Children's Theatre of Winnetka Announces Auditions

Children’s Theatre of Winnetka Announces Auditions for the Spring 2018 Musical

Notable CTW Alumnus Stephen Schellhardt Returns to Co-Direct Once on This Island

WINNETKA, IL—Children’s Theatre of Winnetka directors and producers are gearing up for an exciting new year when notable alumnus Stephen Schellhardt returns to direct the Spring 2018 musical, Once on This Island. Set in the French Antilles, this vibrant musical is currently running on Broadway in its first revival, and makes its debut on the North Shore April 26 through April 29 at Winnetka Community House.

“I’m so excited to return to Children’s Theatre of Winnetka to work with our young performers, and continue the legacy of creating a place for kids to go where they’re accepted and encouraged,” said Schellhardt, who teams up with co-director Holly Francis and musical director Betsy Balkin for Once on This Island.

Auditions for Once On This Island will be held at Winnetka Community House on Tuesday, January 16 or Wednesday, January 17 at 4:00 pm for fourth-graders and fifth-graders and at 5:00 pm for sixth-graders through eighth-graders. Children can choose either day to audition, but must attend the time slot for their grade. Callbacks are scheduled for Friday, January 19 and Saturday, January 20. All children in fourth grade through eighth grade residing or attending school in New Trier Township are eligible to audition for Children’s Theatre of Winnetka productions. Once on This Island audition materials are available at childrenstheatrewinnetka.com. Children interested in joining stage crew for the show can follow this link for an application, which can be submitted anytime during auditions.

Those new to Children’s Theatre of Winnetka are invited to attend a free audition clinic on Saturday, January 13 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and must register online at childrenstheatrewinnetka.com to participate.

Once on This Island brings to life the story of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl who falls in love with a wealthy Frenchman named Daniel, whom she saves from death. Aided by the gods of Earth, Water, and Love in her quest to be with Daniel, Ti Moune must face the ultimate sacrifice in this love-conquers-all folktale. Inspired by Romeo and Juliet and The Little Mermaid, Once on This Island features vibrant Caribbean-influenced rhythms and colorful characters that tell the story in this ensemble-driven show.

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Founded in 1974, Children’s Theatre of Winnetka is a not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting musical theatre experiences for children in fourth grade through eighth grade residing or going to school in New Trier Township. Children participate both onstage and backstage in two productions held in the fall and spring each year. Children’s Theatre of Winnetka operates under the auspices of Winnetka Community House, a not-for-profit organization.