Young People’s Theatre of Chicago
Theatre that inspires children, families, schools, and communities.
Young People’s Theatre of Chicago (YPT) is Chicago’s professional Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) company in residence at the historic Greenhouse Theater Center. Founded in 2021, YPT creates imaginative, high-quality theatrical experiences that engage, challenge, and inspire children and families of all ages and backgrounds.
Our Story
YPT began when the Greenhouse Theater Center invited veteran children’s theatre director Randy White to launch a dedicated TYA company. YPT’s debut season featured two world premieres and a Chicago premiere, establishing the company as a vibrant new voice in Chicago’s TYA community.
In just four seasons, the company has built a reputation for artistic excellence and a commitment to bringing exceptional theatre to young audiences. YPT productions have consistently earned some of the highest ratings among Chicago theatre productions on Theatre In Chicago. Its most recent seasons included sold-out productions of Elephant & Piggie, A Year with Frog and Toad, and The Hobbit, as well as the Midwest premiere of The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen by Evanston playwright Gloria Bond Clunie—a joyful, intergenerational celebration of Harlem hoop culture.
Theatre for Every Young Person
At YPT, we believe young people deserve theatre that reflects the richness and diversity of the world around them. We seek out new voices, nationally acclaimed work, and stories that spark imagination while creating opportunities for children and families to experience the transformative power of live performance together.
Our upcoming fifth-anniversary season continues that commitment with a world premiere and two Chicago premieres, bringing fresh and nationally recognized work to Chicago audiences.
Learning Through Theatre
Education and access are at the heart of YPT’s mission.
Our school matinee program welcomes thousands of students each season, responding to growing demand for engaging, curriculum-connected theatre experiences. Every production is supported by a comprehensive study guide aligned with Illinois State Standards, helping teachers extend the experience from the theatre into the classroom.
YPT has also expanded its educational offerings with summer theatre camps, giving young people new opportunities to develop creative skills, build confidence, collaborate with others, and explore artistic expression in a supportive environment.
Looking Ahead
With a dedicated staff and board of directors, chaired by former Emerald City board president Heike Spahn, YPT is poised for continued growth and deeper engagement throughout Chicago and the surrounding region.
We’re building more than a theatre company. We’re building a place where young people can discover stories, see themselves represented, experience the joy of live theatre, and imagine what’s possible.
Welcome to Young People’s Theatre of Chicago!
Mission
To cultivate a lifelong passion for the stage by offering diverse and extraordinary theatrical experiences for children of all ages and backgrounds.
Values
Excellence
Engagement
Joy
Inclusion
Enrichment
Discovery
Empathy
Vision
Young People’s Theater of Chicago aspires to be a local, regional, and national leader in the production of theater for young audiences.
YPT will develop its board and operations with a focus on fiscal viability, community engagement, and production quality.
YPT will develop the capacity to own and manage the Greenhouse Theater Center within the next decade.