Chicago Children’s Theatre invites kids and families to a free Spring Pop-Up Event, Saturday, April 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Break out of your winter cocoons and bring the kids to:
- Hear Chicago author and entrepreneur Vanessa Rodriguez (Babydolls Boutique) read from her new children’s book “Chicago Loves Me” (11:30 a.m. and noon).
- Bug out with fun activities and a presentation from The Butterfly Company, “the best online source for butterflies and insects in the USA.”
- Get crafty with arts activities inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, a live stage adaptation of four all-time favorite children’s books by Eric Carle, playing April 15-June 4 at Chicago Children’s Theatre.
- Sample free goodies.
- Plus more surprises!
Find more information and register at chicagochildrenstheatre.org/event/spring-pop-up-event.
(left) Meet "Chicago Loves Me" author Vanessa Rodriguez and (right) bug out with The Butterfly Company at Chicago Children's Theatre's Free Spring Pop-Up Event on April 1.
Chicago Children’s Theatre is located at 100 S. Racine Ave., at Monroe, in Chicago’s West Loop. What was a shuttered police station is now Chicago’s #1 destination for the best plays, musicals, classes and performing arts camps for young audiences. For parents, caregivers and teachers, Chicago Children’s Theatre is a convenient, welcoming community hub, centrally located in the city, complete with free, onsite parking.
Tickets to The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show are on sale now at chicagochildrenstheatre.org. Email boxoffice@chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (312) 374-8835 to learn about discounted rates for schools, playgroups, birthday parties and scouting groups. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is recommended for all ages, 6 months and up. Run time is 60 minutes.
Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S. Racine, at Monroe, in Chicago's West Loop
These and more photos from Chicago Children's Theatre's 2019 Chicago premiere of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show are here. Credit: Ari Craven
About Chicago Children’s Theatre
“The Chicago theater scene is legendarily vibrant, so naturally a number of companies tailor productions to younger audiences. The cream of the crop is Chicago Children’s Theatre.” – Chicago Tribune
Chicago Children’s Theatre was founded in 2005 with a big idea: Chicago is the greatest theater city in the world, and it deserves a great children’s theater.
Today, Chicago Children’s Theatre is the city’s largest professional theater company devoted exclusively to children and young families. CCT has established a national reputation for the production of first-rate children’s theater with professional writing, performing, and directorial talent and high-quality design and production expertise.
In January 2017, following 11 years as an itinerant company, CCT celebrated the opening of its forever home, Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Station, 100 S. Racine Avenue in Chicago’s West Loop community. The building, formerly the Chicago Police Station for the 12th District, was repurposed into a beautiful, LEED Gold-certified, mixed-use performing arts, education and community engagement facility that now welcomes all Chicago families.
In addition to presenting professional TYA productions, CCT offers a full roster of education programs year round for ages 0 to 14. Visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org/family-programs for information on performing arts classes, workshops, winter and spring break camps, summer camps, and programs from the company’s Red Kite Project for children with autism and other special needs, celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2023.
For more, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org, follow the company on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to its YouTube channel, CCTv: Virtual Theatre and Learning from Chicago Children’s Theatre.
About CCT's Spring Pop-Up Event guests
Owner, designer, and innovator, Vanessa Rodriguez has delighted her native Chicago with her baby products and accessories for mommies at BabyDolls Boutique, her one of-a-kind shop in Lakeview. She also established the “itty bitty Project,” that supports micro-preemies by donating to the five largest neonatal intensive care units in U.S. hospitals.
Now her most recent title is “author” with the recent debut of “Chicago Loves Me,” the first book in her new “Loves Me Books” series. When Mommy puts baby boy, Joey, to bed for the night, the adventures with his bunny and imaginary friend, Penelope, begin! Join them on a magical fun-filled journey as Joey discovers the wonders of the Windy City’s, including Wrigley Field, Lake Shore Drive, Shedd Aquarium and Soldier Field. Parents, educators, caregivers and kids will be transfixed by Joey’s “oohs” and “aahs” while learning valuable lessons about the beauty and history of Chicago. Learn more Rodriguez and her new book “Chicago Loves Me” via this recent feature by Block Club Chicago.
The Butterfly Company is a leading supplier of dried, unmounted butterflies and insects from around the world for collections, photography, crafters and more. Since 1977, the company has steadily grown to be the best online source for butterflies and insects in the USA! Their goal…to stimulate your imagination and to arouse your curiosity about the fascinating world of butterflies and insects. Learn more at thebutterflycompany.com.