About Our Program

We pride ourselves in offering a wide variety of theatre classes for students from 3 through 18 years old. We are committed to teaching basic to advanced skills for the young actor through working on productions throughout the year. Our approach is to 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.

Typically, students will be taught and have time to prepare to audition for roles during their first class of the session. After auditioning in class or performance programs, students will be assigned roles by their directors. From there the fun and magic really begins! The rest of the session students will learn to become an ensemble for their shows and rehearse preparing for their final performances. The session concludes with a weekend of performances for a live audience and their time to really shine!

Students are welcome to enroll in multiple programs. Please feel free to contact us to see what programs would be best for your child.

We hope you consider joining Citadel Theatre Education's program and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Questions please email Erin at erina@citadeltheatre.org or call847-735-8554 x2

PARENT TESTIMONIALS

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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(she/her/hers)

Student Gwen, 6

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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

Some of our Students in Action!