The Children’s Theatre of Western Springs, or CTWS, offers after school classes in Musical Theatre, Acting, Improv, Technical Theatre, Specialty Classes, and more for students in grades K-12. Classes at CTWS meet weekly for 1- to 2-hours, depending on the class and age group. Each week, students will work on learning age-appropriate theatre skills, ensemble building, group communication, problem solving, teamwork, and critical thinking with our wonderful teachers, directors, and faculty members. Studying theatre in this format encourages students to grow as young people in new ways, helps foster a strong community, and of course, gives students the ability to HAVE FUN together!

Each semester ends with an Observation Week where family members are invited to sit in on the final class day and watch what your students have been working on! Some classes may have a formal showcase at the end of the semester.

All enrolled students in a CTWS class are able to audition for or crew backstage for our full-scale productions each semester! Auditions take place at the beginning of each semester. Parents of cast members are expected to volunteer in various roles throughout our productions; it's always fun to see all of the hard work of our cast, crew, and families when the final shows come around each semester! Production information can be found by clicking on "Production Details" below.

Besides the skills that your student will learn, they also have the opportunity to see lots of theatre right here in our building! Every CTWS student can claim 1 free ticket to any production we do here, both at the Children's Theatre and the adult shows at the Theatre of Western Springs. While some shows will be fun for the whole family, some will be great for a parent's night out, so we encourage you to support our adult theatre whenever you can!

Tuition Rates:

• 1-hour classes: $280
• 2-hour classes: $390

Casting Policies

• Casting is not guaranteed. Typical cast sizes range from 40-60 students. If not cast, students will be assigned to the crew.
• If cast in the Mainstage Musical, 1 parent will be assigned to a crew area. This could be set construction, costumes, concessions, and more. Crews have lots of staff support; you don't have to do everything on your own!
• Students may be cast without any previous CTWS experience; however, students must be currently enrolled in a class that semester in order to participate.
• Students are cast based on a number of factors, including: audition, who is best suited for the role, faculty feedback, previous experience, behavior, interaction with other students, volunteer history, and CTWS class attendance.
• There are NO class refunds after an audition. If a student stops attending classes while involved in a production, it may affect future casting eligibility, or in extreme circumstances, a recasting of their role in the current production.
• Volunteering is a vital part of the culture and community at CTWS. We believe that it is essential for students to learn how to be excellent performers AND to learn essential backstage roles. In order to encourage students to participate on both sides of the curtain, after 3 onstage roles in a row, students are required to participate on a crew in the following semester (summer camps are NOT included in this policy).This Semester's Productions Are:

Production and audition information can be found by clicking here: Children's Theatre Productions

By enrolling in a program at CTWS (Children’s Theatre of Western Springs), you automatically agree to the following policies:

Regular attendance in class is expected. The final day of each class is a showcase-style performance. If missing the final day of class, please inform the office ASAP so we can plan ahead. If a student is going to be absent on a particular day, please notify the office at 708-246-4043 or by emailing ctws@theatrewesternsprings.com. Extended absences should be notified early in order to be communicated to the teachers so they can best prepare their lesson plans. Regular attendance is also a requirement in order to participate in any of our semester productions, both with CTWS and HSR (High School Rep).

Payment is due at the time of registration in full. $30 is non-refundable upon registration. The remainder can be refunded until 2 weeks before the semester begins. A 75% refund can be requested through the first week of classes. Registration is closed and no refunds will be given after the end of the first week of classes. No refunds or credits will be given for missed or canceled classes due to sickness, weather, or other uncontrollable events.

I understand physical safety is my responsibility and my student participates at their own risk. I hereby waive any and all claims and liability against Theatre of Western Springs, their directors, faculty members, employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, or other customers- for injuries, losses, death, or any other personal or property damages.

CTWS staff is dedicated to maintaining a fun, safe environment where creativity can thrive. Each student is expected to treat their fellow students and staff members with respect and cooperation. Parents will be notified immediately if a student causes either physical or verbal harm to another, if a student damages equipment or property, or if a student exhibits any dangerous behavior. If a problem persists after it has been discussed with parents, the student may be dismissed from a program completely. In cases of dismissal a refund will not be issued.

We want our students to feel comfortable to explore their creativity, take artistic risks, and have fun! In order to maintain such an atmosphere, parents and adults other than CTWS staff are not permitted to be in our classrooms unless special arrangements have been made with the Children’s Theatre Director. If your child has an IEP at school, physical limitations, or special needs, please contact the office before classes begin to discuss. Class observation days at the end of each semester are only open to invited family and friends. The Cattell Lobby is open to parents if they need to wait for their child's class to conclude. Parent Chairs working on various tech areas (costumes, props, set, etc) can reserve the relevant spaces through the office if they need to work during class time, as long as they do not interfere with the existing building schedule.

Parents/guardians are responsible for monitoring their child for any illness symptoms before bringing students to CTWS. Do not come to CTWS if your student is feeling ill or has symptoms including fever, diarrhea, sore throat, vomiting, or heavy coughing. No make-up dates are offered for missed class days.

Online content becomes the property of CTWS and may be used for archival instructional purposes. I release images and recordings of my student for limited use in CTWS promotions which may include web, print, video, or social media and waive any compensation for use. Recording and photos are not common during classes, but if you’d like to opt out of this policy, please contact the office.

Students are not allowed to use electronic devices during class or rehearsal such as cell phones, tablets, or games. Approved medical devices can be used. Students should avoid contact with other students, staff, faculty, or anyone else’s belongings. Students must wash hands after eating and using the bathroom.

Clothing should be comfortable and allow for easy movement. Closed toe shoes such as sneakers or dance shoes must be worn for the safety of the students. Prohibited Clothing Items include clothing with inappropriate logos or phrases, any clothing that limits movement (i.e. too long or too short), flip flops, heeled shoes (excluding character shoes).

The Theatre of Western Springs produces both adult and student programs, often at the same time in our building. For the safety of our students, the doors of the building are only unlocked during pick-up and drop-off times, and when the box office is monitored by a staff member. Additionally, members of our adult theatre must check in at the CTWS office if they are working on projects during CTWS class time.

Auditions for CTWS shows are only open to currently registered students who regularly attend their class. Auditions are a closed process; parents, friends, and family are not permitted to observe.

Students at CTWS can claim 1 free ticket for each CTWS and TWS performance during the semester they are enrolled. To claim these tickets, please call or visit our Box Office.

Part of CTWS's mission is to make theatre education available to all, regardless of financial status. Scholarships and Financial Aid are available by completing the application linked below. All financial aid awards are confidential.

Click Here to view our Financial Aid and Scholarship details.