Meet our directors

Margo started her career at a young age as a child actress appearing in multiple national commercials, print ads and television programs. She has been a member of SAG-AFTRA for 38 years. Margo founded the Children's Theatre Company (formerly The Lake Forest Children's Co.) in 1993 and she switched her focus to follow her true passion of educating and inspiring young talent. As a creator, writer and producer of dramatic programs, Margo is recognized as a specialist in children’s theatre. She advocates for empowerment and building confidence and authenticity through life skills education. With over 25 years of expertise, Margo has created nationally recognized programs that transform lives.  She started teaching at The Gorton Center in Lake Forest, Eileen Boevers Center for The Performing Arts/Apple Tree Theater in Highland Park, The Winnetka Community House and The Principal Scholars Program at the University of Illinois Chicago Campus. With years of experience teaching musical theatre and more than 1000s of shows later the company has now expanded to locations in Highland Park, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Chicago, Elgin, Oak Park/River Forest, Vernon Hills, District 214, and Norridge. The Children's Theatre Co. is also a program provider for After School Matters.  Margo also founded and produces the Chicago Youth Dance Exhibition.

Gabrielle is an actress and musician raised in Naperville, IL. She grew up watching old movie musicals like “Funny Girl” and “Hello Dolly” and instantly fell in love with musical theatre. After attending Emerson College and receiving her BFA in Musical Theatre, she moved to New York City to pursue her dream. Shortly after she booked the role of

Anna in the Tony award winning musical “Spring Awakening”. She had the pleasure of working with the original creative team including Michael Mayer, Bill T. Jones, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, and exploring the country

touring with this ground breaking and provocative show. After returning to New York, she also had the pleasure of working with Joe Mantello on the workshop production of Dogfight at Second Stage. After taking a break from acting, Gabrielle was fortunate enough to dive back into work with the Tony award winning theatre company Deaf West in LA on their unique production of “Spring Awakening” featuring deaf actors. She played a swing and understudied all the female roles having to learn American Sign Language and the guitar. After many years in NYC and LA, it was time to return home to Chicago. When not auditioning or teaching, she also sings in the cover band “Uptown Shakedown”. She is happy to be a part of The Children’s Theatre team and hopes to inspire confidence and a love of the performing arts in her students.

Mackenzie is a performer and theatre educator based in Chicago. She is originally from Naperville, IL where her love of theatre was founded. She grew up in an educational environment that allowed the arts to thrive and for that she is incredibly grateful! Mackenzie received a Bachelor of the Arts in Musical Theatre and Television Writing from Columbia College Chicago in 2022. Her recent performance credits include “Grey Gardens” and “Elephant and Piggie’s: We’re in a Play” with Big Noise Theatre in Des Plaines,  IL, where she also works as a music director for their youth program, Little Noise Theatre. As well, Mackenzie proudly serves as Improv Playhouse’s “triple threat” teaching artist working as a director, music director, choreographer and vocal coach in Libertyville, I

Hello everyone! My name is Kayleigh, and I'm thrilled to be part of the Children's Theatre Company team. I recently moved to North Chicago from Philadelphia and hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Performing Arts with a concentration in Musical Theatre from Western Kentucky University. I've been passionate about the theatre since I was seven years old and have extensive experience as both a performer and director.

Fun fact about me: when I'm not working as an instructor, I'm working as an American Sign Language Interpreter in the area. I'm looking forward to meeting every one of you, so please don't hesitate to say hi if you spot me around!

Graduate of AADA.

I'm a highly accomplished performing arts professional with a degree from AADA, boasting an impressive record of success in the industry. Currently, I hold the position of Artistic Director and Secretary of Theatre Five-One, based out of the bustling city of Lake Villa, IL. With over two decades of experience in dance and performing arts, I've had the privilege of serving in some of the most prestigious locations around the world, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.I am the Artistic Director and secretary of Theatre Five-One out of Lake Villa, IL.
Justin has been involved with dance and performing arts since 1999, serving in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.