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.
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What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.
Welcome to the vibrant Winnetka community! If you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, our performing arts programs are the perfect way to get involved. From dance and theater to music classes, there’s something for everyone. Our education and enrichment activities span from early childhood development to dog obedience. Kids can learn the fundamentals of basketball and other sports in a safe, fun atmosphere through our youth sports programs. For adults, we offer a range of activities from chess and whiskey tasting to lectures, fitness, and special events. Come on down and take a look - we can’t wait to show you around! At Winnetka, we’re all about making a difference in our community. Whether you’re a new resident or have been here for years, our performing arts programs will bring out your creative side. We offer everything from dance and theater to music classes. Plus, our education and enrichment activities cover topics like early childhood development and dog obedience. Kids can learn the basics of basketball and other sports in a non-competitive, fun environment with our youth sports programs. As for adults, there’s plenty to do - from chess and whiskey tasting to lectures, fitness classes, and special events. Stop by and get to know us - we’d love to meet you!
Two passionate Winnetka women had a dream of creating a space for children to engage in performing arts in the same way they would with sports like baseball, football, hockey, and basketball. Then Children's Theatre of Winnetka was born, and it quickly grew in popularity. Auditions and crew signups were limited to students grades 4 through 8 in public and private schools in New Trier Township. One of the greatest successes of the CTW has been its many “alums”. They have gone on to pursue their passions for acting, singing, dancing, and tech at New Trier, college, and even on Broadway and in Hollywood. Many of the graduates come back to CTW during their high school years to teach dance steps and stage musical numbers. This is incredibly gratifying to the staff, as it demonstrates that they have been able to instill a lifelong interest in theatre and the performing arts in the children. Over the years, the CTW has been a great success, with its students and alumni achieving great accomplishments. It has become a place for children to strive to be the best and entertain not only their parents but their friends too—all for a small admission fee.