Performing Arts Center

The Coal City Performing Arts Center is an 800-seat theater that opened in the fall of 2010 as part of a 75,000-square-foot addition to Coal City High School. The space debuted with A Schooling in Love, an original work by Coaler alum Matt Boresi and directed by Ben Baer.

Since its opening, the Performing Arts Center has served as a cultural hub for both the school and broader community. It has hosted an array of events, including school and community theatre productions, concerts by local and national artists, dance recitals, and public gatherings.

In 2022, following the retirement of longtime Superintendent Dr. Kent Bugg, the Coal City Community Unit School District #1 Board of Education dedicated the theater in his honor. The dedication reflects Dr. Bugg’s unwavering commitment to students and his passion for the performing arts and its growth within the district and community.

The Performing Arts Center is home to the award-winning Coal City Theatre Department, led by director Jack Micetich. Each year, the department produces four mainstage productions, spotlighting student talent from Coal City High School, Middle School, and Intermediate School. Under Mr. Micetich’s leadership, the program has earned numerous honors from the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards, presented by Broadway in Chicago. The department is also regularly represented at the Illinois High School Theatre Festival’s All-State Production, and proudly hosted the 2025 All-State preview performance.

Operations of the Performing Arts Center are managed by Mr. Micetich with the support of a full-time technical assistant and a dedicated team of student staff members, helping to bring each performance to life and continue the center’s tradition of excellence.