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theatre arts education by and for children since 1974 Children’s Theatre of Winnetka is a not-for-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to promoting theatrical experiences for New Trier Township children, grades 4 - 8. Children participate both onstage and backstage in two productions annually; fall and spring. |
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what's happening
Cathy Hirschmann and Toby Nicholson plan the Oliver! set.
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In the spirit of the season,
A Christmas Carol is heartwarming entertainment for the entire family Discounted Tickets Before November 1st! Celebrate the holidays with the magic of Toby Nicholson’s original production of A Christmas Carol Saturday, December 2nd and Sunday, December 3rd at the Winnetka Community House. Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption comes to life with the arrival of ghosts, delightful musical numbers, plenty of “Bah! Humbugs!” and Scrooge’s joyful discovery of love.
Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean-spirited old man, receives visitations from the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come. Through a sequence of mysterious scenes, he finally learns his lesson. Overwhelmed with joy by the chance to redeem himself, Scrooge transforms into a gentler, kinder man, who embraces the spirit of Christmas. Toby Nicholson, director and choreographer, designed all original sets and assembled a cast of professional actors joined by local amateurs from the North Shore. Underwritten by the Hirschmann Family Foundation and Dr. Richard Hirschmann and Cathy Hirschmann, all ticket proceeds benefit the Winnetka Community House, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of North Shore residents by providing educational, cultural, social and recreational opportunities for people of all ages. The show schedule for A Christmas Carol, performed at the Winnetka Community House, is as follows: Saturday, December 2nd, 3pm Saturday, December 2nd, 7pm Sunday, December 3rd, 1pm Sunday, December 3rd, 4pm Purchase Tickets: Before 11/1: $20 Adult | $10 Children under twelve Beginning 11/1: $25 Adult | $15 Children under twelve Group Pricing: 10 or more tickets is $20 Adults $10 Children under twelve For more information, please call (847) 446-0537. |
CTW Entertains at Winnetka Music Festival
Many thanks to Toby Nicholson for leading the effort as the talented children of CTW opened the day at the inaugural Winnetka Music Festival.
Photo credits Lorraine Ryan
Children’s Theatre of Winnetka Announces Notable Alumnus
Stephen Schellhardt as a Director
Acclaimed Chicago Actor/Director/Producer Returns to His Children’s Theatre Roots for Spring 2018 Musical
Stephen Schellhardt as a Director
Acclaimed Chicago Actor/Director/Producer Returns to His Children’s Theatre Roots for Spring 2018 Musical
Children’s Theatre of Winnetka announces Barrymore Award Winner and multiple Jeff Award Nominee Stephen Schellhardt as a director for the Spring 2018 production. A notable alumnus of Children’s Theatre of Winnetka, Schellhardt continues the legacy of musical theatre training in New Trier Township established by co-founder, Barbara Weldon, who will retire as a director after a remarkable 43 years.
“Engaging one of the finest actors, directors and producers in Chicago theatre for our spring production is thrilling,” said Weldon, who is currently rehearsing Hello, Dolly!--the last show she will direct. “We are honored to have someone that is active and respected in the profession, and willing to devote time and energy to training our students. Stephen will be an inspiration to all of us.”
Schellhardt has been acting, directing, choreographing, producing, casting and teaching for more than a decade. He has acted in equity productions in Chicagoland theatres and regional theatres elsewhere, receiving three Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and a Barrymore Award for acting, as well as a non-equity Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for his choreographic work on Dogfight for the Bohemian Theatre Ensemble.
Throughout his career, Schellhardt credits Children’s Theatre of Winnetka for giving him his start. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Children’s Theatre of Winnetka,” said Schellhardt. “It’s so important for kids to have a place to go where they are truly accepted and encouraged to follow their dreams. Children’s Theatre of Winnetka did that for me, and now I’m excited to return and help the next generation of aspiring performers.”
Schellhardt joins a dynamic team of directors, including Toby Nicholson, Cathy Hirschmann and Holly Francis, with whom he will work on the Spring 2018 production. After retiring as a director, Weldon will remain on the Children’s Theatre of Winnekta Board of Directors. Like Schellhardt, many Children’s Theatre of Winnetka alumni have gone on to professional careers in theatre, television and film—and often return to share their experiences with children that could follow in their footsteps.
“Engaging one of the finest actors, directors and producers in Chicago theatre for our spring production is thrilling,” said Weldon, who is currently rehearsing Hello, Dolly!--the last show she will direct. “We are honored to have someone that is active and respected in the profession, and willing to devote time and energy to training our students. Stephen will be an inspiration to all of us.”
Schellhardt has been acting, directing, choreographing, producing, casting and teaching for more than a decade. He has acted in equity productions in Chicagoland theatres and regional theatres elsewhere, receiving three Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and a Barrymore Award for acting, as well as a non-equity Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for his choreographic work on Dogfight for the Bohemian Theatre Ensemble.
Throughout his career, Schellhardt credits Children’s Theatre of Winnetka for giving him his start. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Children’s Theatre of Winnetka,” said Schellhardt. “It’s so important for kids to have a place to go where they are truly accepted and encouraged to follow their dreams. Children’s Theatre of Winnetka did that for me, and now I’m excited to return and help the next generation of aspiring performers.”
Schellhardt joins a dynamic team of directors, including Toby Nicholson, Cathy Hirschmann and Holly Francis, with whom he will work on the Spring 2018 production. After retiring as a director, Weldon will remain on the Children’s Theatre of Winnekta Board of Directors. Like Schellhardt, many Children’s Theatre of Winnetka alumni have gone on to professional careers in theatre, television and film—and often return to share their experiences with children that could follow in their footsteps.
An Evening of Music and Memories
Children’s Theatre of Winnetka Honored Co-Founder Barbara Weldon
Children’s Theatre of Winnetka honored co-founder Barbara Weldon and her remarkable 43 years as a director with a retirement gala on April 24 in Matz Hall at the Winnetka Community House. An Evening of Music and Memories featured Children’s Theatre of Winnetka alumni and current Children’s Theatre of Winnetka cast members performing songs from the shows Weldon directed and contemporary musical theatre favorites. Headliners included notable Children’s Theatre of Winnetka alumni country singer/songwriter Elizabeth Lyons, LA-based actor/writer Chris Yonan, Broadway sensation Betsy Morgan and Chicago Actor/Director/Producer Stephen Schellhardt, recently named a director for the Spring 2018 production.
Tax deductible donations can be made in Barbara's name to Children's Theatre of Winnetka and sent to WCH at 620 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka, IL 60093. |
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