On September 20, 2007, the NEIU Stage Center Theatre celebrated its 40th anniversary. Recently retired former chairs of the communication, media and theatre department David Unumb and Harold Hild hosted the celebration in the Stage Center Lobby. Nearly 200 guests gathered for the party. Actors, directors, crew, staff, alumni, patrons, family, and friends past and present gathered to honor the Stage Center Theatre's past and look forward to the future.

"The progression of the Stage Center from its fledgling beginnings to a destination point for aspiring artists was a process that involved plenty of toil, tears and triumph," said Anna Antaramian, professor, communication, media and theatre. "Nearly everyone at the party had a unique story about that journey. As we reminisced and shared our memories of the past, we also looked to the future and the renovation of the Stage Center space."

The Stage Center Theatre was designed and built in the late 1960s. Plans are currently in development to replace the existing theatre with a new, state-of-the-art performance space. "Everyone is tremendously excited about this project," said Antaramian. "This new space will be the crowning achievement for all those who have worked so hard over the last 40 years to create the Stage Center into a viable, vibrant and diverse reflection of the talents contained within the NEIU community."

The Stage Center Theater regularly offers both Main Stage performances and several student-directed Studio Series productions each year. Each semester, NEIU students participate in the Children's Theatre Workshop, which produces plays for local-area schoolchildren.

Now at the Stage Center is "Private Eyes" by Steven Dietz. The show runs February 28 - March 1 at 7:30 p.m. at NEIU's Stage Center Theatre, Building F, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave. in Chicago (use campus entrance located at 3701 W. Bryn Mawr). General admission is $10, senior citizens and students $8. Free parking is available in Lot F. For more information and tickets, call the Stage Center Box Office at (773) 442-4274.