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.

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. 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.

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!

Lexie grew up surrounded by musical theater and was involved in numerous school productions. She always loved being part of the musical theater community but eventually discovered her true passion: teaching and helping children find their voice through the arts. Currently in college, Lexie works with the Boys and Girls Clubs and is studying to become a child psychologist. She believes musical theater is not only a powerful outlet for kids but also for herself. Over the summer, she served as the musical theater counselor at Banner Day Camp. Lexie brings warmth, energy, and experience to every class she teaches and is committed to helping every child shine.