classic Annie to the stage! This timeless tale follows a fearless young girl whose hope and determination carry her from…

Annie: Presented by CPD Youth Theatre

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Champaign Urbana Theatre Company Presents: Ragtime The Musical

Performance Time: 7:00 pm
Virginia Theatre
📢 Announcement! Champaign Urbana Theatre Company is bringing their production of Ragtime: The Musical to the Virginia stage! Tickets go on sale this Thursday, June 11, at 10am. 📅 July 30, 7pm | July 31, 7pm | August 1, 7pm | August 2, 2pm 🎟️ TICKETS | https://bit.ly/4odxlam Reserved Seating…

Friday, July 31, 2026

Champaign Urbana Theatre Company Presents: Ragtime The Musical

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Champaign Urbana Theatre Company Presents: Ragtime The Musical

Sunday, August 2, 2026

Champaign Urbana Theatre Company Presents: Ragtime The Musical

Performance Time: 2:00 pm
Virginia Theatre
📢 Announcement! Champaign Urbana Theatre Company is bringing their production of Ragtime: The Musical to the Virginia stage! Tickets go on sale this Thursday, June 11, at 10am. 📅 July 30, 7pm | July 31, 7pm | August 1, 7pm | August 2, 2pm 🎟️ TICKETS | https://bit.ly/4odxlam Reserved Seating…

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Station Theatre Summer Bash

Performance Time: 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
The Station Theatre
The Station Theatre will host its Third Annual Summer Bash on Sunday, August 9, from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m., behind the theatre at 223 N. Broadway Ave. in Urbana. This free, public event celebrates the conclusion of the theatre’s 53rd season and offers an early look at the 2026–2027 season.…