Theatre

theatre

devlogosThe Devonshire theatre program includes the Devonshire Theatre Arts Academy as well as Thin Ice Ensemble Homeschool Theatre classes.

These programs are loosely based on conservatory-style theatre education presented in many leading dramatic institutions. The programs contain wonderful elements of acting and musical theatre and a comprehensive curriculum. All students will also learn cooperation and social interaction skills, discover self-confidence and creativity within themselves –– all while having fun and making friends.

info-icon2 Robin Horwitz, Devonshire Theatre Arts Academy Supervisor
info-icon2 Rebecca Goldberg, Thin Ice Ensemble Homeschool Theatre Supervisor

Please note that while classes may display below as available, registration does not open until the following dates:
•  Winter: December 15 for residents, December 22 for non-residents
•  Spring: March 15 for residents, March 22 for non-residents
•  Summer: May 15 for residents, May 22 for non-residents
•  Fall: August 15 for residents, August 22 for non-residents

Total T Magic Class

The ABCs of magic are taught by award-winning magician, Mr. Terrance Hunter. Students will learn magic tricks with everyday objects like rubber bands, money, pencils and more. The structured program introduces mentalism, uses commercial tricks and card tricks. This fun beginner’s class is centered around the three P’s, practice, practice and more practice. All materials are included.
Total T Magic Class
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
4/13-5/18
5:30 pm- 6:15 pm
AGES
7 - 13
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$200.00 / $250.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Grand Acting: Kids With Their Favorite Adults

Young actors! Bring your parent, grandparent or your favorite adult. Enjoy time together as you act in this fun musical theatre multi-generational experience. A showcase will be performed for family and friends on Sunday, May 24 at 3 p.m. Lead instructor: Gayle Starr.
Grand Acting: Kids With Their Favorite Adults
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/2-5/23
11:00 am- 1:00 pm
AGES
7 - 12
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$142.00 / $178.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Mini-Playmakers

Young artists develop foundational skills and techniques designed to strengthen confidence, self-expression, focus and social skills as well as inspiring creativity through dramatic play, imaginative theatre games, storytelling, dance and song. Students dramatize their own stories as instructors prepare them to take the next step to full production. Instructor: Allison Grabarcyck
Mini-Playmakers
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
4/7-5/26
5:30 pm- 6:30 pm
AGES
5 - 8
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$150.00 / $188.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Spotlights - Musical

The young actor develops full rich characters, while practicing truthful use of self in imaginary circumstances. Students work in theatrical dance along with fundamentals to support general American dialect. They have fun behind-the-camera for one session, then experiment with makeup, costumes, lighting, sound, props and set design. Students enhance speaking, singing and dance techniques to meet the challenges of expressive storytelling for solos and ensembles. Instructor: Lenna Wren & Jay Torrens
Spotlights-Musical
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
4/9-5/28
6:00 pm- 7:00 pm
AGES
11 - 13
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$150.00 / $188.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Improvisation

No lines to learn, nothing to prepare, just show up for the ultimate in comedy and fun Without knowing it, you will develop great skills for teamwork and working in the moment. Instructor: Sara Segneri
Improvisation
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
4/2-5/21
5:30 pm- 6:30 pm
AGES
13 - 99
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$150.00 / $187.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Introduction To Playwriting

Students will study 3-4 modern works and engage students in the basic principles of stage writing starting with a reading period, and finishing with a writing and feedback period, culminating in each student having a peer reviewed 10-minute play. Instructor: Elijah Jones
Introduction To Playwriting
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
4/12-5/17
3:30 pm- 5:00 pm
AGES
14 - 99
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$128.00 / $160.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Professional Photo Headshots

Local pro photographer, Bruce Lorie will take professional headshots for performance auditions or business at the low cost of $175! Get a $25 discount if you are a Devonshire Playhouse Alum. You will receive five high resolution large digital photos, also available in low resolution for online use, with your name printed on photo in the bottom corner. Contact Rhhorwitz@SkokieParks.Org for more details or to schedule your 45-minute appointment.
Professional Photo Headshots
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/16
11:00 am- 4:00 pm
AGES
0 - 0
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$175.00 / $175.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Audition Preparation

Students will explore how to find monologues, do cold readings, select and perform music and prepare for dance auditions. It would include 5 sessions with the last class as a showcase with a panel of adjudicators from DCC’s theatre staff who will provide a written evaluation and notes to help prepare the students for competitive and/or professional auditions. Instructors: Jen Ruffner & Will Fisher Jay Torrens-Music and & Lenna Wren-Movement.
Audition Preparation
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
4/25-5/23
1:00 pm- 3:00 pm
AGES
13 - 99
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$142.00 / $178.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Broadway Bound - Musical

Students learn to develop character and practice truthful use of self in imaginary circumstances. Students explore theatre of other cultures, experience brief work in front of and behind the camera plus theatre makeup, costume/prop selection and lighting/sound basics. Includes: Basic dance techniques and fundamentals of good vocal production. Lead Instructors: Jay Torrens & Lenna Wren
Broadway Bound-Musical
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
4/8-5/27
6:00 pm- 7:00 pm
AGES
8 - 11
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$150.00 / $188.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Theatre Kids Dance

Are you a young actor whose strength is in singing and acting but as a dancer you seem to have two left feet? This class will help non-dancers conquer dance auditions. A showcase is held at the last class for family and friends. Instructor: Allison Grabarcyck.
Theatre Kids Dance
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
4/19-5/17
4:00 pm- 5:00 pm
AGES
7 - 14
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$94.00 / $117.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Script Reading Happy Hour

A creative and fun time with drinks and refreshments for sale. Pre-register to be a reader. Audience drop-ins are welcome! Alcoholic refreshments only available to those age 21+ (ID required). One beverage is included in the registration fee.
Script Reading Happy Hour
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
4/24
5:30 pm- 8:30 pm
AGES
14 - 99
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$14.00 / $18.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register
Script Reading Happy Hour
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
5/22
5:30 pm- 8:30 pm
AGES
14 - 99
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$14.00 / $18.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Little Stars

Is your tot a born performer? If so, this class will serve as their acting debut! Imaginative play, singing, acting, movement, musical theatre games, stories and dance will all be combined in a playful, creative environment to establish the building blocks of performing arts and nurture self-esteem. Instructor: Allyson Grabarcyck.
Little Stars
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
4/7-5/26
4:30 pm- 5:15 pm
AGES
3 - 5
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
$112.00 / $140.00
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Magic Class

The ABC’s of Magic Workshop is taught by award-winning magician, Mr. Terrance Hunter. Students will learn magic tricks with everyday objects like rubber band, money, pencils and more. The structured program introduces mentalism, uses commercial tricks and card tricks. This fun beginner’s class is centered around the three P’s, practice, practice and more practice. All materials are included.
Total T Magic Workshop
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
6/25
5:30 pm- 6:30 pm
AGES
7 - 13
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register
Total T Magic Workshop
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
7/23
5:30 pm- 6:30 pm
AGES
7 - 13
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register
Total T Magic Workshop
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
8/20
5:30 pm- 6:30 pm
AGES
7 - 13
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Level up your audition game! Gain the movement experience you need to tackle any dance call with ease. Perfect for actors looking to sharpen their coordination and stand out in the choreographer's eyes. Instructor: Lin Kahn
Movement Workshop for Performing Adults
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
6/14
2:30 pm- 4:30 pm
AGES
16 - 99
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register
Movement Workshop for Performing Adults
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
7/26
2:30 pm- 4:30 pm
AGES
16 - 99
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Mini-Playmakers

Young artists develop foundational skills and techniques designed to strengthen confidence, self-expression, focus and social skills as well as inspiring creativity through dramatic play, imaginative theatre games, storytelling, dance and song. Students dramatize their own stories as instructors prepare them to take the next step to full production. Instructor: Allison Grabarcyck
Mini-Playmakers
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
6/17-7/22
5:30 pm- 6:15 pm
AGES
5 - 8
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register
Mini-Playmakers
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
7/29-9/2
5:30 pm- 6:15 pm
AGES
5 - 8
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

No lines to learn, nothing to prepare, just show up for the ultimate in comedy and fun Without knowing it, you will develop great skills for teamwork and working in the moment. Showcase for the friends, family & the community on June 28 at 3P. Instructor: Elijah Jones
Improvisation
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
7/11-7/19
1:00 pm- 3:00 pm
AGES
13 - 99
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Students will study 3-4 modern works and engage students in the basic principles of stage writing starting with a reading period, and finishing with a writing and feedback period, culminating in each student having a peer reviewed 10-minute play. Instructor: Elijah Jones
Introduction To Playwriting
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
7/25-8/2
1:00 pm- 3:00 pm
AGES
14 - 99
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Dive into the bawdy, dramatic, hilarious world of Will! Students will master the art of the bard while working on classic scenes & monologues. Showcase for the friends, family & the community on July 19 at 3P. Instructor: Eileen Hand
Shakespeare Workshop
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
6/20-6/28
1:00 pm- 3:00 pm
AGES
13 - 99
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Professional Photo Headshots

Local pro photographer, Bruce Lorie will take professional headshots for performance auditions or business at the low cost of $175! Get a $25 discount if you are a Devonshire Playhouse Alum. You will receive five high resolution large digital photos, also available in low resolution for online use, with your name printed on photo in the bottom corner. Contact Rhhorwitz@SkokieParks.Org for more details or to schedule your 45-minute appointment.
Professional Photo Headshots
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
6/27
11:00 am- 4:00 pm
AGES
8 - 99
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register
Professional Photo Headshots
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
7/25
11:00 am- 4:00 pm
AGES
8 - 99
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register
Professional Photo Headshots
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
8/29
11:00 am- 1:00 pm
AGES
8 - 99
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Broadway Bound & Spotlights

Students learn to develop character and practice truthful use of self in imaginary circumstances. Students explore the theatre of other cultures, experience brief work in front of and behind the camera, plus theatre makeup, costume/prop selection and lighting/sound basics. Includes: basic dance techniques and fundamentals of good vocal production in the musical segment. Also features improvisation, scripted scenes, Commedia Dell Arte (physical/slapstick humor), character movement and basic stage combat in the comedy/drama segment. Ages 12-15 get to try their hand at more challenging scenes from Shakespeare, Greek tragedy and Restoration comedy. Instructors: Elijah Jones and Gayle Starr
Broadway Bound & Spotlights Comedy/Drama
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
7/28-9/1
5:30 pm- 6:30 pm
AGES
8 - 15
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register
Broadway Bound & Spotlights Musical
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
6/16-7/21
5:30 pm- 6:30 pm
AGES
8 - 15
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Script Reading Happy Hour

A creative and fun time with drinks and refreshments for sale. Pre-register to be a reader. Audience drop-ins are welcome! Alcoholic refreshments only available to those age 21+ (ID required). One beverage is included in the registration fee. Directors include: Elijah Jones, Eileen Hand & and Will Fisher
Script Reading Happy Hour
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
6/26
6:00 pm- 9:00 pm
AGES
14 - 99
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register
Script Reading Happy Hour
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
7/24
6:00 pm- 9:00 pm
AGES
14 - 99
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register
Script Reading Happy Hour
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
8/21
6:00 pm- 9:00 pm
AGES
14 - 99
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register

Little Stars

Is your tot a born performer? If so, this class will serve as their acting debut! Imaginative play, singing, acting, movement, musical theatre games, stories and dance will all be combined in a playful, creative environment to establish the building blocks of performing arts and nurture self-esteem. Instructor: Allyson Grabarcyck.
Little Stars
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
6/17-7/22
4:30 pm- 5:15 pm
AGES
3 - 5
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register
Little Stars
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
7/29-9/2
4:30 pm- 5:15 pm
AGES
3 - 5
LOCATION
Devonshire Cultural Center
FEES (Res / Non Res)
AVAILABILITY
Available
Register


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