Skip to content
District 214 Community Education
Explore All Programs
Adult Enrichment
Community Education Travel
Performances and Special Events
Youth Programs
Madama Butterfly at the Lyric Opera
Prepare for an afternoon of exquisite beauty and heart-wrenching drama, pairing a pre-show lunch at the legendary Russian Tea Time with a performance of Puccini's iconic opera, Madama Butterfly, at the world-renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago. This special experience is the perfect way to treat yourself to a day of cultural splendor! At the magnificent Lyric Opera House, you'll be transported to turn-of-the-century Japan for Puccini’s timeless tragedy. Madama Butterfly tells the story of a young geisha, Cio-Cio-San, who falls in love with an American naval officer and waits years for his return, clinging to a hope that will ultimately shatter her world. Experience one of the most beloved and powerful operas ever written, featuring some of opera's most famous and moving arias, including “Un bel dì” (“One fine day”). The soaring music, stunning sets, and masterful performances will captivate you from the first note to the final, unforgettable moment. Before the curtain rises, step into the opulent world of the Ukrainian owned Russian Tea Time. This celebrated Chicago institution offers classic dishes in a setting of old-world charm, with crystal chandeliers!
Popular
Pickleball - Intermediate/Advanced
This is an independent play Pickleball program for high level Intermediate and advanced players only at skill level 3.5 or above. Formal instruction is not included in Independent Play, but individualized attention is available from the instructor to players on an as-needed basis. Due to the popularity of our pickleball classes, all refunds are subject to a $10 administrative fee.
Waitlist
Arts
Culinary
Fitness & Athletics
Health & Wellness
Languages
Personal Finance
Special Interest
Aquatics
View Your
Dashboard
(Enrollments, Receipts, Activity)
(Enrollments, Receipts)
(Enrollments etc.)
View All
Programs
Adult Enrichment
Learn More
Community Education Travel
Learn More
Performances and Special Events
Learn More
Youth Programs
Learn More
Arts
Learn More
Culinary
Learn More
Fitness & Athletics
Learn More
Health & Wellness
Learn More
Languages
Learn More
Personal Finance
Learn More
Special Interest
Learn More
Aquatics
Learn More
Close Menu
Please enable Javascript to use all the features of this site.
Time
M-F
Days
Start Date
Category
Age/Grade
Location
Catalogue
9:00am
5:00pm
Start Time
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Choose Days of the Week
All
None
Invert
Sun
S
Mon
M
Tue
T
Wed
W
Thu
T
Fri
F
Sat
S
Choose Start Date Range
Min Date
Max Date
Age
Min Age
Years
Months
Max Age
Years
Months
Grade
All
None
Invert
K
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
11th
12th
Course Categories
All
None
Invert
(2)
Adult Enrichment
(2)
Arts
(0)
Culinary
(0)
Fitness & Athletics
(0)
Health & Wellness
(0)
Languages
(0)
Personal Finance
(0)
Special Interest
(0)
Community Education Travel
(4)
Performances and Special Events
(0)
Youth Programs
(0)
Aquatics
Courses
(0)
CET 2025
(0)
CET 2026
(0)
Core Aquatics 2025-2026
(4)
Events 25-26
(2)
Fall 2025
Choose Cities
(4)
Arlington Heights
(0)
Buffalo Grove
(0)
Mount Prospect
(1)
Rolling Meadows
(0)
Wheeling
1 Result without a city.
Choose Locations
All
None
Invert
(0)
Buffalo Grove High School
(4)
Forest View Educational Center
(0)
ONLINE
(0)
Prospect High School
(1)
Rolling Meadows High School
(0)
Wheeling High School
1 Result without a building.
Sort By
Name
Newest
Relevance
Start Date
6 Results
View
The Theater Lab Membership
Performances and Special Events
At The Theater Lab our mission is simple: to be a hub around which the community can collaborate to bring passionate theater to life. We welcome anyone with a passion for theater at all levels of experience to join us as a Theater Lab Member. Membership dues are $40 a season and include exclusive benefits such as: Access to special theater workshops and tours. Hands-on behind-the-scenes learning. Invitations to special Members-only events. Access to industry professionals. Special Members-only discounts from D214 Community Education! To become a Member or for more information, please call us at 847-718-7700 or email ce@d214.org. To additionally support The Theater Lab, simply add a donation under 'Donation' and click 'Enroll Now'.
Events 25-26
The Theater Lab Presents: Leaving Iowa
Performances and Special Events
The Theater Lab, a District 214 Community Education program, is excited to announce the summer production of its 2025-2026 season, Leaving Iowa, with a limited four-performance run, August 15-17, 2025, at the Forest View Educational Center Theater in Arlington Heights. The critically-acclaimed, hilarious, family-friendly play about a journalist, Don Browning, who decides to finally take a roadtrip to return to Winterset, Iowa, to take his late father’s ashes to his childhood home, as requested, only to find his childhood home is not quite the same as it was when he left. For tickets, you may purchase them through our website or by calling 847-718-7700. To additionally support The Theater Lab, simply add a donation under 'Donation' and click 'Enroll Now'.
Events 25-26
The Theater Lab Presents: Romeo & Juliet
Performances and Special Events
The Theater Lab, a District 214 Community Education program, is excited to announce the winter production of its 2025-2026 season, Romeo & Juliet, with a limited four-performance run, January 23-25, 2026, at the Forest View Educational Center Theater in Arlington Heights. For tickets call 847-718-7700, email ce@d214.org.
Events 25-26
Popular
It's a Wonderful Life: A Holiday Celebration!
Performances and Special Events
Join The Theater Lab for a heartwarming holiday experience as they present a special adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life. This festive event brings together some of your favorite local ensembles in one unforgettable evening of performance and community spirit. Enjoy the talents of The Theater Lab alongside Community Education’s Old Time Radio Troupe, the Arlington Heights Community Concert Band, the Arlington Jazz Exchange, and the Northwest Symphony Orchestra—all sharing the stage to deliver a night filled with joy, nostalgia, and holiday cheer. Admission is free, and donations are gratefully accepted to support The Theater Lab’s ongoing programs.
Events 25-26
Waitlist
Acting Unscripted: Plan, Connect, Perform
Arts
Have you ever said, "I used to love doing theater in high school," or "I miss acting but life got in the way"? Whether you're brand new, returning after a break, or looking to sharpen you skills, this welcoming 8-week class is for you. Led by The Theater Lab Producer, Patrick Zielinski - an actor, director and writer with over 25 years of esperience - This course explores monologues, scene work, subtext, improvisation, and ensemble techniques. All levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary. At The Theater Lab, we believe in collaboration, inclusion and most importantly, fun. Join a supportive community of fellow creatives and rediscover the joy of acting.
Fall 2025
All About Shakespeare
Arts
The Artistic Director of The Theater Lab will provide a comprehensive overview of the life and works of William Shakespeare. This class takes a 'Workingman's Shakespeare' approach to the subject that is designed to be entertaining and accessible to anyone who is curious. Key texts such as 'Macbeth', 'Hamlet', and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' as well as the historical and cultural forces that produced them; will be discussed. We will also address any misunderstandings about the controversy of his authorship. The course will run concurrently with the rehearsal process of the Theater Lan's production of 'Romeo & Juliet', so participants will have an opportunity to observe firsthand how the play comes to life.
Fall 2025
