improv playhouse | prepare with the pros

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.

"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

"David.... 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."

"David and IP Staff, We travel each week from Northbrook and it's the best commute of my week and best program Nora has been in. You are all so welcoming and supportive."

"David, I just wanted to express our thanks for the recommendation you supplied for Allison last Saturday during the look-see for Jessica Brady of Jennifer's Talent. That was very kind of you, and very much appreciated. She just 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, Allison 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! "

Music Theater Acting, instructor's approval or previous Showstoppers or equivalent registration suggested.

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REGISTRATION CALL FOR IP-SHOWSTOPPERS SUMMER WORKSHOPS

YOUNG ACTORS WORKSHOP 3rd-8th

Non Musical Production

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.

This new component of I.P. is an auditioned and referred repertory ensemble of outstanding teen and high music theater school students from throughout the Lake County region. Members of I.P.-Elite tend to be triple threats who wish to improve their performing skills while working with other serious musical theater actors seeking the challenge of developing their craft. The ensemble will seek to provide the highest quality in professionalism and performance bringing various genres to the stage. I.P. Elite will audition, assess and rehearse full length, ensemble based musicals with those students who have been cast for this challenging training.

(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.

(1st-3rd 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.

(4 1/2 yrs -K and some exceptions may apply)
You’re going to have a fun time acting, making new friends and learning new skills that will make you feel great about getting up on stage, playing characters from your favorite stories and maybe even singing some of your favorite songs! A final showcase keeps you in the spotlight for family and friends! Our early childhood drama-cators will create an active and energetic environment for your creative child.

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.

(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 – 8th)
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.

(5th - 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.

(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).

(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.

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.

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. Sherry 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" and the impending "Originals" 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/photographer's 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 30 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 8 years. she has worked with some amazing celebrity photographers such as, Jerry Avenaim and Marc Hauser. NATALIE GOLDEN has been shooting with ZMP for the last 5 years and before she came to us spent most of her time shooting products and interiors. Her passion is shooting people and it shows in her work! Natalie shoots most of child talent these days. 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. zmp@zoemckenziephotography.com