ECT Announces our 2026-27 Season!
Fall Musical
Disney's Newsies: The Broadway Musical
Performances October 23-25
Blackhawk Middle School, Bensenville
Director
Anna Brown
Musical Director
Dr Paul Nielsen
Choreographer/Asst Music Directer
Dean Zaverdas, Jr
Show Synopsis
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!
Performances October 23-25
Blackhawk Middle School, Bensenville
Director
Anna Brown
Musical Director
Dr Paul Nielsen
Choreographer/Asst Music Directer
Dean Zaverdas, Jr
Show Synopsis
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!
Fall Class
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.
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.
ECT Improv
Unintentionally Hilarious is back for a 18th season under the direction of the amazing Tim Soszko!
More information coming this Fall!
Unintentionally Hilarious auditions are open to students in grades 6-8 who live in or attend school in Elmhurst
More information coming this Fall!
Unintentionally Hilarious auditions are open to students in grades 6-8 who live in or attend school in Elmhurst
Spring Musical
Spring Show will be announced soon!
Performances April 23-26
Blackhawk Middle School
250 S. Church Rd. Bensenville
Registration Opens - 1/14 at 7pm
Auditions -2/2
Callbacks - 2/3
Rehearsals - MTW 2/15-4/14
Tech week - 4/18-4/22
Performances - 4/23-4/25
Summer Show
TBD
More information, including dates, will be provided in January
More information, including dates, will be provided in January
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