Plainfield Children's Theater Prepares For 1st Full-Length Production

PLAINFIELD, IL — In a world that grows increasingly virtual, Plainfield's theater group is giving children the chance to perform and let their personalities shine.

The Plainfield Children's Theater, an offshoot of the Plainfield Arts Community Theatre (PACT), is bringing to life this weekend its first full-length production, "Shrek Jr.: The Musical," this weekend. A group of 45 children will portray the beloved animated characters at Plainfield Central High School, 24120 Fort Beggs Drive.

"What could be more nurturing and inclusive than 'Shrek,' because one of the big songs is 'Let Your Freak Flag Fly,'" Erin Thomas, a PACT founding member and "Shrek Jr." producer, told Patch. "So, what is that about? We talked about that with the kids, about being yourself, being yourself on stage. ... It's been wonderful to watch them come alive onstage and feel comfortable being themselves."

Kelly Bailey, the director of the production, said the directorial team has witnessed kindness, bravery and teamwork from the children involved.

"Right now, it just seems like a lot of kids in this day and age are suddenly under fire for being who they are," she said, "and giving them this safe space and inclusive space and letting them express themselves and be brave ... has been amazing to watch."

The children's theater hosted a one-week summer camp in 2025, which brought momentum to "Shrek Jr." a year later, as many of the children who participated auditioned for the show.

"That's part of why they were looking forward to coming back for ["Shrek Jr."], because they made such good friends and wanted to do theater together," said Amy Chavez, PACT treasurer and the "Shrek Jr." producer and choreographer.

Showrunners guaranteed all kids would get a named character, allowing them to perform in different ensembles.

"One of the things I care about the most is having as many opportunities a possible to feature all of the different kids in the show," Chavez said.

Bailey added, "[We wanted the kids to] have an opportunity to have a little bit, as they say, their moment to shine, so they can feel recognized and their families can see their hard work and let them be brave and be themselves."

Thomas said the children participating are multi-talented.

"They're learning how to communicate, how to problem-solve," she said. "They're learning how to be creative, but they're also learning how to deal with adversity, and then just the logistics of [putting on a live show]. ... They're learning how to move past their own insecurities, talk about their feelings.

"This generation, you know, they call it the 'anxious generation,' and I think we're trying to help them move through that."

In addition to the children's theater program, PACT also oversees Playnfield Players, the all-ages theater company that puts on "A Christmas Carol" during the holidays, among other shows. A group of passionate locals, supported by Mayor John Argoudelis, founded PACT three years ago to bring theatrical events to Plainfield.

"I think everyone has been really excited," Thomas said. "I know that parents said they have been waiting for a void to be filled. We have so many opportunities for sports in this town, and it's been so exciting to see everyone put in so much passion and energy into theater. I mean, we had parents coming out of the woodwork helping with costumes, helping with props, building, painting, using their Cricuts."

Not only are parents — and the directorial team — donating their time, but Plainfield high school students are as well, thanks to a partnership and internship program with Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202. The "Shrek Jr." production team includes three interns helping with production assisting, marketing and makeup.

"It's a true collaboration between professionals, parents, students, community members," Thomas said. "I think Plainfield has really been looking for something like this."

Bailey added, "The amount of talent in this community that people were unaware of until just recently. People are lending us their talents and their time."

"Shrek Jr." will run at 7 p.m. June 19 and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. June 20. Advance tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for children 10 and under, and $10 for seniors ages 65 and older. The prices increase by $5 at the door.