LISTINGS FOR CHICAGOLAND PARENTS & CAREGIVERS
OF BABIES, TOTS AND PRESCHOOLERS
BIRTH TO FIVE YEARS 0 - 5

Jewish Community Centers of Chicago
Or go to www.chicagoTOTS.net/preschools.htm for more info

Noyes Cultural Art Center (Evanston)
927 Noyes Street
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 448-8260
Located near the Noyes Street "El" station, the Noyes Cultural Arts Center is the hub of north Evanston's artistic life. The Center houses an art gallery with six annual exhibitions of area artists, a theatre space available for use by amateur and professional companies and 28 studios leased to professional arts organizations.
Classes offered through the Evanston Art Center are sometimes held at the Noyes Street Cultural Center. For information about art and dance classes, contact the Evanston Art Center at 2603 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60201, (847) 475-5300

Organizations located in Noyes Center include:

YMCA – Local YMCA offers swimming lessons and various other activities
Look for your local one here
Search for programs offered by the YMCA

Irving Park YMCA
801 North Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: 312.932.1200
800.514.1224
Email: contactus@ymcachgo.org

Enrichment Centers offering many types of classes

Bubbles Academy
Type of Service:    Children’s enrichment classes and programs
Tel:  (312) 944-7677
Address:   1504 N. Fremont  Chicago, IL 60622
Email:  bigbubble@bubblesacademy.com
Website: www.BubblesAcademy.com
Owner of Service or Establishment:  Gregoire & Kristine Johnson
Years in operation:  3 years
Ages served:   0 to 5
Purpose of service:  Bubbles Academy’s mission is to inspire children with positive learning experiences that will build self-esteem, nurture an appreciation for different cultures, and develop a respect for the environment.
Training, Background and Experience of providers:  Bubbles Academy’s teachers combine expertise in both early childhood education and the arts (yoga, art, music, theater and dance).  In addition to these qualifications, teachers have very high SQs (Silly Quotient).  This is very important because it’s what makes learning fun!
How to sign up:   Online at, www.BubblesAcademy.com, or call at (312) 944-7677 to register.  Pro-rated rates are available for late-comers!  Please call in advance to reserve a spot for drop-ins.

Creative Kids Corner - 847-869-1199 (Skokie)
Our new website is up and running! See it for yourself! www.creativekidscorner.org

Contact Information
Phone Number: (847) 763-3503
Email: singswkids@aol.com
Mailing Address: 5050 Church Street, Skokie, IL 60077

Housed at the Mayer Kaplan Jewish Community Center 5050 West Church Street, Skokie , IL 60077. Contact Linda Kusel.
"A progressive series of arts enrichment classes for children ages 6 months to 13 years. Classes for younger children classes include songs, dance, language activities, finger plays, large and small motor skill exercises, rhythm activities, puppetry, pantomime and group games. For 5-13 year olds, classes include dance, cooking, Chinese, and ballroom dance.
Notes: Summer Music/Arts Camp: For children 2 1/2 - 6 year old. Features ethnic cooking for children 4-8 years. "

Global Explorers (Andersonville)
Please contact us at globalexplorerskids@yahoo.com or call us at 773-506-4989.

Uses a child-centered, hands-on, multi-disciplinary artistic approach to exploring the world’s cultures, utilizing children’s natural curiosity and desire to learn about others.

In a world shrinking due to globalization and a local community that is increasingly diverse, unfortunately, prejudices are still prevalent and ethnic communities tend to exist in isolated pockets, rarely intermingling. Studies show that children learn new cultural patterns easily; it is important that their early learning aids in their understanding and respect of differences, rather than perpetuating stereotypes and prejudice.

Global Explorers seeks to teach children from an early age about the diversity of the world’s peoples, helping them to understand and respect different cultures.

Global Explorers programs:

Explore the world’s cultures through folktales, music, dance, crafts, games, dramatic play, flags, mapmaking, celebrations, architecture, and more.

Are matched to the Illinois State Learning Standards in Social Science, Fine Arts, and Geography, and to the Illinois Early Learning Standards.

Are often designed in cooperation with representatives of the cultures, using the community as a resource.

Believe in presenting all cultures on an equal plane, promoting respect for all cultures, religions, and ethnicities.

Who We Are

Denise Allen and Holly Hutto (Exec. Directors)
Michilla Blaise (President)
Fernando Herranz (Secretary)
Lillian Williams, MSW (Treasurer)
Phoebe Whisnant
 

Starland (Deerfield)
the center to discover your creativity
847.914.9100
847-914-0029 Fax
710 Robert York Ave.
Suite D
Deerfield, IL 60015
Starland is a creative center in Chicago, Illinois dedicated to creating a fun and learning environment for children through creativity. Starland offers Chicago summer theater camp, Birthday party facilities in Chicago , Mommy and Me classes, Parent and child music classes, Event spaces in Chicago for rent, and much more.
 

Ukranian Village Children's Center (Bucktown)
918 North Damen, Chicago, IL 60622
 773.342.7415
infant to 10
uvcc@mindspring.com
Offering art, music, movement, birthday parties and more.
Also offering music classes with Weave Sounpainting Orchestra

LANGUAGE CLASSES

Language Stars
Call toll free 1-866-55-STARS
Fax: 312-587-7730
Go to their website to find a class near you.
makes learning fun, through an engaging mix of games, songs, puppet shows, arts & crafts, cooking projects, treasure hunts, movement and drama, all in the foreign language. Our unique FunImmersion® method is the best way for children to enjoy learning a foreign language.

We focus solely on a child's Window of Opportunity, between birth and adolescence, to absorb a foreign language naturally.

Language Stars offers play-based, full immersion programs in small groups of 4-8 children in Spanish, French, German, Italian and Mandarin Chinese in three exciting formats:

Kids Only
Children climb the Language Stars Learning Ladder building valuable language skills with each step up. Children absorb the foreign language through interactive games, arts & crafts, drama, puppet shows, singing, cooking projects and more, presented entirely in the foreign language. Children learn to communicate actively in age-appropriate groups of 4-8 children. We track and communicate individual progress regularly.
3 to 5 Years:
Programs meet once or twice a week. We strongly recommend twice per week programs to accelerate learning and provide maximum reinforcement of new structures and vocabulary.
5 to 8 Years:
Programs meet once or twice a week and we strongly recommend the reinforcement of twice a week where possible.
8 to 10 Years (advanced):
Programs meet once a week and are designed for previous Language Stars with a solid base in the language.
Parents & Tots
Toddlers and parents or caregivers learn together, absorbing the foreign language through a developmentally appropriate mix of movement, songs, puppet shows, art projects and more, presented entirely in the foreign language.
1-3 Years:
Where possible, we will tailor our programs toward separate 12-24 month and 2-3 year age groups.
Summer Camp
join us for fun and games every morning! Children ages 3½ to 8 years love our indoor and outdoor activities including water games, relay races, arts & crafts, cooking projects, treasure hunts and interactive snack time.
Need a different format or age group? We offer 3 additional types of summer programs. Scroll up to read about Parent & Tots (1-2 hrs. per week, ages 1-3 years) or Kids Only (3-6 hrs. per week, ages 3-5, 5-8 or 8-10). Also call your Center Director about our extended day options.

MUSEUMS (in alphabetical order)

adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60605-2403
312-922-STAR/ 312-922-7827

Burpee Museum (Rockford,IL)
737 N. Main St, Rockford, IL, 815-965-3433

Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe)
847-835-5440

Chicago Children's Museum (downtown)
700 East Grand Avenue, Navy Pier (312) 527-1000
Over 50 acres of parks, gardens, shops, restaurants and attractions.  Ferris Wheel, wading pool in summer,  ice skating in winter. IMAX 3D Theater. Leaping gravity fountains, Children's Museum, numerous specialty shops selling many interesting things.
Dinosaur Exhibition, tree house Trails, fish in a canoe, waterways exhibit for pumping, cranking and hauling buckets of water while navigating boats through a changing obstacle course. Shopping, counting and sorting of plastic food at the kids supermarket. Infant-only areas throughout the museum where pre-crawlers can spin rings, push buttons, lift flaps and explore.  Rest, snack or breastfeed in a rocking chair in the "log cabin."

Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington
Chicago, IL 60602
312-F-I-N-E-A-R-T

Chicago Historical Society
Clark St. at North Avenue
312-642-4600

Discovery Center Museum (Rockford)
815-963-6769

DuPage Children's Museum (Naperville)
630-637-8000

Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60605-2496
312-922-9410

John Hancock Observatory
875 N. Michigan Ave

Kohl Children's Museum (now in Glenview)
847-832-6600

Lake County Discovery Museum (Wauconda)
847-968-3400

Museum of Science and Industry
57th Street and Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60637
773-684-1414
1-800-GO TO MSI
Amongst the many activities for older kids, there is an infant-toddler plays pace, and Idea Factory. Kids can play with gears, water runs, pulleys and weights, balls and tubes, magnets or huge Velcro wall puzzles.

Notebaert Nature Museum (Lincoln Park)
Off Lakeshore Dr at Fullerton

SciTech Hands-on Museum (Aurora)
18 W Benton, Aurora, IL
630-859-3434

Shedd Aquarium (Chicago)
312-939-2438

MUSIC and VOICE CLASSES AND EVENTS

Allegro Music Studio
Address: Broadway and Granville in Edgewater, Chicago, IL 60660, Phone: (773) 381-4650, E-Mail: AllegroMusicStu@aol.com

Chicago Center School of Music
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Monday-Friday
770 N Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60622
Call Us : (312) 226-2030
The Chicago Center School of Music offers private music lessons for adults, kids and teens, programs for young children, electronic music classes, and more.
We offer unique programs in piano lessons, guitar lessons, voice lessons and vocal training, bass lessons, drum lessons, violin lessons, flute lessons, saxophone lessons, trombone lessons, jazz classes, and Steinberg Cubase training.

Chicago Children's Choir

Chicago Cultural Center

78 East Washington Street, 5th Floor

Chicago, IL  60602
Phone: (312) 849-8300
Fax: (312) 849-8309
Email: info@ccchoir.org

News and Events, click here
In 1956, the late Rev. Christopher Moore began to put a dream into motion: a dream that young people from diverse backgrounds could better understand each other, as well as learn about themselves, by learning to make beautiful music together. It worked. And it continues to work to this day. Now housed in Chicago's beaux-arts landmark Cultural Center, each year the Chicago Children's Choir brings together nearly 3,200 kids in the shared pursuit of musical excellence and personal growth.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Kids programs
220 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60604
phone (312) 294-3000
fax (312) 294-3329
For more information on the Education, Community Relations and Diversity Department of the CSO, please call (312) 294-3410 or e-mail us at ecrd@cso.org

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra can be a resource for families seeking to increase their knowledge of music. Delightful programs and events are available for the whole family, from a free annual music event at Symphony Center to a popular family concert series.

BP Adventures in Music - BP is the generous sponsor for this Women’s Association program in which children and families from approximately 18 community partners learn about music in their communities and at Symphony Center.

Kraft Family Matinee Series - The 2005-2006 Kraft Family Matinee Series is filled with unforgettable sights and sounds as members of the world-renowned Chicago symphony Orchestra take you on a journey through fantastical tales and musical imagery.

Special Concerts - Hallowed Haunts, the Vienna Choir boys and Sara Lee Welcome Yule, and Jazz for Young PeopleSM - special concerts at Symphony Center appropriate for children ages 5 & up.

Kindermusik at Symphony Center! - Come to Symphony Center with your younger children for our new Kindermusik classes, where children explore music through moving, singing, and playing instruments!

Gymboree Play and Music  - "Gymboree's active approach to musical learning introduces your child to a variety of different musical styles. Through singing, dancing, movement games and instruments, your child learns important musical "building blocks" like rhythm, beat, tempo and melody and builds a foundation of musical skills to grow on. These activities provide powerful tools that impact your child's physical, social, emotional and intellectual development too. ." Look for the one nearest you.

KINDERMUSIK - "We're in the business of changing the world one child at a time. Kindermusik International is the world's leading publisher of music and movement curricula for parents and their children, ages newborn to 7 years old. More than 5,000 licensed educators use the Kindermusik curricula in more than 35 countries, reaching 1 million families.Kindermusik International has more than 25 years of experience creating curricula based on new and proven research in child development. The award-winning books, CDs, games, and instruments nurture skills in the whole child: cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and language. In a Kindermusik class, educators lead a group of parents and their children through joyful activities, using music and movement. Parents learn more about their child's unique developmental process, and the shared learning experience creates a unique bond as the child associates learning with fun, musical play. The learning process continues at home, guided by specially designed books, CDs, and games. "
Find a class for your child

Merit School of Music (Chicago)
Merit School of Music,
Joy Faith Knapp Music Center,
38 South Peoria Street,
Chicago, IL 60607
Merit’s Music Explorers Program supports your child’s first steps in a lifetime journey of musical exploration and appreciation. Our programs provide a learning environment that is playful, developmentally appropriate and musically rich. Adult participation in the program enables children and parents or caregivers to share the joy of making music. The emphasis of our Early Childhood Program is on the process, not results, which allows for a comfortable and positive experience for each student.    

Musical Magic (Lakeview)
2255 W. Roscoe, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: 773.529.5600
Email: info@musicalmagic.net
Musical Magic is more than a destination — it's a musical journey designed for children ages newborn through five-years-old.
Through our unique programs you choose the interactive musical path for you and your child to follow. We offer classes that feature song, dance, instrument activities, rhythmic fun, puppet play, imaginative improv, story dramatization and more!

MUSIC TOGETHER - To provide the highest quality music and movement experiences to as many young children as possible, involving their parents and other adult caregivers, including early childhood professionals. Basic Principles of the Music Together Philosophy: I. All children are musical. II. Therefore, all children can achieve basic music competence. CMYC defines basic music competence as the ability to sing in tune with accurate rhythm. III. The participation and modeling of parents and caregivers, regardless of their musical ability, is essential to a child's musical growth. IV. This growth is best achieved in a playful, developmentally appropriate, non-performance-oriented learning environment that is musically rich yet immediately accessible to the child's-and the adult's!-participation. Find Illinois locations for Music Together 

THE LAKE SHORE MUSIC STUDIO
Offering Piano day camps, Music for Moppets (piano readiness for 4 and 5 year olds), Kinder-keyboard, group piano, adult piano, midi keyboard. Using Robert Pace method of piano instruction
1460 N. Sandburg Terrace, Chicago, IL 60610 (at Burton and Clark)
Tel: 312-335-8426

Ravinia Festival (Highland Park)
View website for Kids Programs
Out of consideration for our patrons and artists, children under the age of seven are not allowed in the Pavilion (except for Kraft Kids Concerts and the birthday celebration on August 20), Martin Theatre or Bennett-Gordon Hall. Ravinia requires parental supervision of all children admitted to the Festival.
Box Office
PO Box 896
Highland Park, IL 60035
Tel 847.266.5100
Fax 847.266.0641
tickets@ravinia.org

Administration
418 Sheridan Road
Highland Park, IL 60035
Tel 847.266.5000
Fax 847.433.7983
ravinia@ravinia.org
Mirabelle Restaurant  847.432.7550
Freehling Room  847.432.7655

Rock 'n Roll Story Time
 

The Suzuki Orff School for Young Musicians
1148 W. Chicago Ave,  Chicago, IL 60622
Ph: (312) 738-2646

Suzuki Music School of Lincoln Park
1753 North Fern Court
Chicago, Illinois 60614
312-266-9587
info@suzukimusiclp.com

Sherwood Conservatory of Music
1312 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605-260
312.427.6267

Old Town School of Music
773-728-6000, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago; 909 W. Armitage Ave, Chicago.
WIGGLEWORMS -  For Ages: 6 months to 3 years. The Old Town School's unique Wiggleworms music program welcomes very young children from 6 months to 3 years to the world of music. Babies and toddlers love singing with their parents and in the company of other children. In each Wiggleworms session, children sing, play finger games, do circle dances, and play rhythm instruments especially designed for little hands. Classes are designed for three different age groups. Activities will vary as your child grows. 

DANCE CLASSES AND EVENTS

ALYO Children's Dance Theatre
P.O. Box 198672
Chicago IL 60619
76th Street and Ingleside, Chicago, IL 60619
Phone: 773 243 2566
Fax: 773.723.0477
e-mail: info@alyochildrensdance.com
It is the mission of ALYO to maintain a youth-based performing arts-in-education institution. We offer performance and training in dance, song, and rhythm of the African Diaspora/world community. At ALYO, there is a high expectation regarding energy, enthusiasm and strength of character. ALYO performers and audiences experience a threefold cultural exchange-mental, physical, and spiritual--when participating in the drama of African dance theatre.

ARCC Ballet (Art Reaching Children of Chicago)
Contact: Jennifer Hennessy at:773.384.ARCC ( 2722 )
info@arccballet.org
Location 1
2074 North Leavitt Street
Chicago, Illinois 60647
Location 2
2121 West Webster St
Chicago, Illinois 60647

Children's Dance Studio offers Theatre Jazz (7 and up), Pre-Ballet/Creative Movement 1 & 2 (Ages 2-5), Pre-Ballet 3 (Ages 4-5), Ballet Basics (Ages 6-7), Ballet 1, 2 & 3 (Ages 7-14), Pointe 3 (Ages 11-14), Ethnic Dance (Ages 5-14), Hip-Hop (Ages 7-14), Modern/Jazz Dance (Ages 9-14), Guest Artist Teaching Series (Ages 5-14), Irish Step Dancing (Ages 5 -14),
The Art of Flamenco Dance Series (Ages 7 - 14), Tap Dance (Ages 4 - 14 )

Baby Loves Disco - Chicago
"All across the country, Baby Loves Disco is slowly but surely transforming the hippest night clubs into child proof discos as toddlers, pre-schoolers and parents looking for a break from the routine playground circuit let loose for some post naptime, pre-dinner fun. Make no mistake, this is NOT the Mickey Mouse club, and Barney is Banned. Baby loves disco is an afternoon dance party featuring real music spun and mixed by real djs blending classic disco tunes From the 70s, & 80s guaranteed to get those little booties moving and grooving.

The fun spills out from all corners of the club: bubble machines, baskets of  scarves and egg-shakers, a chill-out room (with tents, books and puzzles), diaper changing stations, a full spread of healthy snacks and dancing, LOTS of dancing. But at it’s core, Baby loves disco is a community event that brings kids together with kids and parents together with parents. Started by professional dancer (and professional mom) Heather Murphy, the idea was to create an alternative to the pre-packaged world of entertainment for young kids."

Center of Creative Dance
1209 Wilmette • Wilmette, IL 60091
Telephone (847) 256 6886
Artistic Director: Mary Ann LaJoie-Sandroff
malasa@comcast.net
The Center of Creative Dance, Inc. Wilmette, Il. has served the dance community for 25 years. Classes at the Center combine the study of ballet, modern & Jazz dance and choreography. Students graduate with a well-rounded dance education. Each year, through auditions, several students are awarded Dance or Arts Scholarships to major colleges, universities and conservatories. Students from the Center have also been chosen for parts in The Nutcracker, and from national auditions to dance with Interlocken Arts Camp, the pre-professional summer programs of The Joffrey Ballet and had roles in theater, light opera works and with dance companies at University of Michigan, Wellesly College, University of Utah, Northwestern University, University of Illinois, Dartmouth College, Indiana University, Julliard in New York and North Carolina School of the Arts. Our modern dance students have been selected for pre-professional summer programs with Jose Limon and Alvin Ailey in New York.

Danza Viva (Oak Park)
46 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60302
708.386.8681
danzaviva@danza-viva.com
Mission: To empower students and performers to explore many worlds of possibility through the
finest instruction in world dance, art and music; to embody a fuller vision of
themselves in the process; to move and be moved by the rhythms that connect us with
our entire human family; and together celebrate and contribute to the rich vibrancy
of life.
Many classes for children age 2 and up - explore

Dmitri Roudnev
Phone Number:
Ballet Intensive from Moscow
(773) 404-0417
Mailing Address:
Dmitri Roudnev
4899 Devonshire Ave.
Memphis, TN 38117
E-Mail Address:
info@balletrussian.org

Fisher Dance Center (Wilmette)
807 RIDGE RD
WILMETTE, IL
60091-2445
Phone: 847-920-9121
fisherdancers@sbcglobal.net
Fisher dance center is a DANCE INSTRUCTION specialist located in wilmette,IL.
TAP, POINTE, MODERN, LYRICAL, JAZZ, HIP HOP, BALLET, AGES 3-18.
Since 1987, Fisher Dance Center has been dedicated to teaching students about life through the art of dance. Fisher Dance Center students learn discipline and dedication. The Center continues to produce students who are determined, inspired, and who wish to achieve excellence in all aspects of their lives.

Hyde Park School of Ballet (Hyde Park, 60637)
5650 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
773.493.8498 (tel)
Classes for kids 3 and up
august@hydeparkschoolofballet.org
The Hyde Park School of Ballet (HPSB) is a nonprofit school of dance serving the south side of Chicago. In operation since 1993, the School provides dance education, performance opportunities, and training in the teaching of dance to children, youth, and adults on a variety of levels. Instruction ranges from creative movement classes for small children to pre-professional ballet, modern, jazz, and hip hop. HPSB is well known in the Chicago dance community for providing its students with excellent dance technique in a supportive, nurturing environment. The School is also known for its repertoire of original choreography for performance by young dancers.

Joel Hall Dancers and Center
JHDC Address: 1511 W. Berwyn Ave., Chicago, IL 60640-2109
JHDC Telephone: 773.293.0900
JHDC Fax: 773-293-1130
JHDC Toll Free Number: 1-877-737-0900
E-mail Us: The Artistic Director: Joel Hall, joel@joelhall.org
Kids classes age 3 years and up - here
The JHDC houses one of the largest dance instructional facilities in the region. Five studios (three with Marley floors) play host to over 130 different dance classes for children and adults, offer an artistic home to many of Chicago’s small dance companies and independent choreographers, and serve as the home base for the acclaimed Joel Hall Dancers, JHD II, and JHD 1511, the three performing companies that specialize in the unique urban jazz style of founder and artistic director Joel Hall

Trinity Academy of Irish Dance
17 locations in Chicagoland and Illinois.
Search the website for one near you!
Main office: 2936 N. Southport Ave, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60657
Tel: 773.774.5961
Fax: 773.524.2419
For kids ages: 3 and up
Trinity Academy of Irish Dance utilizes an unparalleled format of instruction called The Trinity Passport Program. This unique curriculum illustrates the journey each student takes as he or she explores the world of Irish Dance. Each step on their way is designed to be fun and exciting.

On the first day of class, each child receives a clever workbook that is a step-by-step guide through of the various stages of Irish Dance. They can use it as a reference notebook and personalize it with drawings and stickers. The idea is to have fun and learn at the same time.

The Trinity Passport Program's figurative journey winds across the landscape of Ireland, through the "Rivers," for children ages 4 - 5, and "Counties," for children ages 6 - 12. River dancers are introduced to the art form by learning coordination, balance and strength. County dancers begin the authentic Irish Dance experience, from first costumes to classic step drills. When a child masters different skills they are rewarded with a stamp in their passport. County students who are selected to represent Trinity on a national (and international) level have the opportunity to continue their figurative passport journey into Ireland's "Provinces," where they take on new training commitments that lead to competition qualification.
 

THEATRE & DRAMA CLASSES AND EVENTS

The Actors Gymnasium
at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center
927 Noyes Street
Evanston, Illinois 60201
847-328-2795
Fax: 847-328-3495
See Classes for Kids:
Lookingglass Storytelling and Performance in Ensemble
Circus Arts
Acro Dance
Imaginastics
Juggling
Parent-Tot Circus
Parent-Tot Gymnastics
Magic Class
Tumbling

Alphabet Soup Productions (Lombard)
PO Box 85
Lombard, IL 60148-0085
(630) 932-1555
info@absproductions.com

Apple Tree Theatre (Northbrook)
theatre for young audiences
Apple Tree Theatre
1850 Green Bay Road, Suite 100
Highland Park, IL  60035
Administrative Phone:
(847) 432-8223 Fax: (847) 432-5214
Box Office Phone:
(847) 432-4335
Email:info@appletreetheatre.com

Beverly Arts Center
Welcome to the Beverly Arts Center of Chicago's home on the web. Located in Chicago's historic Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood, the BAC is a multidisciplinary cultural center offering classes in art, music, dance, and theater; rotating exhibitions of contemporary art; and one of the most dynamic performing arts programs in the city.

Chicago Center for the Performing Arts
777 N. Green St.
Chicago, IL 60622
(1 Block west of Halsted off Chicago Ave.)
Email Us
Phone Number Directory
Box Office (312) 733-6000
Group Sales (312) 733-6155

Chicago Kids Company

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

CircEsteem (Edgewater)
1400 W. Devon #331, Chicago, IL 60660
312.593.4242
Email: paul@circesteem.com
See Upcoming Shows
CircEsteem’s mission is to unite youth from diverse racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and help them build self-esteem and mutual respect through the practice of circus arts.

Our approach to promoting confidence and cooperation is action based: focused development of circus skills while having fun together. We accomplish this by providing a positive environment that emphasizes goals, teamwork, and performance. Our mission of uniting youth and empowering them through circus arts is fulfilled in every class and is highlighted in every circus we perform.

Circus Factory
4430 N. Western Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
Email: support@circusfactory.net
The Midnight Circus has been at the forefront of the new circus movement for nearly a decade. This eclectic ensemble has been creating and performing their unique style of theatrical circus nationally and internationally to audiences of all ages and overwhelming critical acclaim. Now with the creation of the Circus Factory, the Midnight Circus offers an exciting opportunity for professionals and aspiring performers to train and create in a one of a kind environment.
Circus Arts Classes for adults and children
Private Instruction; Intensive one-on-one training from masters in their field
Rehearsal Space for the Professional Artist
Circus Jam! Open workout and idea exchange with other artists

Drama Kids International (Lake Zurich, Buffalo Grove, Highland Park & more..)

Dream Big Performing Arts Workshop (Andersonville)
Classes Located in Andersonville ~ 773•944•9146 dreambigpaw@mac.com
At Dream Big Performing Arts Workshop, we believe that the ability and desire to follow our hearts and go after our dreams depends on the confidence we have in ourselves. Our talented staff is fully dedicated to inspiring creativity and self-confidence in every child both on stage and off while having a great deal of FUN!

Whether a child is a budding drama king or queen, looking for a creative outlet or a unique playtime opportunity with friends, our variety of classes encourage a child’s self-expression and help them gain confidence and a love of the theatre to last a lifetime.

Dream Big Performing Arts Workshop provides students ages 3-18 with the opportunity to engage with exceptional artists who are passionate about teaching kids the creative possibilities of their individual areas of expertise. Our teachers are all professional actors who have performed and worked for theatre companies throughout the Chicagoland area including The Goodman, The Griffin Theatre Co., Marriott Lincolnshire, and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre as well as National Touring Companies. Our teachers specialize in Musical Theatre, Improvisation, Playwriting, Movement, Puppeteering, and more.

Drury Lane Theatre (Oakbrook)

Emerald City Theatre Chicago
Emerald City Southport Annex
2936 N. Southport Ave - 1st floor
Parking - free street parking, paid parking lot
Emerald City Administrative Offices
2936 N. Southport Ave - 3rd floor
Chicago, IL 60657
T: 773-529-2690
Fax: 773-529-2693
T: 773-529-2690 Fax: 773-529-2693
oz@emeraldcitytheatre.com
Call 773-529-2690 for Subscriptions or order online.
Call 773-935-6100 for Single Tickets or order online.

eta Creative Arts Foundation (South)
7558 S South Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60619
773.752.3955
773.752.8727
Email eta through website form
eta CREATIVE ARTS FOUNDATION seeks to be a major cultural resource institution for the preservation, perpetuation and promulgation of the African American aesthetic in the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois and the Nation. Toward this end, eta CREATIVE ARTS FOUNDATION, shall provide professional opportunities by way of training and performance for the development of both youth and adults as artists and technicians; sales for visual artists through the gallery and exposure for the general public to authentic, valid projections of African American lifestyles, experiences and aspirations.

Gorilla Tango (Bucktown)
1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647
773.598.4549 (tel)
866.541.4286 (fax)
For kids from age 3 upwards
kids@gorillatango.com
Gorilla Tango Children's Program provides challenging, innovative, high-quality programs for young people of every cultural heritage, ability and level of interest. GTCP classes help students develop their imaginations, voices and bodies by teaching theatre skills which help them grow both as artists and as people. Programs encourage creativity and imagination while challenging kids to take risks, develop skills, make friends, and have a great time. Students at GTCP are stretched, pushed, challenged, validated, changed, invigorated, enriched, informed and satisfied.

JUSTUSarts Education Programs
6854 S. Jeffery Blvd.
Chicago IL 60649
Home: 773-288-0800
Cell: 773-459-3174
email: oba@justusarts.org
JUSTUSarts provides a Cultural Arts Presentation for schools and community groups throughout Illinois.  We specialize in interactive presentations that are educational, fun, entertaining and unique.  These activities are great learning tools for students, faculty and adults.  The Poetic Storyteller’s presentation includes a variety of dramatic elements to engage the audience such as: interactive poetry, music, dance, stories, sketches and a “no pressure” question and answer period.


Looking Glass Theatre
Contacting Lookingglass Education & Community Programs
By phone: 773.477.9257 x193
In person: Lookingglass Administrative Offices
2936 North Southport Avenue
3rd Floor, Education Office
Chicago, IL 60657
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Questions or comments by email: education@lookingglasstheatre.org

New World Repertory Theatre (Downers Grove)
923 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515
630.663.1489 (tel)
info@newworldrep.org
 

Northbrook Musical Theatre for Young Audiences (Northbrook)
Please direct any venue questions to: Kurt Ottinger, Technical Theatre Supervisor - 847-291-2970 ext.144
E-mail: NBTHeatreTD@aol.com.
For contractual or performance information contact Thom Lange- 847-291-2367.
Mailing address: 545 Academy Dr., Northbrook, IL 60062
Venue address: 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook, IL 60062
Main office phone #: 847-291-2367
Fax #847-291-0218
E-Mail: NBKTheatre@aol.com

The Second City (Chicago)
1616 North Wells, Chicago, IL 60614
312.337.3992; 312.664.4032
sc1616@secondcity.com
 

Stagecoach Theatre Arts School (Highland Park / Hinsdale)

Theatre School at DePaul University

Marriot Theatre - Children's

BIRTHDAY PARTY ENTERTAINMENT

Try your local park district website or booklet for great birthday entertainment bargains.

ARTS & CRAFTS

Abrakadoodle
Discover the Abrakadoodle difference. We deliver the world of art with the broadest landscape of classes across such genres as painting, collage, sculpture, mosaics and more.
The magic behind Abrakadoodle is the:
creative imagination of a child,
inventive materials,
inspired lessons and
skillful, caring teachers.Chicago Western Suburbs
Area: Addison, Bloomingdale, Wood Dale, Itasca, Medinah, Roselle, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village and Hanover Park
Phone: 630-671-0172
LHoffmann@abrakadoodle.com
Click here to visit website

Chicago North and Northwest
Area: North and northwest areas of Chicago
Phone: 773-775-5077
JDunker@abrakadoodle.com
CSoto@abrakadoodle.com
Click here to visit website