Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Youth Theater in Elgin
Children's Theatre of Elgin and Fox Valley Theatre Company have been dedicated to fostering creativity and personal growth through theater since 1988. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Elgin, Illinois, we provide equitable opportunities for children, youth, and young adults to engage in live theatrical experiences. Our two troupes serve grades 2 - 9 (CTE) and grades 7 - 23 (FVTC), offering large-scale productions, educational workshops, and inclusive programs that emphasize community, confidence-building, and artistic excellence. With over 35 years of experience, we have served more than 10,000 young performers and 400,000 audience members, maintaining a commitment to accessibility through scholarships, sensory-friendly performances, and technical apprenticeships.Our productions combine Broadway-style musicals with innovative adaptations of classic stories, ensuring diverse opportunities for participation and learning. Governed by a board of experienced theater professionals and educators, we prioritize equitable casting, educational enrichment, and community engagement. Our team includes certified instructors and industry veterans who bring decades of expertise in performance, direction, and technical theater. We uphold transparency in operations, ethical standards, and a client-centric approach, ensuring every participant receives personalized support. Our reputation as one of Illinois' oldest and most respected children's theater organizations reflects our dedication to quality, inclusivity, and the transformative power of the arts.
Services
Theater Productions
Workshops
Field Trips
Auditions
Classes
Scholarship Programs
Technical Apprenticeships
Sensory-Friendly Performances
Virtual Shows
Outdoor Performances
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer equitable opportunities for all youth regardless of background or ability.
- Our inclusive casting policy ensures every interested participant can perform.
- We provide financial assistance to ensure accessibility for all families.
- With over 35 years of experience, we are one of Illinois' oldest children's theaters.
- Our programs combine performance with educational workshops to develop confidence and skills.
What people say
Amazing experience
Positive, supportive and loving
Found a new passion
Incredible job
Each child feels like a star
Services
Theater Productions
We produce four annual musical theater shows for grades 223, including family-friendly adaptations and Broadway-style productions. Performances take place at Hemmens Cultural Center and Elgin Community College Arts Center. Our programs emphasize collaborative storytelling, technical training, and audience engagement through dynamic staging and original interpretations.
Educational Workshops
Interactive workshops teach acting, singing, and technical skills for children and teens. Sessions include audition preparation, role development, and behind-the-scenes training in set design and stagecraft. Workshops are led by experienced instructors and often tie directly to upcoming productions for practical application.
Field Trips
We host weekday educational matinees for schools at Hemmens Cultural Center, offering curriculum-aligned theater experiences. Performances include study guides and post-show discussions to enhance learning outcomes. Programs cater to elementary and middle school students, integrating arts education with social-emotional development standards.
Inclusive Auditions
All productions feature open auditions with no pre-casting, ensuring equal opportunities for participants aged 723. We provide audition workshops and accompanist support while maintaining flexible rehearsal schedules. Our policy guarantees casting for all qualified applicants, prioritizing skill development alongside performance excellence.
Technical Apprenticeships
Our technical theater program offers hands-on experience in lighting, sound, set construction, and stage management. Apprentices work alongside professionals during productions, gaining practical skills in live event execution. The program includes mentorship opportunities and career pathway guidance for aspiring theater technicians.
People
Anna Roberts
President
Anna has led CTE since 2016, combining 18 years of teaching experience with theater management expertise. She oversees organizational strategy and production coordination while advocating for educational equity in the arts.
Brent Houltram
Vice President
Brent brings 26 years of corporate leadership experience to CTE alongside directing and producing credits for multiple productions. He focuses on operational efficiency and audience engagement strategies for the organization.
Sarah Robertson
Artistic Director
Sarah transitioned from CTE performer to director, blending her decade-long teaching career with theater expertise. She leads artistic programming and mentors young performers while maintaining educational alignment in productions.
Jess Yeska
Board Member
Jess contributes technical theater expertise as ECC Arts Center Coordinator, overseeing 200+ annual productions. Her 14-year board tenure focuses on stagecraft training and facility management for youth theater programs.
Joel Pollack
Board Member
Joel joined the board in 2025, applying 25 years of educational leadership experience. As a principal and theater educator, he champions diversity initiatives and community engagement strategies for the organization.
Questions
What age groups participate in CTE/FVTC productions?
CTE serves grades 2–9 while FVTC includes grades 7–23. Some shows may have specific age requirements based on content appropriateness.
Are scholarships available for participation?
Yes, we offer financial assistance through our scholarship program to ensure accessibility for all interested participants.
How do auditions work?
All auditions are open with no pre-casting. Participants prepare a song and may perform spoken selections. Dance portions are taught at auditions.
What venues host performances?
Shows occur at Hemmens Cultural Center (45 Symphony Way) and Elgin Community College Arts Center (1700 Spartan Drive).
Do you offer sensory-friendly performances?
Yes, we provide sensory-friendly show adaptations and accommodations for neurodiverse audiences and performers.
How can families get involved?
Families volunteer through committees including costumes, publicity, tech crew, and concessions for each production.
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