Lead Teaching Artist for the 2026 Light ensemble with Collaboraction Theatre Company (1757 N. Kimball in Humboldt Park), invites Chicago youth to audition for this year‘s program. They are looking for high school students, ages 14 - 18, who are passionate about the arts, community engagement, and summer employment.
To participate, interested students must complete the audition form promptly. Auditions will be held on March 28, April 4, and April 11 from 10 AM to noon.
Each participant will receive $16 per hour for rehearsals, studio time, and showcases (audition time is not paid). After completing the program, students receive headshots, video documentation, and continued access to creative tools and consultations with our artistic staff.
The dates for this summer employment opportunity are from June 16, 2026, to August 8, 2026. We will meet from 10:30 AM to 2 PM Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and on Saturday mornings from 10 AM to 2 pm.
Please review our FAQ below. If you have questions or want to set up a call, contact me directly at [email protected] or 872-315-7961.
What is The Light?
The Light is a paid summer youth program for Chicago-area students ages 14 - 18, combining the arts and social change over eight weeks and approximately 100 hours. Participants meet four times a week to develop performance work and explore activism.
Who is right for The Light?
We are seeking exceptional youth performance artists (singers, poets, actors, dancers, musicians, etc.) ages 14 - 18 who have a strong passion for inspiring social change around a specific topic of their choosing, such as racism, body positivity, mental health awareness, homelessness, and more.
How can I find out more?
Please ask all prospective youth to register for the FREE Light workshop during CPS Spring Break, happening from 10 am - 3 pm on Thursday, March 26th, at our space inside the Kimball Arts Center, 1757 N. Kimball Ave., in Humboldt Park. To register, have them contact us by email or phone.
Where do they perform?
In 2025, the Light performed on stage at Navy Pier Fresh Fest, Sundays on State Street, at Lollapalooza on the Kidzapalooza stage, and at several privately sponsored events. We created 11 new artistic pieces in the forms of storytelling, spoken word, dance, and song. Also in 2025, the Light released their very first single, “We Are The Light,” which is currently available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. Here’s a link to listen to the song and, to watch the music video, please click here.
Opportunities to continue performing after the summer intensive continue throughout the year, with monthly weekend showcases for students to continue working on their craft.
Where is this located?
All auditions and rehearsals will take place at our theatre and office inside the Kimball Arts Center, located at 1757 N. Kimball Ave, Suites 105 & 120.
Read more about the program at https://www.collaboraction.
Schedule an audition by filling out our form athttps://docs.google.com/