Art classes in Chicago, IL

Let your kids explore our 1,500 sq. foot play space, dance around in the bubble machine, and bat balloons to their hearts content while you sip complimentary coffee/tea. Limited to 15 kids per session for enhanced comfort and safety.

Let your kids explore our 1,500 sq. foot play space, dance around in the bubble machine, and bat balloons to their hearts content while you sip complimentary coffee/tea. Limited to 15 kids per session for enhanced comfort and safety.

Let your kids explore our 1,500 sq. foot play space, dance around in the bubble machine, and bat balloons to their hearts content while you sip complimentary coffee/tea. Limited to 15 kids per session for enhanced comfort and safety.

Let your kids explore our 1,500 sq. foot play space, dance around in the bubble machine, and bat balloons to their hearts content while you sip complimentary coffee/tea. Limited to 15 kids per session for enhanced comfort and safety.

Let your kids explore our 1,500 sq. foot play space, dance around in the bubble machine, and bat balloons to their hearts content while you sip complimentary coffee/tea. Limited to 15 kids per session for enhanced comfort and safety.

Let your kids explore our 1,500 sq. foot play space, dance around in the bubble machine, and bat balloons to their hearts content while you sip complimentary coffee/tea. Limited to 15 kids per session for enhanced comfort and safety.

Let your kids explore our 1,500 sq. foot play space, dance around in the bubble machine, and bat balloons to their hearts content while you sip complimentary coffee/tea. Limited to 15 kids per session for enhanced comfort and safety.

Let your kids explore our 1,500 sq. foot play space, dance around in the bubble machine, and bat balloons to their hearts content while you sip complimentary coffee/tea. Limited to 15 kids per session for enhanced comfort and safety.

Let your kids explore our 1,500 sq. foot play space, dance around in the bubble machine, and bat balloons to their hearts content while you sip complimentary coffee/tea. Limited to 15 kids per session for enhanced comfort and safety.

Let your kids explore our 1,500 sq. foot play space, dance around in the bubble machine, and bat balloons to their hearts content while you sip complimentary coffee/tea. Limited to 15 kids per session for enhanced comfort and safety.

Each week, our littlest Broadway fans and caregivers are introduced to exciting new songs, characters, and stories as Broadway Musicals are brought to life by a team of professional teaching artists. Created by a professional performer turned early childhood development specialist, Broadway & Me's unique curriculum is both entertaining and developmentally appropriate. Each class incorporates activities that are designed to support your little one’s physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language development.

Ring out the bells and sing out the news! We're bringing one of our favorite Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals to the stage for our 2025 Broadway Stars Mainstage Production. Join our talented cast of young performers and learn how theater can make impossible things happen everyday! Broadway Stars was created by a professional performer turned child development specialist with the primary goal of helping children develop the foundational skills and technique every musical theater performer needs while giving them the opportunity to find their voice, build confidence, and do what every budding Broadway Star loves most: PERFORM! Classes are taught by a team of professional teaching artists with years of experience both in the classroom and on professional stages, and feature a customized curriculum designed to challenge and showcase the strengths of each young performer. PRODUCTION ADMIN FEE INCLUDES: *2 Full Cast Rehearsals *Tech Week Rehearsals *4 tickets to our production (Additional tickets will be available to purchase closer to the performance) *Scripts & other class materials *Costumes (Families will NOT be asked to go out and purchase items for the show but may be asked to bring clothing you already own.) *Props & Sets *Week Long Rental at The South Loop Center for the Arts AFTER SCHOOL PICK-UP: Stages offers free after school pick-up from British International School for students who are enrolled in extended day programs. Pick-up will be approximately 20min before the start of class to give us enough time to gather students and walk over to Drucker Center. WHAT TO EXPECT: --Weeks 1-2 (Jan 6 - Jan 18): Setting the Stage— Families who are new to Stages are invited to join us for a FREE TRIAL the week of January 6-11, 2025.   The first two weeks of the semester will focus on learning and perfecting the foundational musical theater skills every Broadway Star needs when performing on stage. Classes will participate in acting games and begin to learn music and choreography for their auditions in addition to being introduced to Uta Hagen’s Acting Technique, which we will utilize as a framework for character development throughout our rehearsal process. These first two weeks of the semester also allow our teachers to get to know students and start to determine which scenes, songs, and roles will be the best fit for each child. --Weeks 3-4 (Jan 20 - Feb 1): I Hope I Get It!-- During weeks 3-4 of the semester, students will participate in a personalized audition process. Auditions at Stages are designed to be a low stress, fun experience where Broadway Stars get to show off what they’ve been learning the first few weeks of the semester and tell us what they are most excited to do in the show. Every audition will look different as every child is different. For children who are new to performing or nervous about auditioning, this will be an informal, low-stakes experience. For children who are older, have been performing for a while, or are ready for a challenge, this will be treated as a more formal audition. How Does This Work? Each class will be assigned specific scenes and songs from from our musical, not the entire musical. Classes will come together for the final performance to perform the show in its entirety.
EVERY CHILD WILL BE GIVEN A ROLE OR SPECIAL PART IN THE SHOW. We will work together with participants to make sure they have a speaking line, solo, duet, etc. that they are excited to perform! --Weeks 5-12 (Feb 3 - Mar 29): Putting It Together-- During Weeks 5-12, children will begin putting together their show! Each week, classes will work on their assigned scenes and songs. During these classes, we will focus on learning and rehearsing musical numbers and choreography, blocking acting scenes, and introducing various theatrical elements that will be used in our show such as sets, props, and costumes. Don’t worry, it’s not all work. Classes will also have the opportunity to play theater games designed to introduce new performance skills and brush up on concepts we’ve learned in previous classes. *Mark Your Calendars: Our Full Cast Rehearsals will be taking place on Saturday, February 22nd and Saturday, March 15th in the afternoon. (Saturday morning classes will still meet at their regular time). --Weeks 13-16 (Mar 31 - April 25): Prepping for Opening Night-- During Weeks 13-16, classes will begin running doing “Run Thrus” where they perform all of their scenes and songs from start to finish. We’ll also start adding in transitions so performers know when and how to enter/exit the stage, when to get microphones, make a costume change, or pick up a prop from the prop table. These classes are VERY important and we ask that you do your best to ensure your child is at every class unless they are ill. --Week 17: Tech Week– Monday, April 28 - Friday, May 2 The week of the show, we will be having rehearsal after school April 28 - May 2 where ALL of the classes are brought together to run the show in the space. These rehearsals will be MANDATORY. SHOW DAY: May 3-4th, 2025 SHOW LOCATION: South Loop Center for the Arts (1319 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605)

Ring out the bells and sing out the news! We're bringing one of our favorite Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals to the stage for our 2025 Broadway Stars Mainstage Production. Join our talented cast of young performers and learn how theater can make impossible things happen everyday! Broadway Stars was created by a professional performer turned child development specialist with the primary goal of helping children develop the foundational skills and technique every musical theater performer needs while giving them the opportunity to find their voice, build confidence, and do what every budding Broadway Star loves most: PERFORM! Classes are taught by a team of professional teaching artists with years of experience both in the classroom and on professional stages, and feature a customized curriculum designed to challenge and showcase the strengths of each young performer. PRODUCTION ADMIN FEE INCLUDES: *2 Full Cast Rehearsals *Tech Week Rehearsals *4 tickets to our production (Additional tickets will be available to purchase closer to the performance) *Scripts & other class materials *Costumes (Families will NOT be asked to go out and purchase items for the show but may be asked to bring clothing you already own.) *Props & Sets *Week Long Rental at The South Loop Center for the Arts AFTER SCHOOL PICK-UP: Stages offers free after school pick-up from British International School for students who are enrolled in extended day programs. Pick-up will be approximately 20min before the start of class to give us enough time to gather students and walk over to Drucker Center. WHAT TO EXPECT: --Weeks 1-2 (Jan 6 - Jan 18): Setting the Stage— Families who are new to Stages are invited to join us for a FREE TRIAL the week of January 6-11, 2025.   The first two weeks of the semester will focus on learning and perfecting the foundational musical theater skills every Broadway Star needs when performing on stage. Classes will participate in acting games and begin to learn music and choreography for their auditions in addition to being introduced to Uta Hagen’s Acting Technique, which we will utilize as a framework for character development throughout our rehearsal process. These first two weeks of the semester also allow our teachers to get to know students and start to determine which scenes, songs, and roles will be the best fit for each child. --Weeks 3-4 (Jan 20 - Feb 1): I Hope I Get It!-- During weeks 3-4 of the semester, students will participate in a personalized audition process. Auditions at Stages are designed to be a low stress, fun experience where Broadway Stars get to show off what they’ve been learning the first few weeks of the semester and tell us what they are most excited to do in the show. Every audition will look different as every child is different. For children who are new to performing or nervous about auditioning, this will be an informal, low-stakes experience. For children who are older, have been performing for a while, or are ready for a challenge, this will be treated as a more formal audition. How Does This Work? Each class will be assigned specific scenes and songs from from our musical, not the entire musical. Classes will come together for the final performance to perform the show in its entirety.
EVERY CHILD WILL BE GIVEN A ROLE OR SPECIAL PART IN THE SHOW. We will work together with participants to make sure they have a speaking line, solo, duet, etc. that they are excited to perform! --Weeks 5-12 (Feb 3 - Mar 29): Putting It Together-- During Weeks 5-12, children will begin putting together their show! Each week, classes will work on their assigned scenes and songs. During these classes, we will focus on learning and rehearsing musical numbers and choreography, blocking acting scenes, and introducing various theatrical elements that will be used in our show such as sets, props, and costumes. Don’t worry, it’s not all work. Classes will also have the opportunity to play theater games designed to introduce new performance skills and brush up on concepts we’ve learned in previous classes. *Mark Your Calendars: Our Full Cast Rehearsals will be taking place on Saturday, February 22nd and Saturday, March 15th in the afternoon. (Saturday morning classes will still meet at their regular time). --Weeks 13-16 (Mar 31 - April 25): Prepping for Opening Night-- During Weeks 13-16, classes will begin running doing “Run Thrus” where they perform all of their scenes and songs from start to finish. We’ll also start adding in transitions so performers know when and how to enter/exit the stage, when to get microphones, make a costume change, or pick up a prop from the prop table. These classes are VERY important and we ask that you do your best to ensure your child is at every class unless they are ill. --Week 17: Tech Week– Monday, April 28 - Friday, May 2 The week of the show, we will be having rehearsal after school April 28 - May 2 where ALL of the classes are brought together to run the show in the space. These rehearsals will be MANDATORY. SHOW DAY: May 3-4th, 2025 SHOW LOCATION: South Loop Center for the Arts (1319 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605)

This class covers a range of wheel techniques such as enclosed forms, bottles, plates, etc. Students are encouraged to come with project ideas. You must have taken 2 previous wheel throwing classes. Masks optional, but recommended. - Students have up to 2 months to glaze pieces. - Students must purchase their own tools. We have some you can use the first day. https://www.dickblick.com/products/kemper-pottery-tool-kit/?clickTracking=true&wmcp=pla&wmcid=items&wmckw=30325-1009&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1NebBhDDARIsAANiDD1uE1jvwIzojiMcLJFOwoIJe4v0U83qOtLVpr9c_hKmupIT0iD9cAYaAk8EEALw_wcB - Classes non-refundable after the first class commences. Cancellations will not be refunded less than 24 hours in advance. We don't do individual make ups. Make up classes will be announced in the welcome email sent a week before class begins. You can possibly drop into another class if you email in advance. HEALTH WARNING: Wheel throwing can be physically intense on joints and muscles, and can cause minor strains and injury.

ABOUT: This class covers the basics of making cups and bowls on the pottery wheel, pulling handles, trimming, and glazing pieces. Students will finish 4-6 projects. - This class includes unlimited clay the duration of the class. Students will have access to the studio and clay for practicing outside of class time. - Students have up to 2 months to glaze pieces. - Students must purchase their own tools. We have some you can use the first day. https://www.dickblick.com/products/kemper-pottery-tool-kit/?clickTracking=true&wmcp=pla&wmcid=items&wmckw=30325-1009&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1NebBhDDARIsAANiDD1uE1jvwIzojiMcLJFOwoIJe4v0U83qOtLVpr9c_hKmupIT0iD9cAYaAk8EEALw_wcB - Classes non-refundable after the first class commences. Cancellations will not be refunded less than 24 hours in advance. We don't do individual make ups. There will be a group make up class on Friday, Nov. 17 from 6-8pm and Thursday, Dec. 21st from 6-8pm. You can possibly drop into another class if you email in advance. HEALTH WARNING: Wheel throwing can be physically intense on joints and muscles, and can cause minor strains and injury.

Masks Optional, but highly recommended. This hand building class covers the process of layering different colored clays to create patterned canes and blocks. Students will either pinch pot these blocks, or they will cut from them to inlay/press into various molds. We provide three studio clay bodies (dark brown, speckle brown, and white) in addition to different colored reclaim chosen by the instructor. You are welcome to bring your own mason stains (ex blue or pink) and the instructor will demonstrate how to mix them, but stains are not required for this class. - Some clay experience is recommended, but not necessary. - Includes 15 lbs of clay, stains, and firing. $2.50/pound to purchase more clay (price includes glaze and firing). - Students have up to 2 months to glaze pieces - Students must purchase their own tools - Classes non-refundable after the first class commences. Make-up classes negotiable, but not guaranteed. If you have a conflict with a class please let us know in advance. We will ask for proof of Covid-19 vaccine the first day of class.

This class is for those that want to deepen their hand building knowledge or get assistance on a specific project. Students are welcome to come in with specific project ideas, or have guidance through a process with Janiece. This class will go more deeply into flat slab/tiles, extruded draped forms, and additive surface embellishment. - This class comes with 25lbs of clay. - Students have up to 2 months to glaze pieces. - Students must purchase their own tools. Make up classes can only be scheduled before the class begins. We will send more info about make-ups with our welcome email. We do not refund for cancellations less then 24hours in advance.

This class requires you bring your own particulate mask - either a N95 disposable or a P100 respirator (recommended). This is a 6 week class that covers making 1 and 2 part mold making, and then using slip to cast from a mold. Students will complete one mold, and about 2-8 casted forms. You should have your object approved by the instructor a few days before that class (contact through email). This class includes a gallon of slip, and plaster for one mold. This class is held in the basement of GnarWare. (down a flight of stairs) We do not refund cancellations less then 24 hours in advance. We can not offer make ups for missed classes.

Each week, our littlest Broadway fans and caregivers are introduced to exciting new songs, characters, and stories as Broadway Musicals are brought to life by a team of professional teaching artists. Created by a professional performer turned early childhood development specialist, Broadway & Me's unique curriculum is both entertaining and developmentally appropriate. Each class incorporates activities that are designed to support your little one’s physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language development.

This class introduces clay as a material, and covers basic hand building skills such as pinch pots, slab building, and coil pots. This class will also cover under-glazing and glaze. Students will complete 4-5 projects.  -This includes studio access outside class time. -This class comes with unlimited clay during class times (Reclaim and Fresh) - Students have up to 2 months to glaze pieces. - Students must purchase their own tools. We have some you can use the first day. https://www.dickblick.com/products/kemper-pottery-tool-kit/?clickTracking=true&wmcp=pla&wmcid=items&wmckw=30325-1009&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1NebBhDDARIsAANiDD1uE1jvwIzojiMcLJFOwoIJe4v0U83qOtLVpr9c_hKmupIT0iD9cAYaAk8EEALw_wcB - Cancellations will not be refunded less than 24 hours in advance of the first class. We don't do individual make ups. Please email in advance if you need a make up class (still figure out the general make up for hand building)

This class is an extension of Intro to Wheel Throwing. Students will work on perfecting their cylinder, but also do more shaping, and throw with more weight (3-5lbs). This is for students that have already taken an intro to wheel throwing class, or have some experience on the wheel. - Students have access to the studio for practicing outside of class. - Students have up to 2 months to glaze pieces. - Students must purchase their own tools. We have some you can use the first day. https://www.dickblick.com/products/kemper-pottery-tool-kit/?clickTracking=true&wmcp=pla&wmcid=items&wmckw=30325-1009&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1NebBhDDARIsAANiDD1uE1jvwIzojiMcLJFOwoIJe4v0U83qOtLVpr9c_hKmupIT0iD9cAYaAk8EEALw_wcB - Cancellations will not be refunded less than 24 hours in advance. We don't do individual make ups. There will be a group make up class on Friday, Nov. 17 from 6-8pm and Thursday, Dec. 21st from 6-8pm. You can possibly drop into another class if you email in advance.