Theater enthusiasts should make The Bend part of their next road trip.
Major, national productions often make their way through the Morris Performing Arts Center in downtown South Bend. But that’s not the only way to experience live theater here.
The South Bend Civic Theatre has been putting on shows for decades. This treasured community theater puts on delightful productions with a combination of professional and local talent.
2023 Schedule
Finnegan's Farewell | Jan. 10-22
An interactive dinner show with music hosted in the cozy confines of Fiddler's Hearth in downtown South Bend.
Present Laughter | Feb. 10-19
Follow a self-obsessed actor in a mid-life crisis through a series of unexpected twists.
Junie B. Jones, The Musical | March 3-12
Junie B begins first grade with a series of changes.
My Heart Says Go | April 14-23
Regional premiere of a show that follows a first-generation Latino college student who defies his father to pursue his dream of becoming a singer-songwriter.
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom | May 12-28
The third installment of August Wilson's American Century Cycle. Set in 1927 Chicago, in spired by the real life "Mother of Blues."
Guys & Dolls | June 16-July 2
Guest performer maestro Alastair Willis, leader of South Bend's Symphony Orchestra, in the role of high roller Sky Masterson, who takes a bet on making missionary Sarah Brown fall for him.
Pride and Prejudice | Aug. 11-27
Held in the Pfeil Family Courtyard at the St. Joe County Public Library, this is one of his year's "Classics in the Courtyard."
A Midsummer Night's Dream | Aug. 11-27
Held in the Pfeil Family Courtyard at the St. Joe County Public Library, this is one of his year's "Classics in the Courtyard."
The Sweet Delilah Swim Club | September 8-17
Follow the close friendship of five unforgettable Southern women over the span of 33 years.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Oct. 13-29
Regional premier of the classic story of a journey into Will Wonka's candy factory.
Better Homes | Nov. 10-19
Based on local author Gabrielle Robinson's nonfiction work "Better homes of South Bend: An American Story of Courage," this world premier chronicles a group of African American workers at the Studebaker factory in their quest to build homes away from the factories and slums in which they were forced to live
A Holiday Inn Spectacular | Dec. 8-23
A new family friendly holiday tradition presented in hybrid concert-performance style based on the iconic film.
More About the Civic Theatre
The Civic Theatre hosts major productions in the 200-seat Wilson Theatre. Here you’ll find plenty of spaces for actors to sing, dance and carry out their parts.
Smaller shows take place in the more intimate Warner Theatre, where you might feel like part of the production yourself.
Worried about show quality? Don’t. Every cast member goes through a thorough audition process to make sure the best options are chosen for each show. The Civic Theatre also wants to tell the whole story of South Bend on stage. They do so by having as diverse a cast, reflecting The Bend as a community.
Oh, did we mention the shows are affordable too? The Civic Theatre believes in making ticket prices reasonable, so the entire family can enjoy the performance.
