Through the Staley Class Acts series, students experience high-quality performances designed for young audiences, supporting Common Core and Illinois Arts Learning Standards.
This year, things look a little different at the UIS Performing Arts Center. While our building is temporarily closed for plumbing repairs, we’re excited to offer a new slate of flexible, interactive learning opportunities designed to complement what you’re already doing in your classrooms. Many programs are offered at no cost.
2025–2026 Program Offerings:
- Backstage 101: Yearlong Learning Collaborative – Hands-on technical theater and production training for teachers, high school students, and community members.
- Virtual Professional Development Series – Short, engaging workshops on arts integration and cross-curricular strategies.
- Classroom Residencies and Workshops – Multi-week or one/two session programs using drama, improv, and storytelling to support curriculum and SEL.
- UIS Performing Arts Center Tours – Guided, interactive tours exploring elements of theater production and performance, led by education staff with backstage support.
Teachers can get more information by completing this Interest Form.
Reserve Your Tickets
Click here to reserve your tickets for a Staley Class Acts performance.
Click here to confirm a pre-existing reservation for a Staley Class Acts performance.
See Ticket Information below for details.
Click here to apply for the Staley Class Acts Seat Scholarship.
Ticket Information
1. Call the UIS Ticket Office at (217) 206-6160 or click here.
— Be sure your estimated number of attendees includes everyone who will be watching the performance – students, teachers, parent chaperons, and bus drivers. Classes should have one chaperone for every 15 students; every 16th ticket is complimentary.
— Inform the UIS Ticket Office if anyone in your group needs accessibility services.
— Limited space is available for groups who bring sack lunches. Please call the UIS Ticket Office to see if space is available for your group. Lunch space must be arranged in advance.
2. After your reservation is processed, you will receive a letter requesting that you confirm the details of your order and submit payment.
3. When confirmation and payment are received by the UIS Ticket Office, your group will be placed in the best available seats.
4. A voucher with your seating information will be mailed to you. Please bring the voucher with you to the performance.
Confirmation & Payment: You must confirm the total number of attendees 3 weeks before the performance. If your order is not confirmed by this deadline, your seats will be given to the next group on our wait list. Once the final number is confirmed, no seats may be released; based on availability, seats may be added to your confirmed order. Payment must be received 2 weeks before the performance. Payment can be made by credit card, cash, or check payable to UIS Ticket Office. Please include your order number and the performance name on your check and mail it to:
UIS Ticket Office
One University Plaza, MS PAC 292
Springfield, IL 62703-5407
Cancellation: All sales are final. If your school is officially closed or delayed on a performance day, you will be allowed to exchange your tickets for another Staley Class Acts performance within the same school year. You must notify the UIS Ticket Office by calling (217) 206-6160 within one day of the performance if your school is cancelled or delayed before any adjustment can be made to your account.
Accessibility Services: Students with accessible seating needs will be seated with their escort in the appropriate area, which may be separate from the rest of the group. If advance notice has not been arranged, every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate your group based on remaining available seating upon your arrival. Accessibility services may not be available for every performance. Services are not arranged until requested and are contingent on the availability of the service providers.
Recommended Grade Levels: We recommend grade levels based on information provided by the performance company. If you have questions about the content of a performance, please contact Justine Moser at (217) 206-8289 or jmose4@uis.edu.
All events are subject to change.
