ECT elmhurst children's theatre

Welcome to Elmhurst Children's Theatre

It's time to carry the banner on your stage with Disney's Newsies! Set in turn-of-the century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged "newsies." When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right!

Director Anna Brown • Music Director Dr Paul Nielsen
Choreographer Dean Zaverdas, Jr

Performances
October 23-25 at Blackhawk Middle School, Bensenville, IL

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Congrats to the Cast of Into the Woods, Jr.

Our cast put on an amazing show of Into the Woods in June! The Junior version of the award-winning musical follows a humble Baker and his Wife who learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door. The couple embarks on a quest – swindling, deceiving and stealing from such fairy tale themed characters as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack (fresh off the beanstalk!) – to get the special objects required to break the spell.

Fall Class Starts September 3!

Beyond the Music - The Young Actors Masterclass

Grades 4-6: Thu, Sep 3, 2026 to Thu, Oct 15, 2026 6:00pm CDT to 7:00pm CDT
Grades 7-9: Thu, Sep 3, 2026 to Thu, Oct 15, 2026 7:15pm CDT to 8:15pm CDT

Have you ever wondered what makes a performance on stage truly captivating? Hint: It’s more than just singing the right notes! Led by seasoned instructor Deb O’Connor, Beyond the Music pulls back the curtain on authentic acting for youth performers. In this intensive 6-week masterclass, young actors will shift away from robotic line recitation and dive into genuine scene work. Students will learn how to connect with scene partners, react in real time, and bring honest emotion to every moment on stage—all while discovering what directors are really looking for behind the audition desk.

Elmhurst Children’s Theatre Masterclasses provide small-group, highly intentional instruction tailored to elevate specific performance skills. Featuring a low student-to-teacher ratio, these focused sessions give young actors room for individual growth and personalized coaching in musical theatre skills.

Note: There will be no class held on September 17, 2026.

Instructor: Deb O’Connor

Prerequisites: Participants must be in Grades 4-9 and either residents of Elmhurst or students at a school located in Elmhurst. Please note that no refunds will be given for any cancellations that occur on or after August 20, 2026.

Learn More and Register

The Lasting Impact of Theatre

ECT makes impacts in the lives of children, builds confidence, friendships and skills that impact their lives! Read more about the impact of ECT in Elmhurst Magazine's profile for Broadway's (and Elmhurst's) own Anthony Michael Lopez!

Elmhurst Children's Theatre is so thankful for the performers, musicians, crew members, parents, families, sponsors and audiences that make our shows so special!

Do you love children's theatre? WE DO!

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