ILLINOIS ACTING CAMPS & CLASSES

Camps and classes for Illinois kids, teens, and adults that have a special focus on acting in the theatre. Many of these Illinois acting education programs also focus on singing, dancing and music. Most programs present a performance on the last day of classes. Most of the camps are day camps, but some are residential.

Contact each individual organization via their website for updated program date, place, and registration information.

 

Northern Illinois University Summer in the Arts
DeKalb, IL

Join us at Theatre Arts Camp for a week packed with exciting theatre activities! Each day, you'll rehearse for a production and perform it for your family and friends at the end of the week. Other activities you'll enjoy include:

• Daily workshops
• Acting classes
• Theatre games
• Improvisation exercises
• All campers will receive a camp t-shirt.

Website: https://www.niu.edu/external-programs/summer-camps/index.shtml

 

Overshadowed
Medinah/Chicago, IL area

As a local, faith-based theater in Medinah, Illinois, Overshadowed strives to produce spectacular plays, camps, and programs at an amazing value.

Whether you are new to theatre or a veteran, our classes are designed to be a fun way to challenge students to learn a new skill or hone their skills to the next level. Classes run from 4-10 weeks, depending on the instructor and subject.

Website: https://www.overshadowed.org/classes

 

CYT Chicago
Cary/Lake Country, IL area

CYT (Christian Youth Theater) offers weekly classes over the course of three separate sessions during the school year. Each 2-hour class runs for 9-10 weeks and the variety of topics offered. Most of the classes are small to ensure personal attention and growth.

CYT offers week-long musical theater camps each year during the summer months for students ages 5–18. Camps are designed to create a hands-on theater experience, and are focused on building performance skills, self-confidence, and teamwork in a positive and encouraging atmosphere.

Camps include team competitions, rotations through drama, dance, music, theme days, a daily theme-related devotional, and an impressive concluding showcase for family and friends.

Website: https://www.cytchicago.org

 

The Actors Garden
River Forest/Chicago, IL area

As you are deciding where to send your child this summer, let us tell you what we have to offer:

• Custom-made musicals just for our campers. Our resident writer, Dave Hudson, is an award-winning playwright and lyricist who has over 25 musicals to his credit on professional stages around the country and around the world. He has written our shows specifically with this age-group in mind.
• Activities. Our goal is not just to put on a musical, but to give your child an enriching summer experience. The Actors Garden Summer Camp is designed so that the campers have as little down-time as possible. When they aren't rehearsing their scene, they are working on music, dance, or enrichment exercises tied into the show's subject-matter.
• Lines: Because we create our own shows, we make sure that every camper has at least one line, generally more. Yes, the campers need to audition the first day, but that is just to make sure they get the right role for them, not whether they get a role or are simply in the chorus. Beyond each specific role, our shows have joyous production numbers where everyone gets in on the fun.
• Great Music: We partner with some of the most talented composers in the business for our camp shows. Note: Don't let music scare you off. The songs are fun and easy, and there are lots of group numbers where our campers sing together.
• Process vs Product: This has always been the mantra of camp director, Gigi Hudson. Her goal is to assure that your children have a joyous 4-week experience where they come home every day and tell you they had a great time. Our goal is not to build the next Broadway star (though we have had alums on Broadway), but to teach your children the joy and wonder of theatre, while giving them a healthy dose of self-esteem and confidence.
• A Great Teacher-to-Student Ratio - We have 30 Professionals, Guest Artists, and Counselors on staff for no more than 75 campers. Broken up that way, our ratio is great. On even the lowest staffing day, we usually have at most a 5-to-1 ratio. That's 5 kids per 1 professional or counselor!

Website: https://www.theactorsgarden.com/camp.html

 

Improv Playhouse
Libertyville and Highland Park/Chicago IL area

Your IP-Summer includes a diverse selection of 2-Week Musical Theater Camps. All will showcase Broadway style with concentrations in acting, voice, choreography and dance, sparking a young person's imagination, building their communication skills and instilling a sense of discipline, responsibility and dedication.

Unless otherwise noted: Our FULL DAY Music Theatre Camps serve campers grades entering 4th - 8th, with HALF-DAY options for campers entering 1st - 3rd. Accommodations are made to segregate younger campers from older campers giving focused attention to age groups though they might be combined in some rehearsals, field trips and final showcases. Some exceptions to your camper's schedule may be approved.

Website: https://improvplayhouse.com/

 

Paramount School of the Arts
Aurora/Chicago, IL area

Paramount School of the Arts is a home for artists of all ages who want to explore every aspect of the performing arts. Work with industry experts from Paramount Theatre and the greater Chicagoland area to receive high quality training in our state-of-the-art facility right here in the Western Suburbs. All are welcome to amplify their creative voices and become part of the Paramount Legacy.

We currently have over 30 in person class options for students ages 3 through adult to choose from.

PSA is the official arts school of Paramount Theater. The Theater has been a staple part of the Aurora Downtown community

Website: https://paramountaurora.com/school/

 

Porchlight Music Theatre
Chicago, IL area

Porchlight’s Education & Engagement Programs serve audiences and students of all ages. Our Youth Programs serve ages 4-17 years and are grounded in the power of the American art form of music theatre to tell stories and inspire confidence and a love of the arts. Our Engagement Programs deepen audience connection to the art, artists and the community.

Chicago’s favorite music theatre summer camp is a jam-packed, musical summer for ages 4-17. New and returning young actors will spend one to three weeks singing, dancing, meeting new friends and creating an original musical piece to share with family and friends on the last day of camp.

Porchlight classes and camps are process over product focused programs designed to boost confidence, empathy and a love of the arts. Young actors join us session after session to build on previous skills – from music theatre basics up to college audition readiness in a nurturing and fun environment.

Website: https://porchlightmusictheatre.org/education/

 

Academy of the Arts
Chicago, IL area

Academy of the Arts is a non profit educational institution in the Western suburbs of Chicago where high-level arts meets high-achieving academics. Academy of the Arts is committed to providing high-level arts programming while engaging students in a comprehensive academic education. We believe that creativity and the quest for innovation fosters individuality; allowing the holistic development of each student.

Artistic Areas:

• Performing Arts (Dance, Music, Theatre)
• Visual Arts (Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture)
• Media Arts (Graphic Design, Animation, Photo, Video)
• Arts Business (Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing)

Website: https://illinoisartsacademy.org

 

Illinois Shakespeare Festival Camps for Youth
Illinois State University — Normal, IL area

It is never too early to plan for summer! Expand your mind and skills with our summer camps and classes.

The mission of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival's Educational Outreach program is to promote active engagement with the works of William Shakespeare. By doing so, we hope to nurture respect for the power of language, encourage the examination of complex ideas, fire imaginations, and deepen understanding and tolerance for the richness of human experience.

Students who are engaged in the arts can expect to learn communication skills, problem-solving techniques, and creative expression, while also being given the opportunity to have fun and work collaboratively with others.

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival offers three camps based upon grade level. First to fourth-grade students can expect a weeklong camp experience that is filled with theater movement, exploration, Shakespeare and his language, and a culminating performance for friends and family. Fifth to eighth-grade students will gain more focused experience in a variety of theater skills including character work, stage combat, movement, and voice. Students will also collaborate as a company to produce a Shakespeare-inspired play that will be performed. High school students (ninth to 12th grade) will hone and work on their theater skills, including Shakespeare’s text, physical character work, stage combat, movement, and voice. Students will also collaborate as a company to produce a one-act version of a Shakespeare play.

There is also a Musical Theatre Camp. This musical theatre intensive allows students to hone and work on theatre skills, such as voice, Broadway dance, physical character work, and musical theatre solo and partner scene work. Students will collaborate as a company to produce an original Broadway musical revue performing to songs from popular musicals, some based on Shakespeare’s plays!

Website: https://illinoisshakes.com/education/camp/

 

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
Arlington Heights/Chicago, IL area

Metropolis School of the Performing Arts enriches the lives of thousands of students ranging from toddlers to seniors. Metropolis curates arts curriculum for students of all ages and abilities including those with special and different needs. Our programming focuses on multiple performing arts disciplines including musical theatre, drama, music, improvisation, dance, and more. Classroom space is located on the 2nd floor of Metropolis Performing Arts Centre and we are proud to give our students several opportunities to perform on the Metropolis stage.

Each year, the School of the Performing Arts offers various performing arts camps for children ages 4 – grade 8, where they learn social skills, collaborate and create dynamic performances.

Top Reasons to participate in a Performing Arts Camp:

• Students will learn the basics of acting, scenic and prop design, costume creation, choreography, and dance.
• Students build confidence, self-awareness, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Students get to work with award-winning Chicago and Chicagoland educators and artists.
• Students learn how to collaborate as a team.
• At the end of each camp, students get to perform for their families and friends on the Metropolis stage.

Website: https://www.metropolisarts.com/school/

 

Kidz Kabaret Theater Camp
Naperville/Chicago, IL area

Kidz Kabaret is Fair Lady Productions flagship program that introduces children and teens to theater. The organization holds the vision of “Every Child Center Stage” and every performance features all-youth casts, of all ages and abilities. Thanks to the group’s loving and nurturing environment students grow, learn skills and develop qualities that will help them thrive in school, in their future careers and throughout their lives.

Let your child’s imagination run wild with an immersive Kidz Kabaret theater camp experience! You might think your little one makes enough of their own drama at home but in our camps, they’ll use their creative energy for good. Campers grow artistically and socially as they stretch their singing and dancing muscles and exercise their natural creativity, all while gaining confidence and presence on the stage.

For students who are looking to build specific skills, Kidz Kabaret frequently offers theater workshops and classes in addition to our full stage performances.

Website: https://www.kidzkabaret.com

 

Second City Comedy
Chicago, IL

It’s time to let your story unfold! Whether you’re interested in meeting new people, trying something new, or forging a creative career path, The Second City Training Center has the perfect class for kids or adults.

Kids and Teens can take a class with The Second City. We welcome all experience levels. Kids Comedy Classes are led by performers/instructors who are experienced working with young students. The Second City is a place to exercise your creative energies in our comedy camps! Campers play fun improv games to help access creativity, boost self-confidence and develop spontaneity and playfulness.

In the Kids Improv Program you’ll study the fundamentals of improvisation through exercises that help to develop strong ensemble and character work. Develop stage presence as well as patience, self confidence, good communication skills, and a respect for other performers and their creativity.

Teen Sketch is a quick and fun entry into the world of sketch comedy writing. Part one of this three-part course is an exercise-based class WITH NO GRADES (woohoo!) that is all about generating ideas and exploring point of view while learning some terminology along the way. Homework includes in-class exercises, short writing assignments and posting on the Discussion Board. Teen Sketch is open to students ages 15-18. No previous experience is required.

Website: https://www.secondcity.com/chicago/find-a-class/lets-get-started/

 

Wildcat Theatre
Naperville/Chicago, IL area

Wildcat Theatre was created to address a need for continued theatre education outside the normal school programming. We are a group of extremely dedicated directors with a vast, rich, and diverse experience in theatre. We want to help both your child and teenager develop their confidence and talents as a budding performer, aspiring writer, and future thespian. Join us for our workshops and camps and continue to help your child grow in his/her theatrical pursuits.

Website: http://www.wildcattheatreacademy.com

 

Ovation Academy For The Performing Arts
Oak Park/Chicago, IL area

Ovation Academy for the Performing Arts is an award-winning performing arts program dedicated to creating extraordinary theatre experiences in an empowering, inclusive, and enriching environment.

Ovation Academy classes are designed to help students build new musical theater skills, develop their confidence as performers, make friends, and of course, HAVE FUN! No experience is necessary except where indicated. Each session culminates in a final showcase on the last day of class. The showcase invites friends and family to enjoy at 15-minute casual performance demonstrating what the students have learned.

Throughout the year, our Broadway Academy produces up to 8 full-scale musical productions with students ages 6-15. Students rehearse twice weekly as they work to construct a 30-60 minute musical performance. As they go through the process and experience what it takes to produce a musical, students will hone the fundamental musical theater skills – singing, dancing, and acting – while gaining the confidence necessary to take the stage in front of an audience. This program is perfect for students with prior experience, as well as students who are ready to jump right into the exciting world of musical theater for the first time!

Encore is designed to provide high school level performers with an opportunity to participate in the thrill of a Broadway-style production. Directed by Ovation’s top talent, Encore shows bring together young people from diverse backgrounds and provide them with an inspiring environment where they can immerse themselves in musical theater and discover new talents. Encore typically consists of a Spring production and a Summer Intensive.

Website: https://ovationacademy.org

 

Acting Studio Chicago
Chicago, IL area

Chicago’s Premier Training Center for Actors since 1981. As creators and performers of art that relies on human empathy–we all must aspire to create a community built on respect, belonging, collaboration, and creativity. As artists invested in exploring multiple perspectives and fostering social justice, we embrace the value of all people. We, therefore, reject any form of bigotry, discrimination, or hatred, and we seek to cultivate an environment in which our differences are explored with generosity and openness.

Acting Studio Chicago offers a wide variety of acting classes for adults and youth. Ranging from welcoming introductory classes for those just starting out, to challenging professional-level classes for those looking to stay competitive and confident in their skills. Whether you are looking to take a class for fun, want to polish your audition skills, or want to keep working your chops with other professional actors, ASC has a class for you!

Our Youth Summer Programs offer a variety of fun and challenging summer options, for students of many ages and training levels. Whether you’re looking to build foundational acting skills, or to prepare for college audition season, we offer programs for you.

Website: https://www.actingstudiochicago.com

 

The Goodman Theatre Playbuild Youth Intensive
Chicago, IL area

Goodman Theatre is committed to using the tools of our profession to develop generations of citizens who understand the cultures and stories of diverse voices. In partnership with schools, our focus on professional development with teachers hones their abilities to activate student learning. With both adults and youth, our exploration of authentic voice leads to conversations about identity and commonalities in shared experience.

Using our art in service of a wider vision of social change is our guiding principle—and is an extension of Goodman Theatre’s vision and values as a cultural and community organization invested in quality, diversity and community.

The Goodman’s PlayBuild – Youth Intensive is an entirely FREE, seven-week program, introducing 14 to 18-year-old students in the Chicago metropolitan area to theater arts. Held at the Goodman, this program gives students the opportunity to learn skills from local theater professionals that are instantly applicable not only to the world of theater, but also their world at large.

PlayBuild acquaints students to the techniques used for devised theater, building and refining their skills in:

• Performance
• Acting
• Space Work and Physical Theater
• Fight Choreography
• Improv
• Creative Writing
• Storytelling
• Poetry
• Comedy
• Communication
• Interviewing
• Team Building
• Critical Analysis
• Public Speaking

Designed to validate the voices of its participants and get them to examine their own potential for creativity, PlayBuild introduces students to all elements of the creation of theater, culminating in a performance on the Goodman’s stage.

Website: https://www.goodmantheatre.org/Engage-Learn/For-Youth/playbuildyouth

 

Lifeline Drama Camp
Chicago, IL area

At Lifeline Theatre, we know that drama has the power not only to inspire one’s mind and move one’s soul, but also to educate and develop one’s character. Our robust education department offers theatre education twelve months out of the year, on-site and off-site, to people of all ages.

Discover new worlds at Lifeline Theatre’s Drama Camps! Children explore their imaginations and hone their natural performing abilities while gaining sound theatre training in a fun-filled atmosphere. Our camps not only teach kids how to embody characters and act out stories, they also help them to gain confidence, express themselves, and work patiently and respectfully with each other.

Our half-day Drama Kids camps focus on the three tools of the actor – body, voice and imagination! Whole day campers enjoy lots of movement through drama games and group interaction, while helping adapt their own play based on a treasured book. Session 1 and 3 Neutrons will have an opportunity to focus on the design and fabrication of different theatrical elements and session 2 and 4 campers will focus on adaptation and performance, taking part in a final sharing on their final day of camp.

Website: http://www.lifelinetheatre.com/education

 

Mudlark Theater Company Summer Camps
Evanston/Chicago, IL area

With over 60 different camp options, there is literally something for everyone at Mudlark in summer! Scholarships are available.

PLAY STUDIO - Are you a young artist interested in theater? Do you long for your moment on the stage? Then PLAY STUDIO is the perfect place for you! In this class you'll learn theater fundamentals, building an artistic toolkit through theater games, exercises, & performing in a short play based one of our mainstage season show, Pinocchio! Join us for a fun, silly process where you will explore character development, ensemble

SKETCH COMEDY - This is one of Mudlark's most popular programs! Led by a local comedian, you will work with an ensemble of young comedians to write and perform a new, original sketch show. This program is ideal for those continuing their sketch journey and young comedians new to this form. Learn, laugh, and grow in this fall's Sketch Comedy class, ending in a final performance for an audience of invited families and friends!

LEAGUE OF ADVENTURE - Part "D&D-style" tabletop role-playing game Mudlark's LEAGUE OF ADVENTURE is all epic exploits! Led by an experienced game master and theater artist, League invites a group of young thrill seekers to craft characters, build worlds, and embark together on a thrilling quest. This program is perfect for those interested in creative exploration but less inclined toward performance.

Website: http://www.mudlarktheater.org

 

Chicago Kids Company
Chicago, IL area

Summer camp registration starts in the winter or early spring.

AGES 5-9
This exciting mini-version of our big kid camp is the perfect introduction to all things theater! Campers will have an opportunity to sing, dance, and act while making new friends and, most importantly, HAVE FUN! With a different theme and show each week, your camper can do one, two, or all of the sessions while remaining excited and engaged! Each week ends with a final performance. Campers are encouraged to bring up to three guests to enjoy the show! Each session will have a maximum of 12 campers.

AGES 9-12
We are excited to offer a new level of summer camp this year, Junior Musical Theater Camp! This camp is ideal for those who have participated in our previous workshops or Fairy Tale camps or even if they have participated in our two-week summer camps. This one week experience is for performers and stage crew of all backgrounds and abilities! Campers will work with professional performers to hone their craft and put together a full-scale production. There will be a maximum of 25 campers.

AGES 10-17
This two week musical theatre experience is primed and ready for performers and stage crew of all backgrounds and abilities! Campers will work with professional performers to hone their craft and put together a full-scale production. Each session will have a maximum of 30 campers.

Website: http://chicagokidscompany.com

 

Music Theater Works Kids Workshops
Wilmette, IL area

Young performers (ages 8 to 13) who are wanting to learn musical theater from professional teaching artists. No experience or audition is required, and every child gets a part. Students must be 8 years old by the first day of the workshop and should have a 3rd grade reading level.

As students mature and gain greater proficiency in their craft, Music Theater Works takes them from technique to production. This intensive training workshop is designed for students who are serious about pursuing musical theater performance. The program runs two and a half weeks and requires an audition, which will be scheduled after you register. Each role is individually cast based on auditions. Once you are registered, you will receive an email with information about video submissions (song and monologue) and to schedule an in-person audition (dance and sides).

Website: https://www.musictheaterworks.com

 

All About Music & Children’s Theatre
Mokena/Joliet, IL area

Great for children who likes to sing, act and dance. Students will be introduced to musical concepts and theatrical terms as well as basic dance steps. Older kids will also learn advanced music & theater terminology & singing techniques as well as audition skills, character development & improvisation skills.

Website: https://allaboutmusicmokena.com

 

The Stage School
Chicago, IL area

Acting, Singing and Dancing Classes for Children of all Ages

The Stage School provides a unique experience for each student. In both The Company (6-16 years) and The Premier Program (4-6 years) all students receive equal instruction in acting, singing, and dance.

In our acting classes, children explore the creation of a character through voice, movement, and imagination. Our acting instructor works with each student through creative role play, improvisation, performance text, and other fun activities.

In our singing classes, children will learn to understand and how to use their voice. We focus on skills such as projection, diction, singing on pitch, enhancing vocal range, rhythm, and vocal dynamics.

Dance classes allow children to learn about themselves and the world through movement. In our dance classes, children will develop balance, coordination, proper placement of arms and feet, timing, rhythm and how to express their body through movement.

Additionally, The Stage School offers after school classes in Creative Drama, Sketch and Improvisation, Musical Theatre Singing, and Musical Theatre Dance. We are thrilled to partner with the Park Ridge Park District to provide exceptional programming in the performing arts!

Summer camps at the stage school: Add an exciting blast of musical theater to your child’s summer! Campers spend the week learning basic performing arts skills and rehearsing a full scale musical production that will be presented to family and friends. Our productions offer fun and challenging roles for performers with all levels of experience. No auditions are required and all students will be placed in a role that will allow them to shine. Campers can enroll in multiple weeks.

Website: https://www.stageschoolchicago.com