CLASSES / WORKSHOPS

THE IMPROV PLAYHOUSE

TRAINING CENTER

Fun Times!  Great Friends!

School District 70 Partner for Excellence in Education

ACTING  -  DRAMA  -  FILM MAKING 

IMPROV COMEDY  -  MUSICAL THEATER

FASHION and PRINT MODELING

Highland Park, Lake Zurich, Round Lake Beach

Vernon Hills Park District

ON LINE REGISTRATION

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LIBERTYVILLE SUMMER

YOUTH SCHEDULE (click))

VERNON HILLS (Park District)

SUMMER YOUTH SCHEDULE

End of Summer MiniCamps Click Here

BUFFALO GROVE

FALL YOUTH SCHEDULE

TBA @ "On Your Toes Academyt of Dance"

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HIGHLAND PARK FALL YOUTH SCHEDULE (TBA)

At the Highland Park Community House  (formerly  HP Women's club)  1991 N. Sheridan Road between the HP Arts Center and Elm Place School.  Just north of Central.

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.

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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.

BROADWAY BOUND (3rd - 5th grade)
You’re on your way to the Big Apple Baby! These classes are for kids who love to perform, who want to develop their musical theater skills or the shy ones who may want to come out of their shell.  Age appropriate material is selected for the children who will be guided into solo or ensemble work.  Strengthen skills through exploration of acting technique, storytelling, singing and movement.  Broadway Bound ends with a showcase or mini-junior production performed for family and friends at the IP Black Box or class site of our local Broadway Bound workshop.

DRAMATIC TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE

ACTING CONSERVATORY FOR TEENS (ACT)  (14- – 18yrs)

An intensive program designed to challenge, nurture and foster young actors who desire a more focused training and rehearsal regimen culminating in a small ensemble performance piece or production.

THE ACTOR'S ARSENAL  (14- – 18yrs)

An actors boot camp for the teen student actor engaging in monologue and scene study (relating truthfully moment to moment), diction and dialect (use your vocal tools properly),

using breath to fuel performance, playing and taking risk (spontaneity).

YOUNG ACTORS WORKSHOP™ (All Ages – 17yrs)
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.environment.

TESTIMONIALS

David,

I just wanted to express our thanks for the recommendation you supplied for "A" last Saturday during the look-see for Jessica Brady of Jennifer's Talent.  That was very kind of you, and very much appreciated.  "A"loves your program and is looking forward to participating in many more activities with your organization.  It is a  very nurturing environment, very professional, and a lot of fun! 

Just so you know, "A" n is now signed up with Jennifer's Talent.

Thank  you again,

 Mary N.

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.