Kidz Kabaret sets sights on own theater

Kidz Kabaret actors take to the stage for dozens of shows each year, but that stage hasn't been their own.

That may change by this winter.

The Naperville nonprofit group says it's making good progress in raising enough money to open a theater of its own and is hoping for community support to reach its goal.

Having its own venue has long been a dream for Kidz Kabaret, said Alice Li-Arndt, director of strategic development.

It would give young actors "a home where they can live in, create in and grow in, not only as performers but as individuals building confidence and life-skills," Li-Arndt said in an e-mail.

The fall theater season includes 16 productions and more than 100 shows performed by children ranging in age from kindergarten through high school.

For the past three years, the group has been renting the Comedy Shrine in downtown Naperville for many of its productions as well as several other venues for larger shows.

But not having its own space means lugging equipment from venue to venue, less flexibility in scheduling and sometimes too few seats.

The troupe currently is negotiating with two building owners in central Naperville and hopes to transform one of sites into its own theater with seating for about 150 to 200. If all goes well, it could be open in time for holiday shows.

In addition to using the theater for its own shows, Kidz Kabaret plans to rent it out at an affordable price.

"One of the things we want to do is give back to the community and the way to do that with this theater is to offer it to other performing arts groups or interest groups that need a venue," Li-Arndt said.

In the past year, the group has received several significant contributions toward creating its theater. When the American Girl Place store in Chicago changed locations, it donated a stage and theater seats to Kidz Kabaret. Nova 8 Cinema also donated seating.

"Having these donations ... was like a sign, karma, the right time to push forward, push hard for the next step in our dreams," Li-Arndt said.

The group's goal is to raise $75,000 to $100,000. In addition to donations and sponsorships, it is selling Walk of Fame stars that individuals or organizations can purchase and have their name engraved on. The family and individual tiles will be placed on the floor of the theater while corporate sponsors will be part of a display on the theater walls.

For more information about donations, sponsorships or purchasing Walk of Fame stars, call Li-Arndt at (630) 355-9212.