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 in the fall and spring. 
what's happening
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Welcome Aaron Umsted
Spring 2020 Director

Originally from Durant, Oklahoma, Aaron Umsted is a Chicago based teacher, actor, dancer, and director/choreographer whose work has taken him across the country and around the world. His Chicago area theatre credits include productions with the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Drury Lane Oakbrook, and Marriott Theatre where he was nominated for a Jeff Award for his role as Will Parker in Oklahoma. Other regional credits include: Arena Stage in Washington DC, North Shore Music Theatre, Music Theatre of Wichita, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Casa Mañana, Omaha Symphony, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Arvada Center for the Arts, and Stages St. Louis. He has also toured North America in the Broadway companies of A Chorus Line, Disney’s Mary Poppins, and the Tony Award winning revival of Anything Goes. Aaron has recently taught musical theatre classes at Roosevelt University, Chicago Academy for the Arts, and in India with the organization, Artists Striving to End Poverty. His directing/choreography credits include: Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Northwestern University, and Bravo Performing Arts in Oak Park. Aaron is a ten year member of Actor’s Equity Association, received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from the University of Oklahoma, and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Theatre Pedagogy from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. ​

Second Year In A Row!

Children's Theatre of Winnetka is proud to be voted BEST Children's Theater in the Suburbs by the readers of
Better Magazine (formerly Make it Better) for the
​SECOND YEAR IN A ROW!
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Thank you to Better Magazine and to all of our friends and families for this honor.

Audition Clinic

 Saturday, December 14th, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
The Community House - Room 101

Audition Clinic is open to children who have not previously been cast in a CTW production.

Led by CTW Spring directors Holly Francis and Aaron Umsted, and music director Betsy Balkin, the clinic will guide children through CTW's audition process to help them feel more comfortable and confident about auditioning for future productions.

In preparation for the Lion King auditions (vocal, dance, acting) we will…
  • Learn the chorus of the song, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight".  An accompanist will be provided. No need to prepare anything beforehand, but be familiar with the song.
  • Learn a short dance routine
  • Read a few lines from a scene which will be provided during the clinic
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Please wear clothes and shoes you can dance in – no character shoes, but jazz, ballet, or gym shoes, please.

This clinic is for children grades 4-8 who reside or attend school in New Trier Township.

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS CLOSED, BUT PLEASE COME ANYWAY!  
PLEASE ARRIVE BY 1:20 PM TO REGISTER ONSITE.

​Prefer to be Behind the Scenes?

Join our Stage Crew! 

See Stage Crew Page for information and Application Form.
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Read about our own TOBY NICHOLSON, Director of "Beauty and the Beast"
Children's Theatre of Winnetka is a program of the Community House in Winnetka.
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​620 Lincoln Avenue
Winnetka, IL  60093