Elmhurst Children’s Theatre Holds Auditions for 'Bye Bye Birdie'

Calling all young Elmhurst actors!  

Elmhurst Children’s Theatre will hold auditions for Bye Bye Birdie at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, at , 111 W. Butterfield Road. Callbacks will be Wednesday, Nov. 30.

Bye Bye Birdie is a high-energy musical set in the rock ‘n roll '50s, when Elvis—no wait, Conrad Birdie—was King. Professional Director Jason Sperling will lead the production that will stage in mid-February.

“We hire directors who have experience working with kids and a creative approach to theatre," ECT Board President Anne Knudsen said. "They adapt the script or music to suit young performers, and skillfully use their patience and good humor to get kids to focus.”     

ECT has provided the unique opportunity for Elmhurst children to participate in professionally directed stage productions for more than 60 years.  

Leaving artistic vision and leadership to the professionals, ECT parent volunteers make that vision come to life. They divide up the tasks, have fun, and allow ECT to keep participation fees low relative to other activities.   

“With all the proven academic and social benefits of participation in the arts, we strive to make the experience accessible to the entire community,” ECT Treasurer Kathy Meyer said.

ECT just wrapped production of Pirates of Penzance Jr. at Sandburg Middle School. Written in 1897 by legendary duo Gilbert & Sullivan, the Pirates Jr. score offered no shortage of tongue twisters, complex melodies and comedy for the young actors to master.  The cast of 39 really stepped up to the challenge. 

“Before a humorous moment could be acted on stage, the kids first had to understand why it was funny and how it fit into the story. They learned so much along the way, and the production was super entertaining for the audience to watch,” parent Barb Glabus said.

Parents and kids seem to like the ECT recipe. 

“It’s a family affair,” Glabus said. “I really shared in the excitement of what was happening as I helped prepare for the show.” 

Geneice Langley added, “I loved volunteering. I think it’s good to let the kids see parents support what they enjoy so much.”    

Production Coordinator Teresa Kikos had a bird’s eye view of Pirates Jr. as she supervised more than half of the rehearsals.

“The one thing I would want people to know about ECT is how valuable the experience is for the kids," she said. "Being involved from the start to finish, it is amazing to see their growth. They not only learn stage craft but grow in self-confidence, responsibility and respect for the people involved.” 

When asked to sum up their feelings after Pirates Jr., eighth-grader Kaitlin Cadagin and seventh-grader Tatum Langley separately called the experience, “life-changing.”

“I have learned so many things through ECT, from what a curtain call is, to what a true friend really is,” Langley said.

“You get to dance and sing and just have a silly old time,” added fifth-grader Camille Steahly.

Elmhurst public or private school students in grades five through eight are invited to audition. Call 773-569-2444 or email kkummerow@elmhurstchildrenstheatre.com to schedule an audition slot. Walk-ins are also welcome. Visit www.elmhurstchildrenstheatre.com for audition requirements.  Bye Bye Birdie will be staged at Bryan Middle School February 17, 18 and 19.