Illusion Theater

09/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who supported ILLUSION THEATER during our fiscal year-end campaign. Your generosity helps us develop adventurous new plays, invest in artists, and bring transformative theater education to young people across our community.

Thank you for believing in the power of theater!

If you haven’t made a gift yet, there’s still a chance to make a gift today: https://bit.ly/3UnHW7U

Photo: Shawn Hamilton, Monica E. Scott, Dennis Spears, Regina Marie Williams

08/31/2026

As the fiscal year comes to a close, we're grateful for every artist, student, audience member, partner, and donor who made this work possible.

Your support helps us develop adventurous new plays and musicals, invest in artists, and bring transformative theater education to young people across our community.

Help us continue this work and make a fiscal year-end donation today.

MAKE A DONATION TODAY: https://bit.ly/3UnHW7U

Photo: Dan Chouinard, Kevin Kling, and Stephen Yoakam

08/30/2026

Going to the Fair ? Don’t miss Beth Gilleland ‘s History on-a-Schtick, the Minnesota Historical Society's long-running show at the Minnesota State Fair ! This play is full of family fun, satirical songs, and iconic characters from Minnesota history. The cast includes favorite Illusion performers --Bonni Allen, Aimee Bryant, Kevin Dutcher, Ricky Morisseau and Jim Robinson performing at 10 am and 11am every day at the Schilling Amphitheater at the West End.

08/27/2026

Help us bring even more powerful stories and young voices to life in the year ahead!

We are filled with gratitude as we reflect on this remarkable year. With your help, we’ve developed bold new theater, invested in artists, and shared stories that deepen understanding and strengthen community.

Our education programs empowered young people to discover their voices, build confidence, and become leaders. Because of your generous support, we reached over 1,000 eighth-graders in Twin Cities-area schools through our program KEEPIN' IT REAL and gave Native youth a creative platform through KEEP THE FIRE ALIVE.

Each year, our programming reaches more than 20,000 people, an impact that would not be possible without the generous support of the community.

We hope you will consider making a fiscal year-end gift to help us bring more powerful stories and young voices to life in the year ahead.

SUPPORT TODAY: https://bit.ly/3UnHW7U

08/26/2026

Illusion Theater had the honor of working once again with The Valley Friendship Club this summer. Teaching Artists Mckinnley Aitchison and Karen Gundlach worked with 14 Amazing performers and incredible staff and volunteers. We finished with a beautiful performance at The Phipps Center in Hudson Saturday night.

07/29/2026

Please give a warm ILLUSION THEATER welcome to the newest member of our team! We are ecstatic to announce J’Kalein Madison as our new Communications & Social Media Director!

J’Kalein is a communications professional and arts administrator based in Minneapolis who currently serves as the Media Relations & Partnerships Manager at the Guthrie Theater, where his work includes media relations, public relations and strategic advertising partnerships.

He began his communications career in broadcast television at KWWL-TV, the local NBC affiliate in Waterloo, IA, working across production, news and advertising before serving as an Advertising Account Executive for the station. He later moved into the nonprofit and performing arts sectors, working as an independent marketing consultant for professional theatres, orchestras and other organizations. J’Kalein has also served on several nonprofit boards, including Twin Cities Pride and the Arts Administrators of Color Network.

A former theater educator, J’Kalein remains active in theater and arts education. Most recently, he served as the Music Director for Thomas Edison High School’s production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical and frequently serves as a judge and festival critic for the Iowa High School Speech Association. He is excited to bring his experience in communications and public relations, along with his passion for the performing arts, to ILLUSION THEATER.

07/29/2026

06/15/2026

Illusion had the opportunity to work once again with the Upward Bound Program and the WeAre Clinic in Brainerd last week. We were able to bring Keepin It Real and also lead a workshop with students from Little Falls, Brainerd, Staples, Isle and surrounding areas.

06/10/2026

This Thursday Night at the Dakota for T Mychael Rambo . Click on the event --it will be live streamed so those of you who can't be with us in person -can be a part of this Benefit for the man who does everything for everyone ----T Mychael !
Bruce A. Henry leads an all-star benefit for T. Mychael Rambo! Get your tickets now for this unforgettable celebration of music and community.
Tickets>> https://bit.ly/… See more

06/04/2026

(POSITION FILLED) Illusion Theater is hiring a Communications & Social Media Director. Come work with us! Details at THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED. STAY TUNED FOR OUR ANNOUNCEMENT

The Communications & Social Media Director leads Illusion Theater’s digital presence and public-facing communications. This role develops and executes integrated marketing and communications strategies that advance Illusion’s mission, strengthen brand identity, and deepen audience and community ...