Kidz Kabaret finds theater space of its own
Kidz Kabaret couldn't have scripted a much better outcome in its quest to find space to create a theater of its own.
The Naperville troupe was able to secure a spot at 1665 Quincy Ave. - conveniently located next to its current rehearsal space - and is in the process of turning it into the performance venue it always has wanted.
Executive Director Kandiss Hernandez said theater space in the area is more scarce than people realize and creating a place of its own is a dream come true for the group.
"For a city that says it's all about the kids, what a monument to them and what a statement we're making for Naperville," she said.
The troupe, which includes students in kindergarten through high school, puts on about 180 shows a year using rented space in a variety of venues such as the Comedy Shrine and Holiday Inn Select.
But not having its own theater means lugging equipment from venue to venue, less flexibility in scheduling and sometimes too few seats.
Kidz Kabaret will now lease a 9,000-square-foot space from Mustang Construction, which is helping with some of the renovation costs.
Hernandez has dubbed the theater Center Stage to fit with the group's motto, "Every child center stage." She calls the new space "huge, vast, amazing."
The theater will be a 180-seat venue and include a small rehearsal space and makeup and costume rooms. Kidz Kabaret also will operate a storefront called On Stage that will sell items such as scripts, theater makeup and resource material for actors.
Hernandez plans to rent the space to other groups or businesses in the community for events ranging from dance recitals to corporate meetings.
She estimates creating the theater is about a $250,000 project. Kidz Kabaret has received some funding from the city's Special Events and Cultural Amenities grants but is still looking for the rest and is hoping for an endowment or large contribution that could include naming rights.
"We're looking for the community to embrace it because the need is great; but if the forces all join it's really not a huge chunk out of anyone's pocket," Hernandez said.
The troupe already has received two significant donations - a stage and theater seats from the American Girl Place store in Chicago and seating from the former Nova 8 Cinema in Naperville.
To help raise money, Kidz Kabaret is selling tile Walk of Fame and Wall of Fame stars. Community members can purchase stars that will line the floor for $300 while corporate sponsors can purchase stars to be placed on the walls for $500.
"Your ad is written in stone and it's not going anywhere and thousands of people ... will view it every time they go into the theater," Hernandez said.
The first corporate star will go to Mayor George Pradel, who will be honored at 10 a.m. Jan. 6. His son, Gary, purchased the star in his father's honor.
Other stars will be unveiled at the "Seeing is Believing" groundbreaking ceremony Feb. 12. Since work already has begun, Hernandez said it will be a chance for guests to get a sneak peek of the theater.
If all goes according to plan, she hopes to start putting on shows there in the spring and hold an official grand opening in June.
For more information about Kidz Kabaret or to make a donation, visit kidzkabaret.com or call (630) 355-9212.