Theater Programs

Theater Programs

The Stage School Theater Programs

The Park District offers theater programs led by professional instructors of The Stage School. Throughout each session, students learn performing arts skills and rehearse a play, musical, or skit that is presented to family and friends at the end of class. Our productions offer fun and challenging roles for performers with all levels of experience. No auditions are required, and all students are placed in a role that allows them to shine.

Programs

1180101 / Creative Drama

Give your child’s imagination a boost! Students will learn the fundamentals of acting through engaging games, imaginative play, and storytelling. Your child will develop core skills such as speaking clearly in front of an audience, vocal projection, using their imagination on stage, concentration, and teamwork. Students will perform a showcase of their work on the last day of class.

1180102 / Sketch Comedy & Improvisation

Learn the art of Sketch Comedy and Improv! Your child will work with a professional teaching artist to develop and rehearse a combination of classic and original sketch comedy pieces. Students will also dive into the art of improv through engaging games, scene work, and improvisational exercises. Fun and hilarity will certainly ensue! Students will perform a showcase of their work on the last day of the session.

1180103 / Musical Theater Singing

Students will work with a professional voice instructor to fine tune their singing skills. We will work on a variety of musical theatre vocal styles, from classic to contemporary. Students will improve their pitch, rhythm, and vocal range though group singing exercises. There will be a showcase of their work on the last day of the session.

1180104 / Musical Theatre Dance

Students will work on a variety of dance styles used in musical theatre, including modern, jazz, hip hop, ballet, folk, plus many more! We will learn choreography from a variety of classic and contemporary Broadway musicals and present a showcase of our work on the last day of the session.

1180106 / The Stage School Premier Program

Fun is the focus of this 90-minute class that dedicates 30 minutes each to singing, dancing and acting. Your little star will learn basic vocal technique, understand timing when singing, refine coordination while working on simple rhythm and dance moves, and explore stories and characters through fun drama games and activities. This Winter/Spring, get ready to dive into Sebastian’s Ocean Jamboree, a delightful new musical based on the characters from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Sebastian is putting on a show, and he’s bringing along Ariel and all their underwater friends for a splashy celebration filled with singing, dancing, and sea-worthy fun. With catchy tunes and adorable sea creatures on stage, this charming performance is sure to make a big splash! *Performance will take place on Saturday, April 25 No class Mar 21, Mar 22, Apr 5

1180107 / The Stage School Company Program

Students in The Company are divided into three groups based on age. They take a one-hour class in each of our three disciplines: drama, singing, and dance. Your child will work on vocal technique, train in several dance styles, and hone their drama skills through improv exercises and script work. This Winter/Spring, our students will journey "under the sea" with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney's The Little Mermaid JR., an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance. Join Ariel, a curious young mermaid, as she dreams of life above the waves and defies expectations to follow her heart. Featuring beloved songs like “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” this magical production brings ocean enchantment to life on stage. With colorful costumes, lively choreography, and unforgettable characters, it's a fin-tastic show for the whole family! Performance on the last day of term. No class Mar 21, Mar 22, Apr 5

1180108 / Youth Theater: Broadway Workshop

Broadway Workshop is the perfect class for both beginners looking to gain a solid introduction into the world of musical theater performance, and advanced students ready to refine their skills. From classics like West Side Story and Chicago to contemporary favorites like Six and Hamilton among others, performers will explore characters and songs from iconic Broadway musicals over the last 100 years. Regardless of experience, all students will benefit from a supportive environment and a final showcase where they can demonstrate their growth and passion for musical theater.

1180109 / Youth Theater: DISNEY’S HEROES AND VILLAINS

Get ready for a day of drama, music, and magic at our Disney Heroes & Villains one day musical theater camp! This one-day adventure invites kids to step into the shoes of their favorite Disney characters through exciting games, scenes, songs, and dances. From brave heroes to clever villains, campers will explore both sides of the story while building confidence and creativity. Join us on President’s Day for a high-energy day full of fun, imagination, and theatrical thrills!

2180101 / Theater: Creative Drama

Give your child’s imagination a boost! Students will learn the fundamentals of drama through engaging games, imaginative play, and storytelling. Your child will develop core skills such as speaking clearly in front of an audience, vocal projection, using their imagination on stage, concentration, and teamwork. Student’s will perform a showcase of their work on the last day class.

2180102 / Theater: Sketch Comedy and Improvisation

Learn the art of Sketch Comedy and Improv! Your child will work with a professional teaching artist to develop and rehearse a combination of classic and original sketch comedy pieces. Students will also dive into the art of improv through engaging games, scene work, and improvisational exercises. Fun and hilarity will certainly ensue! Students will perform a showcase of their work on the last day of the session.

2180103 / Theater: Musical Theater Singing

Students will work with a professional voice instructor to fine tune their singing skills. We will work on a variety of musical theatre vocal styles, from classic to contemporary. Students will improve their pitch, rhythm, and vocal range though group singing exercises. There will be a showcase of their work on the last day of the session.

2180104 / Theater: Musical Theater Dance

Students will work on a variety of dance styles used in musical theatre, including modern, jazz, hip hop, ballet, folk, plus many more! We will learn choreography from a variety of classic and contemporary Broadway musicals and present a showcase of our work on the last day of the session.

2180105 / Theater: Broadway Workshop

Join us for this brand-new class offering for Spring 2025! Broadway Workshop is the perfect class for both beginners looking to gain a solid introduction into the world of musical theater performance, and advanced students ready to refine their skills. Beginners will gain foundational knowledge in acting, singing, and dancing, building confidence while exploring scenes and songs from popular musicals. Experienced students will have the opportunity to work on more challenging material, refining their technique and pushing their abilities to the next level. Regardless of experience, all students will benefit from a supportive environment and a final showcase where they can demonstrate their growth and passion for musical theater.

3180111 / Theater Camp: Week 1, 8:30am-11:30am

The jungle is jumpin' with a jazzy beat in Disney's The Jungle Book! Join Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera, King Louie, and all of your favorite Jungle Book characters in this fun jungle adventure based on the classic animated Disney film. M-F will take place at Maine Park and the performance will take place on Saturday, Jun 13 at the Centennial Activity Center.

3180112 / Theater Camp: Week 2, 8:30am-11:30am

Let’s All SING! is an adorable musical bringing the world of the beloved movie Sing! to life. Young performers shine as they sing and dance to familiar tunes from the hit movie. With its charming cast of talented animal characters, Let’s All SING! will be a heartwarming experience for families and fans alike. M-F will take place at Maine Park and the performance will take place on Saturday, Jun 20 at the Centennial Activity Center.

3180113 / Theater Camp: Week 3, 8:30am-11:30am

Join us for this fun feline musical, where one particular kitten by the name of Mewliet (as in Juliet) comes to the group with a problem: her friend, who has a huge admiration for cats, would like Mewliet to teach them how to climb a tree like a cat. The other cats are eager to help until they find out that the friend’s name is Rover and is, in fact, a dog! In the course of the musical, the cats, Rover, and his canine pals, come to realize that maybe if they got a different perspective, they all might get along. M-F will take place at Maine Park and the performance will take place on Saturday, Jun 27 at the Centennial Activity Center.

3180115 / Theater Camp: Week 5, 8:30am-11:30am

“Olaf’s Summer Adventure”, is a delightful new musical for children inspired by the hit Disney musical Frozen. Join the beloved snowman Olaf and his friends as he sets off on a new musical adventure, and learns an important lesson about staying true to who you are. Featuring your favorite songs from Frozen and other Disney shows, Olaf’s Summer Adventure will be a delight for children and audiences alike! M-F will take place at Maine Park and the performance will take place on Saturday, Jul 11 at the Centennial Activity Center.

3180116 / Theater Camp: Week 6, 8:30am-11:30am

Join us for a magical adventure through the Peppermint Forest and the Gumdrop Mountains as a group of kids make a musical journey to the Candy Castle! Featuring delightful songs and a cast of characters that includes Mr. Mint, Lord Licorice, King Candy and many more, Candyland: The Musical will be a sweet treat for students and audiences alike! M-F will take place at Maine Park and the performance will take place on Saturday, Jul 18 at the Centennial Activity Center.

3180117 / Theater Camp: Week 7, 8:30am-11:30am

Broadway Bound is an adorable musical revue, celebrating the excitement and sparkle of Broadway’s most beloved shows. Young performers shine as they sing, dance, and act their way through familiar tunes and memorable characters. With its charming cast and playful energy, Broadway Bound is a delightful introduction to the magic of musical theatre. M-F will take place at Maine Park and the performance will take place on Saturday, Jul 25 at the Centennial Activity Center.

3180118 / Theater Camp: Week 8, 8:30am-11:30am

Join in the fairytale frenzy when Chicken Little, the Three Little Pigs, Humpty Dumpty, the Cat with a fiddle, Little Bo Peep, Little Boy Blue and a host of other characters are having a BAD DAY! But with the help of a cheerful Mother Goose, discover how they learn to make the best out of life’s ups and downs. Join in the fairytale frenzy when Chicken Little, the Three Little Pigs, Humpty Dumpty, the Cat with a fiddle, Little Bo Peep, Little Boy Blue and a host of other characters are having a BAD DAY! But with the help of a cheerful Mother Goose, discover how they learn to make the best out of life’s ups and downs. M-F will take place at Maine Park and the performance will take place on Saturday, Aug 1 at the Centennial Activity Center.

3180121 / Theater Camp Week 1, 9am-3pm

Disney’s Aladdin JR. tells the story of the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within. The story you know and love has been given the royal treatment! Aladdin and his three friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. Wanting to earn the respect of the princess, Jasmine, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character. With expanded characters, new songs, and more thrills, this new adaptation of the beloved story will open up “a whole new world” for our young performers! M-F will take place at Maine Park and the performance will take place on Saturday, Jun 13 at the Prairie Lakes Theater in Des Plaines, Il.

3180122 / Theater Camp Week 2, 9am-3pm

The Addams Family Musical is a delightfully macabre comedy that brings the iconic, spooky-yet-lovable family to life on stage. When Wednesday Addams falls in love with a “normal” boy, chaos ensues as the Addams host his unsuspecting family for a bizarre dinner. Filled with catchy songs, dark humor, and heartfelt moments, the show explores themes of love, acceptance, and embracing one’s true self. This witty script and eccentric characters make for a charming celebration of the wonderfully weird. M-F will take place at Maine Park and the performance will take place on Saturday, Jun 20 at Prairie Lakes Theater in Des Plaines, Il.

3180123 / Theater Camp: Week 3, 9am-3pm

Disney’s Mary Poppins Jr. is a magical musical that brings the beloved story of the practically perfect nanny to the stage in a family-friendly adaptation. When Mary Poppins arrives at the Banks household, she leads Jane and Michael on whimsical adventures filled with wonder and life lessons. With classic songs like “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” this show is bursting with charm, imagination, and heart. This enchanting production captures the power of kindness, creativity, and the joy of discovering the extraordinary in the everyday. M-F will take place at Maine Park and the performance will take place on Saturday, Jun 27 at Prairie Lakes Theater in Des Plaines, Il.

3180125 / Theater Camp: Week 5, 9am-3pm

Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney’s Descendants: The Musical is a jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the film! Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost-home of the most infamous villains who ever lived-the teenaged children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island…until now. When the four troublemakers are sent to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, they have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps, or learn to be good? M-F will take place at Maine Park and the performance will take place on Saturday, Jul 11 at Prairie Lakes Theater in Des Plaines, Il.

3180126 / Theater Camp: Week 6, 9am-3pm

Join us for Christmas in July! Elf the Musical Jr. is a heartwarming and hilarious holiday tale that follows Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, as he journeys to New York City to find his true family. Along the way, Buddy spreads Christmas cheer to everyone he meets with his boundless enthusiasm and childlike wonder. Filled with catchy songs, festive spirit, and laugh-out-loud moments, the show captures the magic and joy of the season. M-F will take place at Maine Park and the performance will take place on Saturday, Jul 18 at Prairie Lakes Theater.

3180127 / Theater Camp: Week 7, 9am-3pm

Legally Blonde the Musical Jr. is a vibrant, empowering story that follows Elle Woods as she sets out to win back her boyfriend by enrolling at Harvard Law School. Along the way, Elle discovers her own brilliance, confidence, and determination, proving she’s more than just a pretty face. Filled with high-energy songs, bold characters, and plenty of pink-powered fun, the show celebrates staying true to yourself. This upbeat musical reminds audiences that believing in your own abilities is always in style. M-F will take place at Maine Park and the performance will take place on Saturday, Jul 25 at Prairie Lakes Theater, Des Plaines, Il.

3180128 / Theater Camp: Week 8, 9am-3pm

Our Summer season concludes with Willy Wonka Jr, a whimsical musical that brings Roald Dahl’s fantastical world of pure imagination to life on stage. When young Charlie Bucket discovers a golden ticket, he embarks on a magical tour of Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory. Filled with colorful characters, catchy songs, and unforgettable moments, the show celebrates creativity, kindness, and the joy of dreaming big. M-F will take place at Maine Park and the performance will take place on Saturday, Aug 1at Prairie Lakes Theater