Children’s Theatre Classes

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. And if you are a parent, you also get the benefit of seeing these shows! Each parent can claim 1 ticket at a 10%-off discount to see 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 all parents to take advantage of this offer!

Tuition Rates:

  • 1-hour classes: $280 - early-bird price of $265 until August 4!
  • 2-hour classes: $390 - early-bird price of $375 until August 4!

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 things 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:
    Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR
    Directed by Steve Scherer
    Peter and the Starcatcher
    Directed by Nick Corpora Brandt

    Open to registered students in grades K-12

    General Rehearsal Schedule: Mondays 7-9, Wednesdays 4:00-7:30, Saturdays 9-1

    Tech Week: November 29-December 3 (begins the Saturday of Thanksgiving break)

    Performances: December 5-14

    Auditions September 13-14

    Open to registered students in grades 9-12

    General Rehearsal Schedule: Tuesdays 7-10, Wednesdays 7-10, Sundays 5-8

    Tech Week: November 1-5

    Performances: November 6-9

    Auditions September 13-14

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. 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.

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 such as cell phones, tablets, or games. Approved medical devices can be used. Students are not allowed to touch other students, staff, faculty, or anyone else’s belongings unless otherwise instructed by staff. 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).

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. Parents can claim 1 ticket to each TWS performance at a 10% discount. 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.

Fall 2025 Semester Details

Enrollment is now OPEN!

Class Dates: September 8 - November 20

Class Observations: November 17-20

No Class Dates: High School Classes on November 6

Click Here to view a list of all current classes and their descriptions! Click Here to Register Class full? Join the waitlist here.

Kindergarten thru 2nd Grade

Class TimeMonday ClassesTuesday ClassesWednesday Classes
4-5pm Musical Theatre: Disney Favorites Musical Theatre: Sing, Dance, Act! Musical Theatre: Under the Sea
5-6pm Acting: Storybooks On Stage Acting: Fairytale Fun Musical Theatre: Theatre Magic
Click Here to Register

3rd Grade thru 5th Grade

Class TimeMonday ClassesTuesday ClassesWednesday ClassesThursday Classes
4-5pm Musical Theatre: Kids in the Spotlight Musical Theatre: Lions, Tigers, and Bears; Oh My!

Stage Makeup (5th-8th Grade)

Musical Theatre: Movie Musicals
5-6pm Acting: Fractured Fairytales Dance: Dancing Through Life
6-7pm Acting: Silly Scenes

DIY Theatre (4th-7th Grade)

Tech: Props and Crafts
Click Here to Register

6th Grade thru 8th Grade

Class TimeMonday ClassesTuesday ClassesWednesday ClassesThursday Classes
4-5pm Stage Makeup (5th-8th Grade) JR High Improv
5-6pm Technical Theatre (5pm-7pm) Musical Theatre: From Stage to Screen
6-7pm Technical Theatre (5pm-7pm)

DIY Theatre (4th-7th Grade)

6th-12th: Monologues and Auditions
Click Here to Register

9th Grade thru 12th Grade (High School Rep)

Combined HSR Showcase: Thursday, November 20, 7pm

Tuesday ClassesThursday Classes
Monologues and Auditions Improv for Actors (5pm-7pm)
Technical Theatre Practicum (5pm-7pm)
Musical Theatre (5pm-7pm)

High School classes look a little different this semester! Here is what's changed:

  • Tech class has been split into a 6th-8th session and a 9th-12th session. The 9th-12th session will now be a Tech Practicum class, where each week you'll work on specific projects from all productions that semester including TWS, CTWS, and HSR productions, mentored by Actives and teachers. It's going to be awesome!
  • At the end of the semester, on the final Thursday night, we'll have a combined HSR Showcase where students from all HSR classes will perform in a recital/cabaret style performance.
  • Power Hours will now be Production Hours for the current HSR semester’s production every Thursday from 7pm-8pm; for example, audition prep, production meetings, set construction, or marketing strategies.
  • Click Here to read additional HSR policy changes for this semester.
Click Here to Register