418 South Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, Illinois 62901, United States
A historic arts & entertainment venue in downtown Carbondale Illinois
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In co-operation with the Fuller Futures Festival 2026
R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE
“R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE” -- a play by D.W. JACOBS from the life, work, and writings of R. B. Fuller, directed by Kira Rutter, and performed by Jon-Michael Rutter.
This one-man show is coming to Carbondale for these special performances in The Varsity Balcony Theater -- at the corner of South Illinois Avenue and Cherry Street, just a couple of blocks east of the Fuller Dome Home! These performances are brought to you in partnership with the Fuller Futures Festival 2026 here at SIU.
The play takes the audience on an inspiring journey through the life of one of the 20th century's greatest visionaries and an immensely impactful change agent who helped forge the modern SIU and reshape the world we live in today.
Doors and hospitality open one hour prior to each performance.
Friday, April 24 - 6:30 PM showtime
Saturday, April 25 - 6:30 PM showtime
Sunday, April 26 - 1:00 PM showtime
Tickets available at the door or advance below
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
VARSITY IMPROV: UNDER MAINTENANCE
LIVE! In The Balcony
Members of the Varsity’s new improv group will write, produce, and improvise a show for their second appearance at the downtown Carbondale venue.
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 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. And, because the group takes its inspiration directly from the audience, every show is wildly different. Come be a part of the experience.
Tickets for the May 2 show are $8 and are available in advance at Eventbrite and at the door on the night of the show. Varsity Bar and doors at 7, show at 8.
Tickets available at the door or advance below
Stand-up Comedy Mic Fight -- hosted by Tom Kremer
LIVE! In The Balcony
Get ready for a night full of laughs at The Varsity Carbondale! Join us on May 9, 2026 at 8:00 PM (Central) for an epic stand-up comedy mic fight where comedians battle it out to win your laughs. Whether you're a comedy fan or just looking for a fun night out, this event’s got you covered. Don't miss the chance to see Tom Kremer host this hilarious showdown live and in person!
Advance tickets for the May 9 show are $10 and are available in at Eventbrite, and at the door on the night of the show for $15.
Varsity Bar and Doors at 7, the battle begins at 8!
Advance Tickets available below
FILMS
LIVE EVENTS | THEATER | COMEDY
LIVE EVENTS | THEATER | COMEDY
LIVE EVENTS | THEATER | COMEDY
LIVE EVENTS | THEATER | COMEDY
LIVE EVENTS | THEATER | COMEDY