Young people of all ages, hailing from all over Chicagoland, regularly flock to MKJCC to take part in our acclaimed Theatre programs.

Young Actors Ensemble

Our flagship theatre program, the Young Actors Ensemble, provides the opportunity for young people- ages 8-18- to shine onstage and backstage in as many as four productions annually. Our ensemble is process-oriented, child-centered and committed to creating high quality theatre. Participants love honing their talents in a challenging but safe atmosphere, surrounded by co-actors and staff members who are like family. Audience members know that the JCC is the place to go for exciting, engaging family entertainment.

The Young Actors Ensemble is pleased
to announce its 2009–2010 season

Grease (School version)

Was Performed: Nov 12–22, 2009

Student Directed One-Acts

Was Performed: Feb 25, 2010

Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka 

Auditions: March 2 & 3 |  4:00-6:30pm
To set up a time to audition call 847.763.3518
Open to auditioners age 8-18
Audition Information: Click here (PDF)

Performs: May 6,9,13, 16

2008–2009 Productions

Student Directed One Acts: August 13, 2008
The Wizard of Oz: November, 13–23, 2008
Hello Dolly!: February 19–March 1, 2009
Children of Eden: May 14–24, 2009

Auditions

For additional information about auditions, please see our FAQ or contact Director Jackie Woodward at 847.763.3514. Registration fee, if cast, is $230. Registration fee for backstage crew is $75.

Tickets

All tickets are $15 and are available at the MKJCC front desk or by calling 847.763.3500 beginning two months prior to each show's opening.

All auditions, rehearsals and performances take place in the Elaine and Zollie Frank Theatre at the Mayer Kaplan JCC Children's Center
5050 Church Street, Skokie, IL 60077

Performing Arts Camp (PAC)

PAC: Children entering grades 3-5 develop new skills, make friends and have tons of fun in workshops including theatre games, music, dance, mime, improv, make-up and more! Weekly field trips and swimming 4 days a week. Everyone is cast in the end-of-session play!

PAC Plus: Young people entering grades 6-9 enjoy honing and expanding their skills among peers who share their love of theatre. More advanced workshops for the older, more experienced performers include: monologues, scene study, auditioning, singing, dance, and design. Weekly field trips and swimming 4 days a week. Each session concludes with a Broadway Revue show featuring numbers from hit Broadway musicals!

Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)

YAC is a student-run committee devoted to enhancing the theatre department through volunteer service, community-building social activities, and special events like talent shows, movie nights, and theme parties. Anyone between the ages of 11-18 who has participated in at least one Young Actors Ensemble play can join YAC. Watch this space for upcoming fun YAC events.

The following YAC members were elected
to office for the 2009-10 season:

• Hannah Kaplan – President
• Hannah Cloh – Vice President
• Talia Molotsky – Secretary
• Daniel Friedman – Treasurer
• Yair Farkas – Event Coordinator
  

Elections are held once a year. Officers serve a one-year term after which they may run again for the same, or a different, office.

For further information about any of these programs, contact Theatre Director Jackie Woodward at 847.763.3514 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it