by Laura Weisskopf Bleill
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is gearing up for a new season with an outstanding array of talented artists scheduled to touch down in Urbana.
Sometimes it might feel like a place as grandiose as KCPA with names on the playbill that are performing arts royalty is not accessible or warm to families.
That’s why we’re writing this story today. Krannert Center for the Performing Arts strives to be family-friendly and accessible to a broad swath of the community — in every way. And there’s no doubt that in 2024-25, it will live up to that goal.
There’s no age rules at KCPA. Yes, that actually exists at some venues in big cities. Of course, not every performance is the right fit for every attention span or age — KCPA trusts people to make those decisions. And while there are some specifically labeled family-friendly performances, there are also many other events that are certainly welcoming to families.
There’s a lot of lip service around representation and diversity in the arts these days; KCPA walks that walk — and means it. The diversity of talent hits almost every definable measure — age, gender, race, ethnicity and more. Just take a cursory look at the schedule of events, and your family likely will find a performer and a performance that is meaningful to them in some way.
Places like KCPA are what make Champaign-Urbana such a unique place to raise a family: world-class arts entertainment in a comfortable environment that’s affordable.
Top Ways to Enjoy Krannert Center for the Performing Arts with Your Family:
Free events: There’s a myth that KCPA is too expensive, or it is inaccessible to families. There are so many ways to engage there that don’t cost a thing:
- One example is Krannert Uncorked, a free concert series that happens most Thursday evenings when school is in session and even some weeks during the summer. Come as you are; no tickets are necessary. A variety of artists play, so check the calendar.
- Parenting tip: the Krannert Center lobby is ginormous. Lots of room for kids to be kids.
- Find other free events on the Chambanamoms.com calendar, or go to Krannert Center’s calendar and filter by “Free Events.”
- There’s free parking underground (weeknights and weekends). It’s on many MTD bus lines and very accessible by bike, too.
$10 Tickets: Most Krannert Center for the Performing Arts shows offer $10 youth tickets. Yes, I said $10 tickets for youth. It’s as easy as selecting that ticket type when you are purchasing online (or ask for it at the box office).
- Youth is defined as high school and younger — so that’s really any kiddo 17 and under. Where else in the universe can you take your children to see the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for $10!? Spoiler alert: you can’t, certainly not at Symphony Hall in Chicago. And that’s just one example.
- As one of my friends noted, it’s way cheaper than paying a babysitter. So why not bring that child along?
- The Youth ticket program is not to be confused with the Krannert Center Youth Series, which has offered schools and educators performing arts field trip opportunities for more than 40 years. Youth Series artists typically perform at other times when they are in-residence that are open to the public as well.
- NOTE: there are a few exceptions to the $10 youth ticket policy — one is The Nutcracker.
Free Tours: There may be no better behind-the-scenes experience in Champaign-Urbana than the free tours at KCPA. The costume shop alone makes this tour well worth your time. And did we mention that it’s free? See up close how a world-class performing arts center operates:
- Getting a behind-the-scenes tour will show your family just how vast KCPA is. It’s also a unique history lesson; see evidence of the major acts that have graced the KCPA corridors over the years.
- KCPA is more than a performing arts center — it is an educational community, and the tour puts every aspect of that mission on blast.
- Regular tours are scheduled at 3 p.m. Saturdays when school is in session; they will resume beginning Sept. 21. Visit the tours information on the KCPA website.
Intermezzo Cafe: Let’s face it, around here we’re all about the food. Intermezzo is one of those hidden campus gems, that many people know about only if they live or work on campus. But it’s a truly family-friendly place to eat with budget-friendly pricing, too. Unfortunately, Intermezzo is not open during most performances. But if you’re on campus during the week, check it out.
- Don’t miss out on the homemade soups, especially in the winter. Specials and menus can be found online.
- Intermezzo is open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday.
- Coming for a show? Stage 5 Bar offers a variety of snacks for purchase every evening in which there is a live event.
Did we miss something you or your family loves about KCPA? Email us – editor@chambanamoms.com.