Family Fun Day

Venue: Auditorium Theatre
Dates: Sunday, November 9, 2014 
Times: 1-5PM
Price: FREE!

Click here for complete details.

On Sunday, November 9, the Auditorium Theatre will open its doors from 1– 5PM for a free Family Fun Day full of interactive activities and hands-on experiences highlighting the rich history of the landmark theatre. Allowing families to discover all of the magic the Auditorium has to offer both then and now, activities and entertainment are broken into three sections—“Be A Part of History,” “Engage With the Community” and “Create at the Auditorium.”

“Be A Part of History”

Family Friendly Tours: Learn about the magic of the theatre during family friendly tours through the nooks and crannies of the Auditorium.

Brownie Bonanza: In 1893, Bertha Palmer, whose husband Potter Palmer opened the Palmer House Hotel, requested that the Palmer House’s Chef make a new dessert for ladies attending the World’s Fair. The result was what we now know as the “brownie,” and the same recipe is used to this day at the Palmer House. Join Elise Mayfield from FOX’s MasterChef and Palmer House Executive Chef Stephen Henry as they demonstrate how to make the delectable dessert throughout the day. Samples provided!

Stained Glass Ornaments: Immediately upon entering the Auditorium Theatre, guests are welcomed by six arched lunettes of beautiful colored art glass located above each door leading into the main lobby. Designed by George Healy and Louis Millet, the inspiration for the windows is said to depict the allegorical figures of Wisdom, Oratory, Drama, Music, Poetry and Dance, announcing the theatre’s varied purposes. Design your own stained glass creation at the Auditorium’s Arts & Crafts table, bringing home some of the beautiful magic of the historic landmark. 

Stories from the Past: The Phantom of the…. Auditorium! Hear some of the oldest stories of the Auditorium Theatre including ghost stories and significant memories from the past.

“Engage With the Community”

Passport Scavenger Hunt: Guests will be given their own personal passports as they enter the theatre in order to collect stamps as they visit various destinations throughout, discovering exciting fun facts. At the end of the scavenger hunt, participants will receive a prize and are automatically entered to win a “Family Fun” package at the Auditorium Theatre to one of the 2014 – 15 season performances.

Musical Instrument Petting Zoo: Join the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic in their very own musical instrument petting zoo where guests are invited to see and touch the celebrated instruments these talented musicians use every day. 

“Create at the Auditorium”

Become a Backup Singer: Put on your dancing shoes and learn the smooth moves of backup singers that help make the famous rock stars that have graced the Auditorium stage look so good. BeMoved dance instructor Jennifer Edgcomb gets the entire family swinging and swaying. 

Family Dance Ballet: Meet dancers from The Joffrey Ballet as they teach their beautiful dance technique to participating guests.

Make ‘Em’ Laugh: Some of Chicago’s favorite comedians and improvisers gather together to teach guests tricks of the trade through theatre games, joke telling and more. Instructors include Chicago actress and Stage 773 Director of Education and Programs Amanda Long, Organic Theater Company Manger and Northern Illinois School of Theatre and Dance Assistant Professor Joel Moses and Auditorium Theatre Teaching Artists Jacob Watson and Tobi Mattingly.

Drinks, popcorn and candy will be sold at discounted prices in our lobby throughout the event.