CLASSES / WORKSHOPS

THE IMPROV PLAYHOUSE

TRAINING CENTER

ACTING  -  DRAMA  -  FILM MAKING 

IMPROV COMEDY  -  MUSICAL THEATER

New Program begins Summer '08

FASHION AND PRINT MODELING

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LIBERTYVILLE SUMMER YOUTH SCHEDULE (click)

ROUND LAKE BEACH SUMMER YOUTH SCHEDULE (click)

American Camping Association Accreditation Applied

Learning how to trust, relax, speak out, work as an ensemble, create improvisationally, theatrically, and to experience real change are all excellent reasons to study at the Improv Playhouse®. Through creativity, imagination and playfulness your personal development as a student OR performer will grow to a level you never dreamed possible.

Improv Playhouse performing arts training identifies, nurtures and enhances each individual's natural communication ability and talent, while building the confidence needed to apply these skills to performance and real life situations.  Our program for youth includes performing arts training for children from kindergarten to high school with beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Generally, each class meets once per week for seven weeks for both adults and youth.

At IP, our staff stresses the importance of personal integrity, developing personal expression using the best of one's values and character.  We train children and adults in improvisation, acting, music theater, dance, vocal training, on camera, voice over and commercial work among other arts components.

You will experience the supportive instruction of some of the Midwest’s finest arts professionals in a safe, age appropriate environment who comprise some of the most gifted Chicago area actors, directors and facilitators instructing and inspiring with passion and personal integrity.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

IMPROVISATION TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES

IMPROV & THEATRE GAMES 

(6th - 8th grade & High School)
This is the foundation of our training that fosters the process of “play” in which young people are inclined to engage in and adults are inclined to resist.  More than learning the forms of “Whose line…” our students participate in the games of theater that nurture skills in character development, spontaneity, giving and taking focus and ensemble (team-work) building.  All have a ton of fun in this training!  Beginning through Advanced Sections for Junior High and High School. 

IMPROV PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES 

(5TH -8TH & High School)
Designed to give the Advanced Junior High, Teen & High School improviser expansive opportunities to develop and demonstrate their skills for diverse audiences and events. Students will not only be challenged by pushing the limits of conventional games, but will train in long form, sketch, story theatre and other improvisational forms gathered from earlier training. Audition or instructor approval required for all ensembles. Teen and Junior Improv Ensemble Members must be registered in classes to retain their position for performances. Due to scheduling issues ensemble members may choose to register for intermediate and/or advanced workshops to retain performance eligibility. Our Teen Improv Ensemble has twice been invited to perform at the nationally renowned Chicago Improv Festival (CIF).

MUSICAL THEATER TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE (Age appropriate resources from the best of Broadway, Disney and World Theater)

SHOW STOPPERS TROUPE (5th grade - 9th))
SHOWSTOPPERS is designed to raise the bar of customized performances that exhibit showmanship, choreography, voice and music theater pieces incorporating developmentally appropriate Broadway shows or films.  SHOWSTOPPERS train toward and IP MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION or SHOWCASE enabling the actor to exhibit skills nurtured in this advanced program.  Workshop dedication, rehearsal attendance and commitment is an expectation to remain in this training.  Every participant receives a role apporpiate to their age and performance level.  All children who demonstrate a willingness to engage in this fun, yet focused, environment are encoraged to register.  Parents are also encouraged to volunteer for a modest commitment to each production.  No audition is necessary to register. Three unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the production and showcase.  Showstoppers productions are performed on public stages at area high schools or similar spaces.  They have been invited to perform pieces from their productions at PRIVATE AND PUBLIC EVENTS.

TRIPLE THREAT (Instructional Music Theatre) (6th - 8th grade)
For all those serious about furthering their musical theatre experience as well as those just starting out. (These classes are normally incorporated in our programs in area school districts). Our carefully selected performing arts staff customizes this class to the gifts, talents, and skills of the ensemble crafting a unique showpiece that engages the audience and impresses their agent (if they have one!).

BROADWAY BOUND (3rd - 5th grade)
You’re on your way to the Big Apple Baby! These classes are for kids who love to perform and who want to develop their musical theater skills. Age appropriate material is selected for each child who will be guided into solo or ensemble work. Strengthen skills through exploration of acting technique, storytelling, singing and movement.

DRAMATIC TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE

YOUNG ACTORS WORKSHOP™ (All Ages – 18yrs)
Yikes! It’s opening night! This program has been designed to expose the youthful actor to a nurturing professional theatre experience with an emphasis in practical performance methods. From the audition process, to being cast as a player and crew member, to public performances, get ready for an incredible, dramatic journey! Comedies, dramas and developmentally appropriate pieces are chosen for public performances.

This is an audition only actors ensemble where, historically, some children are not accepted in its cast of performers. 

READERS THEATER (3rd - 8th grade)
Act on stage with your script!  Narration serves as the framework of great dramatic presentation. No full stage sets. If used at all, sets are simple and suggestive. No full costumes. If used at all, costumes are partial and suggestive, or neutral and uniform.  No full memorization. Scripts are used openly in performance. Reader’s theater was developed as an efficient and effective way to present literature in dramatic form. Even today, most scripts are literary adaptations, though others are original dramatic works. environment.

TESTIMONIALS

Dear David,

Did you see that FIVE of your students are going to state competition for Destination Imagination???  M, T and K and both the Ls. They are on two different teams, one for Butterfield and one for Highland. Also, the D.I. directors gave a HUGE thank you to you at the regional award ceremonies for your workshop. It was very nice and heartfelt. Take care!

Dear I.P,

Your staff has done a brilliant job in training my child and giving him the confidence we always dreamed he'd gain. Courtney is magnificent and has created the fun, but nurturing environment you assured us you have over there.  M has not only made new friends for a lifetime, but your program has brought him out of his shell, given him new passion and focus, helped him to improve his academics and discover a creative side that has led him to theater (which we never expected).  Improv, your plays, camps...it's all been good for our "improv actor" (now going on 4 years with your program). Thanks!

David and IP Staff,

We travel each week from Northbrook and it's the best commute of my week and best program N has been in.  You are all so welcoming and supportive.