OUR PROGRAM
Skyline Children's Theater is a prestigious, award-winning children's theater company that has established its presence across 20+ locations. Renowned as one of the largest and most enduring children's theater programs in the vibrant Chicagoland area, Skyline brings the enchantment of Broadway right to young performers' fingertips.
Catering to the diverse age range from preschool to eighth grade, Skyline provides tailored classes for every young performer. At Skyline Children's Theater, we believe that every actor, regardless of age, deserves their moment in the spotlight.
Skyline actors discover their own creative voice but also forge lasting connections, cultivate interpersonal skills, and nurture confidence. Get ready to unlock the magic of theater and create memories that will last a lifetime.
With that, the very first Skyline class began with just 6 dedicated and passionate young actors. Little did those actors know that they were solidifying this shared passion that was in fact a calling for the duo.
Twenty years later, Skyline Children's Theater is now one of the largest and longest-running children's theaters in the Chicagoland area servicing the North Shore, Lake County, and the Northside of Chicago.
OUR STORY
In November 2004, college roommates and friends Erica and Jacqui reminisced about their childhood theater experiences, recalling how learning performing arts prepared them for adulthood. Teamwork, communication, time management, public speaking, and confidence were just a few of the social and emotional skills they found themselves using in daily life.
Between Erica teaching kindergarten and Jacqui casting TV and radio for advertisements, the idea for Skyline Children's Theater stemmed from a shared passion for inspiring children and performing arts.
OUR CASTING PROCESS
Skyline Children's Theater believes in providing equal opportunities for all actors. This is why Skyline is a no-cut program. Auditions take place on the first day of each session, where directors teach a dance routine and a song from the seasonal title. Actors are also encouraged to read lines for various characters. Every participant who auditions becomes a valuable part of the show's ensemble.
Our dedicated directors work together to cast each show in a fair and inclusive manner. Factors such as age, development, and experience are all factored into making an appropriate and equitable decision for the ensemble. Within each unique cast dynamic, directors strive to provide suitable challenges for every actor based on their individual capabilities.
As actors continue on to the Stars and Performers level, they get the opportunity to audition for singing solos. This ensures that each actor has a chance to showcase their talent.
Skyline Children's Theater is committed to creating a collaborative environment where actors feel supported, challenged, and empowered.
AGE LEVELS
AND THE GOALS FOR EACH
TOTS (ages 3-5)
Skyline's Broadway Tots, designed especially for pre-K actors, is a play-based, high-energy introduction into the world of musical theater. There are no auditions because the focus for Tots is to learn the rehearsal process and have fun. Tots actors learn five songs and dances from that session's musical and play games that practice teamwork. Skyline directors foster a safe space that encourages growth and bravery and introduces kids to performing on a stage--for many of them, for the first time! All Tots sessions culminate in a final performance where actors are encouraged to dress up as their favorite character from the show. Families will be provided with instructions for how to assemble a costume a few weeks prior to the 15 minute show.
The goal for Tots actors is that by the end of the session, they are able to perform the songs and dances without vocal tracks in front of an audience with the director dancing along with them for support. This brief performance is comprised of songs and dances, guided theater games, and basic narration provided by the director.
JUNIORS (K-2nd)
Skyline's Broadway Juniors is an encouraging musical theatre experience designed for Kindergarten through 2nd grade actors. Juniors enhance their reading skills by using a script, and get introduced to the responsibilities that come with having their own role—such as memorizing lines at home, reciting them in character, and working together as an ensemble cast in rehearsals. During the casting process, Juniors practice emotional processing and maintaining a positive attitude when accepting their role.
All Juniors sessions culminate in a 30 minute show, where families receive detailed instructions on how to assemble an original costume a few weeks prior. For the entirety of the final performance, Juniors stay on stage in a "U-formation," except for stepping into the spotlight to recite their lines and during choreographed formation changes. The cast sings and dances as an ensemble in every musical number, meaning no actors sing solos at this level. The goal for Juniors actors is that by the end of the session, they are able to perform the entire show with scenes and songs memorized, "off-book," in front of an audience with the director in front of them for support.
STARS (3rd-5th)
Skyline's Broadway Stars is designed for elementary school actors between 2nd-6th grade depending on the location. Through a full rehearsal process, Stars learn independence, responsibility, and self-sufficiency through the ownership of a named role. While they perform as an ensemble in all musical numbers, Stars level up by singing solos, developing character, learning fundamental choreography, and more complex blocking. Stars are expected to memorize lines, lyrics, choreography, and all blocking including entrances and exits. To accomplish this, Stars take notes in their scripts during rehearsal and are given benchmarks for what should be practiced at home to return "off-book" the following week. Utilizing Actor Resources is highly recommended. Every week, Stars collaborate as a cast to rehearse their show and reflect on their strengths (what went well) and weaknesses (where can we improve) to feel confident come showtime.
During the final rehearsals, directors may assign captains (dance, singing, backstage.) Captains are actors who've demonstrated leadership potential and exceptional comprehension of material in a particular area. Families receive detailed instructions on how to assemble an original costume weeks prior to the hour-long final performance. With director discretion, Stars are able to perform the full show: script, songs, transitions, "off-book" in front of an audience with minimal backstage support.
PERFORMERS (6-8th)
Skyline's Broadway Performers is designed for middle school actors grades 6th-8th. Through a full rehearsal process, Performers learn independence, responsibility, and self-sufficiency through developing their named character. While they perform as an ensemble in most musical numbers and sing solos, Performers level up by learning complex scene work and blocking as well as more advanced musical theatre choreography. Performers are expected to take notes in their scripts during rehearsal as a tool to memorize text, music, choreography, and blocking. Utilizing Actor Resources is also expected.
Like Stars, Performers are given benchmarks for what should be practiced at home to return "off-book" the following week. Every week, Performers collaborate as a cast to rehearse and reflect on their strengths (what went well) and weaknesses (where can we improve) to ensure the show's success. During the final rehearsals, directors may assign dance, song, or backstage captains: actors who've demonstrated leadership skills and exceptional comprehension of material in a particular area. Families receive detailed instructions on how to assemble an original costume weeks prior to the hour-long final performance. Performers are able to perform the full show "off-book" in front of an audience with minimal to no backstage support.
OUR REHEARSAL PROCESS
Led by experienced directors who are passionate about both the arts and education, Skyline Children's Theater offers an inclusive program that embraces actors of all abilities.
Throughout a structured rehearsal process spanning 10-12 weeks, actors gain a solid foundation in theater basics. They learn essential skills such as stage directions and blocking, choreography, and singing. Actors also explore acting technique, character development, and vocal projection.
Children develop a strong sense of confidence on stage, nurture their creativity, and forge friendships with fellow castmates. Through stepping into a character’s shoes, young actors develop empathy, which results in compassion and increased emotional intelligence.
FINAL
PRODUCT
Every Skyline session culminates in an exciting final performance for family and friends. Families will be provided instructions on how to assemble an original costume. The final show is a celebration of not just individual talent, but the incredible power of teamwork.
OUR STAFF
Skyline Children's Theater's Staff is comprised of a team of directors that are experienced theater professionals, such as working actors, choreographers and directors, stage managers, and elementary educators.
Skyline directors’ diverse skill sets make up an impressive team of teaching artists who understand the demands of leading a cast of actors throughout the rehearsal process, how to cater to an actor's individual needs, while keeping the focus on showcasing their talents.
This team of directors collaborates with an administrative team who liaisons with our partners, oversees behind-the-scenes production, parent communication, registration, and education.
MEET THE TEAM
WORK WITH SKYLINE
Skyline Children's Theater
P.O. Box #2655
Northbrook, IL 60062
SKYLINE IS HIRING FOR SUMMER
In order to apply, Teaching Artists must have:
Availability during weekdays Monday-Friday
Opportunities Include:
FULL TIME Employment opportunities for the summer
Opportunities for lead and assistant teaching
Where:
Hiring for the northside of Chicago, the North Shore AND Lake County suburban camps and classes.
HIRING NOW!
Fill out the form below or email marketing@skylinechildrenstheater.com with your cover letter and resume with relevant education and theatre experience.
If we are interested, we'll be in touch!