Children’s author and illustrator Arnold Lobel’s beloved characters hop from the page to the stage in the Tony-nominated musical A Year With Frog And Toad, based on his popular children’s book that follows two best friends – the cheerful, popular Frog and grumpy, but lovable Toad – through four fun-filled seasons.
A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD was originally presented on Broadway by Bob Boyett, Adrianne Lobel, Michael Gardner, Lawrence Horowitz and Roy Furman. The play had its world Premiere at The Children’s Theatre Company Minneapolis, Minnesota.
A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD- TYA is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
For ages 12-36 months with a caregiver
Mondays, 9:30-10:15am
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$168 | 6 sessions
Register by 3/1/24 for a 15% discount!
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!
For ages 8-15
Tuesdays, 5:00-6:00pm
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$168 | 6 sessions
Register by 3/1/24 for a 15% discount!
Designed for young people on the autism spectrum, this lively musical theatre workshop will encourage you to find the music within you! You’ll build confidence in your vocal abilities, learn basic dance steps and original choreography, and act your heart out to beloved musical theatre songs. In the final workshop, you’ll perform a mini musical theatre showcase right in your classroom!
For ages 2-5 with a caregiver
Sundays, 9:00-9:45am
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$168 | 6 sessions
Register by 3/1/24 for a 15% discount!
Hop on over to Sunday Story Jams! Through multi-sensory drama and music activities, you and your child will bounce on lily pads, croak with frogs, and learn age-old lessons of friendship inspired by classic "Frog and Toad" stories. Sunday Story Jams will help develop 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
$294 | 7 sessions
Register by 3/1/24 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 leveling up your movement and vocal technique as you explore scene work and original choreography inspired by your favorite contemporary pop and rock musicals, like American Idiot and SIX. On the last day of class, you will perform some favorite songs and scenes for family and friends!
For ages 4-7 with a caregiver
Sundays, 10:30-11:15am
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$168 | 6 sessions
Register by 3/1/24 for a 15% discount!
Designed for youth on the autism spectrum with a participating grown-up, this highly-interactive creative drama class will get the whole family moving and imagining! Bond with your little one through creative drama, music, and multisensory activities, while supporting your child’s motor development, communication skills, self-confidence, and blossoming creative spirit.
For grades K-2
Mondays, 4:30-5:30pm
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$196 | 7 sessions
Register by 3/1/24 for a 15% discount!
Get ready to shake out the nerves and take the stage as a confident and collaborative performer! In this improvisational theatre class, you’ll learn the basics of creating hilarious scenes and working together as you explore improv games, partner work, and laugh-out-loud 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!
CCT offers free after-school pick-up from Skinner West Elementary School and Intercultural Montessori.
For grades 3-5
Mondays, 5:00-6:00
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$196 | 7 sessions
Register by 3/1/24 for a 15% discount!
Are you ready to take your acting game to the next level? In this advanced acting class, you’ll sharpen your essential theatre skills through vocal, movement, and imagination exercises, exploring methods that professional actors use to prepare for performance. The last day of class will culminate in a mini-showcase performed right in your classroom!
CCT offers free after-school pick-up from Skinner West Elementary School and Intercultural Montessori.
For ages 4-6
Tuesdays, 4:00-4:45
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$196 | 7 sessions
Register by 3/1/24 for a 15% discount!
Leap into imagination in this lively class for young performers! Through movement-based drama activities, you’ll bounce on lilypads, hop through the seasons, and learn age-old lessons of friendship inspired by classic "Frog and Toad" stories. Build confidence in expressing your creative side while expanding social-emotional and motor skills, and having a ton of fun while you’re at it! On the last day of class, you’ll share some of your favorite parts of class with family and friends.
For grades 3-5
Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30pm
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$196 | 7 sessions
Register by 3/1/24 for a 15% discount!
Live from Chicago Children’s Theatre, it’s Tuesday Night! Master the basics of comedy through writing sketches, playing drama games, and performing original stand-up routines. You’ll develop your own comedic voice and learn to nail the perfect punchline! After a semester of building confidence and community, the West Loop’s newest comedy troupe will share the laughs in a performance for friends and family.
CCT offers free after-school pick-up from Skinner West Elementary School and Intercultural Montessori.
For grades K-2
Tuesdays, 5:00-6:00pm
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$196 | 7 sessions
Register by 3/1/24 for a 15% discount!
Lions, witches, and wizards, oh my! Through theatrical explorations of fantasy stories, you’ll act out scenes, build stage skills with theatre games, and use your imagination to create characters in your own magical journey. The last day of class will culminate in the opening (and closing) of your ensemble’s original story performed right in your classroom!
CCT offers free after-school pick-up from Skinner West Elementary School and Intercultural Montessori.
For ages 12-36 months with a caregiver
Wednesdays, 11:00-11:45am
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$168 | 6 sessions
Register by 3/1/24 for a 15% discount!
Say hola to bilingualism for your baby! Through engaging multi-sensory drama and movement activities, this playful Spanish-immersion class for you and your child will have you singing songs, reading stories, moving your body, and learning Spanish in no time. Bilingual Babies will nurture your child’s blossoming creative spirit, and support cognitive development through playing and learning in a second language.
*No previous Spanish-language knowledge is needed for children or grown-ups to participate!
¡Dile hola al bilingüismo para tu bebé! A través de actividades multi sensoriales de teatro y movimiento, esta divertida clase de inmersión al español para ti y tu bebé los tendrá cantando, leyendo cuentos, moviendo el cuerpo y aprendiendo español en poco tiempo. “Bilingual Babies- Bebés Bilingües” nutrirá al floreciente espíritu creativo de tu bebé, y apoyará al desarrollo cognitivo a través de juegos y aprendizaje en un segundo idioma.
*No es necesario tener conocimiento previo de español en niños o adultos para participar
For grades K-2
Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30pm
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$196 | 7 sessions
Register by 3/1/24 for a 15% discount!
Ribbit and croak in perfect harmony! Through musical explorations of classic "Frog and Toad" stories, you’ll learn new songs, build acting skills with theatre games, and bring the friendship of "Frog and Toad" to life. The last day of class will culminate in a mini musical performance right in your classroom.
CCT offers free after-school pick-up from Skinner West Elementary School and Intercultural Montessori.
For grades 6-8
Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00pm
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$294 | 7 sessions
Register by 3/1/24 for a 15% discount!
Practice your acting skills on the silver screen! In this advanced acting class, students will hone their on-camera acting skills through scene work, character generation, and collaboration, all while creating an original film short. On the last day of class, we’ll roll out the red carpet for a movie premiere right in your classroom!
CCT offers free after-school pick-up from Skinner West Elementary School and Intercultural Montessori.
For ages 12-36 months with a caregiver
Thursdays, 9:30-10:15am
at Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S Racine Ave
$168 | 6 sessions
Register by 3/1/24 for a 15% discount!
Stop and smell the flowers in Story Sprouts! Through engaging multi-sensory drama and movement activities, we’ll touch, smell, hear, and say hello to the plants and animals of spring. This playful class for you and your child will support the development of their fine and gross motor skills, communication skills, early childhood literacy, and blossoming creative spirit.
For ages 5-7
Thursdays, 4:30-5:30pm
at The Menomonee Club-Drucker Center, 1535 N Dayton St.
$275 | Register by 3/11 for a 15% discount!
For ages 8-11
Thursdays, 5:30-6:30pm
at The Menomonee Club-Drucker Center, 1535 N Dayton St.
$275 | Register by 3/11 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 leveling up your movement and vocal technique as you explore scene work and original choreography inspired by your favorite contemporary pop and rock musicals, like American Idiot and SIX. On the last day of class, you will perform some favorite songs and scenes for family and friends!
Join us for our 2024 summer camp season where your student will create and perform their own story at Chicago Children’s Theatre!
In our camps for ages 4-14, we prioritize young people’s creativity, ingenuity, and self-expression.
That’s why we devise with kids. Devised theatre is a method of creating original plays and theatre works as a group and then performing that original work together.
In the first half of a CCT camp, campers practice their performance skills, generate ideas for characters and scenes, and collaborate with professional theatre artists to mold their big ideas into a cohesive piece of theatre. In the second half of camp, campers finalize, rehearse, and perform their original work.
All camps culminate in a performance or sharing on the final day of camp for family and friends to attend, with many performances held in CCT’s Pritzker Family Studio Theatre.
Financial Aid is available and free before-and-after care is offered for all students.
For rising grades 1-2
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
$550 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
It's a beautiful day in Chicago, partly cloudy with a chance of...FLYING SPAGHETTI?! Explore music, drama, movement, and prop design with a culinary twist. In collaboration with professional theatre artists, you’ll generate ideas for characters, scenes, and songs to create a brand new short play and weather the spaghetti storm! On the last day of camp, campers will perform their original show 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.
Submit A R.O.A.R. Residency Inquiry Form
R.O.A.R. (Residencies of Arts and Resilience) will provide an opportunity for students to authentically reflect on challenging or stressful situations, gaining the tools for sharing with others, self care and self agency in those moments. The curriculum (developed in partnership with the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Center for Childhood Resilience) uses children’s literature, theatre and other multi-disciplinary art forms as the source material for trauma-informed activities and conversations that promote coping mechanisms, social-emotional expression, and resilience. Our goal is for 100% of our students to "ROAR" with confidence, “I am a brave person.”
“I just wanted to let you know how much the students and teachers love the program. A fellow teacher told me yesterday that one of the students that never speaks in her class participated and shared for the first time with your teachers. This also happened in my class with a student – she has never spoken out loud before. She speaks little English and is self-conscious, but this program has helped her overcome it. I just wanted to say thank you for all of the great work that you are doing.” - Alison, Hamline Elementary
Submit A Red Kite Residency Inquiry Form
Red Kite Drama Time is an adaptive theater program for young people on the autism spectrum and other neurodiverse learners. The primary pillars of our curriculum are social-emotional learning (SEL), creative drama, and English Language Arts speaking and listening skills. Guided by highly trained theatre artists, students use existing stories as the basis for creating their own monologues and scenes, while exploring their emotional expressivity and understanding through the hands-on practice of theatre. Our classes engage in creative play and sensory experiences to encourage students to connect with their unique body, voice, imagination, and with the community around them.
“This clearly was a beautiful experience, one that more children, autistic or not, should have.” -H. Schubert, Professor and University Scholar, Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Illinois at Chicago
For ages 4-6
No camp June 19
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
$220 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
Calling all kitties, critters, and animal lovers! In this half-day drama camp, we’ll explore the animal world through story-based drama, animal folk tales, music, creative play, and movement. Through multi-sensory creative drama activities, you’ll run with cheetahs, chatter with monkeys, and create wildlife characters all your own. Join us on the final day of camp as we share our animal adventures with family and friends in 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 2-5
No camp June 19
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
$990 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
What happens when the cats converge? We’ll find them rocking & rolling in the glamorous night of Cat City! Through explorations of cunning creatures, you’ll gain confidence in acting, character creation, movement, collaborative story development, and more, all led by professional theatre artists. On the last day of camp, campers will perform an original glam-rock inspired tale 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
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
$275 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
It’s a bird…it’s a plane… it’s Story Explorers! In this half-day drama camp, soar into story-based drama, music, and movement. Through multi-sensory creative drama activities, you’ll explore superhero stories, play thrilling theatre games, and create characters in your own heroic journey using your biggest superpower: your imagination. Join us on the final day of camp as we share our super 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 1-3
No camp July 4
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
$440 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
The Sensational Sea Serpent Parade is setting off from Chicago Children’s Theatre! Drawing from traditions of outdoor spectacle theatre, you’ll collaborate with professional theatre artists to create your very own parade. Each day will feature drama activities and art projects exploring character, storytelling, and ocean themes. Camp will culminate in a unique parking lot parade performance 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 4-7
No camp July 4
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
$990 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
Who’s that new kid in town, and why do they look just like you? In this not-yet-written tale of mistaken identity, you will collaborate with professional theatre artists to create unique characters, scenes, songs, and show-stopping musical numbers for the stage. On the last day of camp, campers will perform their original musical 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 rising 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
$550 | 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, 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, 9:00am-12:30pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
$900 | 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 at Chicago Children’s Theatre this summer for an exciting arts experience that encourages self-expression, social engagement, and creative exploration!
Financial assistance and payment plans are available! You can apply for financial assistance as part of your registration. Email redkite@chicagochildrenstheatre.org with any questions.
For rising 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
$550 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
Find your power and unlock your funny! Comedy Performance is a week-long improv and sketch comedy camp for those ready to find their funny bone. In a camp built on team spirit, you’ll 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.
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 1-3
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
$550 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
Into the woods we go! In this lively camp for young music lovers, you’ll sing nature-filled songs, practice basic acting skills, create woodland characters, and dance your heart out to bring your favorite forest folktales to life. On the last day of camp, campers will perform a medley of songs and scenes 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 rising grades 5-9
Monday-Friday, 10:00am-4:00pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
Free before-care from 9:00-10:00am, free after-care from 4:00-5:30pm
$550 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
Be bold and be you in this week-long stage combat intensive for youth whose gender identities have been underrepresented in stage combat, specifically girls (both trans and cis), non-binary kids, and trans boys. In a camp built on camaraderie and confidence, smash the glass ceiling through hand-to-hand stage combat techniques, character exercises, and scene creation. On the last day of camp, you will perform original stage combat scenes 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
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm at CCT, 100 S Racine Ave
$275 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
Is that the thump of a groovy beat or a T-Rex coming our way? In this half-day drama camp, we’ll explore the dinosaur world through story-based drama, music, and movement. In fun-filled multi-sensory creative drama activities, you’ll stomp with a Stegosaurus, soar with the Pterodactyls, and boogie with a Brontosaurus, all while developing social emotional skills and imaginative thinking. Join us on the final day of camp as we share our Jurassic 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 1-4
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
$1100 | Register by Dec 31st for a 15% discount!
Shoot for the stars! Inspired by real life outer space adventures and the aliens of our wildest imaginations, campers will blast off into the basics of acting, music, movement, and theatrical design. In collaboration with professional theatre artists, you’ll generate ideas for characters, scenes, and songs to create a brand new short play that’s out of this world! On the last day of camp, campers will perform their celestial story 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 rising grades 2-5
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
$550
Yeehaw, cowpokes! Hop on a bucking bronco and giddy-up into acting, music, movement, and theatrical design. In collaboration with professional theatre artists, you’ll generate ideas for characters, scenes, and songs to create an original Wild West adventure! On the last day of camp, campers will perform their short play 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.