Join our team
Children’s Theatre of Elgin (CTE) and Fox Valley Theatre Company (FVTC) are seeking artistic team members for productions for our upcoming 2026-2027 season.
Production Director
- The Director will oversee the artistic vision and execution of the production, collaborating with the entire artistic team, cast, and crew to create an engaging and educational experience for young audiences.
- Develop and communicate the artistic vision for the production, ensuring it is age-appropriate and aligns with the mission of the organization.
- Lead rehearsals, providing direction and guidance to actors and other members of the creative team.
- Work closely with the Music Director, Choreographer, Costume Designer, and Set Designer to ensure a cohesive and unified production.
- Provide constructive feedback to performers, encouraging growth and collaboration throughout the rehearsal process.
- Ensure that all aspects of the production are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest artistic standard.
- Foster a positive and inclusive rehearsal environment, promoting creativity and teamwork.
- Attend all technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals, ensuring all elements come together effectively.
Qualifications
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- Proven experience in directing children’s theatre productions or similar performance experiences.
- Strong leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to give clear and constructive feedback.
Passion for creating theatre that is both fun and meaningful for young audiences. - Previous experience in a non-profit or educational theatre setting is a plus.
Production Music Director
- The Music Director will oversee all musical elements of the production, including teaching music, conducting rehearsals, and ensuring the integration of music into the overall artistic vision of the show. All of our 2026-2027 productions will be performed without a live orchestra, and will instead utilize licensed tracks.
- Lead and rehearse the cast in vocal music, including teaching vocal techniques, harmonies, and lyrics.
- Collaborate with the Director to select music that aligns with the overall theme and tone of the production.
- Conduct rehearsals, ensuring that the music is well-prepared and performed at a high level.
- Assist in the planning and execution of any musical numbers or choreographed scenes.
- Attend all technical and dress rehearsals, ensuring seamless integration of music with the production.
Qualifications
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- Proven experience in directing music for theatrical productions, particularly children’s theatre.
- Strong musical background, including proficiency in vocal coaching and music theory.
- Ability to lead and inspire young performers.
- Familiarity with both traditional and contemporary children’s music.
- Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
Production Choreographer
- The Choreographer will collaborate with the Director and other members of the artistic team to develop engaging and age-appropriate movement that enhances the storytelling.
- Create original choreography for all musical numbers or movement-based scenes.
- Teach choreography to cast members, ensuring clarity, engagement, and the physical capabilities of young performers.
- Work with the Director to ensure that the choreography aligns with the overall artistic vision of the production.
- Foster a positive and encouraging rehearsal environment, helping performers develop confidence in their movement.
- Assist with technical rehearsals, ensuring choreography is integrated smoothly with other production elements.
- Adapt choreography as needed based on performers’ strengths and abilities.
Qualifications
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- Experience in choreographing for children’s theatre or similar age groups.
- Strong understanding of dance styles, including musical theatre, contemporary, and classical movements.
- Ability to teach dance to performers of all skill levels and adapt choreography to suit young performers.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Creative, collaborative, and enthusiastic about working with children.
Production Costume Designer
- The Costume Designer is responsible for creating visually compelling and age-appropriate costumes for the production.
- Collaborate with the Director to create costume designs that support the production’s artistic vision and theme.
- Research, design, and create costumes for all cast members, including alterations and fittings as necessary.
- Coordinate with the Director and other designers to ensure costumes align with the overall aesthetic and movement of the production.
- Manage the costume budget, ensuring costumes are sourced within budgetary constraints.
- Oversee the dressing and costume changes during technical and dress rehearsals.
- Ensure that all costumes are prepared and maintained throughout the run of the production.
Qualifications
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- Proven experience in costume design for theatre, particularly for children’s productions.
- Ability to work creatively within a budget and time constraints.
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
Production Set Designer
- The Set Designer will collaborate with the Director and other members of the artistic team to create imaginative, functional, and safe sets that enhance the storytelling experience.
- Collaborate with the Director and other designers to create the set concept and design for each production.
- Draft and present set designs, including detailed renderings and plans.
- Manage the construction and installation of sets within budget and time constraints.
- Coordinate with the technical crew to ensure the set is safely constructed and used during performances.
- Participate in technical and dress rehearsals, making adjustments to the set as needed.
Qualifications
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- Proven experience in set design for theatre, particularly children’s theatre or similar productions.
- Strong skills in drafting, rendering, and set construction techniques.
- Knowledge of set safety and ability to design for both artistic expression and practicality.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a creative team.
- Experience working with non-profit or educational theatre settings is a plus.
Company Manager (formerly Production Coordinator)
- Serves as the primary point of contact for cast members and parents/guardians.
- Distributes schedules, call times, policies, and updates in a clear and timely manner.
- Manages attendance, check-in/check-out procedures, and sign-in sheets for minors.
- Helps ensure compliance with child safety policies and organizational procedures.
- Maintains cast contact lists, emergency information, and required documentation.
- Coordinates volunteer needs related to front-of-house support, backstage supervision, or cast care (as applicable).
- Assists with scheduling, including rehearsals, performances, and special events.
- Supports cast-related logistics such as dressing room assignments, costume fittings, and photo days.
- Assists the Stage Manager and Production Manager with non-technical needs.
- Maintains a calm, welcoming, and inclusive environment for performers.
- Addresses minor concerns or questions from cast and families, escalating issues when appropriate.
- Acts as a liaison between families and the production team.
- Ensures consistent messaging and professionalism in all communications.
- Supports the organization’s mission, values, and code of conduct.
Qualifications
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- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Experience working with children and families (theatre, education, camps, or youth programs preferred).
- Ability to manage confidential information responsibly.
- Calm, friendly demeanor and strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to collaborate with artistic, production, and administrative teams.
- Prior experience in theatre administration or company management is a plus but not required.
Production Stage Manager
- Takes blocking and technical notes during rehearsals and ensure consistency throughout the run.
- Coordinates and runs all technical rehearsals and performances, including calling cues for lights, sound, and scene changes.
- Assists with maintaining props, set pieces, and backstage organization.
Qualifications
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- Familiarity with basic theatrical terminology, cue calling, and rehearsal processes.
- Strong organizational, multitasking, and communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of adults and children.
- A calm, encouraging demeanor and a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for young performers.
All positions are contract based and are paid a stipend at the conclusion of the production. For the safety of our young performers, any applicants for both paid and volunteer positions will be required to successfully pass a criminal background check prior to being offered a position on our artistic or production teams.
CTE & FVTC are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment for artists, staff, volunteers, and the families we serve. We believe that children’s theatre is strongest when it reflects the diversity of our community and embraces a wide range of voices, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. We actively encourage individuals of all races, ethnicities, national origins, abilities, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, ages, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds to apply for our artistic team roles. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to fostering a collaborative, respectful, and supportive creative process.
Production Dates
Disney’s NEWSIES
Cast members ages 7-23
Auditions: March 10-13, 2026
Rehearsals: April 20-June 6 on select days (select dance rehearsals begin late March)
Tech Rehearsals: June 8, 9, 10, 11, 17, 18
Performances: June 12, 13, 14, 20, 21
Venue: The Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College
Available positions
Director
Costume Designer
Set Designer
THE LIGHTNING THIEF: The Percy Jackson Musical
Cast members ages 12-23
Auditions: June 2026
Rehearsals: Late June 2006 through September 5, 2026
Tech Rehearsals: September 7-10
Performances: September 11,12,13,18,19,20
Venue: The Blizzard Theatre at Elgin Community College
Available positions
Director
Music Director
Choreographer
Costume Designer
Set Designer
Company Manager
Stage Manager
Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID
Cast members ages 7-15
Auditions: August 2026
Rehearsals: September 2026 – November 14, 2026
Tech Rehearsals: November 16-18
Performances: November 19-22
Venue: The Hemmens Cultural Center
Available positions
Director
Music Director
Choreographer
Costume Designer
Set Designer
Company Manager
Disney’s FROZEN JR.
Cast members ages 7-15
Auditions: January 2027
Rehearsals: February 2027 through April 10, 2027
Tech Rehearsals: April 12-14, 2027
Performances: April 15-18, 2027
Venue: The Hemmens Cultural Center
Available positions
Director
Music Director
Choreographer
Costume Designer
Set Designer
Company Manager