In the heart of the United States, nestled between the shimmering silver of Lake Michigan and the swift serenity of the Mississippi River, lies the mighty state of Illinois, lovingly nicknamed by its residents as the 'Land of Lincoln.' This sprawling land is not just famous for its towering skyscrapers, prolific cornfields, or deep-dish pizzas, but also for the brilliant and imaginative kids who are budding filmmakers. These aren't just any kids, oh no! They are the elite members of the "Illinois Imagination Infantry," led by their fearless leader, a dashing and daring character named Captain Cineplex! With a popcorn bucket for a hat and a film reel as a shield, Captain Cineplex guides these aspiring directors, writers, and actors through the challenging yet exciting world of filmmaking. Every day, these kids transform their bedrooms into Hollywood studios, their backyards into exotic movie sets, and their pets into Oscar-worthy stars. They eagerly capture magical moments, dramatic sequences, and hilarious bloopers with their cameras, all while creating stories that would leave even Steven Spielberg in splits! Whether it’s a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a side-splitting comedy, these young Illinois filmmakers can do it all! With their vivid imagination and boundless creativity, they transform ordinary tales into extraordinary cinematic experiences. But let me tell you a secret — it's not all about fame and glamor for our Illinois Imagination Infantry. They believe that filmmaking is about bringing people together, sharing dreams, and best of all, having lots of fun! So, if you ever find yourself in the Land of Lincoln, don't forget to catch a show by these mini movie maestros. Who knows, you might just meet the next Spielberg or even the popcorn-hatted Captain Cineplex himself!
Read morebest filmmaking programs in Bensenville, IL
All aboard the STEAM train! Here at Mad Science of Greater Salt Lake, we're not just about science; we're about making it grand and accessible. Our passionate team of professional educators, who double as entertainers, are here to guide your child on an exhilarating journey through the fascinating world of science. We're committed to making learning fun, interactive, and engaging, and we do this through our variety of programs that include after-school activities, workshops, and summer camps. Ready to put a unique spin to your child’s birthday party? We have got you covered! Our parties are far from ordinary, filled with thrilling science demonstrations, hands-on experiments, and captivating activities. We guarantee to turn any party into an exciting event that effortlessly combines learning and fun. We're committed to creating memorable experiences that will not only entertain your child but also instill in them a love for science. Here at Mad Science of Greater Salt Lake, our offerings don’t stop at parties and after-school programs. We also bring the wonder of science to schools and businesses through our educational assemblies, captivating shows, and interactive booths. Our vast experience working with children of all ages, from toddlers to tweens, makes us experts at nurturing your child’s natural curiosity. We firmly believe that introducing them to science at a young age can spark their imagination and fuel their desire to learn more.
Chicago Filmmakers is a long-standing, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to serve the Chicago filmmaking community. Established in 1973, the organization provides an array of services to local filmmakers, including low-cost film classes and youth camps, production funding and fiscal sponsorship, equipment and space rentals, and professional development and networking opportunities. In addition to supporting the local filmmaking community, Chicago Filmmakers also serves Chicago audiences with weekly screenings of independent films, as well as two annual film festivals. Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival and The Onion City Experimental Film + Video Festival both offer viewers a unique opportunity to experience independent films from around the world. Chicago Filmmakers is dedicated to supporting the local filmmaking community and providing educational and entertainment resources to Chicago audiences. Through their array of services and annual events, the organization is a valuable resource for those looking to get involved in the local film industry or simply enjoy independent films.
Since 2007, the Actors Training Center has been serving the greater Chicagoland area and we are proud to have been honored by the Illinois Theatre Association with their 2019 Award of Honor. ATC is a launching pad for actors of all ages who want to make a career in the performing arts, be it in film, television, or on the stage. Our passionate and dedicated staff are committed to helping our students to reach their full potential and to use their art to make a positive difference. We are proud of the work that the Actors Training Center has done since 2007, and are honored to have been recognized by the Illinois Theatre Association with their Award of Honor. Our program offers young actors the opportunity to hone their craft and to use their talents to make a positive impact in the world.
The Chicago Academy for the Arts is an independent high school for performing and visual arts that has earned national recognition. Designated a National School of Distinction by the John F. Kennedy Center, the Academy provides students with a unique blend of college-prep academics and professional-level arts training. The Academy’s daily schedule features three blocks of academic classes and a flex period, followed by a three-plus hour immersion in the student’s chosen arts department. Dance, Media Arts, Music, Musical Theatre, Theatre, and Visual Arts are all offered, giving students the opportunity to learn the skills necessary for academic success, critical thought, and creative expression.
At Maria Emilia Fermi’s School, we offer a unique “homeschool in school” experience for our students. Founded and directed by Maria Emilia Fermi in 1994, with her son Brando Fermi Crawford managing the day to day operations, our school is committed to providing the highest quality education. Our curriculum is focused around a full Spanish Immersion program, and has been recognized by MENSA as a recommended program for gifted students. We believe that in order to provide the best learning environment for our children, we must create an atmosphere that is both fun and engaging. At Maria Emilia Fermi’s School, we strive to provide our students with the best educational opportunities possible. Our Spanish Immersion program is designed to help students excel, and is specifically tailored to meet the needs of our gifted students. Our school is the perfect place for your child to get the best education available.
At Improv Playhouse Theater for Young Audiences (IP-TYA) we understand the importance of creating a safe and supportive community for young people to thrive in. We strive to create a safe and fun atmosphere for our students, and to ensure that every child is included and respected. We are proud to offer accessible, affordable, and quality performing arts programming for children from all backgrounds. Our commitment to engaging young people through the performing arts has been at the heart of our mission since our first production of Peter and the Wolf five years ago.