EVENTS
season at a glance
fall
september
4 Cybernetic Sensorium | pg. 4 Through Oct. 15
7 Patio Pops Concert | pg. 14
26 Jesus Christ Superstar | pg. 12 Through Oct. 4
27 Homecoming Concert | pg. 14
october
11 Fall Choral Concert | pg. 14
23 PAS: Trio Celeste | pg. 8
24 PAS: Austin Pancner | pg. 8
24 The Blue Bird | pg. 11 Through Nov. 1
30 What Holds | pg. 4 Through Nov. 21
november
1 Lakeside Band Festival | pg. 14
8 Philharmonic Concert | pg. 14
11 PAS: Laura Strickling | pg. 8
12 Wind Orchestra Silent Film | pg. 14
14 Everything You Touch | pg. 10 Through Nov. 16
19 Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble | pg. 14
december
5 Christmas Festival | pg. 7 Through Dec. 7
j-term
january
13 Art Symposium | pg. 6 Through Jan. 15
spring
february
12 Signal Drift | pg. 4 Through March 5
12 PAS: Alysha Umphress | pg. 8
19 PAS: John Clay III | pg. 9
25 Dear Elizabeth | pg. 10 Through Feb. 28
26 Last Train To Nibroc | pg. 10 Through March 1
march
18 Wind Orchestra Concert with Wild Prairie Winds | pg. 9
19 Surely You Know? | pg. 4 Through April 16
20 The Moors | pg. 11 Through March 28
20 Lakeside Piano Festival with Sara Daneshpour | pg. 9 Through March 22
april
11 Masterworks Concert: Featuring Philharmonic & Carthage Choir | pg. 14
24 Bright Star | pg. 10 Through May 2
29 Jazz Ensemble Concert | pg. 14
may
3 Wind Orchestra & Concert Band Concert | pg. 14
8 Away From The Mirror | pg. 10 Through May 9
9 11th Annual Art Walk | pg. 5
9 Philharmonic Concert | pg. 14
12 Percussion Ensemble Concert | pg. 14
15 Spring Choral Concert | pg. 14
16 Honors Recital | pg. 14
welcome from the dean
Dear Friend of the Arts,
It is with great joy that I invite you to join us at Carthage for the 2025-26 Visual and Performing Arts season! We’re thrilled to share what we have planned for our Theatre, Music, and Art programs!
Our award-winning Carthage Theatre continues to delight with contemporary works such as THE MOORS, LAST TRAIN TO NIBROC, and DEAR ELIZABETH. We’re thrilled to produce the world premiere of THE BLUE BIRD, the 17th work of our New Play Initiative. Will Eno’s imaginative new work is a magical fairy tale quest, and is sure to delight audiences!
Our mainstage will also feature blockbuster musicals — including an all-female-identifying production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and the bluegrass-inspired musical BRIGHT STAR.
The H. F. Johnson Gallery of Art showcases a curated season of contemporary art exhibitions featuring emerging and established artists alike, and our annual Student Juried Show and Art Walk will feature the best of our student artists. This year also marks our fourth annual Art Symposium featuring works from the Samuel and Berry Shoen collection.
Our Music Department will host a season of exceptional music making by our large music ensembles. Our student participation has grown and we now have five choirs, three instrumental ensembles, and several small ensembles — and all of them are part of our performance season! This year also marks our 151st Carthage Christmas Festival, bringing all of our students together to celebrate the season. You won’t want to miss it!
Whether it’s for one of our cherished traditions or a new exhibition or play, we hope you’ll make plans to attend our Carthage event. I promise, the artistry will not disappoint!
Sincerely,
Corinne Ness Dean of Arts and Humanities
h. f. johnson gallery of art
The H. F. Johnson Gallery of Art at Carthage College displays work by established and emerging artists from Chicago, Milwaukee, and beyond.
cybernetic sensorium
Aug. 28 – Oct. 15
Sept. 4 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. Opening Reception
Sept. 17 | 6:15-7:30 p.m. Artist Talk
Oksana Kryzhanivska and Zhiwan Cheung explore 3D modeling software, virtual and augmented reality, and traditional sculptural techniques to connect new technologies with the natural world.
what holds
Oct. 28 – Nov. 21
Oct. 30 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. Opening Reception
Nov. 12 | 6:15-7:30 p.m. Artist Talk
In this group show, artists consider the vessel not only as an object but as an action — of holding, preserving, or even resisting form. In “What Holds,” containment is not fixed; it spills, cracks, and reshapes itself with intention.
harvesting light: soviet
women in labor and life
Dec. 5 – Jan. 17
Jan. 16 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. Symposium Reception
See page 6 for details on the exhibition and symposium.
signal drift
Exhibition: Feb. 4 – March 5 Feb. 12 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. Opening Reception
Feb. 25 | 6:15-7:30 p.m. Artist Talk
The artists in “Signal Drift” recalibrate contemporary abstraction with tools and materials found in the street, in desk drawers, and in science textbooks.
surely you know?
Exhibition: March 19 – April 16
March 19 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. Opening Reception April 1 | 6:15-7:30 p.m. Artist Talk
For three years, photographer Alayna N. Pernell researched and uncovered suppressed images of Black women held in the photographic collections at the Art Institute of Chicago. With the images she found and researched, ranging from the 19th to 20th centuries and depicting the exploitation and violence toward Black women in the United States, she excavated, re-photographed, re-captioned, and re-contextualized the original works. With precious care, Ms. Pernell is now using the information written on the front and/or back of the vernacular images to return them safely to the individuals’ loved ones.
carthage studio art and photography student thesis exhibitions
Fall Thesis Exhibitions 1: Nov. 15-20
Nov. 15 | 1-3 p.m. Opening Reception
Fall Thesis Exhibitions 2: Dec. 5-11
Dec. 6 | 1-3 p.m. Opening Reception
Annual Juried Student Art Show: March 26 – April 2
March 26 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. Opening Reception
Spring Thesis Exhibitions 1: April 24 – May 2
April 25 | 1-3 p.m. Opening Reception
Spring Thesis Exhibitions 2: May 8-16
May 9 | 1-3 p.m. Opening Reception
11th annual art walk
May 9 | 1-3 p.m. Reception at the H. F. Johnson Gallery of Art
Join us for the 11th annual Art Walk at various venues across our beautiful, flowering lakeside campus. Stroll along Lake Michigan and admire the capstone thesis projects of Carthage studio art, photography, and graphic design majors, using many different forms of media.
h. f. johnson gallery of art
The 4th Symposium Celebrating the Samuel and Berry Shoen Collection of Soviet Art borderlands and crossroads: a confluence of art, music, film, and everyday life
Jan. 13-15
harvesting light: soviet women in labor and life
An exhibition of paintings from the Samuel and Barry Shoen Collection of Soviet Art
Dec. 5 – Jan. 17
Jan. 15 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. Opening Reception
Hosted in collaboration with students, scholars, and educators, this interdisciplinary symposium uses the Shoen Collection of Soviet Art to explore how creative expression intersected with daily life across the Soviet Union and its borderlands. Through exhibitions, performances, screenings, and dialogue, we invite audiences to consider how art, music, and film illuminate historical realities and resonate in human stories.
carthage photography exhibitions
Nov. 13 | 7 p.m. Opening Reception
April 30 | 7 p.m. Opening Reception
May 9 | 1-3 p.m. Art Walk
Ehrler Hospitality Center in the A. F. Siebert Chapel
Each year, the Photography and Film and New Media Program sponsors two thematic-based, juried student photography exhibitions. Past exhibitions’ themes were: “Rebirth,” “Timed Perspectives,” “Light In-Light Out,” “Coexist,” “Amusement,” and “Anchored & Adrift,” all featuring photographs by Carthage students. Students whose work is selected participate in a printing, matting and framing workshop to prepare their images for the exhibition. This unique exhibition space was developed through a collaboration with the Center for Faith and Spirituality.
christmas festival
carthage christmas festival
Dec. 5-6 | 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 7 | 4 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel | Tickets Required Available for purchase Oct. 1
Artistic direction by Margaret Burk
Production direction by Matthew Hougland
Our annual celebration of the Christmas season continues with the 151st edition, “To Wake the Sky,” featuring the Carthage choral ensembles, Wind Orchestra, and Philharmonic. Step into the magic of the season at the inaugural Wassail Wonderland, a festive pre-concert experience featuring unlimited holiday food and drinks, cozy ambiance, and keepsake gifts available before each Carthage Christmas Festival performance.
performing arts series
trio celeste
Oct. 23 | 7:30 p.m.
Recital Hall
Featuring countertenor Patrick Terry, viola da gamba virtuoso Charlie Rasmussen, and harpsichordist Fumi Nakayama.
austin pancner – the functional musician
Oct. 24 | 7:30 p.m.
Recital Hall
Bass trombonist and certified personal trainer Austin Pancner merges musical artistry with wellness expertise to help musicians perform pain-free. In an evening of music and conversation, he offers insights into injury prevention and sustainable performance practices.
laura strickling, soprano
Nov. 11 | 7:30 p.m.
Recital Hall
Two-time Grammy nominee Laura Strickling, accompanied by Daniel Schlosberg, captivates with her crystalline diction and emotive range. Enjoy an evening of unforgettable artistry blending classical elegance with modern sensibilities.
alysha umphress
Feb. 12 | 7:30 p.m.
Recital Hall
Broadway sensation Alysha Umphress brings her dynamic vocals and charismatic stage presence to the spotlight in this one-night-only concert.
wild prairie winds
March 18 | 7:30 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel
This wind quintet harmonizes musical excellence with environmental advocacy. The Carthage Wind Orchestra will join for a concert you do not want to miss.
john clay iii
Feb. 19 | 7:30 p.m.
Recital Hall
Acclaimed for his roles in Broadway productions like “Choir Boy” and “New York, New York,” and most recently seen in “Ragtime,” John Clay III infuses his performances with depth and authenticity. His compelling portrayals resonate with audiences, leaving a lasting impact. Come see this Illinois native back at home!
sara daneshpour
March 22 | 2 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel
The Carthage Lakeside Piano Festival concludes with a dynamic concert featuring the virtuosic talents of award-winning pianist Sara Daneshpour.
theatre and dance
Nov. 14-15 | 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 16 | 3 p.m.
Wartburg Theatre
In “Everything You Touch,” Carthage dancers take the stage to reveal the alchemy between embodied context and movement expression.
AWAY FROM THE MIRROR
May 8-9 | 7:30 p.m.
Wartburg Theatre
In our annual student dance concert, Carthage’s emerging artists are provided the platform to develop and shape their own dances, share in the development of their own production, and engage in community discourse about their work.
Feb. 26 & 28 | 7:30 p.m.
March 1 | 3 p.m.
Studio Theatre
Written by Arlene Hutton
Directed by Paige Downey
In 1940, an eastbound cross-country train carries a heartbroken girl named May, who, via a chance encounter, shares her seat with a charming young flyer named Raleigh. They face the challenges of love, life, and the pursuit of happiness over many years in this funny and touching story.
Feb. 25 & 27 | 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 28 | 3 p.m.
Studio Theatre
Written by Sarah Ruhl
Directed by Annaliese Ruhs
American poets Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Lowell exchanged hundreds of letters over the course of three decades. Sarah Ruhl compiles these letters in a heartfelt story of friendship.
The Blue Bird theatre mainstage
the blue bird
17th work of the New Play Initiative
Oct. 24-25 | 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 26 | 3 p.m.
Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 | 7:30 p.m.
Wartburg Theatre
Adapted by Will Eno from a play by Maurice Maeterlinck
Directed by Martin McClendon
Join us for the 17th installment of the Carthage New Play Initiative with awardwinning playwright Will Eno’s The Blue Bird. Travel through time and space on a magical fairy-tale quest as two siblings and their faithful dog leave home to search for a magical blue bird; along the way they encounter magical creatures, fairies, witches, and more. Can the children capture the blue bird, or will the world’s sorrow drag them to oblivion?
the moors
March 20-21, 26-28 | 7:30 p.m.
March 22 | 3 p.m.
Wartburg Theatre
Written by Jen Silverman
Directed by Herschel Kruger
Two sisters and a dog live out their lives on the bleak English moors, dreaming of love and power. The arrival of a hapless governess and a moor-hen set all three on a strange and dangerous path. “The Moors” is a dark comedy about love, desperation, and visibility.
jesus christ superstar
Sept. 26, Oct. 2-4 | 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 27-28 | 3 p.m.
Wartburg Theatre | Tickets required
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber | Lyrics by Tim Rice
Experience JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR like never before in this innovative, all-femalepresenting production. Set against a contemporary backdrop, this production infuses the timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and political turmoil with modern relevance. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary score pulses with energy, while Tim Rice’s evocative lyrics challenge audiences to reconsider the iconic figures at the heart of the story. With an all-new perspective, this Superstar is both a celebration of the original and a daring new take on today’s world.
bright star
April 24-25, April 30, May 1-2 | 7:30 p.m.
April 26 | 3 p.m.
Wartburg Theatre | Tickets required
Music, Book, and Story by Steve Martin | Lyrics and Story by Edie Brickell
Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, “Bright Star” tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 1940s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past — and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. With beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tightly in its grasp, “Bright Star” is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.
music concerts instrumental
concerts
Patio Pops Concert
Sept. 7 | 2 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel
Lakeside Band Festival Grand Concert
Nov. 1 | 7 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel
Philharmonic Concert: Hope
Nov. 8 | 7:30 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel
Silent Film: Sherlock, Jr.
Nov. 12 | 7:30 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel
Tuneful Percussion and Concert Band
Nov. 19 | 7:30 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel
PAS: Wild Prairie Winds and Wind Orchestra: Electricity
March 18 | 7:30 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel
Jazz Ensemble
April 29 | 7:30 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel
Wind Orchestra and Concert Band: Flutissimo
May 3 | 2 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel
Philharmonic Concert: Home
May 9 | 7:30 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel
Percussion Ensemble
May 12 | 7:30 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel
homecoming concert
Sept. 27 | 7:30 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel
Celebrate the tradition of musical excellence at Carthage with selections from Aaron Copland’s “The Tender Land” performed by the Carthage Choir and Wind Orchestra. Mezzo-soprano Katiann Nelson ʼ22 will be featured soloist on the program.
choir concerts
Fall Choral Concert
Oct. 11 | 7:30 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel
Masterworks Concert
April 11 | 7:30 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel
Spring Choral Concert
May 15 | 7:30 p.m.
A. F. Siebert Chapel
Honors Recital
May 16 | 7:30 p.m.
bachelor of arts
Animation and Film new
Art (Studio)
Art Education, K-12 Licensure
Art History
Graphic Design
Music
Music: Composition
Music: Performance (Vocal, Instrumental, Piano)
Music: Piano Pedagogy
minors
Art
Animation
Dance
Film and New Media
Graphic Design
At Carthage College, you will study with exceptional faculty who set high expectations for the unique, creative individual you are. The opportunities at Carthage are limitless.
Musical Theatre
Photography
Playwriting
Technical Direction
Technical Stage Management
Theatre
Theatre Education, K-12
Licensure
Theatre Performance
Music
Musical Theatre
Photography
Theatre
bachelor of music
Music Education (Instrumental and Vocal, K-12)
Musical Theatre
Piano Performance and Collaborative Piano
master of music
Music Pedagogy
Music Theatre Vocal Pedagogy
The arts at Carthage ignite passion, purpose, and possibility.
why i give
“Some of my most meaningful Carthage memories were made on choir tours — singing in beautiful spaces, bonding with fellow students, and feeling part of something bigger than myself. Those experiences shaped who I am, both personally and professionally. i give because i want today’s students to have that same opportunity to grow, connect, and be inspired — even if finances might otherwise stand in the way. Supporting the arts, especially the Carthage Choir, is my way of saying thank you and paying that gift forward.”
– brian jones ʼ00
fuel the future of the arts
Make a gift to the Friends of the Arts Fund and directly impact Carthage’s student artists. Help them bring their ideas to life, take the stage with confidence, and leave a lasting mark on our creative legacy.
The Friends of the Arts Fund ensures students have the resources they need to create, perform, and thrive. Elevate your
support of the visual and performing arts by becoming a Leader in Philanthropy:
leadership giving society members give $1,000 or more cumulatively to any area of the College in the current fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30. Tiers within the society recognize higher levels of giving, and graduated giving levels are available for recent alumni. Membership is renewable annually.
enduring gift society members have cumulative lifetime giving totaling $100,000 or more (exclusive of estate commitments). Membership is lifetime.
alford park loyalty society members contribute any amount to the College for three or more consecutive fiscal years (July 1 through June 30). Tiers within the society recognize greater years of consecutive giving. Membership is renewable annually.
denhart society members have made Carthage a part of their legacy through estate commitments, planned gifts, and endowments. Membership is lifetime.
sustainers members demonstrate ongoing commitment by setting up recurring gifts that provide steady, reliable support for Carthage. Membership is renewable annually.
Learn more: carthage.edu/leads
plan your visit
ticket information
carthage.edu/tickets | 262-551-6661
Order tickets online 24/7 or call the Visual and Performing Arts box office between noon and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday when Carthage classes are in session. The box office, located outside the Wartburg Theatre on the north side of campus, is also open one hour prior to ticketed events at the event location.
Events are subject to change. To stay up to date on all visual and performing arts events, please visit us at carthage.edu/arts.
Selected events will be streamed live: live.carthage.edu.
group tickets
Special benefits and discounts are available for group ticket purchases. To order tickets for a group of 10 or more, contact the box office at 262-551-6661.
seating accommodations
Patrons who need ADA seating should contact the box office at 262-551-6661 to purchase wheelchair and companion seating.
late seating
Not all events are able to accommodate late seating, and it is a distraction to performers and patrons. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of the performance. If late seating is available, it is at the discretion of the house manager.
audio hearing technology
Wartburg Theatre offers AudioFetch, an app that patrons can use with their phone and headphones during mainstage performances. For more information, please visit carthage.edu/arts-faqs
children
We welcome children old enough to enjoy our events. Please note all guests, regardless of age, are required to have a ticket.
get connected
facebook.com/carthagevpa
instagram.com/carthagevpa
youtube.com/@carthagevpa
david straz center
1. Wartburg Theatre
2. Studio Theatre Entrance
johnson arts center
3. Visual and Performing Arts Lab (VPAL)
4. Recital Hall and Gallery of Art
5. Main Entrance
a. f. siebert chapel
6. Ehrler Hospitality Center
7. Main Entrance
David Straz Center
A. F. Siebert Chapel and Johnson Arts Center
