CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF ELGIN (CTE): Founded 1988

Children’s Theatre of Elgin was founded by a group of parents in response to a lack of local opportunities in the performing arts for their children and others ages 7-15 years. The goal was to include all who auditioned and provide meaningful live-theatre instruction and experiences. CTE produces two large-scale shows each year at Hemmens Cultural Center using scripts based on fairy tales, literature and historical stories, including original scripts written by CTE board members.   

FOX VALLEY THEATRE COMPANY (FVTC): Founded 2006

In 1993, Fox Valley Youth Theatre, Inc. (FVYT) was added to CTE to serve students ages 15-20 and separately incorporated in 2006 as Fox Valley Theatre Company (FVTC). This troupe presents a full-length Broadway musical each year at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theater.  

COMBINED TROUPES

In the summer of 1999, CTE & FVYT combined for an innovative song-and-dance showstoppers revue.  The tremendous popularity of this show evolved into an annual event with nearly forty fast-paced numbers performed by 130-180 students ages 7-20 presented at Elgin Community College’s Blizzard Theater.   

WORKSHOPS/CLASSES

Our artistic director/drama oversees workshops and musical theatre camp for all interested students.  

LEADERSHIP

A single board of directors governs both CTE and FVTC with board members acting as show producers. A non-voting auxiliary board handles publicity, set and costume shops, group sales, equipment management, and office duties.   

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• 95 shows, 6,500 cast members, 305,000 audience members
• $830K+  in ticket sales since 2000
• Tours to southern Illinois, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Hawaii
• Helped establish the first children’s theatre troupe on the island of Oahu.
• 1991: Received the Illinois Community Education Association Award
• 2004: Children’s Theatre of Elgin was named one of 150 Things that Make Elgin Great.
• 2006: Named a favorite destination in Kids Love Illinois by George and Michele Zavatsky.
• 2007: Received the Elgin Image Award for helping promote a positive impression of Elgin.