Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

About CVLT Youth Theater

A Commitment to Young People

Chagrin Valley Little Theatre has a long-standing commitment to encouraging children and young people in acting. Since its establishment in the 1950’s, the Chagrin Valley Youth Theater has fulfilled this mission with dedication and professionalism.

We believe that performing on a stage in front of an audience teaches children discipline, self-confidence and responsibility, even if they never pursue acting as anything more than a hobby --- and besides, it’s a whole lot of fun!

To teach the skills and discipline of acting and encourage children to discover the fun of being part of a play, Chagrin Valley Little Theater offers Youth Theater classes in January and September and a summer camp, usually in July.

Teaching Acting Skills

The Chagrin Valley Youth Theatre is unique in its focus on teaching children true acting skills. Led by professional actress Julie Kolibab, our youth classes teach children the fundamentals of acting through exercises, games and improvisation. For those children with more experience in being on the stage, advanced classes can help them take their skills to the next level.

Mrs. Kolibab works with more than 100 children each year, ranging in age from 8 to 18. She believes that, given the proper instruction and encouragement, all children can enjoy the acting experience. Through her dedication and talent for bringing out the best in children and young people, the Chagrin Valley Youth Theater has earned a reputation as one of the best in the area.

Julia Kolibab - Teacher

Mrs. Kolibab has an M.F.A. in theater from Case Western Reserve University. She has taught acting for children and adults at the Cleveland Playhouse, Laurel School of the Theater, Willoughby School of Fine Arts, Hathaway Brown and Case Western Reserve.

Each class and camp culminates in a full production with costumes, lighting and scenery. Children and young people in these productions have a true theater experience and make memories and friendships that will last for years.

Winter 2011/12 Registration

Download and print a mail-in registration form here

All classes in this session will perform together in a final, full-length production. Every student will have a role in an exciting, large-scale production with three performances. Past productions have included Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, The Sword in the Stone, Alice in Wonderland, and many other wonderful titles. The class will provide coverage of alternate theatre activities and exercises for students when they are not rehearsing their role on stage.

Grades 1 & 2

  • Saturdays, January 7 - February 26
  • 9:00 to 10:00
  • In February, classes will be extended to 11:00 a.m. and/or 12:00 p.m., and on Sat., Feb 18 until 1:00 p.m. as their scenes are integrated into the final production.
  • There will be two additional rehearsals the week prior to the play. These necessary extra rehearsals are usually held Tuesday and Thursday at 6:00 p.m.
  • Performances will be held Saturday, February 25 at 2:00 and 7:00 and Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m.
  • Cost $125
  • Instructor: Julia Kolibab

Grades 3 - 12

  • Saturdays, January 7 - February 26
  • 10:00 - 1:00
  • There will be some extra rehearsals scheduled throughout the session, but these will be planned according to the availability of the students. There will be two additional rehearsals the week prior to the play. These are usually held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m.
  • Performances will be held Saturday, February 25 at 2:00 and 7:00 and Sunday, February 26 at 2:00
  • Cost $150
  • Instructor: Julia Kolibab