Grades 1-5
Wednesday, March 29th, 2023
9:30AM-4:00PM CST
Free Before-Care from 8:30-9:30AM and free After-Care from 4:00-5:30PM.
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine
During Chicago Public School non-attendance days for students, Chicago Children’s Theatre offers high-energy day camps for children in Grades 1-5. Throughout the day, students will rotate through acting, music, movement, and design classes to experience a day in the life of a theatre artist. Past classes have included: songwriting, scene devising, clowning, puppet design, improv, yoga, and much more.
12-36 months old with a caregiver
Thursdays, 9:30-10:15AM CST
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine.
$140 | 5 sessions
Grab your little one and join us at Story Sprouts, where we'll bring our favorite stories to life through creative drama, music, and movement! Pretend to be jungle cats, farm animals, and all sorts of animals with wagging tails in multi-sensory drama activities that will support the development of your child’s fine and gross motor skills, communication skills, early childhood literacy, and their blossoming creative spirit.
Registering for multiple Bubble Jams and/or Story Sprouts classes? Save 15% on each class by following this link!
Ages 4-5
Thursdays, 4:00-4:45 PM CST
at Chicago Children's Theatre (100 S Racine)
$225 thru 11/25, then $265 | 10 sessions
Dive deep into the sea in this lively theatre class for young performers! Through movement based drama activities, swim like a mermaid, splash with dolphins, and make the deep blue sea your own, all while building confidence in expressing your creative side and expanding social and motor skills. On the last day of class we will share some of our favorite parts of class with families!
For ages 5-7
No class April 6
Thursdays, 4:30-5:30pm
at The Menomonee Club-Drucker Center, 1535 N Dayton St.
$250 | Register by 2/15 for a 15% discount!
All aboard this lively theatre class for young performers! Through movement-based drama activities, transportation-themed creative play, music, and dance, you will build confidence in expressing your creative side, while expanding social-emotional and motor skills. On the last day of class, you will share some of your favorite parts of class with family and friends!
Grades 6-8
Thursdays, 4:30PM - 6:00pm CST
at Chicago Children's Theatre (100 S Racine)
$390 | 10 sessions
Blur the line between stage and screen by using multimedia to remix a play! In this class, you will sharpen your storytelling and acting skills while collaboratively exploring green screen technology. The last day of class will culminate in the opening (and closing) or our original multimedia show!
Grades K-2
Thursdays, 5:00-6:00 PM CST
at Chicago Children's Theatre (100 S Racine)
$225 thru 11/25, then $265 | 10 sessions
Calling all wizards, elves, and fantastic beasts! Through theatrical explorations of classic fantasy characters, you will move, act, play, and create fantasy worlds of your own. The last day of class will culminate in the opening (and closing) of an original tale created right in your classroom!
For ages 8-11
Thursday's, 5:30-6:30pm
@ The Menomonee Club-Drucker Center, 1535 N Dayton St.
$250| Register by 2/6 for a 15% discount!
Are you a Triple Threat? Let’s dance away in this lively theatre class for young performers! Through movement study, character work, and vocal exploration, you will develop essential skills for taking to the stage confidently and charismatically. On the last day of class, you will share your original songs and scenes with family and friends.
For ages 8-11
No class April 6
Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm,
at The Menomonee Club-Drucker Center, 1535 N Dayton St.
$250 | Register by 2/15 for a 15% discount!
They’re an actor, singer, AND dancer? Now that’s a kid who has it all! Through movement study, character work, and vocal exploration, you will develop essential skills for taking to the stage confidently and charismatically. On the last day of class, you’ll share your original songs and scenes with family and friends.
Free Activities 11am - 1pm
- Chicago Loves Me readings at 11:30am & 12pm
- The Butterfly Company activities
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar crafts
- Goodies and surprises!
For grades 1-2
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-3:30pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
Free before-care from 8:30-9:00am; free after-care from 3:30-5:00pm
$515 | Register by 2/15 for a 15% discount!
Get your giggles on and join us for this fun-filled improv camp! KIDPROV will build your stage presence, confidence, self-awareness, and teamwork through improv games and drama activities designed for all kinds of learners and all kinds of fun. On the last day of camp at 3:30pm, family and friends are invited to a mini-improv show by the West Loop's newest improv troupe!
Masks will be strongly recommended during this camp. For more information on precautions we are taking during the pandemic, please see our Education Policies & FAQs.
For grades 3-5
Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:00pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
Free before-care from 8:30-9:30am; free after-care from 4:00-5:30pm
$515 | Register by 2/15 for a 15% discount!
In this unique theatre camp, you get to do it all. Create a character, then design the costume! Step into the scene, then behold the scenery you’ve painted! Join us as we explore our city through drama activities and crafts. On the last day of camp, you will share your creations and perform our city for friends and family!
Masks will be strongly recommended during this camp. For more information on precautions we are taking during the pandemic, please see our Education Policies & FAQs.
For grades K-2
Mondays, 4:30-5:30pm
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$185 | Register by 2/15 for a 15% discount!
Is that Bigfoot around the bend, or the Loch Ness Monster in the kitchen sink? Through theatrical explorations of urban legends, you’ll move, act, and imagine as you create your own modern myths. The last day of class will culminate in the opening (and closing) of an original performance right in your classroom!
For grades 3-5
Mondays, 5:00-6:00pm
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$185 | Register by 2/15 for a 15% discount!
Live from Chicago Children’s Theatre, it’s Monday Night! Through improv games and ensemble-building activities, you’ll become an expert at unscripted storytelling (and get some laughs while doing it!). After a semester of building confidence and community, the West Loop’s newest improv troupe will host a mini-show for friends and family.
For ages 4-5
Tuesdays, 4:00-4:45pm
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$185 | Register by 2/15 for a 15% discount!
All aboard this lively theatre class for young performers! Through movement-based drama activities, transportation-themed creative play, music, and dance, you’ll build confidence in expressing your creative side, while expanding social-emotional and motor skills. On the last day of class, you will share some of your favorite parts of class with family and friends!
For grades 3-5
Tuesdays, 4:30-6:00pm
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$280| Register by 2/15 for a 15% discount!
Are you the next Broadway star? Or is singing in the shower more your speed? Either way, Triple Threat will have you learning the music and dances from some of your favorite contemporary musicals, and making your own. Through character work, movement study, and vocal exploration, you will develop essential skills for taking to the stage confidently and charismatically. On the last day of class, you will share your original songs and scenes with family and friends.
For grades K-2
Tuesdays, 5:00-6:00pm
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$185 | Register by 2/15 for a 15% discount!
Get ready to shake out the nerves and take the stage as a confident and collaborative performer! You’ll see the silly side of drama as we explore improv games, drama activities, and unscripted storytelling. On the last day of class, the West Loop's newest improv troupe will host a mini-improv show right in your classroom!
For grades 2-5
Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30pm
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$185 | Register by 2/15 for a 15% discount!
In this unique theatre class, you get to do it all. Create a character, then design their world! Step into the scene, and use the props you created! On the last day of class, your talented troupe of actor-designers will share and perform some creations from your imagination!
For grades 6-8
Thursdays, 4:30-6:00pm
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$280| Register by 2/15 for a 15% discount!
Bring your favorite characters to life in this advanced acting class! You’ll sharpen your storytelling and acting skills while collaboratively adapting your favorite stories for the stage. The last day of class will culminate in the performance of your original adaptation!
For grades K-2
Thursdays, 5:00-6:00pm
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$185 | Register by 2/15 for a 15% discount!
Calling all clowns, ring leaders, and circus animals! Through theatrical explorations of circus characters, you will move, act, play, and create the greatest show on earth. The last day of class will culminate in the opening (and closing) of an original big top adventure created right in your classroom!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show has been dazzling audiences around the globe for over five years, faithfully bringing to the stage Eric Carle’s timeless classics. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, each production of the critically acclaimed show features a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets, including the star of the show –The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Alongside “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, the show features three other Eric Carle stories, including “Brown Bear, Brown Bear”, “10 Little Rubber Ducks”, and “The Very Busy Spider”.
For ages 2-5 with a caregiver
Sundays, 9:00-9:45am
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$132 | Register by 2/15 for a 15% discount!
Let’s see what’s growing in the imagination garden! Grab your little one and join us at Sunday Story Jams, where we'll bring our favorite stories to life through creative drama, music, and movement. Through multi-sensory drama activities, you and your family will sprout into spring, while supporting the development of your child’s fine and gross motor skills, communication skills, early childhood literacy, and blossoming creative spirit.
For grades 3-5
Sundays, 10:00-11:30am
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$240| Register by 2/15 for a 15% discount!
Are you the next Broadway star? Or is singing in the shower more your speed? Either way, Triple Threat will have you learning the music and dances from some of your favorite contemporary musicals, and making your own. Through character work, movement study, and vocal exploration, you will develop essential skills for taking to the stage confidently and charismatically. On the last day of class, you will share your original songs and scenes with family and friends.
For ages 8-15
Sundays, 11:00am - 12:00pm
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine
$159 | 6 sessions
Designed for young people on the autism spectrum, this music workshop will get you beatboxing and making music with your whole body in no time! Build confidence in expressing your creative side, while practicing social-emotional skills (and having a ton of fun)! In the final workshop, we will share some of our favorite parts of class with families.
12-36 months old with a caregiver
Mondays, 9:30-10:15am
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$132 | Register by 2/15 for 15% off!
Get dancing and grooving with your little one at Bubble Jams! This fun-filled class for tiny musicians-in-the-making and their grown-ups features singing, dancing, and a variety of instruments to try out. So come jam out to your favorite classic and new songs, show off your best dance moves, and play in a dazzling stream of bubbles!
Registering for multiple Bubble Jams and/or Story Sprouts classes? Save 15% on each class by following this link!
12-36 months old with a caregiver
Thursdays, 9:30-10:15am
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$132 | Register by 2/15 for 15% off!
Get those wiggles out as we learn all about the body in Story Sprouts! Through engaging multi-sensory drama and movement activities, this five-week class will support the development of your child’s fine and gross motor skills, communication skills, early childhood literacy, and blossoming creative spirit.
Registering for multiple Bubble Jams and/or Story Sprouts classes? Save 15% on each class by following this link!
April 29 from 3pm - 5pm
Selznick says of the book: "BIG TREE is about a kind of hope that can be found in nature. It's about surviving by working together to create a community. It's about moving forward, planning for the future, and growing—even in the face of destruction. The natural world also offers so many beautiful metaphors to help us live."
The event is free, but space is limited. Once capacity has been reached, we will be keeping a waiting list.
You will have the opportunity to pre-purchase the book for pickup at the event.
Join us for our 2023 summer camp season where students will learn the basics of acting, songwriting, scenic and prop design, choreography, and collaborative story development as they work together to create dynamic performances for friends and family.
For rising grades 2-5
Thursday-Friday, 9:30am-4:00pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
Free before care from 8:30-9:30am and free after care from 4:00-5:30pm
$205 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
Schools out! Join us for an awesome 2-day mashup of drama, design, music, and dance. Campers will rotate through a variety of dynamic performing arts classes such as clown, dance, improv, beatbox, puppetry, and more! After a long school year, kick off the summer with a fun-filled camp that is sure to spark your imagination.
Masks will be strongly recommended during this camp. For more information on precautions we are taking during the pandemic, please see our Education Policies & FAQs.
For rising grades 1-4
No class June 19th
Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:00pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
Free before care from 8:30-9:30am and free after care from 4:00-5:30pm
$930 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
What might you see when you hold a magnifying glass up to an anthill? You’ll find them singing, dancing, and getting up to all kinds of wacky adventures! Through music, improv storytelling, crafts, and movement, you will collaborate with professional theatre artists to create characters, stories, and songs for the stage. On the last day of camp at 4pm, campers will perform their original show for families and friends in CCT’s Pritzker Family Theatre.
Masks will be strongly recommended during this camp. For more information on precautions we are taking during the pandemic, please see our Education Policies & FAQs.
For rising grades 3-5
No class June 19th
Monday-Friday, 8:15AM-12:25PM CST at UChicago Lab Schools
Create your own character in this lively two-week camp! Through character development, voice and body exploration, and imagination young actors will take the stage as the characters they created. Young actors will gain confidence while learning to work together as an ensemble. During the final day of camp, campers will perform their own new story for families.
For rising Kindergarteners
No class June 19th
Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-3:30PM CST at UChicago Lab Schools
Surf’s up! In this dynamic two-week drama camp, young actors will develop their communication skills, imaginative thinking, and stage presence, while creating an original short theater piece. On the final day of camp, campers will perform their brand new mini-play for family and friends! This class also has a weekly rotation of sports, music, library, art, and outdoor water play to round out their day.
For rising grades 1-2
No class June 19th
Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-3:30PM CST at UChicago Lab Schools
Surf’s up! In this dynamic two-week drama camp, young actors will develop their communication skills, imaginative thinking, and stage presence, while creating an original short theater piece. On the final day of camp, campers will perform their brand new mini-play for family and friends! This class also has a weekly rotation of sports, music, library, art, and outdoor water play to round out their day.
For ages 4-6
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
$275 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
Calling all explorers to the concrete jungle! Join us for this half-day camp as we explore our city through story-based drama, music, and movement! Through multi-sensory creative drama activities, you will scale skyscrapers, travel on the train, and buzz about the busy city , all while developing motor skills, social emotional skills, and imaginative thinking. Join us on the final day of camp as we share our city adventures with family and friends through a mini performance!
Masks will be strongly recommended during this camp. For more information on precautions we are taking during the pandemic, please see our Education Policies & FAQs.
For rising grades 2-6
No class July 4th
Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:00pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
Free before care from 8:30-9:30am and free after care from 4:00-5:30pm
$930 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
Mythical monsters strike the stage! Through explorations of legendary creatures from all around the world, you will gain confidence in acting, character creation, movement, collaborative story development, and more, all led by professional theatre artists. On the last day of camp at 4pm, campers will perform an original myth mashup for family and friends in CCT’s Pritzker Family Studio Theatre.
Masks will be strongly recommended during this camp. For more information on precautions we are taking during the pandemic, please see our Education Policies & FAQs.
For ages 4-6
No class July 4th
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
$220 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
3…2…1… drama time! In this half-day camp, blast off into story-based drama, music, and movement. Through multi-sensory creative drama activities, you will explore the moon, stars, and alien worlds, all while developing motor skills, social emotional skills, and imaginative thinking. Join us on the final day of camp as we share our intergalactic adventures with family and friends through a mini performance!
Masks will be strongly recommended during this camp. For more information on precautions we are taking during the pandemic, please see our Education Policies & FAQs.
For rising grades 3-5
No class July 4th
Monday-Friday, 8:15AM-12:25PM CST at UChicago Lab Schools
Shake out the nerves and take the stage as collaborative performers in this energizing two-week camp! Through character work, movement-based drama, and vocal exploration young actors will create and stage their own movement-based stories. Young actors will develop essential skills for taking the stage confidently and charismatically. During the final day of camp, campers will perform their own new story for families.
For rising Kindergarteners
No class July 4th
Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-3:30PM CST at UChicago Lab Schools
Get lost on a car ride across the country! In this adventurous two-week acting camp, young actors will explore the open road through creative drama activities, improv games, and theatrical design. On the final day of camp, campers will perform their own new story for families. This class also has a weekly rotation of sports, music, library, art, and outdoor water play to round out their day.
For rising grades 1-2
No class July 4th
Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-3:30PM CST at UChicago Lab Schools
Get lost on a car ride across the country! In this adventurous two-week acting camp, young actors will explore the open road through creative drama activities, improv games, and theatrical design. On the final day of camp, campers will perform their own new story for families. This class also has a weekly rotation of sports, music, library, art, and outdoor water play to round out their day.
For rising grades 1-3
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-3:30pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
Free before care from 8:30-9:00am and free after care from 3:30-5:00pm
$515 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
The Great Planet Earth Parade is setting off from Chicago Children’s Theatre! Drawing from traditions of outdoor spectacle theatre, campers will collaborate with professional theatre artists to create your very own parade to celebrate our planet! Each day will feature drama activities and art projects exploring character, storytelling, and environmental themes. Camp culminates in a unique parking-lot parade performance at 3:00pm Friday, filled with lively music, vibrant color, and larger than life storytelling for family and friends to cheer on from the sidelines.
Masks will be strongly recommended during this camp. For more information on precautions we are taking during the pandemic, please see our Education Policies & FAQs.
For rising grades 4-8
Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:00pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
Free before care from 8:30-9:30am and free after care from 4:00-5:30pm
$1030 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
Who’s that new kid in town, and why do they have such big feet? In this coming-of-age story like no other, you will collaborate with professional theatre artists to create brand new characters, scenes, props, and songs for the stage. On the last day of camp at 4pm, campers will perform their original show for families and friends in CCT’s Pritzker Family Studio Theatre.
Masks will be strongly recommended during this camp. For more information on precautions we are taking during the pandemic, please see our Education Policies & FAQs.
For rising grades 3-5
Monday-Friday, 8:15AM-12:25PM CST at UChicago Lab Schools
Take to the stage like a pro in this two-week theater camp! Through playwriting, dramatic play, and vocal/physical exploration young actors will create and stage their own scenes. Young actors will make new friends and create wonderful worlds while gaining confidence in their creativity and stage presence. During the final day of camp, campers will perform their own new story for families.
For rising Kindergarteners
Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-3:30PM CST at UChicago Lab Schools
Ride the coasters! In this thrilling two-week acting camp, young actors will bring their favorite stories of the theme park to life through creative drama, music, and movement. On the final day of camp, campers will perform their own new story for families. This class also has a weekly rotation of sports, music, library, art, and outdoor water play to round out their day.
For rising grades 1-2
Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-3:30PM CST at UChicago Lab Schools
Ride the coasters! In this thrilling two-week acting camp! Young actors will bring their favorite stories of the theme park to life through creative drama, music, and movement. On the final day of camp, campers will perform their own new story for families. This class also has a weekly rotation of sports, music, library, art, and outdoor water play to round out their day.
For rising grades 1-2
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-3:30pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
Free before care from 8:30-9:00am and free after care from 3:30-5:00pm
$515 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
Get your giggles on and join us for this fun-filled improv camp! Kidprov will build your stage presence, confidence, self-awareness, and teamwork through improv games and drama activities designed for all kinds of learners and all kinds of fun. On the last day of camp at 3:30pm, family and friends are invited to a mini-improv show by the West Loop's newest improv troupe!
Masks will be strongly recommended during this camp. For more information on precautions we are taking during the pandemic, please see our Education Policies & FAQs.
For ages 8-22
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-12:15pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
$950 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
Camp Red Kite is a dynamic theatre day camp for young people on the autism spectrum. During three fun-filled weeks, campers ages 8-22 explore drama, music, and visual arts! Throughout each camp day, campers rotate through engaging arts classes with their age-appropriate small groups, growing their sense of community, imaginative thinking, and self-confidence.
Camp Red Kite is led by a trained team of theatre artists, administrators, and CPS Diverse Learner teachers dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for youth on the autism spectrum. Join us in-person this summer for an exciting arts experience that encourages self-expression, social engagement, and creative exploration!
Financial assistance is available! Please complete our financial assistance form here to apply before your register. Email redkite@chicagochildrenstheatre.org with any questions.
Masks will be strongly recommended during this camp. For more information on precautions we are taking during the pandemic, please see our Education Policies & FAQs.
For rising grades 5 - 9
Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:00pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
Drop off from 9:15-9:30am and free after care from 4:00-5:30pm
$515 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
Find your power and unlock your funny! The Future is Funny is a week-long improv and sketch comedy camp for youth whose gender identities have been underrepresented in the comedy scene, specifically girls (both trans and cis), non-binary kids, and trans boys. In a camp built on camaraderie and confidence, learn to embrace your fearless, bold, and hilarious side through improv games, character exercises, and sketch writing. At the end of the week, the West Loop’s newest comedy troupe will perform for family and friends in CCT’s Pritzker Family Studio Theatre at 4pm.
Masks will be strongly recommended during this camp. For more information on precautions we are taking during the pandemic, please see our Education Policies & FAQs.
For rising grades 6 - 10
Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:00pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
Drop off from 9:15-9:30am and free after care from 4:00-5:30pm
$1030 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
In this teen drama camp, we will devise an entirely original show in the tradition of Chicago’s storefront theatre scene. Through ensemble building work, drama activities, and collaborative playwriting, you will be empowered to speak your true stories, and to use theatre as a rehearsal for changing the world. On the last day of camp at 4pm, campers will perform their original show for families and friends in CCT’s Pritzker Family Studio Theatre.
Masks will be strongly recommended during this camp. For more information on precautions we are taking during the pandemic, please see our Education Policies & FAQs.
For rising grades 1 - 5
Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:00pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
Free before care from 8:30-9:30am and free after care from 4:00-5:30pm
$515 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
All aboard, matey! Inspired by classic pirate legends, campers will learn the basics of acting, character creation, song writing, dance, collaborative story development, scene and prop construction as you work together with professional theatre artists to create an original sea-worthy saga. On the last day of camp at 4pm, campers will perform their pirate tale for families, friends, and scallywags in CCT’s Pritzker Family Studio Theatre.
Masks will be strongly recommended during this camp. For more information on precautions we are taking during the pandemic, please see our Education Policies & FAQs.
CCT presents the original story and song Edward The Tap Dancing Elephant by acclaimed musician Ralph Covert, of Ralph's World, and featuring Time Brickey!
Edward the Elephant was always told he couldn't live his dream of being a famous tap dancer - but when he sneaks out of the zoo to meet his tap dancing idol he finally gets a shot at stardom! This charming story and song is brought to life on camera with hand-illustrated puppets by Will Bishop and green-screen tap dancing by Time Brickey.