Photo of two funny playful children, boy and girl, smiling while acting as monsters with claws, on a purple stage, in a theatrical representation

Neighborhood News – A former Chicago precinct became Chicago Children’s Theater in the West Loop

Photo of two funny playful children, boy and girl, smiling while acting as monsters with claws, on a purple stage, in a theatrical representation

Here’s a riddle for you: When is a police station not a police station? 

Answer: When it becomes a theater! 

Creative, resourceful and sensitive to the needs of all Chicago children, founded in 2005, the West Loop’s award-winning Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine Avenue, offers a year-round lineup of plays for children, as well as acting classes, workshops, and a variety of other programs, dedicated to “inspiring young people and families to lead lives of adventure, courage, and curiosity.”

The 17-year-old troupe performs in a renovated space that previously housed the Chicago Police Station for the 12th Precinct. Today, the troupe presents live shows in “The Station’s” intimate, 149-seat Pritzker Family Studio Theatre. 

Led by Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell, who is a part of the Lookingglass Theatre Company, and Co-Founder Todd Leland, Chicago, what’s most inspiring about this already-unique theater company is its dedication to inclusion and accessibility. One of their innovations is The Red Kite Project, a multi-sensory interactive theatre program tailored specifically to the needs of children on the autism spectrum. 

Red Kite Classes

Their Red Kite curriculum is an adaptive theater program for young people on the autism spectrum and other neurodiverse learners. The pillar of the Red Kite curriculum is social-emotional learning (SEL), utilizing sensory drama games to engage each student’s ability to work within a group and explore their emotional expressivity and understanding. Classes engage in creative play and sensory experiences to encourage students to connect with their unique body, voice, imagination, and with the community around them. 

Year-Round Camps and Acting Classes 

They offer a variety of 1 and 2-week camps for children ages 5-13. Students learn the basics of acting, songwriting, scenic and prop design, choreography, and collaborative story development as they work together to create dynamic performances for friends and family.

Recognized for Excellence 

In 2017, Chicago Children’s Theatre became the first theater for young audiences in the nation to win a National Theatre Award from the American Theatre Wing, creators of the Tony Awards.

Holiday ‘Tea’ with Peter Rabbit through December 24!

Through December 24, Chicago Children’s Theater will present an annual favorite. ‘The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party features four Beatrix Potter characters come to life in this interactive ‘trunk and puppet show,’ complete with original music. As their website notes, “Levers are pulled and cranks are turned to reveal images that surprise and delight. Chicago Children’s Theater storytellers interweave the classic narration and guide gentle interactive moments, recruiting young watchers to join the adventure. After the show, you can come up on stage to gently play with the puppets and take pictures. Then, head to the lobby for a festive spread of chocolate milk and cookies!” For tickets, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago