Youth Theatre

The Champaign Park District Youth Theatre program gives young actors the opportunity to learn the basics of live theatrical production on the stage of a freshly restored historic theatre! Through immersion in acting, singing, and dancing, participating patrons take away a new appreciation for the arts at the completion of each 7-week course. The program is offered 4 times annually: typically three times a year for ages 8 through 12 and once a summer for high school level participants. Each program culminates in a live stage musical presented at the Virginia Theatre over a period of three days in front of the community.

Every child who registers for the program is cast in a part, learns the music, lines and movements involved in bringing the selected production to the stage. They also receive instruction in selecting costumes, understanding stage directions, and more. Each program begins with a Parent Meeting (following your registration) where details about the audition and rehearsal process are shared along with volunteer expectations. Youth Theatre Staff are experts in the fields of drama, comedy, choreography, and music and have extensive educational experience. And, most importantly, they always make it fun!