The Varsity Center - Carbondale, Illinois

Allison J.

This is our local center for performance in Carbondale. It was once our downtown movie house, but Kerasotes Theaters sold it to the city of Carbondale for a dollar (on the condition no first run movies show there). Well, that was long ago, and now it is a community arts center with film screenings, plays, concerts, and art openings.

Abigail R.

Want to see a movie? Catch a play? Enjoy a drag show? Perhaps live music? Even see a guest speaker? The Varsity has you covered.

This fine local venue offers a variety of shows on a regular basis. They run classic, cult classic, and modern classic films on a weekly basis, often themed to the time of year. The Stage Company performs several plays here a year, all of which are bursting with local talent. They run semi-regular drag shows, and they also have special events with live music or guest speakers. Hannibal Buress has performed here without notice!

They offer concessions that are very reasonably priced, and always have cocktails themed to the event of the day. The staff is always kind, and the building is loaded with charm.

The Varsity is a wonderful way to spend an evening, and a blessing to the community that keeps the arts alive in Carbondale.

Morningstar Q.

Great part of Carbondale arts history. A lot of really good folks having a great time hosting fun performances and entertainment for the "full range" of enthusiasts, young and old alike. Very hospitable and wheelchair accessable. Q great place for the community and it's visitors.

Matthew M.

The original Varsity Theater has been restored and is now a nicely-maintained performing arts center and small art gallery. The performances are often bargain-priced and the gallery is free. Carbondale is fortunate to have this gem.

chad S.

Great Venue for any occasion. Plays, movies or stumping. Nice artwork in the corridors for sale made by local artists. Enjoyed my experience at the Varsity Center.

Cassondra S.

The show was fun and this is a great example of how we can update and reuse movie theatres to bring back the arts into our downtown areas.

The only thing I think needed to work better is concessions. Although very friendly and wonderful people working there it could have been faster if it was a bigger work space and more people yo handle the line. However I realize this is all a work in progress and see the potential the future holds.

We will definitely be back.

Kayla M.

Adorable theatre.
Very clean

Joyce M.

I just watched The Holden Quartet on the balcony stage. Fantastic performance! 🤗 I love that they mix music from the past in a new fresh style. I especially enjoyed their blues rifts. It was also great to see the Varsity theater from my youth being used in so many versatile ways. The art for sale was nice to see as well. I did like that they had the upcoming season of The Stage Co productions on display. I would have liked seeing a flyer or something about other upcoming events and any old movies they might be showing in the future also. I hope there will be more events like tonight in the future.