A year-long fundraising competition where cast members take the lead

And the winner gets free tuition for a year.

We’re doing something special this year. As we count down to our 150th production — a milestone nearly four decades in the making — we’re inviting every CTE cast member and family to take the stage in a brand-new way.

Introducing our first-ever fundraising competition: a chance for your kid to champion the theatre they love, earn meaningful prizes, and help keep CTE’s programs thriving for Elgin kids for years to come.

The Competition

Here's what's at stake

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1st Place

Free tuition for every show in our 40th season.

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2nd Place

Free tuition for one show in our 40th Season

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3rd Place

Free tuition for one show in our 40th Season

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Hit the $390 goal and earn a reward.

Any cast member who raises $390 receives a free ticket to a 40th Season show!

Why 390?

39 seasons. $390 goal. It’s not a coincidence.

We’re in our 39th season and counting down to our 150th production so we set the fundraising goal to match. Hit $390 and you’re not just meeting a target, you’re writing yourself into CTE’s history.

For Donors

Know a Theatre Kid? Here’s How You Can Help

When a CTE kid sends you their fundraising link, your donation goes directly toward keeping this 39-year-old program alive and growing for Elgin’s young performers. Every production, every rehearsal, every opening night depends on community support like yours.

Children’s Theatre of Elgin is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which means your donation is fully tax-deductible. Whether you give $5 or $500, what matters is that you showed up for a kid who loves the stage.

Start Your Mini-Fundraiser in 5 Minutes

Everything runs through Zeffy, our fundraising platform. No fees, no fuss — just your link, ready to share.

1.

Go to our Zeffy campaign page

Visit zeffy.com/curtains-up-for-elgin-kids or click the Donate link on the CTE website.

2.

Click “Fundraise”

You’ll see a button right on the page. Click it and a setup window will open.

3.

Select “Solo Campaign” and set your goal to $390

Enter your student’s name and a parent email address.

4.
Click “Create Campaign”

You’re live! You’ll get a personal fundraising link and a QR code, ready to text, email, or post anywhere.

5.

Share and cheer each other on

Send your link to grandparents, neighbors, coworkers, your student’s whole fan club. Every share is another curtain call for CTE.

Ready to take the stage?

The competition runs through June 30, 2027, but the sooner you start, the more time your community has to cheer you on.

Start Your Fundraiser

Curtains Up for Elgin Kids!