Theater classes are a place for kids to explore their creative side, develop new talents, increase their confidence, and be a part of a positive and supportive team. Being involved in an ever-evolving production teaches kids flexibility and the ability to think on their feet.
Whether your rising star is just showing early signs of interest in the theater/drama scene, or already appears to be a seasoned performer, there are plenty of fantastic programs locally for all levels and all ages! Check them out, then see our full guide to kids’ classes for other fun activities.
This article is sponsored by Children’s Theatre of Western Springs.
Paramount School of the Arts
20 S Stolp Avenue
Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 896-6810
The Second City
1616 N Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 337-3992
Chicago Kids Company
4124 N. Nashville Avenue
Chicago, IL 60634
(773) 205-9600
Chicago Children’s Theatre
100 S. Racine Avenue
Chicago, IL 60607
(773) 227-0180
info@chicagochildrenstheatre.org
CYT Chicago
Locations in Chicago and the suburbs
(847) 516-2298
Ghostlight Educational Theatre Collective (ETC)
923 Curtiss Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(708) 261-0292
Elmhurst Children’s Theater
121 W 1st Street
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Vagabond West
124 W Park Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Village Theatre Guild
P.O. Box 184
Glen Ellyn, IL, 60138
(630) 469-8230
BAM Theatre
641 S. Bodin Street
Hinsdale, IL 60521
(630) 923-5226
info@bamtheatre.com
Stage Door Fine Arts
Community House
415 W. Eighth Street
Hinsdale, IL, 60521
(630) 728-0465
Footlight Players of LaGrange Park
1501 Barnsdale Road
La Grange Park, IL 60526
(708) 354-4580
Guardian Angel Players
1113 Harrison Avenue
La Grange Park, IL 60526
(708) 715-4451
LATTE (LaGrange Area Teen Theater Ensemble)
20 N Ashland Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 655-0989
lattetheater@gmail.com
Little Mountain Community Theatre
800 Porter Street
Lemont, IL 60439
info@littlemountaintheatre.org
Lombard Children’s Theater
339 S. Craig Place
Lombard, IL, 60148
(708) 528-8243
Academy of the Arts
Naperville, IL
(630) 243-5100
BrightSide Theatre
Meiley Swallow Hall
31 S Ellsworth Street
Naperville, IL 60540
630-447-TIXS (8497)
info@brightsidetheatre.com
Kidz Kabaret
1665 Quincy Avenue, Suite 143
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 355-9212
The Actors Garden
909 S. Lombard Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60304
Ovation Academy for the Performing Arts
1010 Madison Street
Oak Park, IL 60301
(708) 222-7564
Riverside Children’s Theater Guild
27 Riverside Road
Riverside, IL 60546
Children’s Theatre of Western Springs
Children’s Theatre of Western Springs4384 Hampton Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 246-4043
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Theatre classes for grades K-12 give students the opportunity to grow and learn in new ways, meet new friends, and develop lifelong skills! Join us this fall for classes in musical theatre, acting, improv, technical theatre, voice, and more!
Music Makers Theatre
4332 Howard Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 246-8222
info@musicmakerstheatre.com
Academy of Music and Art
350 E. Ogden Avenue
Westmont, IL 60559
(630) 654-8426
Wheaton Drama
Playhouse 111
111 N. Hale Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 260-1928
Westside Improv
125 W. Front Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
Beyond the Stars Performing Arts Company
327 75th Street
Willowbrook, IL 60527
(630) 568-3610
BeyondTheStarsAcademy@hotmail.com
Beyond Center Stage
401 E. North Ave.
Villa Park, IL 60181
(630) 833-0085
Saint Genesius Productions
152 N. Myrtle Ave.
Villa Park, IL 60181
(630) 244-9406
What are the benefits of drama classes?
Theatre is one of the most valuable places where kids can explore the endless possibilities of their imaginations and what they can do. Performing arts teach children how to think creatively through imagination by developing new ideas, updating old ones and interpreting them into something new.
Learning lines, studying characters, practicing and performing all help to build character and confidence. It can also improve memory, concentration, and focus while remembering their lines. Plays and musicals are also great exposure to literature and history.
Theatre exposes young people to new vocabulary and ways of communicating.ย Through the arts of dance, acting, and music, children learn how to communicate in a variety of unique ways.ย Working with others increases both verbal and nonverbal communication. When working on a play or show, you learn to articulate and project your voice, as well as to listen and observe.
What questions should I ask to figure out what theater program is right for me?
– What is the facility like?
– Are there a variety of classes offered?
– What is the experience of the teachers?
– Are there additional fees for performing in a show?
– Is there a performance or presentation at the end of classes?
– How old are the other kids in the class?
– What is the schedule like and is it flexible?
– How long has the program been in business?
For more ways to help your kids hone their talents, check out all our classes for kids!
