Description
Children’s Theatre (CTE) was founded in 1988 by a group of parents in response to the lack of local opportunities in the performing arts for their children and others in Grades 2 through 9. The goal was to include all who auditioned and provide meaningful live-theatre instruction and experiences. Since then, CTE has produced more than 100 large-scale musical theatre shows using scripts based on fairy tales, literature and historical stories, and shortened Broadway plays, including original CTE scripts.
Children’s Theatre (CTE) was founded in 1988 by a group of parents in response to the lack of local opportunities in the performing arts for their children and others in Grades 2 through 9. The goal was to include all who auditioned and provide meaningful live-theatre instruction and experiences. Since then, CTE has produced more than 100 large-scale musical theatre shows using scripts based on fairy tales, literature and historical stories, and shortened Broadway plays, including original CTE scripts.
In 1993, CTE created an affiliate - Fox Valley Theatre Company (FVTC) - to provide more advanced vocal, acting, and dancing experiences for 9th graders through age 20 years. FVTC performs full-fledged Broadway-type productions, again with an eye to maximum expansion of cast size. The two troupes combine each summer for a huge song-and-dance production and for other shows as appropriate.
Auditions are open to all children and youth of the appropriate ages, and scholarships are available to families unable to afford to pay the fees to participate. CTE is committed to affordable fees and ticket prices to help encourage families to become involved and enjoy the performing arts.
CTE relies on an army of volunteers to construct costumes and sets and a million other behind-the-scenes duties to bring such complex, high-quality productions to life, making each one an exciting experience for both participants and patrons. The real thrill, though, is seeing so many children and youth develop new confidence, skills, and lasting relationships, all while having a lot of fun!
