ABOUT Christine Lucas
When Christine Lucas looks back on her years with CTE from 1993–1995, she remembers far more than performances and costumes – she remembers a community that made her feel seen, valued, and part of something meaningful. Christine found her place in the chorus and behind the scenes, discovering that every member of a production is essential to bringing a show to life. It’s a lesson she still carries with her today.
Some of her fondest memories stretch beyond the stage itself. Her father helped build sets during those years, and the two of them spent countless hours at the Maytag building in Elgin, carefully bringing scenes to life and troubleshooting ideas side by side. That time – equal parts creative, chaotic, and heartwarming- helped shape Christine’s appreciation for collaboration and the magic that happens long before an audience ever fills the seats. She also loved the energy of rehearsals at the Hemmens, running through costumes, makeup, and backstage tasks with friends who quickly became like family. “It felt special and important to be part of the production,” she recalls. “The leaders were open and inclusive of all levels of performer.”
That encouragement proved to be transformative. Through CTE, Christine gained confidence, stage presence, and the ability to use her voice with power – skills that would follow her into middle school, high school, and ultimately into her professional life. Today, she works in DEI, respectful workplace, and ethical leadership training, a field where communication, courage, and connection are essential. Whether she’s speaking in front of hundreds, leading nationwide volunteer events, or even coordinating spontaneous dance parties with DJs and participants, she recognizes that her comfort on stage began decades earlier in those CTE rehearsal rooms. “All the world’s a stage,” she says – a truth she’s lived out from chorus member to corporate leader.
Christine’s story is a reminder that every role matters, every participant counts, and every young performer deserves a place where they feel supported. More than 25 years later, she still thinks fondly of her time with CTE and the leaders who made sure every student – no matter their role – felt like they belonged. It’s a legacy she continues to embody through her work, her leadership, and the way she champions inclusion wherever she goes.