I was a child actress — back when headshots were black and white and auditions happened before fax machines were even invented. I did commercials, after-school specials, and even made it (briefly) into the movie Lucas — until I landed on the cutting room floor. Now I’m a teacher. (But don’t worry, I still have dramatic tendencies — I just use them for good now.)

In 1992, I was working on an original production that happened to need kids. We rehearsed in a musty church basement, and I wasn’t sure what I was getting into. But the moment those kids hit the stage — unfiltered, imaginative, and totally fearless — something clicked. They didn’t need Method acting. They needed someone to believe in them. So I did.

And I never looked back.

More than 30 years later, I’m still writing, directing, producing, and occasionally bedazzling my way through the wonderfully chaotic world of children’s theatre. I’ve created dozens of original musicals (some involving fairy tales, time travel, or waffles), developed nationally recognized programs, and helped over 100,000 kids take the stage with courage and heart.

I run the Children’s Theatre Company — a place where kids don’t just play parts, they discover their voice, build confidence, and learn life skills cleverly disguised as show tunes. Whether it’s their very first bow or they’re dreaming of Broadway, every child is treated like a star — wireless mic and all.

Sure, I’ve got credentials: I’m a SAG-AFTRA member, a lifelong educator, and a proud alum of Interlochen Arts Camp and the Steppenwolf Summer Theatre Intensive. I’ve written, produced, and directed more youth musicals than I can count without a spreadsheet, served on nonprofit boards, and helped hundreds of young actors find their spotlight — and sometimes their agent.

But honestly? My real expertise is making kids feel seen, celebrated, and ready for anything.

Theatre teaches the things that matter most — collaboration, empathy, grit, and how to recover gracefully when your prop sword breaks mid-scene.

So if you’re looking for a program that’s all sparkle, no ego — one that champions kindness over competition and joy over perfection — you’ve found it.

I’m Margo Proeh, and this stage is for everyone.

✨ Because every child deserves a standing ovation — especially from themselves. ✨

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.

Olivia Graham began her journey with the Children's Theatre Company as a young student, where she first discovered her passion for the performing arts. At Through her involvement, she developed invaluable life skills that shaped her confidence, creativity, and character. She credits much of the person she is today to the lessons learned during her formative years at CTC.

What started as curiosity quickly revealed something more: natural leadership, responsibility, and care for others.

After returning as an educator, Olivia has been dedicated to giving back to the community that played such a pivotal role in her personal growth. She is passionate about inspiring young performers to discover their voices, build confidence, and embrace self-expression through the arts. She views theater as a space where students grow not only as performers but as individuals.

This summer marks Olivia’s fifth year as a staff member at the Showstoppers Camp, a program she holds close to her heart. She values Showstoppers for its unique blend of theater and a wide range of activities that allow students to explore creativity beyond the stage. In addition to developing performance skills, campers engage in science experiments, cooking, swimming, and other hands-on activities that promote teamwork, resilience, and having fun in a supportive environment.

With several years of experience both on stage and in the classroom, Olivia continues to bring enthusiasm and a genuine love for the arts to every program she is a part of. She is excited to continue creating memorable experiences for current and future performers and looks forward to another unforgettable summer at Showstoppers!