children's theatre of elgin / fox valley theatre company

About Us

Children’s Theatre of Elgin / Fox Valley Theatre Company is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Elgin, Illinois. Its two troupes form one of the oldest, largest, and most exciting children’s theater companies in the state.

Vision: One day all kids in Elgin and surrounding areas will be given the opportunity to participate in transformative theatrical experiences that engage them in broadening perspectives, building confidence, creating community, and fostering a love of the arts in each participant and audience member.

 

FPO

Accomplishments

  • Tours to southern Illinois, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Hawaii
  • Helped establish a children’s theatre troupe on the island of Oahu, Hawaii
  • 1991: Received the Illinois Community Education Association Award
  • 2004: Named one of 150 Things that Make Elgin Great
  • 2006: Listed among favorite destinations in the book Kids Love Illinois by George and Michele Zavatsky
  • 2007: Received an Elgin Image Award for helping promote a positive impression of Elgin
  • 2014: Created an anti-bullying resource film for upper elementary students
  • 2019: Produced our first-ever sensory-sensitive performance
  • 2020: Maintained workshops, camps, and activities throughout COVID
  • 2021: Produced our first-ever virtual show and first-ever outdoor performance
  • 2021: Produced our first ASL-interpreted performance
  • 2022: Launched a Technical Apprenticeship program
  • 2022: Performed our first show with Spanish supertitles
  • 2023: Added an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Director to the Executive Board
  • 2024: Updated the structure to include a straight play and greater age ranges

Our Mission

Children’s Theatre of Elgin/Fox Valley Theatre Company is a place where all individuals have an equitable opportunity to learn, grow, and enrich their lives through theatre.

Our Troupes

CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF ELGIN (CTE) is for children and youth in 2nd through 9th grades.

CTE was founded in 1988 by brothers Peter and David Akemann to provide performing arts opportunities for their children and others. The goal?  Cast everyone who auditioned and provide meaningful live-theatre instruction and experiences for all.

CTE produces two large-scale shows each year at Hemmens Cultural Center. Cast sizes can often exceed 100, and over the years the company has provided performance opportunities to over 10,000 young people.

FOX VALLEY THEATRE COMPANY (FVTC) is for youth and young adults in 7th grade through 23 years.

In 1993, FVTC was added as a CTE subsidiary as a more advanced option for older students. This troupe presents a full-length Broadway-type musical each year along with a straight play at the Elgin Community College Arts Center.

The two troupes combine whenever a script calls for it, such as our 2024 production of Matilda

To supplement and enhance skills as well as help prepare beginners, theatre workshops provide lively educational experiences.

Over the years, more than 10,000 cast members have performed for audiences of almost 400,000 people since the curtain went up on the first performance of Snow White in 1988.