Naperville theater group preparing bigger performance space

Kandiss Hernandez started Kidz Kabaret, a not-for-profit youth theater and education troupe, eight years ago in her backyard.

On Saturday, Hernandez and the rest of those who operate the group celebrated the groundbreaking of a new 10,000-square-foot theater space in Naperville, complete with a 165-seat auditorium, rehearsal space and an area to be used for special performances and business meetings.

The new theater, called Center Stage Theater, is being added on to the group's existing spot at 1655 Quincy Ave.

"It feels awesome," Hernandez said Saturday. "We've definitely come a long way. I'm so proud of what the kids have done, what the parents have done. They should be proud too."

For years, Kidz Kabaret had to move from space to space when putting on shows. With a space of its own, the group will be able to focus on becoming a premiere community theater destination in the Naperville area, Hernandez said.

Roughly 350 children, age 4 up through high school, belong to the group, which puts on 13 productions a year (many are repeated by different casts comprising different age groups, adding up to about 180 shows a year).

Hernandez started Kidz Kabaret when her daughter, in fifth grade at the time, auditioned for a local production of "Peter Pan" and came home upset when she didn't get the part. Hernandez, who has a theater background, realized there was a need for a group that would hone children's theater skills while also building their self-esteem.

"In sports, we start so young with practice and encouragement," she said. "I'd like to see the same attention spent on kids interested in theater."

Saturday's groundbreaking included video games, face painting, food and stage performances. Quite a bit of construction work on the new theater has been completed; the group received a donated stage and seats from theaters in the area that had closed or moved.

But Hernandez said work, and fundraising efforts, continue. When the theater's all finished, Hernandez said she wants it to have an "old Hollywood" feel.

Toward that end, volunteers were selling personalized tiles that will go on a "walk of fame" and a "wall of fame" in the finished theater.

"I love the idea that the families who've been part of this will have their names on the floor forever," Hernandez said.

Naperville parent and Will County Board member Chuck Maher said his daughter, Noelle, got involved with Kidz Kabaret two years ago, when she was just 5.

"It's fantastic what this group does for the kids, not just in terms of things like self-esteem but also memorization and performances skills," Maher said. "I'm really happy they were able to get a bigger facility."

For information about Kidz Kabaret, visit kidzkabaret.com or call (630) 355-9212.