In the pancake-flat prairies of Illinois, where the corn whispers secrets to the soybeans, a unique species of energetic youngsters can be found, known as the "Theatro Kidstrous Dramaticus." Commonly known as the Illinois Theatre Kids, these spirited individuals possess a sparkling zest for life that is as infectious as a ticklish kangaroo on a trampoline. Our hero, Oscar the Oversized Otter and his magical spotlight, navigates through the bustling city of Chicago, the picturesque banks of the Mississippi River, down to the quaint charms of Springfield, scouting for these theatrical prodigies. “Every kid in Illinois has a flair for drama, as obvious as a corn cob at a tomato fight. Why, even the Illinois squirrels perform one-act plays with acorns!" Oscar would often say. With their imaginations wilder than a pack of prairie dogs on espresso, these kids pour their hearts into dramatic performances, whether it's a riveting school play about the first settlers or a backyard reimagining of a famous Broadway musical. They embrace their roles with passion, turning into anything from Shakespearean kings to tap-dancing tomatoes. Their creativity is as boundless as Lake Michigan, their enthusiasm as towering as the Willis Tower. You'd often find them practicing their lines while walking their dog, dancing like a possessed scarecrow during lunch breaks, or memorizing scripts under the blankets with a flashlight, past their bedtime. So, if you ever find yourself in the Land of Lincoln, listen carefully. You may hear the echoing laughter of Oscar the Otter, watching another hilarious rehearsal by the Theatro Kidstrous Dramaticus, the spectacular Illinois Theatre Kids.
Read morebest theater-drama programs in Chicago, IL
Swift Nature Camp is the perfect place for your child to spend their summer! Our overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 is located in beautiful Wisconsin. We offer a unique blend of traditional summer camp activities and environmental education to help kids increase their appreciation for nature, science, and the environment. We’ve got it all – fun, friendships, adventure trips, and nature! Spend your summer with us – you’ll never forget it!
Since its founding in 2005, Chicago Children’s Theatre has committed to creating world-class theatre for children and families. The company has earned critical acclaim for its innovative writing, directing, and performing, as well as its high-quality design and production expertise. In 2017, the theatre received the National Theatre Award from the American Theatre Wing, creators of the Tony Awards, making it the first theater for young audiences in the nation to receive such an honor. The theatre also produces The Red Kite Project, a multi-sensory interactive theatre program tailored to the needs of children on the autism spectrum.
If you’re looking for an exciting and enriching activity for your family, look no further than Forevermore Dance & Theatre Arts in the Northwest side of Chicago. They offer a wide range of classes for all ages, including dance, acting, and music lessons, as well as performance opportunities to let their students show off their skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced performer, there’s something for everyone! If you need more information or would like to discuss the best classes for your family, don’t hesitate to give Forevermore a call or email. The staff would be happy to talk with you and set up a tour of the school, so you can experience the classes for yourself. You’ll be able to get a feel for the atmosphere and watch as your kids make friends and build confidence. Forevermore Dance & Theatre Arts is the perfect way to give your family a creative outlet and a chance to explore the arts. With an array of classes and performance opportunities, your family can find the perfect fit for them. Don’t wait – contact Forevermore today and start your journey together!
Today, the Old Town School of Folk Music is a thriving institution which offers more than 700 accredited classes, workshops, and private lessons to students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. From guitar and banjo classes to folk dancing and family sing-alongs, the school has something for everyone. Professional instructors teach a range of musical genres, from American folk music to international styles. The Old Town School of Folk Music also offers concerts featuring nationally renowned artists. It is a place where students can celebrate music and cultural expressions rooted in the traditions of diverse American and global communities. The Old Town School of Folk Music is dedicated to providing broad access to the arts. Its five-year strategic plan focuses on improving and expanding artistic opportunities for its students. To ensure its programs remain accessible, the school provides tuition assistance to qualified families. Through its commitment to quality education and its dedication to providing broad access to the arts, the Old Town School of Folk Music has become a pillar of the Chicago community.
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.
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.
Founded in 1992, Chicago Kids Company (CKC) is a non-profit theater company that produces original musicals based on fairy tales and children’s stories. Paige Coffman and Jesus Perez, CKC's co-founders, are still running the show today! They write, direct, compose, design, and create the colorful productions that have become a signature of CKC. This award-winning duo has written and produced every single CKC show for the past 29 years. CKC performances are designed to be enjoyed by the whole family. Professional actors, sing-along songs, brightly colored costumes and sets, and up-to-date references make the shows fun for children ages 2 to 10. Now in its 29th season, Chicago Kids Company is thrilled to continue to share the joy of theater with young audiences.
Parents seeking an engaging summer day camp for their children with social challenges need look no further than the One In A Hundred summer camp. Established in 2009, the camp provides a positive atmosphere for children to gain valuable social language skills. Through the use of Social Thinking® techniques, executive functioning techniques, and role play experiences, campers learn how to interact with their peers in a meaningful way. This summer, provide your kids with the opportunity to make lasting friendships in a supportive camp environment.
Bring out the funny in your family with The Second City Training Center! Our Kids Comedy Classes are perfect for all experience levels and offer a great way to introduce your children to the world of comedy. Our experienced instructors and performers will guide your child in developing their comedic skills, while also allowing them to explore and find their own unique voice. The Second City Training Center is the perfect place for kids and teens to explore their creative potential. Not only is it a great way to make new friends, but it is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about theatre, comedy, and writing. Our classes are led by experienced performers and instructors who can help guide your child as they hone their comedic skills. Take your family’s creativity to the next level with classes at The Second City Training Center! Our Kids Comedy Classes are designed for all experience levels and are the perfect way to introduce your children to the world of comedy. Our instructors and performers will provide top-notch guidance as your kids learn to develop their skills and explore the unique stories that make them who they are.
Bringing literature, geography, history and science to life, Kidworks Touring Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that's been around since 1987. For over 30 years, they've been providing interactive touring productions, drama workshops and artist-in-residency programs to schools, libraries, park districts and museums across the nation. Over one million children have been impacted by their mission of "opening the doors between education and imagination." Parents looking to give their kids an enriching and inspiring experience should look no further than Kidworks Touring Theatre Company.