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NOW IN OUR 25TH SEASON
A theater company for every child.
Since 2002, Rockford kids in grades K-12 have learned to act, sing and dance - then stepped into the spotlight on a real downtown stage.
Our mission is “To enhance young people’s minds through education, application and exploration of the Performing Arts.” It further strives to provide each child with a feeling of self-identity and purpose.
ACT I
Find your part
Two companies, one theater family. Each stages its own full productions every season.
Children's Theater Project
A first, friendly step onto the stage. Young performers build confidence, teamwork and stage skills while rehearsing a full musical.
REHEARSALS ............................................... Saturdays, 9am-noon
FALL SHOW ......................................... How To Train Your Dragon
PERFORMANCES ...................................................... Dec 3-5, 2026
TUITION ......................................................................... $250 / $150
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Youth Theater Project
Bigger roles, sharper material and more responsibility for teen performers ready to stretch as actors.
REHEARSALS ............................................... Saturdays, 9am-noon
FALL SHOW ..................................................... Never After Happily
PERFORMANCES ...................................................... Nov 6-7, 2026
TUITION ......................................................................... $250 / $150
ACT II
Now Playing
The 25th season, every date in one place
SAT, AUG 29
Auditions
SEPT - NOV
Saturday Rehearsals
NOV 6-7
YTPs Never After Happily!
JAN 2, 2027
Spring 2027 auditions
YOUTH THEATER PROJECT PRESENTS
Never After Happily
A COMEDY- GRADES 7-12
The fairytale princesses drop the act in this out loud play about what really happens after "happily ever after."
NOV 6 & 7 | NORDLOF THEATER
CHILDREN'S THEATER PROJECT PRESENTS
How to Train Your Dragon
A MUSICAL - GRADES K-6
A misfit Viking kid befriends the dragon everyone fears - and teaches his whole village that understanding beats fear.
DEC 4 & 5 | NORDLOF THEATER
DEC 4-5
CTPs How To Train Your Dragon
Scenes from 25 years
[WIZARD OF OZ • 2026]
[DINOS BEFORE DARK • 2015]
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[CATS • 2013]
[THE BOOKSTORE • 2024]
ACT III
Join the company
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PICK THE PROGRAM BY GRADE
K-6 joins CTP and Grades 7-12 join YTP.
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REGISTER ONLINE
Fill out the registeration form and pay your tuition.
COME TO AUDITIONS
Saturday, 9–11am. Bring a monologue (YTP) or 16 bars of a musical song (CTP). Nervous first-timers welcome.
GET YOUR ROLE, START REHEARSING
Cast list posted by the Wednesday after audtions. Rehearsals are Saturdays, 9am-noon at 118 N Main St in Rockford. 2nd Fl.
CALL BOARD
Good to know before you sign up
Read the family welcome packet
Cost
Tuition is $225 per student. Families that volunteer at least 9 hours during a production run recieve a discounted rate of $150.
Parent Volunteering
Each family can help with costumes, concessions, backstage, sets, etc. There is always something that needs done.
Time Commitment
Saturday mornings, plus tech week evenings and performance days.
Experience
None needed. Every registered child is cast.
BACKSTAGE
Already in a cast? Start here.
Everything cast families use week to week.
WHO WE ARE
Art doesn't come with a manual. it comes with a manuscript.
Local artists founded Children's Theater Project in 2002 to give Rockford kids ages 5–18 a real way into the performing arts. A small working board, professional directors and a crew of parent volunteers help every child find confidence and purpose on stage.
YOU MAY HAVE SEEN US PERFORM AT
Discovery Center ★ Rockford IceHogs ★ Rockford First Night ★ On The Waterfront ★ Midsummer Fest
★ OSF Kids Safety Fair ★ NCNW Bethune Fest
CURTAIN CALL
Help keep the curtain up.
We're a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3). Your gift covers scripts & rights, costumes, sets, rental space, scholarships, etc.
You can play a leading role at CTP/YTP
Donor gifts make it possible for us to provide hundreds of young people with outstanding theatrical experiences not otherwise available to them.You can give as an individual or in the name of your company. Some sponsor levels include free tickets, and program ads reach hundreds of people at each production.Won’t you help sustain the quality and affordability of the Children's Theater Program by donating today?