Stonegate Kids prepare ‘Toy Story 3’ for Friday shows

Stonegate Kids will present “Toy Story 3” in two performances on Friday, July 8.

The backyard theater troupe, a staple for 11 years in the Stonegate neighborhood of Arlington Heights, will put on the play at 5 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights.

A $3 donation is suggested; as proceeds will benefit a local family whose daughter recently had emergency surgery as well as Something to Hold on To, a local charity that provides gently used stuffed animals to children in the hospital.

Stonegate Kids, a children’s community theater group made up of children from the Stonegate subdivision in Arlington Heights, began 11 years ago under the direction of Heidi Graham. It was her vision to produce shows by kids and for kids. For the past two weeks, Stonegate Kids have met every day for two hours a day. The kids range in age from 7-17. They choose the show and charity, cast the show by lottery, make their own sets, contribute their own costumes, props and are in charge of the direction.

Several kids have grown up in Stonegate Kids making the transition from actors to directors. Thus far, Stonegate Kids has raised over $12,000 for various charities.