Stage Lights & Starry Nights: Northwest Indiana’s Theatre Scene

Northwest Indiana’s vibrant theater scene offers a rich blend of talent, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you're a lifelong theatergoer or just looking for a fun night out, these local venues deliver unforgettable performances that bring stories to life.

From Shakespearean classics and Broadway favorites to bold new works and outdoor summer stages, here's what's coming up this year in Northwest Indiana under the spotlight. 

Dunes Summer Theatre

288 Shady Oak Drive, Michigan City, IN

The Dunes Arts Foundation presents live theatre and theatre arts education programs on its 19-acre wooded campus, just one mile from Lake Michigan, in the Michigan City area. The Dunes Summer Theatre is a semi-professional (non-equity) theater company. Established in 1951, it is the longest-running professional theater in Northwest Indiana.

Coming Up at Dunes Summer Theatre

June 27-July 13: Outside Mullingar by John Patrick Shanley
July 25-August 10: She Loves Me, a book by Joe Maseroff
September 10-14: Voices From the Heartland: The Third Annual New Plays Festival

Theatre at the Center

1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN

A longstanding gem—Northwest Indiana’s only professional equity theatre, founded in 1991, as part of the Ridgewood Arts Foundation. Theatre at the Center shines the stage spotlight on talented performers and musical artists, both regionally and from across the country.

Coming Up at Theatre at the Center

June 29: The Legendary Patsy Cline Show 
July 12: Tyler Christopher’s Tribute Concert to Elvis 
July 20: Late Nite Catechism 
August 9: The Music of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger
August 15: Adam D. Tucker’s Tribute to Tim McGraw
September 19: Gone 2 Paradise: A Jimmy Buffett Experience 
October 5: Forever Janis: A Tribute to Janis Joplin 
October 11: Heartbreaker: America’s Premier Pat Benatar Experience

Chicago Street Theatre

154 W. Chicago Street, Valparaiso, IN 

Chicago Street Theatre is a vibrant hub of artistic excellence with a rich history that spans over six decades. Originally founded in 1955 as the Valparaiso Little Theatre Guild, they have grown and evolved, embracing their diverse community and fostering a love for the arts. They offer a wide range of performances, from cutting-edge dramas to family-friendly shows, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Coming Up at Chicago Street Theatre

July 9 - August 3: Shakespeare in Love
July 11: Shakespeare in Central Park, Valparaiso
October 10-26: LIZZIE: The Musical
October 11-25: Scary Godmother, based on Thompson’s popular book and comic book series.

Memorial Opera House

104 Indiana Street, Valparaiso, IN

The historic Memorial Opera House is "Where The Arts Create Community." Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Memorial Opera House’s nostalgic charm offers patrons and visitors the latest in modern amenities, along with a mainstage season of Broadway musicals featuring the local theatre community, nationally recognized concert acts, LimeLights Youth Theatre program, special events and venue rentals.

Coming Up at Memorial Opera House

June 21: The Duke Street Kings: Tribute to Bruce Springsteen & Tom Petty
July 11-12: The Music Man Jr.
July 25-27: LimeLights Youth Theatre presents Oliver! 
August 16: Howl2Go Dueling Pianos
August 23: Marrakesh Express: A Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young Tribute
September 13: Laugh for Life
September 20: Bonfire: AC/DC Tribute
September 27: Heartless: A Tribute to Heart
October 17 - November 2: Rocky Horror Show
November 28 - December 14: Charlie & the Chocolate Factory

Indiana Ballet Theatre

104 Indiana Street, Valparaiso, IN

Indiana Ballet Theatre is a nonprofit dance company dedicated to inspiring communities through the art of dance. For more than 40 years, they have offered high-quality performances and educational programs that celebrate both classical and contemporary styles. In the summer, they offer youth dance camps. 

Be sure to check back for dates of their annual performances of Kaliedoscope - a modern and contemporary dance concert, Sleeping Beauty and the holiday favorite - The Nutcracker.