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)!
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Once Upon a Mattress Musical by Illini Student Musicals
Performance Time: 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Lincoln Hall Theater
Celebrating 15 years of bringing theater to life through student talent and leadership, Illinois Student Musicals (ISM) is marking its milestone anniversary with a production of the beloved musical comedy “Once Upon a Mattress,” November 13-15. “Once Upon A Mattress” is a musical comedy that humorously adapts Hans Christian Andersen’s…
Sunday, November 15, 2026
Once Upon a Mattress Musical by Illini Student Musicals
Performance Time: 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Lincoln Hall Theater
Celebrating 15 years of bringing theater to life through student talent and leadership, Illinois Student Musicals (ISM) is marking its milestone anniversary with a production of the beloved musical comedy “Once Upon a Mattress,” November 13-15. “Once Upon A Mattress” is a musical comedy that humorously adapts Hans Christian Andersen’s…
Friday, November 20, 2026
Mahomet-Seymour Drama Presents: Alice in Wonderland Cycle
Performance Time: 6:30 pm
Mahomet-Seymour High School
Cycle In Wonderland- 3 One-Act Plays Friday, November 20 6:30pm Saturday, November 21 6:30pm Sunday, November 22 2pm Click here to purchase tickets. Fall Play Adult : $10.00 Fall Play Student/Senior Citizen : $8.00
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Mahomet-Seymour Drama Presents: Alice in Wonderland Cycle
Performance Time: 6:30 pm
Mahomet-Seymour High School
Cycle In Wonderland- 3 One-Act Plays Friday, November 20 6:30pm Saturday, November 21 6:30pm Sunday, November 22 2pm Click here to purchase tickets. Fall Play Adult : $10.00 Fall Play Student/Senior Citizen : $8.00
Sunday, November 22, 2026
Mahomet-Seymour Drama Presents: Alice in Wonderland Cycle
Performance Time: 2:00 pm
Mahomet-Seymour High School
Cycle In Wonderland- 3 One-Act Plays Friday, November 20 6:30pm Saturday, November 21 6:30pm Sunday, November 22 2pm Click here to purchase tickets. Fall Play Adult : $10.00 Fall Play Student/Senior Citizen : $8.00
Wednesday, December 9, 2026
Elmo's Got the Moves
Performance Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
Designed for the whole family, this joyful experience brings the magic of Sesame Street from the screen to the stage, encouraging kids and parents to get moving, laugh together and make lasting memories.