All the world's a stage and we think everyone should have the chance to play their part!
Our Vision
Paige Eight Rising provides fine arts access, education and experiences to underresourced Chicago communities with a particular emphasis on marginalized populations, youth and senior citizens by expanding their opportunities to enjoy and engage in the visual and performing arts--strengthening creativity, connection, and community well-being.
Our Programs
We offer a diverse range of programs designed to celebrate and support our community members. From our summer theatre camp for kids to our annual Senior Art Show, Paige Eight Rising seeks to develop and highlight the unique skills and talents present in our neighborhoods and foster intergenerational connection.
Our provision for experience and instruction in the visual arts includes "maker days", art shows and art exchanges. From painting to photography, sewing to jewelry making, we encourage creative expression and the unique enjoyment of "making it with our own two hands".
From attending live performances to DJ workshops, we know that music is more than the "purposeful organization of sound and silence"...Music is the soundtrack to our lives and we encourage openness, discovery and skill development as we create our own.
Theatre and dance is where Paige Eight was born. From acting, patronage, and production, we've been involved in the Chicago theatre (and beyond!) scene for over 15 years. Theatre is where everyone can shine! Our annual kids' theatre camp and our "According to Broadway" concerts are just two of the ways we get everyone involved.
Check out our EVENTS page to see what's new!
Our Story
Paige Eight Rising began with a simple idea: to empower and uplift communities in Chicago. As a non-profit, we are driven by a deep passion for social good and a commitment to personal attention in every initiative. Our approach is rooted in integrity and a dedication to excellence, ensuring that every effort reflects our core values. With experience in the field of education, we've witnessed the absence of arts programming and the missed opportunities for learning, self development and fun. (We're very big on fun!) We're bringing those opportunities to the community via live performance and art creation and enjoyment. Our founder, Sydney "Paige Eight" Milligan is a graduate of Spring Arbor University and holds a B.A. in Foreign Language and Theatre. She has been participating in, blogging about and presenting panels on the theatre scene in both Chicago and New York for over 15 years.
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Our Location
Paige Eight Rising is located in and serves Chicago's south side communities.