Schaumburg's Street Theatre puts on kids' plays this summer

With few props needed, Schaumburg Park District Street Theatre tells the tale of "The Brave Little Tailor," the first of three plays performed this summer by the acting troupe.

The 34-year-old troupe is comprised of 14 hardworking thespians, age 16 to 25.

In the play, Ethan Robisch, 19, is the tailor who claims he can kill seven pests in one swat. That lie gets him in big trouble when three fierce giants come to town and kidnap the princess, played by Maya Abujaffar, 20. The royal family and frightened townspeople turn to the tailor to fight off the giants and rescue the princess from harm. Robisch's character learns to conquer his fears to save the day.

"The Brave Little Tailor" is fast-paced and has many witty lines. During its first week, children were giggling throughout the play especially during bits of slapstick. The whole cast engages the audience with strong facial expressions and booming voices.

“I love my job. It's such a fun thing to do during the summer,” said Noreen Patel, 20, who plays Martha the Jam Seller. “My favorite part is interacting with the young audience. It's the best when you get kids who come to repeat performances.”

The interactivity of the play really captivates the audience's attention. The audience has to buzz whenever a sign is held up saying ‘flies' on it. The old-school sound effects make the play and actors even more endearing.

The cast of Street Theatre doesn't just show its passion for the craft by being in the acting troupe. Most cast members are majoring or minoring in acting or taking acting classes.

“I wanted to audition for Street Theatre because the actors always looked like they were having the time of their lives,” said Shannon Poulsen, 18, a first year Street Theatre performer who plays the queen. “I get to do something I love. I'm living the dream.”

Another great feature of Street Theatre is the outdoor venues.

“I like performing outside,” said Erin Berg, 20, who plays Big Mama, one of the three giants. “The natural light is nice and I don't have to wear as much makeup. I won't have to worry about it melting off in the heat.”

Street Theatre performs at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road; Meineke Park, 220 E. Weathersfield Way; the Town Square Amphitheatre, the corner of Schaumburg and Roselle Roads; Addams School, 700 S. Springinsguth Road; Bock Park, 1223 W. Sharon Lane; and Blackwell School, 345 N. Walnut Lane.

Performances of "The Brave Little Tailor" are at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 13 at the Town Square Amphitheatre and Thursday, June 14 at Meineke Park.

Street Theatre will perform "The Emperor's New Clothes" from June 18 to 28. The last play of the summer, "Jack and the Beanstalk," will be performed from July 9 to 26.

For more information and the complete Street Theatre performance schedule, call (847) 490-7015 or visit www.parkfun.com.