Our mission is to give students an in-depth literary and theatrical experience by being immersed in classic plays.  Our performances bring affordable, professional quality theater to our students and to the community at large.

Our goal is not only to teach the skills leading to a career in the theater, though that certainly is a possible outcome.  Our goal is to lead students to a deep understanding of the plays – the subtexts, the characterizations, and the history behind each play and its time period.  By participating in these projects, both on stage and back stage, the students will come away with much more than they would gain by simply reading the scripts.

We see theater as a setting for community building.  We also see theater as a means to personal growth and self-confidence.  The goals of the program are to teach theater skills, and also to provide skills and pride in creating a team and a successful product.

 

Eileen Hand

After receiving a degree in music performance from the University of Illinois, Eileen went on to work professionally in and around the Chicago area. Theaters include Apple Tree Theater, Light Opera Works, and Different Drummer Music Theater.  She went on to found Thin Ice Theater in 1999. She has been directing and working with young people since then.  She recently worked with Summer on Broadway at the Skokie Park District.

Joyce Elias

After receiving a BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute and teaching credentials through The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Joyce has taught art classes for children throughout the Chicago area.  Joyce helped found Thin Ice Theater in 1999 and has been the set designer for the past 12 years.  She is an exhibiting artist, and has published a children’s picture book.

Ann Wasserman

After graduating from Northwestern University, Ann has been quilting professionally since 1980.  She exhibits her artwork nationally, is an expert on antique quilts and quilt repair, and teaches and lectures on quilt history and fiber art. She is a founding member of Thin Ice Theater, and has been costuming since 1999.  She has also costumed for the Evanston Dance Ensemble and Mudlark Theater.  Her complete resumé can be found at: http://www.annquilts.com/resume.html