Business Spotlight: Fox Valley Repertory

Name: Audra Sybert

Business Name: Fox Valley Repertory

Title: Marketing & Development Manager

Location: St. Charles

Founded: 2004

How did the business come to be?

Chicago’s Noble Fool Theater Company was invited to take part in the inaugural season of Pheasant Run’s new mainstage theater in 2004 with an offering of fresh interpretations of classical and original productions such as The Underpants by Steve Martin, The Vikings! A Musical in Two Axe, and the Woody Allen classic, Don’t Drink The Water.

A year later, Noble Fool Theatricals was formed specifically to serve the western suburbs with a repertoire of well-known Off-Broadway musicals, comedies, educational programming and family shows. Today, they continue to bring many of downtown’s finest award-winning artists and well-known comedy troupes right here to St. Charles, such as Off-Broadway’s longest-running musical I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change, holiday favorites like A Christmas Story, Chicago’s very own The Second City, and the record-breaking Broadway comedy Defending the Caveman.

In the fall of 2006, Noble Fool Theatricals opened The NFT Performing Arts Academy to offer theatrical training for the community including classes in improvisation, scene-study, and auditions, as well as the critic-acclaimed Youth Ensemble program. The academy features some of the Chicago area’s most respected teachers, directors, actors and musicians. Classes are for adults, children and business professionals looking to learn from the people who are working at what they love do.

After six strong years of growth, Noble Fool Theatricals announced an exciting change to their company; in 2011, they would become Fox Valley Repertory – a name that better represented the strong bond they have created with their patrons and community, with hopes that those patrons would connect with their stories and begin referencing them as 'our theater' even more. Fox Valley Repertory is focused on creating an engaging theater experience by producing shows that inspire the community to laugh, reflect and reconnect to moments in one's life. With the most extensive offering of academy programs, they hope to continue to inspire youth to explore their own lives through the performing arts.

Why did you choose the area you did?

The Fox Valley area has a strong following of arts-friendly residents and we are proud to be a part of that community!

What does the business offer?

In addition to each exciting season of mainstage performances, concerts, and comedy performances, Fox Valley Repertory also boasts the largest performing arts academy in the Fox Valley area.

FVR Performing Arts Academy

Offstage, Fox Valley Repertory strives to educate both young people and adults through a hands-on technical and theatrical experience. Their approach to fulfilling that commitment is one of exposure to the arts and professional artists, hands-on learning as well as traditional theatrical training through various programs offered all year long.

Theater Classes & Camps: Aspiring actors and seasoned performers can enjoy a variety of acting classes for all ages, including; Auditioning, Improv, Singing, and performance workshops/camps. All programs culminate with a showcase for friends & family.

Youth Ensemble Productions: Young actors get the chance to shine on our mainstage in this audition-based program for the best and the brightest young talent in the community. Members audition, rehearse, and perform a production for the public.

Children’s Programming: Now families can enjoy a Saturday morning at Pheasant Run with newly added children’s shows for ages 3 and up. A variety of educational performances and lunch packages are available throughout the year.

Post-show theater discussions: Week 4’s Sunday subscription series offers a free in-depth theater discussion with the Noble Fool cast and staff immediately following each show.

Internship Program: High school students (16+) and college students can gain hands-on experiences with working professionals in disciplines including directing, choreography, wardrobe, hair and makeup, technical lighting and sound, production management, stage management, marketing and more.

What’s a fact about your business that most customers probably don’t know?

Most patrons and area residents don't realize that while Fox Valley Repertory is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit theater company in residence at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, we are actually separate companies.

What’s your most popular product or service?

2013 has been Fox Valley Rep's most popular year for season subscriptions. We hit a record number and it grows every day! When you purchase a season subscription at Fox Valley Rep, you purchase tickets to 3+ performances at greatly discounted rates. It's a great way to take in theater performances all year long that don't break the budget!

Additionally, our performing arts academy has had increases in student enrollment this year, which means that more and more families in the Fox Valley area are sending their children to us to learn performing arts!

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Learn more about Fox Valley Repertory. General Information: info@foxvalleyrep.org or call 630-443-0438; Box Office: 630-584-6342; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube.