Child's Play Touring Theatre
Child's Play Touring Theatre (CPTT) is a non-profit arts-education touring theatre company based in Chicago. Founded in 1978 by June and Victor Podagrosi, CPTT was the first theatre company where professional actors take original works written by children and perform them on stage.[1] Since its founding, CPTT has performed in 40 states from Alaska to Florida and Maine to California, reaching an audience of over 4.5 million and performing the works of over 17,000 young writers.[2]
History
Child's Play Touring Theatre was founded in 1978 by Victor and June Podagrosi in
Since its founding, Child's Play has performed at a number of notable venues including the
Organization
Child's Play is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) non-for-profit organization that is entirely self-funded through donations and sponsorships. Sponsors have included
Educational Programs
CPTT offers a variety of educational programs for students and teachers alike. Some of these programs include summer camps, classes and after school programs for children and teens, teacher workshops and writing workshops for students.
Notable Projects
Over the years, CPTT has produced a number of notable shows and educational programs. Some of these projects include:
- Kids for President! - (1988, 1992, 1996, 2008, 2012) Produced in election years, Kids for President gives children "a unique opportunity to learn about the issues that are important to them and the election."Whitney Young High School held after the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.[4] CPTT also performed Kids for President! at the Chicago Theatre for the book signing of Hillary Clinton's It Takes a Village.[6]
- Hands Together, Heart to Art - (2005, 2006) - A summer program for children who have experienced the death of one or both parents. Hands Together, Heart to Art became a finalist in the NCASS Creative and Innovative Awards Program.[6]
- The Great Green Adventures of R-Man and Earth Kid - (2010–Present) A comic book style show based on stories and poems written by children from around the country that shows how kids think the planet can be saved.
- Global Energy: The Musical - (2011) CPTT's most recent ongoing project focuses on different types of energy used throughout the world today and on global conservation efforts.
The Victor Award
In memory of founder Victor Podagrosi, Child's Play has established The Victor Award to "honor individuals and organizations who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, generosity, and/or service to Child's Play Touring Theatre and the arts community."[7] There is both a Local and an International Victor Award.
The Local Victor Award
The Victor Award is "awarded locally each year to individuals and companies who have shown a strong commitment to Child's Play and to working with the arts."[7]
Past Recipients
- 1997 - Tammy Steele, Marcia Lipetz
- 1998 - Janet Brooks, Jasculca/Terman and Associates, Inc.
- 1999 - Andy Laities, Illinois Arts Council
- 2000 - Tammy Walker, City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs
- 2001 - Child's Play Touring Theatre Awarded by Illinois Theatre Association
- 2002 - Richard A. Devine, State's Attorney
- 2003 - Perry Cavitt
- 2004 - Kraft Foods, Inc., Deborah Bricker, Albert Goodman
- 2006 - Sondra Healy, Bernard Garbo, Jo-Ella Podagrosi-Spratt, Gigi Faraci
- 2007 - Darrell Barber, Eve Moran, Steve Scott, Bella Itkin – Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2008 - Nicole Rohr Lewis, Kevin Gate
- 2009 - George Bliss, Kathy Bliss, Vito Gioia
- 2010 - Jim Coates, Mara Georges, Sharon Thomas Parrott
- 2011 - Walter Jacobson, Diana Mendoza
- 2012 - Jeff Richmond, Marj Halperin
- 2013 - Anita Alvarez, George Howe
- 2014 - Adam McKay, Jackie Taylor
- 2015 - Charles Petering
- 2016 - Robert Falls, Goodman Theatre, Artistic Director
- 2017 - Jane Monzures, WGN, Shari Schlachter, Child's Play Touring Theatre
The International Victor Award
The International Victor Award is awarded every year at the International Showcase of Performing Arts for Young People to children's theatre companies "who show excellence in their ability to interact with sponsors in a prompt, efficient and compatible manner, and who demonstrate a positive attitude toward their art."[7]
Past Recipients
- 1998 - Ballet Folklorico
- 1999 - The Red Balloon, Visible Fictions
- 2000 - The Young Americans
- 2001 - Martha
- 2002 - Goodnight Opus, Mermaid Theatre
- 2003 - Shona Reppe Puppets
- 2004 - Hansel and Gretal, Theatre Sans Fil
- 2005 - Snowflake, LaJoye Productions
- 2006 - Hamlet, Det lille Turneteater
- 2007 - Wolf!, Huis aan de Amstel
- 2008 - Pero or Mysteries of the Night, Speeltheatre Holland
- 2009 - The Man Who Planted Trees, Puppet State Theatre Company
- 2010 - Shopping for Shoes, Visible Fictions
- 2011 - Grug, Windmill Theatre
- 2012 - Nearly Lear, Susanna Hamnett
- 2013 - Me and My Shadow, Patch Theatre Company
- 2014 - Manxmouse, Theatergroep Kwatta
- 2015 - Titus, Macrobert Art Center
- 2016 - Tetris, Erik Kaiel, Arch8
Notable alumni
References
- ^ de Blasio, Don. "Touring Theater 'Child's Play'," The Champaign-Urbana News Gazette, 6 July 1979.
- ^ "About Us". Cptt.org. Retrieved 2011-06-30.
- ^ a b Taubeneck, Anne. "Cast ballot for Child's Play," Chicago Sun-Times, 4 November 1988.
- ^ a b Callison, Bradley. "Child's Play Theatre Encourages Educational Creativity," Illinois Business Winter 1996: 46-48.
- ^ "Child's Play: Making Politics and Government Dramatic" Chicago Tribune, 1 October 1996.
- ^ a b "History | About Us". Cptt.org. Retrieved 2011-06-30.
- ^ a b c "Victor Award | About Us". Cptt.org. Retrieved 2011-06-30.
