Childrens Community Theatre
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Children's Community Theater empowers young people and families to discover their creative voice, build confidence, and experience the transformative power of theatre. Since our founding in 1955, we have been committed to encouraging a lifelong love of the dramatic arts by providing accessible, high-quality theatre experiences that celebrate the talents and contributions of children of all ages and skill levels. Through our productions, summer camps, and community engagement, we create inclusive spaces where young performers develop resilience, collaboration, and self-belief while building meaningful connections with peers and families. Serving over 200 people in DeKalb County annually, we believe that theatre is a tool for personal growth and community vitality, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every child in our community has the opportunity to step onto the stage, discover their potential, and realize their dreams.
- Income
- $107,627
- Spending
- $94,124
- Reserves
- 8.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 91%
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
This organization files the short tax form, which does not ask about boards, policies or audits. That is normal for a small charity and is not a mark against it.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $21,117 spent. Our two-week summer camp, held in collaboration with the historic Egyptian Theatre, is an intensive, affordable program for youth ages 818. We keep costs low and offer scholarship opportunities so families from all backgrounds can participate. Structure Two age-track model: -Younger Track (ages 812): hands-on introduction to theater fundamentals acting, voice, movement, improvisation, and basic backstage skills with fun games, ensemble-building, and a polished showcase at the end of camp. -Older Track (high school students, 1418): an ambitious rehearsal schedule focused on mounting a full-length show start-to-finish in two weeks. Students handle acting, vocal work, choreography, tech rehearsals, and run crews under staff and peer-mentor guidance. Curriculum & Experience -Daily schedule combining skill classes, rehearsals, scene work, and technical training. -Professional-style rehearsal process for the older track: blocking, music rehearsals, choreography, tech runs, and dress rehearsals. -Introduction to set, costume, and prop basics; stagecraft and safety; microphone and lighting basics as appropriate. -Leadership and mentorship: older campers mentor younger ones and gain production leadership opportunities (stage manager, crew leads). -Performance: final public sharing or full production mounted in partnership with the Egyptian Theatre, offering real-stage experience and audience performance. Accessibility & Support Low tuition model with need-based scholarships and sliding-scale options. -Accommodations and inclusive practices -Clear communication about rehearsal schedules, pick-up/drop-off, and what to bring. Outcomes Younger campers gain confidence, collaborative skills, and foundational theater knowledge. High school campers experience the intensity of producing a show, develop technical and leadership skills, and leave with a completed production credit and greater artistic maturity. Contact us for dates, registration, and scholarship applications.
- $16,433 spent. Our fall show took place at the historic Sandwich Opera House in Sandwich, IL, and this years production was Elf Jr., performed by a full youth cast ages 818. Over a multi-week rehearsal period students learned acting, singing, choreography, and backstage skills while volunteer directors, designers, and teen leaders guided costume, set, and tech work. The Opera House setting gave campers and cast members real-stage experience with professional sightlines, lighting, and audience energy. Families and community members filled the house for lively performances, and the run showcased strong ensemble work, enthusiastic solo moments, and confident stagecraft from our youngest to our oldest performers. The production reinforced teamwork, performance experience, and leadership development while bringing family-friendly holiday joy to DeKalb County audiences.
- $27,057 spent. Our spring show (Lion King Jr.), at the historic Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb, IL featured a large, vibrant cast of roughly 90 youth ages 818. Over several weeks of rehearsals, students developed acting, singing, movement, and backstage skills while volunteer directors, designers, and teen leaders coordinated costumes, sets, lighting, and sound to achieve professional production values. The Egyptians stage and house provided real-world performance experienceproper sightlines, rigging, and audience energythat challenged and inspired cast and crew alike. With ensemble numbers, featured solos, and layered choreography, the production emphasized teamwork, trust, and artistic growth across age levels. Families, schools, and the broader community attended in strong numbers, celebrating the performers commitment and the theaters role in nurturing young talent and creating memorable, family-friendly entertainment for DeKalb County.
Source: Form 990EZ for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since September 1969.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.