Hello David ,
I am writing to thank you guys for your wonderful, warm and nurturing school! Our daughter has not just learned a lot in the last three years that she has been coming there, but also gained a lot of confidence in her ability as an artist. Your school gives these kids/young adults a place where they can be comfortable in themselves, in their talents without the fear of others 'judging you'. They don't feel 'weird' about their talent and feel appreciated for what they have to offer. If we had to do it all over again, we would put her there when she was 7 years old! The long drive we have had to do two to /three times a week has been so well worth the effort.
Thanks again for everything!
REENA T., Lake Forest, Illinois
Snips was born out of our Teen Improv Ensemble. Some of these players are now professionals.
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.
A.C.T.(Acting Conservatory for Teens) is the advanced acting program for I.P. students.
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!
Youth Classes / Workshops
THE IMPROV PLAYHOUSE TRAINING CENTERS
Fun Times! Great Friends!
ACTING - DRAMA - FILM
MAKING - IMPROV COMEDY
MUSICAL
THEATER
FASHION and PRINT MODELING
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, with some exceptions, each class meets once per
week for six to ten weeks for both adults and youth.
Acting Conservatory for Teen students talk about Improv Playhouse community & training.
"I think you should know, Jonah was the only underclassman to make his High School' s elite Comedy Ensemble (that still blows my mind). He also took 2nd place in a humorous duet acting skit at his first Speech tournament. I credit his involvement with the Improv Playhouse with a lot of his recent successes." Thank you. Sheila B.
JR. and TEEN IMPROV COMEDY ENSEMBLES HAVE BEEN INVTITED TO
Our very own Haley Nol (JoJo) and actor George Keating
Photography credit to Peter Coombs and
the Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences production of SEUSSICAL.
For the Beginner
to the child who books Shows, Commercials and Film Roles!
Here is a sample:
HALEYOLIVIA NOLL (JoJo - Alternating) is a fifth grade student at Butterfield Elementary School in Libertyville, IL. She began her love of performance in musical theater at Improv Playhouse as Nana in Peter Pan. She has performed since in Oklahoma, Guys N Dolls and High School Musical. Recently she gave a stellar performance as the quintessential, Logainne S, in the Improv Playhouse Showstoppers production of Spelling Bee. Outside of her love of stage, she is a master of the editing chair, making her own videos with a special flair! Haley is beyond thrilled to be cast as JoJo in her premier performance at Marriott.
YOUTH SHOWS!!!!
School District 70 Partner for Excellence in Education
Park District Brochure- "Youth Variety" Turn to page 41
Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center workshops
provided by Improv Playhouse Creative Education and Outreach, NFP
Scroll to Productions and Course Descriptions
LIBERTYVILLE
The I.P. Black Box Theatre 735 N. Milwaukee
SHOWSTOPPERS 4TH-9TH
Broadway Musical Comedy
2012 Winter Showstoppers Production of Annie
AThe upbeat plot and flamboyant characters have made ANNIE one of the most beloved musicals in history--what girl hasn't dreamed of performing the title role or playing the outrageous Miss Hannigan? Rooster, Oliver Warbucks, President Roosevelt, and policemen are great roles for boys too! And let’s not forget the lovable mutt named Sandy. Rehearsals begin January 6, on Fridays 4-6:00pm and Saturdays 1:00-3:00pm at the IP Theater.
YOUNG ACTORS WORKSHOP 3rd-8th
Non Musical Production
Look for Performances Below!
The Exciting Adventure of C.S. Lewis's
"The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe"
Congratulations!
PERFORMANCES 3/2-4
Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center
2007 Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach
This new dramatization of C.S. Lewis' classic, set in the land of Narnia, faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. The intense action features chases, duels and escapes as the witch is determined to keep Narnia in her possession and to end the reign of Aslan. All the memorable episodes and characters from the story are represented in this exciting drama. Rehearsals begin December 4, on Sundays 1-3pm and Mondays 6:30-8:30pm at the IP Theater. To schedule audition times and to pick up an audition packet at the Improv Playhouse Studio please call 847-968-4529.
When a California winery produces a cheap imitation version of the sole export of the tiny duchy of Grand Fenwick, the Fenwickians have no choice but to declare war on the United States— and lose, in the hope of receiving massive aid payments. However, things go awry when the expeditionary force lands in New York harbor during an air raid drill, and ends up capturing the newly invented Q-Bomb from an eccentric professor at Columbia. Will war or peace win out?
BROADWAY BOUND 1st-4th Gr.
Performances this Tuesday & Thursday
February 21 & 23rd 7:00p
At the Byron Colby Barn Sleeping Beauty Kids (Term 1) 1/10-2/23
"Seussical" is a fantastical, magical, Broadway musical extravaganza! Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty ("Ragtime," "Once On This Island") have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination--Jojo. "Oh, the Thinks You Can Think" captures the show's spirit of imagination, as the colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.
BROADWAY BOUND 1st-4th
Showcase Performance this Saturday, January 14th, 2:00PM
Christ Church of Highland Park
1713 Green Bay Road
It's upbeat plot and flambooyant characters have made Annie one of the most beloved musicals in history - what girl hasn't dreamed of performing the title role or playing the outrageous Miss Hannigan? Filled with terrific character parts for boys and girls this remains a classic Junior production for youth at Improv Playhouse.
Vernon Hills Park District Brochure Click Here Soon
(NO Auditions Call to Register through VHPD)
SHOWSTOPPERS 5th-9th
Broadway Musical
Drawing from various theatrical traditions, such as clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville, GODSPELL JR. is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance and love. Featuring the international hit "Day By Day," GODSPELL JR.can be performed virtually anywhere with the simplest of sets, costumes, lights and music.
BROADWAY BOUND 2nd-4th Gr.
The Kids Version of
At the Sullivan Center Through Vernon Hills Park District
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
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.
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.
IMPROV & THEATRE GAMES
(6th - 8th grade & High School) A blast for all the students, but 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. Beginning through Advanced
Sections for Junior High and High School.
IMPROV
PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES
(Junior & Teen Ensembles) 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).
VIDEO SHORTS
(6th - 8th grade)
Have you been making videos for you and your friends on Facebook or Youtube. Love watching the film shorts on Funny or Die or Friday Night Bytes. Then this workshop will help guide you into the process of creating truly seamless and professional looking video shorts..
BIZ KIDZ (On-Camera Commercial and Film Acting)
(3rd-5th) Improv Playhouse was the first suburban training center outside of Chicago to implement "commercial" instruction in its workshops. You'll work on successful Auditioning skills, the Art of Cold reading, "popping" on camera, learning the secrets of working pros and centering yourself for camera performance. Our "tweens" and "teens" make it in the business and our superior training is the reason why.
IMAGINE ACTION
(7-10yrs)
The starting point to improv comedy, stage presence, focus and team work! A great foundation for young actors.
PRESCHOOL PLAYHOUSE
(4yrs--Kinder)
Music, Acting and Theatre Fun for little people just looking to explore their creative side. Teachers gifted with this age group engage these young ones in a space filled with imagination, melody and story playing building up their confidence, focus and self concept.
FASHION AND PRINT MODELING:Fashion Week
(TWEEN 8-12yrs and TEEN 13-17yrs)
Develop Confidence, Style and the Appropriate Image for fun or as a career.Do you dream of becoming a model? Did you know that it’s a fun career and a performing art?! This is an exciting and glam workshop that will leave you with a ton of knowledge on how to take the next big step. Girls will be taught everything they need to know about the competitive fashion and print modeling industry in workshops or camps filled with runway technique, role playing, a healthy self concept, visits from pros and a final fashion showcase. Each day will focus on new activities that build upon each other.
MUSICAL THEATER TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE
(Age appropriate resources from the best of Broadway, Disney and World Theater)
TRAVELLING TROUPE
(3rd grade - 9th)
This is the "elite", triple threat touring ensemble of the North Shore and the I.P. youth music theatre program. Before there was the North Shore Traveling Troupe there was the iP Travelling Troupe, and prior to that the legacy of the Apple Tree Theatre travelling troupe, and before that, was the incredible Eileen Boevers. It started with 5 children in 1977. It has always been a unique, amazing, and reputable group of talented children—children who have entertained at various venues throughout the Chicago-land area and even have as journeyed as far as Italy to entertain and learn. The Troupe has always been unique because it is an ensemble; there are no stars. Students featured in one show may be in the chorus the next time. Although, it is true to the theatre rule that no one is given a role that they cannot “pull off”. So some new members may have to go through a learning, growing period of time before being featured.
SHOW STOPPERS PRODUCTIONS
(4th - 9th and some exceptions may apply)
SHOWSTOPPERS is designed to raise the bar of customized performances that exhibit showmanship,solos, acting, choreography, voice and music theater pieces incorporating developmentally appropriate Broadway shows or films. SHOWSTOPPERS train toward and IP MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION usually comprising 4th-9th graders or a SHOWCASE TROUPE of 3rd-8th graders energized to exhibit skills nurtured in this advanced program. All children who demonstrate a willingness to engage in this fun, yet focused, environment are encouraged to register. 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. 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.
BROADWAY BOUND
(2nd-4th and some exceptions may apply)
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)
(8th-HS)
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
(8th-HS)
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 PLAYWRIGHTS PERFORMANCE
(8th-HS)
Creating the One Act play from process to performance. These young playwrights will learn the finer elements from an established playwright in the IP community. They will process the development of character, plot development, the elements of style, genre and story telling. The "one act" created through this process will be performed at their final showcase, as semester in the making..
SCREEN TEENS (On-Camera Commercial and Film Acting)
(6th-HS) Improv Playhouse was the first suburban training center outside of Chicago to implement "commercial" instruction in its workshops. You'll work on successful Auditioning skills, the Art of Cold reading, "popping" on camera, learning the secrets of working pros and centering yourself for camera performance. Our "tweens" and "teens" make it in the business and our superior training is the reason why.
YOUNG ACTORS WORKSHOP™
(3rd – 9th)
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.
STORY THEATRE: From Page to Stage
(All Ages: Often 6-12yrs)
Creating a drama or comedy from the written page isn't as easy as it seems. That's why we've developed a workshop that's for the young "reader" in a "reader's theatre" styled workshop. Not only do our young and younger actors learn to act with their voices and bodies on stage, but they can do so without the burden of memorizing script. Think "radio theatre" for young people...phyiscal theatre and more demanding drama for our mature young actors when they adapt stories scripted for the stage (and THEY will memorize their lines!).
AGENCY and I.P. RECOMMENDED HEADSHOOTERS(Photographers)
One of Chicago's busiest headshot photographers is Brian McConkey, who for the past 10 years has been capturing the hopes, dreams, and most importantly, personalities of Chicago's young and veteran actors. In addition to photographing Chicago's up-and-comers, Brian has photographed such well known actors as David Schwimmer, Martha Plimpton, Morgan Freeman and Brian Dennehy. Ask I.P. about Brian's on-location shoots that will get the results you want for a discounted price from his already reasonable rates.
Sherry Bell, Photography. ( 224 ) 513-5650
TEEN COMPOSITE LINK CLICK HERE TWEEN COMPOSITE LINK CLICK HERE Sherry's focus is on locational imaging, using the natural light to bring out the best in each subject. She is well known and recommended by Chicago's top talent agencies. She has extensive experience photographing Actors Headshots, Fashion & Beauty images for children and adults. Many of the children she has photographed such as Danielle Campbell of Disney's "Starstruck" & "Prom", are enjoying successful acting careers. Others have landed national commercials, TV/Film roles and have performed at some of Chicago's most prestigious theatres such as the Cadillac Palace and Steppenwolf Theatre. Her photo sessions are sceduled at locations in the northern suburbs. Improv Playhouse and our staff is pleased to recommend her services to our students. For further information call Sherry directly at: 224-513-5650 or email her at:sherrybellphotography@yahoo.com
Who is Zoe Mckenzie?
She is the owner/photographers daughter and inspiration. The studio is a team of women who inspire and push each other to produce beautiful photos and wonderful experiences. The owner, SANDY SAGER has been shooting for 28 years and working exclusively with talent for the last 15 years. JULIA MARCUS started working with Sandy 15 years ago doing hair/makeup and styling and has been shooting at ZMP for the last 6 years, she has worked with some amazing celebrity photographers such as , Jerry Avenaim and Marc Hauser. NATALIE GOLDEN has been shooting with us for the last three years and before she came to us spent most of her time shooting amazing interiors for developers, her passion is shooting people and it shows in her work! The team would not be complete without NANCY VELA, she is our Hair/Makeup Stylist and is the very best in the business, she has worked in the industry for over 25 years, she is a Sassoon trained hair stylist and stays on the cutting edge of what is current in makeup. She is also studying Eastern medicine, and teaches meditation and energy work. The vibe is casual and when you leave you should feel like you just played for an hour, not worked!
Youth Improv Festival was held Saturday, December 3rd 2011
The goal of the Improv Playhouse North Suburban Youth Improv Festival is to establish a community of teen and tween improvisers representative of a myriad of training organizations and school districts. The festival is created to enable these young performers to showcase their passion and interest in improvisation, its many forms and presentational styles, in front of their peers and community. Improvisation, we believe, is an underrated and underutilized mode of artistic expression. By providing the participants the opportunity to exercise this art, we hope to foster the growth of self expression, community involvement, team work and friendly collaboration. Once registration is received students will select and be assigned specialized coaching workshops offered at the festival according to developmental and age level.
office/studio: 116 w. lake, libertyville, illinois 60048 • 847.968.4529
• 847.968.4530 fax •
E-MAIL black box space - theatre:735 n. milwaukee avenue, libertyville
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