Acting Lessons Near Me

Camp Footsteps Explorers 2026 A Summer of Discovery, Creativity, and Fun! At Camp Footsteps Explorers 2026, children entering TK through third grade will embark on a summer filled with imagination, friendship, and adventure. Each themed week is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage creativity through hands-on learning and play. From inventing and building during Maker’s Week to celebrating freedom and culture during Juneteenth: Freedom to Dream Week, every day brings new opportunities to explore, create, and grow. Campers will enjoy a wide variety of engaging activities, including art projects, outdoor games, field trips, science explorations, cooking projects, and meaningful community experiences that connect learning with fun. Our experienced and caring staff create a safe, nurturing environment where children are encouraged to try new things, develop friendships, and discover their unique strengths. Whether your child is a budding artist, an enthusiastic explorer, or a hands-on maker, Camp Footsteps Junior Explorers 2026 offers an unforgettable summer filled with laughter, learning, and lasting memories. Week 3 – Hooray for Hollywood Field Trip: Mugglebee’s Play Performance Lights, camera, action! This exciting week invites campers to step into the spotlight and explore the magic of movies and theater. Children will design costumes, create props, learn simple stage skills, and even try out being directors and actors in short skits. From making star-worthy crafts to walking the “red carpet,” campers will discover how imagination and teamwork bring stories to life. The week will end with a mini showcase where our Hollywood stars can shine for friends and family. Special Event: Red Carpet Premiere Day Campers perform skits or share short videos they’ve made during the week. There will be a photo wall and fun award certificates such as Best Director, Most Creative, and Best Teamwork.

Let your freak flag fly! We're bringing life to everyone's favorite fairy tale creatures for our 2026 Broadway Stars Mainstage Production, SHREK: THE MUSICAL JR.! Join the talented cast of our Middle School Broadway Mainstage Show and learn how theater can make everyone the hero of their own story! **IMPORTANT INFO** The Saturday afternoon class at Drucker Center will only run if we meet the minimum registration number. If we do not meet it families will asked if they an attend the Saturday morning class at Soul City in West Loop (9:30am-12:30pm) instead. The class on January 24th will be at Soul City in West Loop regardless due to a scheduling conflict with Drucker Center. Thank you for your understanding regarding this information! ** Stages’s unique approach to working with middle schoolers focuses as much on the process as it does the product, allowing young performers to learn audition technique, participate in character and scene study, and learn the fundamentals of song interpretation while rehearsing a fully staged production. Classes are taught by a team of professional teaching artists with years of experience both in the classroom and on professional stages, and features a customized curriculum that will challenge and showcase the strengths of each young performer in the cast. Stages was created by a professional performer turned child development specialist with the primary goal of helping children develop the foundational skills and technique every musical theater performer needs while giving them the opportunity to find their voice, build confidence, and do what every budding Broadway Star loves most: PERFORM! PRODUCTION ADMIN FEE INCLUDES: *Tech Week Rehearsals *4 tickets to our production (Additional tickets will be available to purchase closer to the performance) *Scripts & other class materials *Costumes (Families will NOT be asked to go out and purchase items for the show but may be asked to bring clothing you already own.) *Props & Sets *Week Long Rental at the Biograph Theatre WHAT TO EXPECT --Weeks 1-2 (Jan 10 to Jan 17): Setting the Stage— Families who are new to Stages are invited to join us for a FREE TRIAL the week of January 6-11, 2026. Click this link to book a free class to see if it's the right fit for you child! The first two weeks of the semester will focus on learning and perfecting the foundational musical theater skills every Broadway Star needs when performing on stage. Classes will participate in acting games and begin to learn music and choreography for their auditions. Students will be introduced to Uta Hagen’s Acting Technique, which we will utilize as a framework for character development throughout our rehearsal process. These first two weeks of the semester also allow our teachers to get to know students and start to determine which scenes, songs, and roles will be the best fit for each child. --Weeks 3-4 (Jan 24 to Jan 31): I Hope I Get It!-- During weeks 3-4 of the semester, students will participate in a personalized audition process. Auditions at Stages are designed to be a low stress, fun experience where Broadway Stars get to show off what they’ve been learning the first few weeks of the semester and tell us what they are most excited to do in the show. Middle School Musical students get the chance to do a comprehensive audition process with singing, acting, and dancing portions. Casting will be done more traditionally with 1-2 actors playing each role. EVERY CHILD WILL BE GIVEN A ROLE OR SPECIAL PART IN THE SHOW. We will work together with children to make sure they have a speaking line, solo, duet, etc. that they are excited to perform! --Weeks 5-12 (Feb 7 - Mar 28): Putting It Together-- During Weeks 5-12, children will begin putting together their show! Each week, classes will work on their assigned scenes and songs. During these classes, we will focus on learning and rehearsing musical numbers and choreography, blocking acting scenes, and introducing various theatrical elements that will be used in our show such as sets, props, and costumes. Don’t worry, it’s not all work. Classes will also have the opportunity to play theater games designed to introduce new performance skills and brush up on concepts we’ve learned in previous classes. --Weeks 13-15 (April 4 - April 18): Prepping for Opening Night-- During Weeks 13-15, classes will begin running doing “Run Thrus” where they perform all of their scenes and songs from start to finish. We’ll also start adding in transitions so performers know when and how to enter/exit the stage, when to get microphones, make a costume change, or pick up a prop from the prop table. These classes are VERY important and we ask that you do your best to ensure your child is at every class unless they are ill. TECH WEEK: Monday April 20 - Thursday April 23 The week of the show, we will be having rehearsal after school April 20 - April 23 where ALL of the classes are brought together to run the show in the space. These rehearsals will be MANDATORY. SHOWS: April 24-26th, 2026 SHOW LOCATION: The Biograph Theatre (2433 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614)

Immerse yourself in a world of swords, sorcery, and imagination as you take on the roles of brave heroes or dasterdly villains at Playformance Dungeons and Dragons camp!!! This camp will combine the role playing adventure of 5 edition dungeons and dragons with specialized games and activities to create a fun and immersive role play experience. Players will create their own characters, costumes welcomed and encouraged, and take them on adventures in Playformance with our amazing dungeon master team. Games will revolve around quick, one shot adventures or experiences with different dungeon master's along with classic Playformance games featuring a fantasy twist. No experience in D&D is required as our DM team will guide you through the experience and give you the tools to become your character! Feel free to bring your own D&D dice if you'd like but not required. Whether you're an experienced veteran or an eager newbie, this camp will bring you on a D&D adventure you'll never forget!

How does one get around the Rabbit Hole Queendom? Why, by Dragon Taxi of course! Join a week-long adventure as we use pretend play and take on the role of Dragon Taxis, ferrying the various creatures of the Queendom to where ever they need to go - no matter how far or treacherous! Please remember to pack a water bottle, nut-free lunch and a yummy snack. Masks are optional. Drop off is from 9am - 9:30 and pick up is anytime between 3:30 - 4:00pm. Refund Policy: Please note that we have a no refund policy. Full credits will be issued for anything with a 4 week notice and can be used for any future Rabbit Hole activity. After 4 weeks we are unable to credit. If your child is sick or you need to miss a day of camp we will have a camp bag ready for you at the studio. This bag will be filled with enchanted projects, art materials, audio and video links and anything your kiddo might be missing in class. Please email us ahead of time and let us know if you need to miss and would like an at-home camp bag! Photography Notice: We love to share the joy of our experiences on SmugMug and social media! Photos taken during our sessions may be used on our social media platforms. If you would prefer not to have photos taken of your kiddo, please add a note to your child's account on Care.com.

Get ready to blast off into space! In this daylong camp, we will dive into pretend play that explores the magic of outer space. Come along as we adventure to the Solar System of Make-Believe Planets... this is a wonderful camp for kiddos who feel a connection to the stars and like to imagine worlds beyond our own! Drop off is from 9am - 9:30 and pick up is anytime between 3:30 - 4:00pm. Refund Policy: Please note that we have a no refund policy. Full credits will be issued for anything with a 4 week notice and can be used for any future Rabbit Hole activity. After 4 weeks we are unable to credit. If your child is sick or you need to miss a day of camp we will have a camp bag ready for you at the studio. This bag will be filled with enchanted projects, art materials, audio and video links and anything your kiddo might be missing in class. Please email us ahead of time and let us know if you need to miss and would like an at-home camp bag! Photography Notice: We love to share the joy of our experiences on SmugMug and social media! Photos taken during our sessions may be used on our social media platforms. If you would prefer not to have photos taken of your kiddo, please add a note to your child's account on Care.com.

Each week, our littlest Broadway fans and caregivers are introduced to exciting new songs, characters, and stories as Broadway Musicals are brought to life by a team of professional teaching artists. Created by a professional performer turned early childhood development specialist, Broadway & Me's unique curriculum is both entertaining and developmentally appropriate. Each class incorporates activities that are designed to support your little one’s physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language development.

Each week, our littlest Broadway fans and caregivers are introduced to exciting new songs, characters, and stories as Broadway Musicals are brought to life by a team of professional teaching artists. Created by a professional performer turned early childhood development specialist, Broadway & Me's unique curriculum is both entertaining and developmentally appropriate. Each class incorporates activities that are designed to support your little one’s physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language development.

No school? No problem! Spend the day with Stages! With singing, dancing, acting, and art inspired by your child's favorite musicals, we’ve got something for every creative kid. Choose to enroll for one day-off camp or join us for the entire school year for a discounted rate! Friday, September 26 - Eras (Taylor Swift) Monday, October 13 - Zombies Monday, October 27 - Kpop Demon Hunters Tuesday, November 11 - Hamilton Monday November 24 - Wicked Tuesday, November 25 - Descendants Wednesday, November 26 - Shrek Monday, January 5 - The Lion King Monday, January 19 - Superhero Monday, February 16 - Beauty & the Beast Tuesday, February 17 - The Little Mermaid Tuesday, March 17 - Zootopia Wednesday, March 18 - The Lion King Friday, April 3 - Seussical Stages is committed to making our camps accessible for all families. For information regarding free or reduced tuition, please visit https://www.stageschicago.org/tuition-assistance. ***Families are responsible for providing: - Nut free morning snack - Nut free lunch - Nut free afternoon snack - A water bottle. Please make sure that everything is labeled.

Join us for a day with Prince Milo in the Rainbow Jungle where tigers come in all stripes and colors. Campers will get to transform into magical tiger characters and together we will go on a pretend play adventure through the wild jungle. This magical day of feline fun includes mask making, theater games, park time and a puppet show! Please remember to pack a water bottle, nut-free lunch and a yummy snack. Masks are optional. Drop off is from 9am - 9:30 and pick up is anytime between 2:30 - 3:00pm. Refund Policy: Please note that we have a no refund policy. Full credits will be issued for anything with a 4 week notice and can be used for any future Rabbit Hole activity. After 4 weeks we are unable to credit. If your child is sick or you need to miss a day of camp we will have a camp bag ready for you at the studio. This bag will be filled with enchanted projects, art materials, audio and video links and anything your kiddo might be missing in class. Please email us ahead of time and let us know if you need to miss and would like an at-home camp bag! Photography Notice: We love to share the joy of our experiences on SmugMug and social media! Photos taken during our sessions may be used on our social media platforms. If you would prefer not to have photos taken of your kiddo, please add a note to your child's account on Care.com.

When the moon is full, fairies gather to dance and bask in her light! Join us for a day of crafts, puppets, play pretend, and fun! Drop off is from 9am - 9:30 and pick up is anytime between 2:30 - 3:00pm. Refund Policy: Please note that we have a no refund policy. Full credits will be issued for anything with a 4 week notice and can be used for any future Rabbit Hole activity. After 4 weeks we are unable to credit. On our final day, join us at 3pm for a special show! If your child is sick or you need to miss a day of camp we will have a camp bag ready for you at the studio. This bag will be filled with enchanted projects, art materials, audio and video links and anything your kiddo might be missing in class. Please email us ahead of time and let us know if you need to miss and would like an at-home camp bag! Photography Notice: We love to share the joy of our experiences on SmugMug and social media! Photos taken during our sessions may be used on our social media platforms. If you would prefer not to have photos taken of your kiddo, please add a note to your child's account on Care.com.

🎤 Sky Divers: Intro to Debate (Grades 2–4) Who says 2nd–4th graders can’t learn debate? This fun and high-energy 6-week class introduces young students to the basics of debate in a way that feels playful, creative, and confidence-boosting. Students learn what debate is, how to listen to others, and how to share their ideas respectfully and clearly. Throughout the course, students practice building simple arguments, learning how to organize their thoughts using a kid-friendly structure, and explaining their ideas using strong reasons. They’ll also get experience delivering both written arguments and impromptu (on-the-spot) arguments, helping them think quickly and speak confidently. Through games, partner activities, silly prompts, and guided practice, students discover that speaking up can be fun—and that their ideas matter. Each child receives plenty of encouragement and individualized feedback to help them grow as thoughtful, confident communicators!

Preschoolers can now experience the magic of Broadway with a class designed specifically for them! Each week, Broadway Little Stars introduces preschoolers to a new musical through activities inspired by the “show of the week” and designed to get them singing, dancing, and acting along. Classes are taught by professional teaching artists who are experts at engaging and educating children in fun, developmentally appropriate ways. Whether your child is ready for the spotlight or simply loves musicals, this class is for them!

During this week campers get to enjoy a different ceramic and slime daily. ​ We know going home we so many slimes and ceramics can be overwhelming - so we have you covered. We will also be mixing in some watercolor and acrylic projects throughout the week. From fluffy slime to glow in the dark and snow slime - we will keep the campers day filled with exciting activities!

Unleash your creativity in a unique setting at the "In the Dark Art Camp," where young artists are invited to explore the mysterious and captivating world of glow-in-the-dark and UV-responsive art. This immersive art experience encourages campers to step out of the conventional light and dive into techniques that flourish in the dark, stimulating their artistic senses in new and unexpected ways.

Join us for Build a House Week! We will be creating homes for our dolls, stuffies or what ever you have at tucked into your bed! From building the boxes, to designing the wallpaper and carpets, to building furniture. This week is not ideal for children under 7 years old as there will be a lot of hot glue and building, but they can still give it their best try. ​ We are looking forward to seeing rooftop terraces, pools, gardens and more!

It’s Sculpture Week—hooray! We’re so excited for this hands-on, wonderfully messy week of creativity. Campers should come dressed for a mess and ready with patience as we design, build, and sculpt our pets—or the pets we wish we had! Using clay, papier-mâché, and plaster, we’ll spend the week bringing their creations to life as they work toward a magical finished piece. Campers will also have the chance to create extra accessories for their pets, including homes, collars, leashes, and even tiny crowns. It’s a week full of imagination, sculpting, and so much fun!

During this week campers get to enjoy a different ceramic and slime daily. ​ We know going home we so many slimes and ceramics can be overwhelming - so we have you covered. We will also be mixing in some watercolor and acrylic projects throughout the week. From fluffy slime to glow in the dark and snow slime - we will keep the campers day filled with exciting activities!

Starting to think about preschool or looking for meaningful ways your little one can connect with other children their age? Then Broadway Prep is for you! Developed by a professional performer turned child development specialist, Broadway Prep combines the creativity and energy of our Broadway & Me classes with a play-based curriculum that gives children the opportunity to learn through child lead explorations. Each week, Broadway Prep teachers bring the show of the week to life through music, dance, dramatic play, and process art activities. Snack time, sensory play, outdoor adventures (weather permitting), and of course, bubble time, round out the daily routine. WHY CHOOSE BROADWAY PREP? ✔️ Small Class Sizes (No more than 12 children per Day) ✔️ Low Teacher : Student Ratio (max 1:5) ✔️ New Broadway Show each week! ✔️ Play-Based Arts Curriculum developed by a professional performer turned child development specialist ✔️ 1 or 2 Day Enrollment Options ✔️ Drop-In Friendly Broadway Prep is a GENTLE SEPARATION CLASS. Designed specifically for children ages 2-4 years old, Prep provides a fun and supportive environment where little ones (and their parents) can adapt to being on their own in a "big kid" class at their own pace. While the goal is drop-off, we understand that for many children, this will be their first separation experience. Parents will be allowed to stay in class with their child for as long as necessary and Prep teachers will work with parents to create a drop-off routine for each child that ensures both kiddos and their parents are comfortable. Parents and caregivers whose children feel comfortable being dropped off are welcome to stay at Soul City and hang out while classes are taking place but it is not required. There are plenty of comfy couches, tables where you can work remotely, and free wifi!​ With flexible enrollment options, you can join us 1 or 2 days per week or drop-in as your schedule permits. Stages is committed to making our quality arts integrated early learning experiences available and affordable for all families. For information about tuition assistance and free classes, please visit our Tuition Assistance Page

A wand is a special and personal thing to its owner, and in this day camp kiddos will be able to craft their own magic wand! Once crafted, embark on adventure across the Rabbit Hole Queendom, meeting characters along the way. Please remember to pack a water bottle, nut-free lunch and a yummy snack. Masks are optional. Drop off is from 9am - 9:30 and pick up is anytime between 3:30 - 4:00pm. Refund Policy: Please note that we have a no refund policy. Full credits will be issued for anything with a 4 week notice and can be used for any future Rabbit Hole activity. After 4 weeks we are unable to credit. If your child is sick or you need to miss a day of camp we will have a camp bag ready for you at the studio. This bag will be filled with enchanted projects, art materials, audio and video links and anything your kiddo might be missing in class. Please email us ahead of time and let us know if you need to miss and would like an at-home camp bag! Photography Notice: We love to share the joy of our experiences on SmugMug and social media! Photos taken during our sessions may be used on our social media platforms. If you would prefer not to have photos taken of your kiddo, please add a note to your child's account on Care.com.

Step into a fairy-tale world full of magic potions and make-believe for a day. Campers will be able to let their creative juices flow as they craft their own fairy costumes, come up with a unique fairy name and magical power, and take off flying into their imaginations! We will set the stage for some fun pretend play and craft time that will draw inspiration from fairy lore while celebrating each kiddo’s creative ideas. Please remember to pack a water bottle, nut-free lunch and a yummy snack. Masks are optional. Drop off is from 9am - 9:30 and pick up is anytime between 3:30 - 4:00pm. Refund Policy: Please note that we have a no refund policy. Full credits will be issued for anything with a 4 week notice and can be used for any future Rabbit Hole activity. After 4 weeks we are unable to credit. If your child is sick or you need to miss a day of camp we will have a camp bag ready for you at the studio. This bag will be filled with enchanted projects, art materials, audio and video links and anything your kiddo might be missing in class. Please email us ahead of time and let us know if you need to miss and would like an at-home camp bag! Photography Notice: We love to share the joy of our experiences on SmugMug and social media! Photos taken during our sessions may be used on our social media platforms. If you would prefer not to have photos taken of your kiddo, please add a note to your child's account on Care.com.

Puppet shows are back! Join us once a month on this Saturday mornings as we take kiddos on a story-time adventure with puppet pals Sneaky Pete, Tom the Rat, Meowzers, plus some new special guests! There will also be theater and movement games, dancing, and singing. Caregiver is required to stay.