CTW Retrospective - Children's Theatre of Winnetka

On Saturday, December 6, 1975 CTW presented it's first performance: Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The two full length performances, at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM were sellouts at $1.00 per seat - and a new era for Theatre in Winnetka was born - with Children not only acting but helping to direct, stage manage, paint sets, design and make costumes, work the lights and sound, etc. in Adult, rather than Children, plays.

Children's Theatre of Winnetka was the culmination of the dreams of two Winnetka women who envisioned Acting in the same light as other activities for Children such as baseball, football, hockey and basketball. A place where Children could strive to be the best, and in doing so, entertain not only their parents but friends as well - with an admission charge.

It all started the previous summer of when Barbara Weldon and Lu Sunkel talked with Tom Fritts, then the executive director of the Winnetka Community House, about starting a not-for-profit children's theatre under the auspices of the Community House. Tom was not only supportive but enthusiastic about the idea, and that was that!

A volunteer "working board of directors" was formed to insure continuity, with all founding members working on the show. This board decided to do two shows each year. Their vision: to teach and involve children in all aspects of a production - not just the acting, singing, and dancing. And, in the true meaning of "Children's" theatre, the children themselves, under adult supervision, would stage manage, run the lights & sound, procure and handle props, usher, sell tickets, paint the scenery, help with makeup and, after the last performance but before the cast party, strike the sets.

Presently, auditions and crew signups are open to New Trier Township children in grades 4 through 8.

Over the past 25 years CTW productions have ranged from classic fairy tales like Rumpelstiltskin, to classics like The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, and The Hobbitt, and to Broadway-type musicals like Bye Bye Birdie, Music Man, Annie and Oklahoma.

The 1994 production of the musical Peter Pan was a highlight: it was decided to actually "fly" Peter, Wendy and her brothers - using the same company, FOY, that did the Mary Martin version on Broadway.

Over the years, one of CTW's greatest sources of pride has been the "alums" - many go on to shine in acting, singing, dancing, and tech at New Trier, college and, yes, BROADWAY. Many come back in their high school years to help teach dance steps and stage musical numbers for us.

All of this makes us feel as though we have succeeded, not only in teaching and involving children, but also instilling a life long interest in and love of Theatre.