The John Legend Theater (JLT) is a $2.5 million dollar renovation to the existing auditorium, lobby, and Clifton Avenue entrance located at The Springfield Center of Innovation: The Dome, formerly Springfield South High School. The theater holds 680 seats and was funded by a lead donation of $500,000 from Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Grammy winning artist John Legend, who is a graduate of the Springfield City School District. Many other donors have joined this effort, including Speedway, LLC, Security National Bank, the Turner Foundation, the Springfield Foundation, and several generous individuals. The Springfield City School District Board of Education provided additional funding to complete the project.

The John Legend Theater opened in the fall of 2016 to serve the Springfield City School District and the Springfield community.

The John Legend Theater is located within the Springfield Center of Innovation: The Dome in Springfield’s Promise Neighborhood, where there is a real opportunity to make a positive difference in young people’s lives. Springfield City School District currently engages youth in creative pursuits via its CareerConnectED Center at the Dome. The John Legend Theater enhances the cultural opportunities for youth and the entire community.