Activites, Camps and After School Classes in Chicago, IL

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 in the classroom and on professional stages and feature a customized curriculum designed to challenge and showcase the strengths of each young performer while helping prepare them to participate in our mainstage musical this Spring. Each week, your child will participate in acting games, choreography rehearsal, and vocal coachings as they learn scenes and songs from Broadway Musicals that they will perform onstage for family and friends at the end of the semester. Whether your child is destined for the lights of Broadway or simply loves to perform with their friends, this class will spark their creativity and give them the confidence to shine both onstage and off! *While participation in our Fall Semester is not required to enroll in our Spring Production classes, it is strongly encouraged. *Our Fall Finale will take place on a weeknight the week of December 1 or December 15. Once we know how many students are participating in Stars this Fall we will be able to finalize the location, day, and time and share that information with families.

This is a week long session of exploring clay for kids. Students will make a series of projects in hand building and wheel throwing. They will use pinching, slab, and coiling techniques. They will underglaze decorate and glaze pieces. Throughout the class, students will also explore what clay is and artists that use the material. Mid-week students will visit the National Museum of Mexican Art. This class comes with all materials and tools. Parents will be asked to sign a release of liability waiver before the class begins. We welcome parents that would like to come to class with students. Cracker and fruit snacks will be provided, please pack snacks if your child has a specific preference and list allergies!

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 in the classroom and on professional stages and feature a customized curriculum designed to challenge and showcase the strengths of each young performer while helping prepare them to participate in our mainstage musical this Spring. Each week, your child will participate in acting games, choreography rehearsal, and vocal coachings as they learn scenes and songs from Broadway Musicals that they will perform onstage for family and friends at the end of the semester. Whether your child is destined for the lights of Broadway or simply loves to perform with their friends, this class will spark their creativity and give them the confidence to shine both onstage and off! *While participation in our Fall Semester is not required to enroll in our Spring Production classes, it is strongly encouraged. *Our Fall Finale will take place on a weeknight the week of December 1 or December 15. Once we know how many students are participating in Stars this Fall, we will be able to finalize the location, day, and time and share that information with families.

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.

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.

Little Stars: Broadway Dance combines the magic of Broadway with a creative movement class that focuses heavily on creativity and helping young dancers discover new ways to move their bodies. Each class features music and activities that are inspired by a different Broadway Musical and designed to support fine and gross motor skills, imagination, rhythm, and body awareness while also introducing elements of formal dance classes such as a warm-up routine, “across the floor," and learning choreography in a fun, developmentally appropriate way. At the end of each session, Little Stars will get to show off their new Broadway moves in an Open House on the last day of class. Here at Stages, we believe that dance is for everyone! Our team is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all children can feel comfortable.

Preschoolers can now experience the magic of Broadway with a class designed specifically for them! Each week, Broadway Little Stars introduces preschoolers to a new musical through activities inspired by the “show of the week” and designed to get them singing, dancing, and acting along. Fall 2025 Musicals Include: Wicked, Hamilton, Greatest Showman, Peter Pan, Guys & Dolls, Bye Bye Birdie, Wizard of Oz, Hamilton, Greatest Showman, and more! Classes are taught by professional teaching artists who are experts at engaging and educating children in fun, developmentally appropriate ways. Whether your child is ready for the spotlight or simply loves musicals, this class is for them!

Preschoolers can now experience the magic of Broadway with a class designed specifically for them! Each week, Broadway Little Stars introduces preschoolers to a new musical through activities inspired by the “show of the week” and designed to get them singing, dancing, and acting along. Fall 2025 Musicals Include: Wicked, Hamilton, Greatest Showman, Peter Pan, Guys & Dolls, Bye Bye Birdie, Wizard of Oz, Hamilton, Greatest Showman, and more! Classes are taught by professional teaching artists who are experts at engaging and educating children in fun, developmentally appropriate ways. Whether your child is ready for the spotlight or simply loves musicals, this class is for them!

Let your freak flag fly! We're bringing life to everyone's favorite fairy tale creatures for our 2026 Broadway Stars Mainstage Production, SHREK: THE MUSICAL JR.! Join our talented cast of young performers and learn how theater can make everyone the hero of their own story! 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 Biograph Theater AFTER SCHOOL PICK-UP: Stages offers after school pick-up from British International School Lincoln Park and Skinner North. 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 5 - Jan 17): 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. 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 19 - Jan 31): 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 2 - Mar 21): 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. --Weeks 13-16 (April 6 - April 25): Prepping for Opening Night-- 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 27 - Thursday, April 30 The week of the show, we will be having rehearsal after school April 27 - April 30 where ALL of the classes are brought together to run the show in the space. These rehearsals will be MANDATORY. *Students in K-2 Classes will not be required to attend every night during tech week. Dates will be confirmed mid-March to give families plenty of time to make arrangements to ensure their child’s attendance. SHOW DATES: May 1-3, 2026 SHOW LOCATION: The Biograph Theatre (2433 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614)

No school? No problem! Spend the day with Stages! With singing, dancing, acting, and art inspired by your child's favorite musicals, we’ve got something for every creative kid. Choose to enroll for one day-off camp or join us for the entire school year for a discounted rate! Friday, September 26 - Descendants Monday, October 13 - Kpop Demon Hunters Monday, October 27 - Zombies Tuesday, November 11 - Wicked Monday November 24 - Eras (Taylor Swift) Tuesday, November 25 - The Lion King Wednesday, November 26 - Zootopia ​​​ Friday, January 2 - Kpop Demon Hunters Monday, January 5 - Shrek Monday, January 19 - Beauty & the Beast Monday, February 16 - K Pop Demon Hunters Tuesday, February 17 - Seussical Tuesday, March 17 - Hamilton Wednesday, March 18 - The Little Mermaid Friday, April 3 - Mamma Mia Stages is committed to making our camps accessible for all families. For information regarding free or reduced tuition, please visit https://www.stageschicago.org/tuition-assistance. ***Families are responsible for providing: - Nut free morning snack - Nut free lunch - Nut free afternoon snack - A water bottle. Please make sure that everything is labeled.

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 in the classroom and on professional stages and feature a customized curriculum designed to challenge and showcase the strengths of each young performer while helping prepare them to participate in our mainstage musical this Spring. Each week, your child will participate in acting games, choreography rehearsal, and vocal coachings as they learn scenes and songs from Broadway Musicals that they will perform onstage for family and friends at the end of the semester. Whether your child is destined for the lights of Broadway or simply loves to perform with their friends, this class will spark their creativity and give them the confidence to shine both onstage and off! *While participation in our Fall Semester is not required to enroll in our Spring Production classes, it is strongly encouraged. *Our Fall Finale will take place on a weeknight the week of December 1 or December 15. Once we know how many students are participating in Stars this Fall we will be able to finalize the location, day, and time and share that information with families.

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.

Starting to think about preschool or looking for meaningful ways your little one can connect with other children their age? Then Broadway Prep is for you! Developed by a professional performer turned child development specialist, Broadway Prep combines the creativity and energy of our Broadway & Me classes with a play-based curriculum that gives children the opportunity to learn through child lead explorations. Each week, Broadway Prep teachers bring the show of the week to life through music, dance, dramatic play, and process art activities. Snack time, sensory play, outdoor adventures (weather permitting), and of course, bubble time, round out the daily routine. WHY CHOOSE BROADWAY PREP? ✔️ Small Class Sizes (No more than 12 children per Day) ✔️ Low Teacher : Student Ratio (max 1:5) ✔️ New Broadway Show each week! ✔️ Play-Based Arts Curriculum developed by a professional performer turned child development specialist ✔️ 1 or 2 Day Enrollment Options ✔️ Drop-In Friendly Broadway Prep is a GENTLE SEPARATION CLASS. Designed specifically for children ages 2-4 years old, Prep provides a fun and supportive environment where little ones (and their parents) can adapt to being on their own in a "big kid" class at their own pace. While the goal is drop-off, we understand that for many children, this will be their first separation experience. Parents will be allowed to stay in class with their child for as long as necessary and Prep teachers will work with parents to create a drop-off routine for each child that ensures both kiddos and their parents are comfortable. Parents and caregivers whose children feel comfortable being dropped off are welcome to stay at Soul City and hang out while classes are taking place but it is not required. There are plenty of comfy couches, tables where you can work remotely, and free wifi!​ With flexible enrollment options, you can join us 1 or 2 days per week or drop-in as your schedule permits. Stages is committed to making our quality arts integrated early learning experiences available and affordable for all families. For information about tuition assistance and free classes, please visit our Tuition Assistance Page

Preschoolers can now experience the magic of Broadway with a class designed specifically for them! Each week, Broadway Little Stars introduces preschoolers to a new musical through activities inspired by the “show of the week” and designed to get them singing, dancing, and acting along. Classes are taught by professional teaching artists who are experts at engaging and educating children in fun, developmentally appropriate ways. Whether your child is ready for the spotlight or simply loves musicals, this class is for them!

Let your kids explore our 1,500 sq. foot play space, dance around to their hearts content while you sip complimentary coffee/tea. Allergen free food and snacks welcome Water bottles/Coffee/Nursing and baby bottles welcome. Purple Monkey is a shoe-free space. Socks are required and are for sale in the playroom at $2/pair if you forget. Strollers absolutely must be folded upon arrival.

Preschoolers can now experience the magic of Broadway with a class designed specifically for them! Each week, Broadway Little Stars introduces preschoolers to a new musical through activities inspired by the “show of the week” and designed to get them singing, dancing, and acting along. Classes are taught by professional teaching artists who are experts at engaging and educating children in fun, developmentally appropriate ways. Whether your child is ready for the spotlight or simply loves musicals, this class is for them!

No school? No problem! Spend the day with Stages! With singing, dancing, acting, and art inspired by your child's favorite musicals, we’ve got something for every creative kid. Choose to enroll for one day-off camp or join us for the entire school year for a discounted rate! Friday, September 26 - Descendants Monday, October 13 - Kpop Demon Hunters Monday, October 27 - Zombies Tuesday, November 11 - Wicked Monday November 24 - Eras (Taylor Swift) Tuesday, November 25 - The Lion King Wednesday, November 26 - Zootopia ​​​ Friday, January 2 - K Pop Demon Hunters Monday, January 5 - Shrek Monday, January 19 - Beauty & the Beast Monday, February 16 - K Pop Demon Hunters Tuesday, February 17 - Seussical Tuesday, March 17 - Hamilton Wednesday, March 18 - The Little Mermaid Friday, April 3 - Mamma Mia Stages is committed to making our camps accessible for all families. For information regarding free or reduced tuition, please visit https://www.stageschicago.org/tuition-assistance. ***Families are responsible for providing: - Nut free morning snack - Nut free lunch - Nut free afternoon snack - A water bottle. Please make sure that everything is labeled.

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 in the classroom and on professional stages and feature a customized curriculum designed to challenge and showcase the strengths of each young performer while helping prepare them to participate in our mainstage musical this Spring. Each week, your child will participate in acting games, choreography rehearsal, and vocal coachings as they learn scenes and songs from Broadway Musicals that they will perform onstage for family and friends at the end of the semester. Whether your child is destined for the lights of Broadway or simply loves to perform with their friends, this class will spark their creativity and give them the confidence to shine both onstage and off! *While participation in our Fall Semester is not required to enroll in our Spring Production classes, it is strongly encouraged. *Our Fall Finale will take place on a weeknight the week of December 1 or December 15. Once we know how many students are participating in Stars this Fall, we will be able to finalize the location, day, and time and share that information with families.

This class is for Youth age 12-17 years old. 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. - tools provided - 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.

Little Stars: Broadway Dance combines the magic of Broadway with a creative movement class that focuses heavily on creativity and helping young dancers discover new ways to move their bodies. Each class features music and activities that are inspired by a different Broadway Musical and designed to support fine and gross motor skills, imagination, rhythm, and body awareness while also introducing elements of formal dance classes such as a warm-up routine, “across the floor," and learning choreography in a fun, developmentally appropriate way. At the end of each session, Little Stars will get to show off their new Broadway moves in an Open House on the last day of class. Here at Stages, we believe that dance is for everyone! Our team is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all children can feel comfortable.

Preschoolers can now experience the magic of Broadway with a class designed specifically for them! Each week, Broadway Little Stars introduces preschoolers to a new musical through activities inspired by the “show of the week” and designed to get them singing, dancing, and acting along. Classes are taught by professional teaching artists who are experts at engaging and educating children in fun, developmentally appropriate ways. Whether your child is ready for the spotlight or simply loves musicals, this class is for them!