Northbrook Theatre receives generous Illinois Arts Council grants

Once again, the Northbrook Park District has received support from the Illinois Arts Council with grants that help stage community and youth-focused productions.

The park district recently was awarded two grants from the Illinois Arts Council: a grant of $3,390 for youth employment in the arts from federal funds through the National Endowment for the Arts; and a grant of $15,000 for general operating support and youth employment from state funds.

“Over the years, the IAC’s grant support has been integral in achieving the creative freedom to expand theater offerings for the Northbrook community, which has a deep appreciation for arts programming,” said Northbrook Park District Visual and Performing Arts Manager Drew Kambach.

The Northbrook Park District’s Northbrook Theatre is home to three companies:

• Northbrook Theatre Youth Company, which features actors ages 8 and up performing plays and musicals enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

• Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, whose productions are performed by professional actors and serve as wonderful introductions to live theater to children and youth.

• Northbrook Community Theatre, which welcomes community members of all ages and abilities to take the stage.

This year’s general operating grant was especially generous, Kambach said.

The grant helped support this month’s production of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” (Northbrook Theatre Youth Company), along with the upcoming “School of Rock” (Northbrook Community Theatre), “Mean Girls” (Northbrook Youth Company), “13” (Northbrook Youth Company) and “A Christmas Chaos” (Northbrook Community Theatre).

This is the first time the park district will utilize the youth employment grant, after having received one in 2020 that was returned in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The park district plans to use this grant to hire a young person who will provide support in an artistic and administrative role, including assisting directors and production management.

While Northbrook Theatre is home to three companies, these IAC grants are specifically earmarked for youth and community theater, directly supporting programs for those in our community. For more information, visit nbparks.org/programs/theatre.