Arts Grants Help Set The Stage For Young Performers In Northbrook

NORTHBROOK, IL — From costumes and sets to paychecks for teen staff, two Illinois Arts Council grants will help support performing arts programming at the Northbrook Park District.

The district received a $10,000 general operating support grant for Northbrook Theatre and a $2,930 youth employment grant for arts camp staff wages, according to a district news release.

The operating grant will help offset production costs, including sets, costumes, supplies, salaries and other core expenses throughout the season. The youth employment funding will cover wages for teens who help with arts camp instruction and operations.

Drew Kambach, the district's visual and performing arts manager, said the funding helps the district provide performing arts programs while creating opportunities for young people to work and develop skills.

"We are deeply grateful for IAC's continued partnership in making these programs possible," Kambach said in the release.

Among the young people working in the theater program is Glenbrook North High School junior Roni Margolis, a theater assistant for Northbrook Theatre Youth Company’s production of "Beetlejuice JR.," running Oct. 20-25.

Margolis has participated in Northbrook Theatre since she was 6, performing onstage and attending theater summer camp. Most recently, she appeared in "Freaky Friday" in May.

"All the counselors were just the most amazing people. They were so encouraging," Margolis told the district about her camp experience.

She began helping as a youth volunteer last year, working on summer and school-year productions before being hired as a theater assistant this summer.

Her responsibilities include attending auditions and rehearsals, helping teach musical numbers and making cast members feel comfortable.

For Margolis, the job provides a chance to earn money while continuing to do something she loves.

"Obviously getting the experience is most important, but doing this does take up time, and it's time that I could be paid for babysitting or something else," she told the district. "It's a little bit more grounding that I am getting paid for the work I do."

More information about productions and programming is available on the Northbrook Theatre website.