The arts bring immense joy to our lives, enriching us in countless ways. Whether participating in creative activities or witnessing them, the arts offer significant mental health benefits for all ages, from toddlers to seniors. That’s why we celebrate the arts year-round at the J in St. Louis. From the engaging J Book Festival and the vibrant Sababa Festival to our diverse theater performances, we offer a robust program of artistic events that cater to all interests. Our arts programming is designed to inspire, educate, and entertain, fostering a community where creativity thrives. Stay tuned as we delve into all these exciting offerings and more, showcasing the vibrant spirit of the arts at the J.
Sababa Festival
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Sababa Festival! St. Louis’ premier Jewish Arts & Culture Festival returns on Sunday, September 29, 2024. This outdoor event showcases the vibrancy of contemporary Jewish culture…and this year promises to be more exciting than ever!
Sababa features local, regional and national visual art exhibitors. You’ll enjoy culinary delights and musical performances.
This year’s musical lineup is a showstopper. Klezundheit! will bring their exuberant sound to the stage. Missouri’s only klezmer big band has performed at major festivals worldwide.
We also will have the pleasure of hearing from Gili Yalo. Gili Yalo is one of the most intriguing musicians in the music scene in Israel. Gili combines Ethiopian roots with Soul, Funk, Psychedelic and Jazz music. Gili Yalo incorporates sounds from traditional Ethiopian music into a contemporary music production. The result is an exceptional, rich, vivid melody accompanied by Gili’s unique voice with lyrics in both English and Amharic.
Joe Buchanan will also bring his blend of southern soul and country charm. Texas-born and southern raised, Joe Buchanan makes country music that is steeped in Torah and the trials of the human spirit.
Additionally, Charlie Kramer, Lucy Greenbaum & Greta Rosenstock will perform. Charlie, Lucy, and Greta are all local artists and/or song leaders for St. Louis Jewish Organizations. Their combined performance will be a “one day only” exclusive show for Sababa 2024. Lucy and Greta encourage Jewish families attending Sunday School to join the festivities after class.
Fill up on entertainment…and food! The food for the day will be prepared by the family-owned and kosher Zelda’s Catering, located in Chicago,Illinois. Zelda’s Catering chefs work only from proprietary recipes developed right in their own kitchens, including their house made sauces, marinades, and dressings — even down to their own salad croutons! They prepare all their meals fresh from scratch daily. The menu for Sababa 2024 will be meat and pareve.
Mark your calendar for Sababa 2024! Join us for a day filled with art, music, food and cultural celebration.
New Jewish Theatre
Theatre brings together people from all walks of life for entertainment, education, and fun. Whether you’re an actor, spectator, or both, theatre ignites everyone’s imagination, immersing the entire room in a collective experience that brings the entire community together.
The New Jewish Theatre has long been a staple in the St. Louis arts community. It’s been celebrated for decades for its dedication to exploring universal themes through the lens of the Jewish experience.
Performances at the New Jewish Theatre are scheduled on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., making these events accessible to as many St. Louis residents as possible. The intimate Wool Studio Theatre offers the perfect setting to immerse yourself in the storytelling while sharing a collective experience with your community.
Opening the season from July 25 to August 11 is “Red” by John Logan, a raw and provocative look at master abstract expressionist Mark Rothko as he grapples with his biggest commission yet and the challenges posed by his ambitious young assistant.
Next, from September 12 to 29, is”Trayf” by Lindsay Joelle. This play follows a heartwarming and humorous road-trip bromance set in 1990s New York City. It explores the turbulence of youth and the clash between orthodox life and secular temptations.
From November 21 to December 8, enjoy “First Date” by Austin Winsberg, with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary & Michael Weaver. This charming and hilarious musical captures the chaos and magic of a blind date that quickly escalates into an unpredictable evening, as inner critics and past relationships come to life in the form of other restaurant patrons.
Youth Theatre Program
Theatre plays a crucial role in nurturing a child’s creativity, social skills, and mental health. The Youth Theatre Program is designed for students in grades K-9. It’s an all-inclusive educational theatre initiative that goes beyond teaching the fundamentals of acting. Our program aims to build confidence, improve communication, and enhance a range of essential skills.
Through theatre, children engage in a unique group effort where every member’s participation is vital for bringing a show to life. This fun commitment offers a sense of responsibility and teamwork. Our collaborative environment helps children develop empathy, express themselves more freely, and explore their creative potential in a supportive setting.
We welcome both first-time actors and those with more experience to join our vibrant Youth Theatre family. Rehearsals are conveniently scheduled on Sunday afternoons, with more concentrated sessions leading up to the production. This format not only makes it manageable for busy families but also creates a consistent routine where children can bond, collaborate with friends, and share their progress and successes as performers!
We invite your child to take the stage with us and become part of an enriching journey through our upcoming Youth Theatre Musical Revue and Fall Musical, “Shrek Jr.” Although registration is currently full for the production, we encourage you to join our auditions for our Fall Musical Revue to secure a spot in this transformative program.
Theatre Unlimited
The J is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where individuals of all abilities are welcomed and celebrated. Theatre Unlimited was founded in 1987 through the Jewish Community Center’s Inclusion department. This initiative is specifically designed to provide adults with disabilities the opportunity to shine on stage, offering them a platform to express their creativity and develop a range of vital skills.
Each fall and spring season, Theatre Unlimited participants undergo the complete theatre experience for actors, including auditions, rehearsals, and finally, performing a full production.
This season, Theatre Unlimited proudly presents Disney’s Aladdin! Join us for a magical revue of classic fairytale musical numbers, where our talented actors promise to take you on an unforgettable magic carpet ride.
Jr. Makerspace: Comic Creators
The Jr. Makerspace: Comic Creators event is a recurring opportunity for young artists between the age of 9-12 to dive into the world of comics. This program is designed to be both fun and inclusive, welcoming children of all skill levels to explore their creativity.
Each session is taught in a large group setting, providing a welcoming atmosphere for all. However, it also provides a space for each participant to hone their individual skills by selecting a project of their choosing to complete.
Whether students prefer traditional pen and paper or digital media, they have the freedom to bring their unique ideas to life and build incredible stories through the medium of comics.
The course is led by experienced instructors who are well-versed in both traditional and digital art techniques. They bring a wealth of knowledge in areas such as creative planning, storytelling, and design strategies. This comprehensive approach ensures that every Comic Creator gains valuable skills and insights, regardless of their starting point.
Join us at The J’s Staenberg Family Complex for the next Jr. Makerspace: Comic Creators event on August 11 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Celebrate St. Louis Arts at the J!
Celebrate the vibrant arts & ideas scene at the J, where inclusivity and creativity unite through our diverse array of theatre, music, cultural, and art programs. We welcome individuals of all genders, ages, and backgrounds to participate in and enjoy our enriching offerings. From barrier-free theatre productions and dynamic music performances to culturally immersive events and inspiring art exhibitions, the J is a place where everyone can explore their artistic passions and celebrate the power of the arts in fostering community and connection. Join us and experience the joy and inclusivity that define the arts at the J!