Elmhurst Children's Theatre celebrates 15 years of comedy with 'Unintentionally Hilarious'

Elmhurst Children's Theatre celebrated 15 years of laughs with its annual production of "Unintentionally Hilarious" on Jan. 31.

With the same enthusiasm as the first production in 2008, Elmhurst Children's Theatre brought to the community the sketch comedy, "Unintentionally Hilarious," written and performed by local youth actors.

Elmhurst Children's Theatre alum Tim Soszko, the original director for the sketch comedy program, has directed all 15 years of "Unintentionally Hilarious."

The professional comedian, actor and theater arts educator directed a witty group of troupe members through six weeks of sketch workshops and rehearsals, culminating in a hilarious performance.

Troupe members ideate with their peers, write skits, rehearse, and perform. Members of this audition-based program are of sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders who live in or go to school in Elmhurst.

This program has provided an environment for children to showcase their creativity with great community support.

"What I love about sketch is if you're into sketch comedy, there's never just one way to do it. In our cast we have people interested in dance, singing, video games, languages, mysteries, politics, cops, sentient self checkout registers, and, of course, revenge," Soszko said. "Sketch comedy allows for all those interests to come out in the show."

The Elmhurst Children's Theatre was founded in 1937, offering a stage to the talented kids of Elmhurst for 85 years.

Performances have included "Newsies," "The Music Man," "Game of Tiaras," "Shrek the Musical," "Annie," "Footloose," and so many more.

Coming this spring, the Elmhurst Children's Theatre presents "Spamalot School Edition."

Children in fifth to eighth grade who go to school or live in Elmhurst can register to audition for "Spamalot School Edition" on Monday, Feb. 13, at www.elmhurstchildrenstheatre.com.

Be sure to come see the production April 27-29 at Sandburg Middle School in Elmhurst.

Follow the Elmhurst Children's Theatre at www.instagram.com/ect_shows/ or subscribe at bit.ly/ectnews to hear about upcoming spring classes and events.