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Youth Education

Citadel's youth programs give kids hands-on theatre theatre experience with room to grow at their own pace. The programs teach real craft in a space safe enough for kids to be themselves.

Types of Programs
Scholarships

Citadel Theatre

Youth Education

With Citadel Theatre, students work on their craft and walk away with more than stage skills.

Our Approach

We help guide our students not only to work on their craft, but gives them assistance with basic every day life skills. Self confidence, public speaking, social, support, study and problem solving skills are just a few things being part of the theatre can help nurture.

Types of

Programs

Production Programs

Students audition and join a production, rehearse it, and take the stage.

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Workshops

Students audition and join a production, rehearse it, and take the stage.

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Summer Camps

Students audition and join a production, rehearse it, and take the stage.

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Troupe Programs

Combine all the Production + Workshops in the season, plus discounted summer camps!

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Scholarships

Because cost shouldn't be a barrier.

Citadel believes every child deserves access to theatre, regardless of financial circumstance.

We offer need-based scholarships for our classes and camps, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to families who qualify for free or reduced lunch through their school.

The number and amount of scholarships we can offer depends on our operating budget. Once a class or camp fills up, scholarship spots for it close too, so we encourage families to apply early. Space is always limited and we can't promise a spot, but we'll do everything we can to make an affordable arrangement work for your family.

To Apply for a Scholarship

Please download the scholarship application and send to erina@citadeltheatre.org or call us at 847-735-8554 ext 2

Scholarship Application

Youth Education

Gallery

Children performing Hard Knock Life in Citadel's production of Annie, some with arms raised, dressed in period costumes, with beds and blankets as set decorations.
Children in colorful costumes performing on stage in Citadel's Youth Showcase of The Little Mermaid.
Kids from Citadel's Youth Education Program dressed in costumes for a theater play, standing on stage with a painted forest backdrop.
Children in colorful costumes performing on stage in Citadel's Youth Showcase of The Little Mermaid.
A group of children on a stage, some sitting on benches and one standing with a microphone, in a decorated event space with purple lights and checkered floor.
Children performing in Citadel's production of The Little Mermaid, with some dressed as sea creatures like an octopus and a fish, on stage with colorful background.
Three young girls standing outdoors at sunset, with trees in the background, making peace signs with their hands.
Close-up of a group of smiling girls with various hair colors and styles, outdoors with a wooded background.
Group of children and a woman holding books on a stage with a large screen behind them displaying the Citadel Theatre Education logo. The children are smiling and posing for a photo.
Children dressed as fairy tale princesses and characters in a classroom or indoor play area, some standing and some sitting, with shelves and colorful decor in the background.
Group of children and adults gathered around a grand piano, reading sheet music, in a classroom or rehearsal space, with a music book on the piano.
Group of children hugging each other in a classroom with balloons and whiteboards.

Parent Testimonials

  • “The leaders understand each child and help them develop from where they are to where they want to be.”

    Our daughter has adored every experience she's had with Citadel. The directors and leaders have been responsive and proactive in their communication. And they are supportive and warm with all of the children, encouraging them in their strengths, as well as their challenges. The leaders take the time to understand the individual personalities and emotions of each child and help them to develop from where they are to where they want to be. Our daughter has felt appropriately challenged, while also feeling secure enough to willingly take on new risks and responsibilities. She has loved the feeling of camaraderie with the cast that the directors have cultivated, and she feels as though she is an integral part of a team that is accomplishing something together. When we first signed her up for Citadel, we never imagined it would be as rewarding and full of joy as it has been for her! Thank you to the amazing adults leading these incredible children, teaching them the beautiful skills necessary for theater while also helping them grow in confidence and their beliefs in themselves 

    Margaret J. Kelley
    Student Pauline, 9 years old

  • “Citadel’s children’s theater programs have brought our daughter confidence, joy, and a true sense of belonging.”

    Citadel Theatre Education has truly been a life-changing experience for our daughter. Musical theatre went from simply being a hobby to becoming a real passion. Citadel has given her a “home” since she is a military kid and has moved a couple times. The directors and staff are amazing and bring out the best in the students. Even our youngest daughter, who is 3, learned so much about theatre from the taking classes for the one of the showcases. I cannot say enough about how great an experience Citadel has been for our family!


    April Colette
    Student Emi, 8 years old and Vera 4

  • “Citadel Theatre Education gave our daughters a home, transformed musical theatre into a passion, and brought out the best in them.”

    Citadel Theater has been a wonderful program for our 7th grade daughter.  She has grown into herself and built confidence in her skills and capabilities as a young performer. Citadel has given her space to dream and has pushed her to reach for the stars.  We are grateful to be able to watch our daughter come fully alive on stage.  Thank you Citadel Theater! 

    Christine and Doug Gowski
    Student Jean, 13

  • “Citadel’s children’s theatre classes and performances help our daughters build confidence, learn teamwork, and experience the joy of performing together.”

    Two of our daughters have participated in multiple Citadel children's theater performances and classes. The classes are appealing to our girls, featuring current music and shows they know and love. The theater staff helps our children build skills like trying new things, practicing and improving in a short time, working together with others, and the joy of completing a performance with others! The programs provide the perfect balance of approachable to join, commitment but not overwhelming, and fun and tasteful in their performances. We look forward to seeing all the thoughtful and enticing programing they put out!

    Emma Scott
    Students Paige 6 and Lucy 4

  • “Citadel’s musical theatre program has built our daughter’s confidence and independence while giving her high-quality performance opportunities and lasting friendships.”

    The Citadel Program has been wonderful for our daughter. It has increased her confidence, independence, and given her the opportunity to participate in high quality musical performances. The directors are kind, patient, and dedicated to the students. The performances are professional in quality and fun to watch. Our daughter has made wonderful friendships, and looks forward to rehearsals and shows.

    Lisa Duran
    Student Izzy, 11

  • “After four Citadel theatre productions, our daughter has grown in confidence and ability, guided by teachers who know when to support and challenge her.”

    Our daughter has done 4 shows with the Citadel and has grown in her confidence as well as her abilities during that time. All of her teachers have really cared about her and been fantastic at knowing when she needs support and when she needs a push or to be challenged. She is excited for the Fall to come around again! 

    Olivia Hilty
    Student Gwen, 6

  • “Citadel’s drama program combines a warm, family atmosphere with professional instruction that builds children’s stage skills and confidence.”

    We had a most positive experience with the drama program at Citadel theatre, a cozy family atmosphere, our children got to learn lots about theatre, and improved on stage abilities and confidence, the staff are skilled, friendly and professional, we simply love it.

    M&M van Gerven, Lake Forest
    Students Leila 11 & Kian 9

Frequently Asked

Questions

  • Not at all. Citadel Theatre Education welcomes first-time performers as well as experienced young actors. Students are encouraged to learn, take creative risks, and grow at their own pace in a supportive environment.

  • Age ranges vary by class, camp, and production. Each program listing includes the appropriate age or grade level so families can choose the best fit for their student.

  • Yes. Citadel’s programs are built around meaningful participation. Every student has an opportunity to contribute, develop their skills, and be part of bringing the production to life.

  • Programs are led by experienced teaching artists and working theatre professionals who bring real-world knowledge of acting, music, movement, rehearsal, and production into the classroom.

  • Sessions may include theatre games, warmups, skill-building exercises, scene or musical work, and ensemble rehearsal. Production-based programs gradually move from learning material into staging and preparing for the final performance.

  • Yes. Financial assistance is available to help make Citadel’s classes, camps, and youth programs accessible to more families.

    Learn More →

  • Contact us here →

Contact Us

Reach out to out to our Education Director Erin with any questions about programs and enrollment.

‍PHONE: 847-735-8554 ext 2
or

Email Us

Thank You to our Sponsors

  • The Grainger Foundation logo
  • John R Halligan Charitable Fund Logo
  • Illinois Arts Council logo
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