Madden Theatre

Opened: 2008
Capacity: 150
Square footage: 2,500

As a black box theatre, the Bartley and Maricela Madden Theatre brings together actors and audience up close and personal with its flexible seating and staging configurations. Madden Theatre is an ideal setting for experimental theatrical performances and a great space for film screenings, jazz and dance performances and lectures.

In addition to being used for many of the College’s theatre and dance classes, Madden Theatre hosts performances in the Cabaret Series of the College’s fine and performing arts season. Such artists as Spider Saloff, performance duo Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael, and Barbra Streisand impressionist Steven Brinberg have engaged audiences in an intimate nightclub-type setting.

The removable seating can be configured in a variety of ways: in the round, in traditional lecture-style, to one side, or whatever arrangement the event requires. The venue features high-tech lighting and sound systems, which production staff can arrange to suit any need.

The versatile space is available for rentals and features its own lobby, making it ideal for hosting conferences and events for up to 150 people. With its own entrance off Chicago Avenue—but connected to the rest of the Fine Arts Center—Madden Theatre can be used at the same time as the Wentz Concert Hall. The building’s state-of-the-art acoustics and sound-proof design ensure no sound disruption or interference from either inside or outside the building.

The Bartley and Maricela Madden Theatre is named in honor of a Naperville couple and neighbors of the College who made a generous gift to the Fine Arts Center. Maricela is a 1999 fine arts graduate of North Central College and Bart Madden is an independent scholar and retired financier.