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)

Auditions: Sep 2009 | Performs: Nov 2009
Open to auditioners age 10-18

Student Directed One-Acts

Auditions: Jan 2010 | Performs: Feb 2010
Teens age 15 and up interested in directing a one-act should contact the JCC Theatre Manager to apply; open to auditioners age 12-18.

Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka 

Auditions: Mar 2010 | Performs: May 2010 
Open to auditioners age 8-18

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 Terri Hilton at 847.763.3514. Registration fee, if cast, is $180.40 for JCC members and $236.90 for non-members. Registration fee for backstage crew is $45.32 for JCC members and $69.01 for non-members.

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

Spotlight on Summer!

Teen Summer Workshop

June 12–July 10
Wednesdays & Fridays | 4:30pm-6:00pm
Program Fee: $46.35 JCC members/$66.95 non-members
Prerequisites: brief interview with Performing Arts Director and previous YAE participation.

Teens and young adults (12-20) who have participated in at least one Young Actors Ensemble production are invited to take part in a special play-development workshop that will culminate in a public performance in July 8. The workshop will focus on dramatizing the writing of a local man, Jeffrey Winicour who lost both voice and mobility through a stroke three years ago. Having regained speech and enough mobility to write, Jeffrey has chronicled his struggles and triumphs through both poetry and prose. Jeffrey’s writing explores his newfound sense about what it means to be a person, a parent, and a Jew.

Led by Performing Arts Director Terri Hilton, and with insights from Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Rabbinic student, Ellen Rosen Kaplan and the author himself , the teens in our workshop will bring these writings to life in a way that will be meaningful to author, performers, and audience alike.

Performance & post-show discussion will take place
Wednesday, July 8 at 7:00pm open to the public.

Performance for the MKJCC day-camp will be on
Friday, July 10 1:30pm

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)

Launched by Theatre Director Terri Hilton and a group of dedicated theatre participants, 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 at our meeting on May 22, 2008:

• Hannah Kaplan – President
• Aaron Fineberg – Vice President
• Talia Molotsky – Secretary
• Daniel Friedman – Treasurer

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 Terri Hilton at 847.763.3514 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it