The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) is dedicated to giving residents of DuPage County access to the arts.
To prepare for the Frida Kahlo 2020 exhibit, COD’s Cleve Carney Museum of Art underwent an extensive makeover, complete with LED lighting, security and climate control systems.
Community members and students can bring a blanket and lawn chair to enjoy free outdoor entertainment all season long at Lakeside Pavilion.
Creative visions can be turned into works of art in a variety of classrooms located within the MAC.
Students can build their skills at the MAC's performance spaces—the 800-seat Belushi Performance Hall, the 186-seat Playhouse Theatre and the "black box" Studio Theatre.
The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) encourages immersive learning and student involvement by combining the arts, performance and academics under one roof.
Named after the College's second president, Dr. Harold D. McAninch, Animation, Art, Dance, Graphic Design, Motion Picture/Television (MPTV), Music, Photography and Theater classes all take place in the MAC.
Creating a unique blend of performance and education, the center houses three performance spaces: the 800-seat Belushi Performance Hall, the 186-seat Playhouse Theatre and the "black box" Studio Theatre.
The MAC is home to the Buffalo Theatre Ensemble and New Philharmonic, two resident professional ensembles; a number of student groups; and a gallery space for professional, faculty and student exhibits. Featuring seasons that combine touring, resident and student groups, the MAC has presented theater, music, dance and visual arts to more than 1.5 million people since it opened.
In an average week, the MAC hosts:
- 5.1 public performances of 1.6 arts programs
- 2.2 rental events
- 10.25 rehearsals
- One non-art college department use — or 2.5 scheduled events per day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year.
Each season includes more than 200 performances of plays, concerts and lectures, as well as numerous art exhibits in both the gallery space and MAC lobby area.
The MAC's extensive community outreach program includes pre-performance lectures, classes with visiting artists and the School Stage program, which provides area K-12 students with an interactive, educational arts experience. On the south side of the MAC sits Lakeside Pavilion, which was was constructed for seasonal outdoor events and performances.