The Varsity Center

The Varsity Center A historic venue for performing and visual arts, live music, entertainment and community events. Illinois Ave. The bar area is also updated.

The Varsity Center stands in the center of downtown Carbondale, midway between the Carbondale City Hall and the campus of Southern Illinois University at 418 S. The building is Art Modern design and was built in 1940. The multi-purpose venue has undergone partial renovation. It currently provides a 150-seat live performance theater; complete with scene shop and dressing rooms; a gallery/bar/kitche

nette and space for meetings, gatherings and receptions; a beautifully restored lobby; additional corridor exhibit space. Renovation on the Balcony Theater is also complete. This space seats 137 people and offers an intimate, live performance atmosphere with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. Next up is the renovation of the main auditorium, which seats 500.

Y'all - it's just a few more days and our house shodowcast, Big Mud De-Medusa, will be bringing their best ever presenta...
06/10/2026

Y'all - it's just a few more days and our house shodowcast, Big Mud De-Medusa, will be bringing their best ever presentation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show to the V. This team DREAMED IT, now they are going to BE IT -- by planning, creating, and preparing to make June Pride 2026 one to remember. If you'd like to be part of it, join us Saturday, 6/13 -- doors at 7, show at 8. Tickets on Eventbrite.

TONIGHT! The Fine and B***y Wenches in the Big Room.
06/06/2026

TONIGHT! The Fine and B***y Wenches in the Big Room.

Share it far and wide. Submissions are now open!
06/02/2026

Share it far and wide. Submissions are now open!

🎥 Calling all filmmakers ❕❕❕ The Big Muddy Film Festival Submissions are now open for our 49th festival. Submit now❕❕❕

The festival will take place March 18-20th, 2027 at the Varsity.
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05/28/2026
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05/22/2026

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Pride is coming, and so is the chaos.

Big Mud De-Medusa Productions returns to The Varsity Center on June 13 for The Rocky Horror PRIDE Show (Live Shadowcast) with a brand-new excuse to dress up, get loud, and lose your mind in the best possible way. No shame, all Pride.

We’ve got lots of surprises in the works and a whole lot of love for this strange little tradition we get to keep alive together.

Join us, the creature is almost complete.

Seriously, though … VARSITY IMPROVHOSTED BY UNDER MAINTENANCEIn its debut show, The Varsity’s newly formed house cast of...
04/02/2026

Seriously, though …
VARSITY IMPROV
HOSTED BY UNDER MAINTENANCE

In its debut show, The Varsity’s newly formed house cast of veteran performers and emerging talent will showcase a broad range of styles and voices. Expect fast-paced improv games, long-form storytelling, sketch comedy and audience participation.

Saturday, April 4
Bar and doors at 7
Showtime is at 8
Tickets: $8 at www.bit.ly/3VH7E2T
and at the door night of show

Address

418 South Illinois Avenue
Carbondale, IL
62901

Telephone

+16184575353

Website

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