418 South Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, United States
A historic arts & entertainment venue in downtown Carbondale Illinois
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Cinema at The Varsity Presents
Shawshank The Dark Knight (2008)
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman
Runtime: 152 minutes
Rated PG-13
Jerri X Original Musical Stage Play
My Color Purple
This is a musical with six original songs, a and a comedy show.
A poetic, spirit-filled play that shows the rise through Chakras, and how we all must find our color purple.
Saturday, March 28
Doors & Booksigning 5:30 PM
Showtime 7 PM
For more information, call or text: 618.306.1665
Tickets $15
Campfire Club Storytelling Session
Death & Taxes
They're inevitable -- join our storytellers as we share about the wisdom, humor, and heart we develop when we face the things we cannot avoid.
Saturday, March 28
Doors & Bar 8:00 PM
Showtime 9 PM
Tickets available at the door or advance below
$5 Cover
VARSITY LAUNCHES NEW ERA OF COMEDY WITH VARSITY IMPROV
Presenting Varsity Improv Under Maintenance
The Varsity is launching a new era of live comedy with the debut of Varsity Improv, an original programming series dedicated to improvisational theater. The show premieres Saturday, April 4 at 8 p.m., introducing audiences to both short-form and long-form improv performed by local comedians.
The hour-long show will be hosted by Under Maintenance, a newly formed local ensemble featuring Allie Brown, Amaree Davis, Connor Gulbrandsen, Macklen Makhloghi, Isabel Pohlman, and Ethan Pennington. The group blends veteran performers with emerging talent, united by a shared passion for improv.
Performances will feature a dynamic mix of formats, including fast-paced improv games, long-form storytelling, sketch comedy and audience interaction, ensuring that each and every show is unique.
Tickets available at the door or advance below
$8 Cover
Stand-up Comedy Mic Fight -- hosted by Tom Kremer
A fast-paced stand-up comedy competition show: 4 Comics, 3 Rounds, 2 Guest Comics & 1 Winner decided by you, the Audience!
Catch this special show on Saturday, April 11 -- in The Varsity Bar. Doors and the Varsity Bar open at 7PM; the battle starts at 8!
Tickets are on an advance pre-sale for $5. Tickets will be available at the door for $10
Indie Folk Live! with Justin Grant, Isaac Hallal, and Jonah McGuire
Justin Grant and the band are coming back to Carbondale for Indie Folk Live -- his first home show, and he's bringing rising stars Jonah McGuire and Isaac Hallal to round out the night.
Catch this special show on Saturday, April 11 -- in The Big Room. Doors and the Varsity Bar open at 6 PM; the show starts at 7.
Tickets are on an advance pre-sale for $10. Tickets will be available at the door for $12.
Union County Sal brings a “Mood Indigo” to the Varsity
Union County Sal with The SquadFathers & Special Guests
She has become a Varsity favorite among Southern Illinoisans, and she’s returning to the
Balcony Stage with some of the region’s best musicians.
Union County Sal will bring a “Mood Indigo” along with the Squadfathers and special guests
Mike Arthur, Chris Thornton, and Joe Stafford. The annual spring concert will feature classics
from the Great American Songbook as well as jazz offerings.
Catch this special show on Saturday, April 18. Doors and the Varsity Bar open at 6 PM; the show
starts at 7.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance at Eventbrite (see link). Any remnant tickets will be available at the door on the night of the show.
Advance tickets recommended.
The Stage Co. Presents : Season 44
make believe
By: Bess Wohl
Directed By: Shay Miller
Four young siblings recreate their everyday lives in a game of make-believe in their attic, while the world beneath them bodes a more sinister reality. Defying all narrative expectations, Make Believe is a gut-wrenching meditation on the imprint of childhood trauma on adults.
April 17-19 & 23-26, 2026
FILMS
LIVE EVENTS, THEATER, ART
LIVE EVENTS, THEATER, ART
LIVE EVENTS, THEATER, ART
LIVE EVENTS, THEATER, ART
LIVE EVENTS, THEATER, ART