We will be relocating to a brand-new space on May 1st! The Bernard Weinger JCC!
Testimonials
Mariana Henriques | Recreation Manager
Ladies, I wasn’t there, but now you know why this is my favorite program of all!!! Everything about it always made me so happy to be involved and so proud of the kids and Margo for their amazing commitment to each othe and the sho—aA good reminder as to why we do what we do.
Hope you all had a great weekend! Congrats on another successful audition, Margo; I can’t wait to see the cast list!
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Cathy Fiori
"I wanted to compliment you on Saturday's auditions. I was absolutely blown away by how well prepared, confident, and respectful of the children were. It is such a testament to the way you teach your classes Margo. You can really tell those kids adore you! I love how strongly you emphasize creating a safe space and supporting one another. You could really tell all of the kids felt good about themselves and have great comradery with each other. I would have been a nervous wreck performing in front of my peers! Thank you for letting me peek in, it was a treat! I can't wait for the performance!"
Ximena Leonard
Thank you so much for your encouraging email! James is so excited to be a part of Seussical as the role of Jo Jo at Drury Lane!
You are the best Margo! We are so grateful to you for nurturing James’ passion for singing, acting, and dancing. You gave him an opportunity to believe in himself. You are an important part of James’ journey, so thank you!!
Thanks again for all the love and support!
Mandy Noble
"Thank you, Margo!!! Harper is really loving this experience :) I drove her Mia and Gabby home last night and they played typewriter, boss, late the whole way home...in the dark...from two different rows in my car. Too cute!"
Debbie Yakimisky
"Thank you for bringing an amazing program and instructor to River Trails Park District!!"
Gwen Geraty
Thank you so, so, much for your wonderful programs, Margo. You've given Maeve and the other students wonderful training and opportunities. If it weren't for your musicals, Maeve wouldn't have,
discovered how much t she loves theatre. If it weren't for your showcase, the agents wouldn't have found Maeve. It's truly amazing what you've done for these kids in an area with a ton of "acting"' offerings for kids. You are the BEST! You have the most experience, conduct the most professional programs, and give the kids the most opportunities for personal growth through your instruction, support, and encouragement! I hope you know how much Maeve and I admire and appreciate you and your work!"
Matthew Rodin
-Hi Margo -
I was so excited to hear from you today and even more excited about the chance to say something about Children’s Theater Co. I’m 100% certain that my Mom can dig up some great photos - and I’ll send them your way as soon as she does. For now, I’ll write my thoughts below. Please include as much or as little as you want!
Toothless Tevye. With no front teeth and a dream of being a ‘rich man’ - I was playing Tevye and I was 8 years old. That image popped into my head right before I went on stage to make my professional debut this past fall. My dream was coming true; I was doing what I always wanted to do, and the only thing I could think about was my elementary self. I feel so lucky that my parents decided to let me be a part of children’s theater because it harnessed my passion and gave a pallet to creative imagination. It gave me the ability to explore a world that’s become my career path. At such a young age, I was working toward a specific goal with no pressure to be anything but the best I could be. It’s because of this philosophy that I’m now living in New York City, pursuing the dream that was fed and nurtured by Margo and Children’s Theatre Co.
Thanks again for reaching out!! Hope you and your family are well :)
I’ll follow up this email with a copy of my head shot and resume.
With Gratitude,
Matthew Rodin
Showstopper Parent
Good Morning Margo, Amy, Olivia and Ally(sp?),
I just wanted to write a note to say Thank You, deeply and sincerely.
My child has never enjoyed summer camp, parts of it sure, but this summer she loves all of it. She speaks so highly of all of you. She said the walk to the pool is even fun. Everything you all are doing is giving her the summer of her dreams. She wants to be a counselor for Theater Camp when she gets older :)
I can’t tell you how much that means to me as her parent. I have so much Mom guilt for having to work, having to find something for her to occupy her time, and then for her to be miserable. I have had some hard summers but not this year!
She had the hardest school year to date. Bullied, anxiety and stress really got her down. Wednesday night theater, friends there, were the only thing she had to look forward to. To get to do what she loves everyday with nice kids and great leadership, it’s the greatest gift you can give her.
We are incredibly grateful to have found The Children's Theater and grateful to have all of you in our village.
Thank you!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Interview Questions - Success Story
1. Name – Beth Grosky
2. Age – 24
3. At what age did you know you wanted to act? / How did you get involved in acting?
It may sound cliché, but I came out of the womb singing- LITERALLY! Everyone says that, but I really did. I have been performing since I learned how to talk and walk. Entertaining people was my strong suit. Truly- I was born to entertain! I wore out the video tape of Annie and watched it over and over again until I memorized the entire movie and could play every part by myself. At family dinners, I made my little sister get down on her hands and knees and said, “You be Sandy and I’LL be Annie!” By the time I was in first grade, I performed in my first show at Lake Forest Children’s Theatre and never looked back. I wasn’t always the star. I played plenty of ensemble roles which helped me learn that I wasn’t always going to get what I wanted and had to work hard for it. When I did get to play lead roles, I took the opportunity in the palm of my hands and ran with it. Being on stage was life for me.
4. How old were you when you began taking classes with Children’s Theatre Company (CTC)?
7 years old
5. How many classes/ performances and for how long were you with the company?
I performed in over 10 musicals with LFCT for 5+ years.
6. Do you have any memories or performances that stick out in your mind while you were with CTC?
Every performance left amazing memories, but Peter Pan was a special show to me because I was in a cast with some of my best friends still to this day. I played the title role and loved every second. Another one that sticks out is The Music Man where I got to perform with my sister who was not nearly as into theatre as I was but still wanted to be a part of the magic. We had a lot of fun.
7. How many performances have you been to date? / Which was your favorite?
To this date? Too many to count! I would say over 15 performances. My favorite would have to be RENT during my senior year at Highland Park High School. I had worked so hard on myself as a performer from not making any shows during my freshman year to landing a lead (I played Joanne) during my senior year. It was a very special time for me, being my last musical ever in high school, doing what I love with the people I loved most. We were all going through incredibly stressful and exciting times approaching our graduation and college decisions, and we really created a family feel during that show, just as the characters do in that tight knit group of friends in RENT. Not to mention being able to work so closely with my teachers/mentors, and now friends, Sheri Owens, Scott Shallenbarger, Tim Conway and Terry Shulman of the HPHS Fine Arts Dept.- it was, and I think always will be, the best theatrical experience of my life. It was really, really special to all of us involved, and to the community.
8. How has acting at a young age impacted your life? (social, education, career, etc..)
Being a part of CTC from a young age, and being a part of theatre in general, made me who I am as a person. Theatre teaches you how to collaborate with your peers, work as a team, up your self-confidence and challenge you. I grew up as a very social person, but theatre allowed me to learn when to hold back in certain situations, and really helped me evaluate my surroundings. It made me more aware. Educationally, theatre allowed me to be a leader in group projects and a follower when I needed guidance from my peers. Actors learn to take direction very quickly, so I was always very attentive and responsive as a student in both small and large classroom settings. My career truly reflects how acting impacted my life from a young age. My passion for the arts is instantly noticed when my eyes light up about a topic related to theatre. Because of my training, I am an active listener, a quick thinker, and a dynamic force in the workplace.
9. What is one thing you wish you could go back and tell your younger self that you know now about acting?
Take risks.
10. Would you recommend Children’s Theatre Company to aspiring young actors and why or why not? If you love to sing, act and dance, CTC is the place for you. It’s a home away from home. Sure, it will challenge you beyond belief, and you won’t always get what you want, but you’ll become a better person for it. With every experience, both on and off the stage, you will grow.
Beth making her debut as Peter Pan during a Children's Theatre Company production.
CTC's Five C's
Confidence
Communication
Communication
Confidence is just a state of mind, yet it has a significant effect on how your child sees the world... and how the world sees your child. Our classes encourage children to draw on their inner resources to share and learn about themselves and their classmates. They'll also develop an enriched vocabulary and a more colorful imagination.
Communication
Communication
Communication
Communication It is at the heart of all human relationships. We use a fun, modern, and humorous approach, ideal for boosting children's confidence and communication skills - establishing focus and giving shy children a chance to shine. Articulation, dynamics, and clarity are at the heart of our curriculum. These skills are essential for good communication and give children confidence in social situations or reading aloud.
Concentration
Communication
Concentration
Concentration is a habit... and the sooner you start, the better! We believe the most enjoyable way for children to learn is through play. Musical theatre improves a child's attention by focusing on concentration and listening fun and imaginative way. This helps your child develop the qualities necessary for future success.
Coordination
Coordination
Concentration
Coordination, posture, and poise all benefit from physical, creative self-expression. Learning new dances, singing, and acting helps children explore what their bodies can do without being judged. The benefits include greater self-assurance, improved posture, and absolute confidence in physical activities. We teach dance and movement in all of our classes.
Community
Coordination
Community
Community is a feeling of fellowship with others due to sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. It's essential to pay attention to the impact social isolation has on our youth.