Porchlight Music Theatre Launches Inaugural Summer Camp for 7-12 Year Olds

Cool Camps For Chi, IL Kids:

There's energy in new beginnings and it's fun to be first. So ChiIL Mama's excited to announce that there's a NEW theatre camp in town, starting this summer. Porchlight Theatre has been an iconic and adored Chicago company for ages, and a long time favorite of ours for musical theatre. Who wants to be part of their inaugural summer?! My own kids did theatre camps with quite a few different companies over the years and it was a great confidence builder, fabulous fun, and a way to make lasting friendships.

Porchlight Music Theatre

School of Porchlight Summer Camp

Porchlight Music Theatre’s School at Porchlight launches its inaugural summer camp for children ages 7 - 12 years old. The four sessions are scheduled for the following dates and locations: 

  

June 26 – July 7* – The Theatre School at DePaul, 2350 N. Racine Ave. 

July 10 – July 21 – The Theatre School at DePaul, 2350 N. Racine Ave. 

July 24 – August 4 – Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Street 

August 7 – August 18 – Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Street.

Each session’s classes are held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily, with the performance being held on the final Friday of camp at 2:15 p.m. More information about the camp can be found at http://porchlightmusictheatre.org/summer-camp/   

Pricing:
Sessions are $650 ($585 for the June 26 – July 7 session) with discounts available for siblings, or students signing up for multiple sessions.
Admission includes

·Porchlight T-Shirt for every camper

·Recess at a local park daily, weather permitting

·Crafts! Create props and set pieces

·Professional Teaching Artists that are working Chicago actors

·New skills in singing, dancing, acting, and writing

·Final Show on a professional Chicago theatre stage with attendance open          to friends and family members

·Lasting friendships.

Students will work with professional teaching artists including Michelle Lauto and Aaron Thacker-Woodruff, to create a brand new musical. Classes encourage students to develop new skills in writing, singing, acting and movement. Drama naturally creates an environment where students must take risks. Through games and activities, the teachers help build the students’ confidence. Each student will participate in the creation and completion of the musical, learning the importance of practice and working as an ensemble member and how both will help support them on stage. Students will be able to share their experiences and passions to create a dynamic songs and story for their final show. Each show will begin and end with a whole camp number to a popular hit from a musical or the radio that relates to the theme of their show.

Brain Arts Rock Musical Camp For Young Artists Ages 6 through 14 Returns to Prop Theatre 8/22-9/2

Calling all procrastinators, thespians, and all around cool, creative kids. There are still a few spots left for Brain Arts Rock Musical Camp at Prop Theatre in Avondale. My son, Dugan has gone to this camp for 3 years and LOVED it. Now that he's aged out as a 15 year old, he's returning as a volunteer jr counselor. We're not being compensated for sharing, though we have traded pr for camp tuition in past years. We're just happy to spread the word on a fantastic Chicago summer camp. Highly recommended!

"I've been through so many camps, I can't even pick a favorite show!"

Evan Patrick, Brain Arts Camper

My son, Dugan, rocking the steampunk look in 2015 in "PEACE-ZA! A Marinara Mountain Saga"!

Rock Musical Camp

For Young Artists Ages 6 through 14

Rock Musical of Epic Proportions 

(2 Week Session)
Monday 8/22/16 through Friday 9/2/16 from 9 am to 3 pm 
Performance Friday 9/2/16 at 2 pm 
Brain Surgeon Theater at Prop Thtr
3502 N Elston, Chicago IL 60618

It's yet to be titled because YOU could title it! Come create original characters, rock and roll song and dance numbers, and, if history is any guide, a surprise ending. Mornings will be structured around character development, playwriting, and scenework; afternoons focus on skill-building workshops including voice, movement, stage combat, and set and costume design. It's a wild ride that guarantees a summer to remember! MAXIMUM 15 CAMPERS. 

$650 for 2 week session
$1200 for sibling or friend pairs (must register together on the same form)
Register Now

CLICK HERE and scroll down for years of ChiIL Mama's original Brain Arts Camp photos & videos:

My son, Dugan, as a juggling wearicorn in 2013!

Final Showcase-Brain Arts Camp 2015

slide show:

Brain Arts Camp 2013

"Sail Away Buttercup"

Cool Chicago Summer Camps On Our Radar: Dancing Among The Stars With Design Dance and Adler Planetarium

Are you on the lookout for great, Chicago summer camps? Here at ChiIL Mama we're excited to announce the premiere of a stellar camp that merges dance with science (STEM)! My daughter has enjoyed taking Ballet for Team Gymnasts classes with Design Dance for years, so we were happy to partner up with them when they reached out to us about a sponsored post. This summer, they’re offering a brand new day camp called Dancing Among the Stars for ages 7-10! 

Curious about Dancing Among the Stars?  Join us for a free dance + science workshop on June 4th and see what it's all about! REGISTER HERE

Design Dance is blending dance with astronomy to teach kids about movement--of their bodies and of the universe. They even have astronomers from Adler coming to teach students about what they do! 

Design Dance Teaches Movement of the Body and the Stars with Adler Astronomers. 

Design Dance is a community of teaching artists that bring dance education to over 1,300 students in classrooms and community centers across Chicago. We're changing the game in arts education by integrated dance with literacy and science.

This summer, we're piloting "Dance Among the Stars": a completely innovative new summer camp with Prismatic and the support of the Adler Planetarium. Students ages 7-10 will learn about movement--of their bodies and of the stars. We're bringing in astronomers from the Adler Planetarium to speak with students and show them what real astronomers do and think about on a daily basis. 

"We learn by doing," says Adler astronomer, Dr. Grace Wolf-Chase. "In science, learning typically begins with observing the world or universe around us, but this summer, kids will experience astronomy through motion by becoming the very concepts and 'stuff' of the cosmos!"

Though the camp is open to boys and girls, we're excited about exposing our campers to female astronomers. Women currently only make up about 15% of engineers and 30% of physical scientists according to the National Science Foundation. For physicists and astronomers specifically, that number is closer to 12%.

The goal here is to create an engaging experience with science subjects, like astronomy, through a creative and physical medium. Dance allows students to take up space and gain self-awareness of their body and its relation to others.

Dancing Among the Stars will take place July 25-29th and culminates with a performance at the Adler Planetarium.

About Design Dance: 

Design Dance is a community of over 40 teaching artists that work in classrooms and community centers around Chicago to make every space a space for dance. Our mission is to cultivate courage, connection, and self-awareness in every student. Founded by Debra Giunta in 2008, Design Dance has grown to over 100 classes a week serving more than 1,300 students in the Chicagoland area a year. Students practice an array of styles including ballet, modern, hip hop, breakdance, and cultural dance. 

About Prismatic: Prismatic is a brand new nonprofit organization fostering confidence and resiliency by providing a creative catalyst to bridge the gap between common core curriculum and real-life application for all students, regardless of age or background. 

About Adler Planetarium: 

The Adler Planetarium--America's First Planetarium--is more than a museum; it is a laboratory, a classroom, and a community exploring the Universe together. Each year, over 550,000 visitors experience the museum's interactive exhibitions, live planetarium shows, hands-on,  minds-on STEM education programs, and world-class collections. Founded in 1930 by Chicago business leader Max Adler, the Adler Planetarium is a recognized leader in public engagement. The museum's scientists, historians, and educators inspire the next generation of explorers and invite you to explore space with us. 

**Check out more camp details at designdance.net/dats16 ** 

You can be in on the start of a brand new summer camp, Dancing Among the Stars, that will premiere this Summer, 2016! The camp specifically works to integrate science with dance in an exploration of the Solar System. We are especially excited because the program will conclude with a performance at the Adler Planetarium! 

Dancing Among the Stars 

for students Ages 7-10: July 25-29

Monday-Friday, 9am - 4pm, $375

Jesse White Community Center: 412 W. Chicago Ave

Join us for a week of dance and science, as we learn about the universe from real astronomers!   Students will explore their creativity with hands on projects and dance classes all about the solar system!  Campers will end the week with a performance at the Adler Planetarium!

*Aftercare available until 5:30pm at additional cost, call 312-361-0864 to enroll

Disclosure: ChiIL Mama is pleased to partner up with Design Dance and we have been compensated for sharing the details about this camp with our readers. As always, all opinions are our own.

Discount Code for Chicago Summer Dance and Science Camp, Dancing Among The Stars

Here at ChiIL Mama, we're always on the lookout for great summer camps. My daughter has enjoyed taking Ballet for Team Gymnasts classes with Design Dance for years, so we were happy to partner up with them when they reached out to us about a sponsored post. This summer, they’re offering a brand new day camp called Dancing Among the Stars for ages 7-10! 

Design Dance is blending dance with astronomy to teach kids about movement--of their bodies and of the universe. They even have astronomers from Adler coming to teach students about what they do! 

**Check out the camp details at designdance.net/dats16 and use promo code APRILSTARS for a discount on registration.** 

You can be in on the start of a brand new summer camp, Dancing Among the Stars, that will premiere this Summer, 2016! The camp specifically works to integrate science with dance in an exploration of the Solar System. We are especially excited because the program will conclude with a performance at the Adler Planetarium! 

If you work/live/commute near the camp's location, here's a promotional code to make the camp more affordable--RIVERNORTH2016. Input this at the time of registration (prior to April 15th) and it will give you $25 off! 

Dancing Among the Stars 

for students Ages 7-10: July 25-29

Monday-Friday, 9am - 4pm, $375

Jesse White Community Center: 412 W. Chicago Ave

Join us for a week of dance and science, as we learn about the universe from real astronomers!   Students will explore their creativity with hands on projects and dance classes all about the solar system!  Campers will end the week with a performance at the Adler Planetarium!

*Aftercare available until 5:30pm at additional cost, call 312-361-0864 to enroll

Disclosure: ChiIL Mama is pleased to partner up with Design Dance and we have been compensated for sharing the details about this camp with our readers. As always, all opinions are our own.

Chicago's Brain Arts Theatre Camp For 6-14 Year Olds Highly Recommended #DiscountCode #ChiILPicksList #Sponsored

Brain Arts Theatre Camp Rocks!

"I really enjoyed Brain Arts Camp because it is extremely fun to work with other kids to create a play about anything we can imagine. Everything about it is fun including brainstorming, writing a script, developing characters, building set pieces and props, rehearsing, and performing a show. Through the few years I went to the camp, I learned team building skills and made new friends who I continue to talk to about the performances we have done. Overall, Brain Arts camp is a very fun experience and I suggest it to everyone."  Dugan Kenaz-Mara - age 14 (returning for the 3rd year)

Disclosure: ChiIL Mama is elated to partner up with Brain Surgeon Theatre again this year. We have been comped camp tuition & given a discount for our readers in exchange for sharing this information. As always, all opinions are our own.

Save 20% 

ChiIL Mama's Readers get a discount on the Acting/Improv camp and/or the Movie-Making Camp pending availability. Call or e-mail Brain Surgeon Theatre and tell them ChiIL Mama sent you, for the discount. Don't delay. Camp weeks are limited to 15 kids each so secure your spot ASAP! Highly recommended. 

Brain Surgeon Theater | brainsurgeontheater.org |

info@brainsurgeontheater.org | 773.798.9915

Click here & scroll down to check out ChiIL Mama's past photo & video filled Brain Arts Features



Brain Arts Camp is baaaaaaack! For 2015, camp will be held at Brain Surgeon Theater at Prop Theatre, 3502 N Elston, Chicago IL 60618. We can't wait! If you're a procrastinator who got shut out of other summer camps way back in January or last fall even, no worries. Brain Arts Camp still has some space available for creative, theatrically inclined kids from 6 to 14 years old and they're excellent! Check out this under the radar gem. 

2015 Brain Arts Camp Schedule:

Acting and Improv Intensives
For Young Artists Ages 8 through 14       

Acting and Improv - Beyond the Basics (1 Week Session)
Monday 8/3/15 through Friday 8/7/15 from 9 am to 3 pm
Showcase Friday 8/7/15 at 3 pm
Brain Surgeon Theater at Prop Thtr
3502 N Elston, Chicago IL 60618

Delve deep into both your scripted onstage work and Improvisation guided by some of Chicago's most experienced artist-educators. Final showcases will feature every young artist in challenging, fun scripted roles and Improvisational scenes inspired by audience suggestions. Join Chicago actor, improviser, and stand up comic Jamie Campbell for a week of Chicago-style Improv tailored just for you! Acting and Improv - Beyond the Basics culminates in a half-hour final showcase on Friday, August 7, 2015 at 3 pm for friends and family. MAXIMUM 15 CAMPERS.

$325 for 1 week session
$600 for sibling or friend pairs (must register together the same form)
Register Now

Rock Musical Camps
For Young Artists Ages 6 through 14

Rock Musical of Epic Proportions (2 Week Session)
Monday 8/10/15 through Friday 8/21/15 from 9 am to 3 pm
Performance Friday 8/21/15 at 3 pm
Brain Surgeon Theater at Prop Thtr
3502 N Elston, Chicago IL 60618

It's yet to be titled because YOU could title it! Come create original characters, rock and roll song and dance numbers, and, if history is any guide, a surprise ending. Mornings will be structured around character development, playwriting, and scenework; afternoons focus on skill-building workshops including voice, movement, stage combat, and set and costume design. It's a wild ride that guarantees a summer to remember! MAXIMUM 15 CAMPERS. 

$650 for 2 week session
$1200 for sibling or friend pairs (must register together on the same form)
Register Now

Brain Arts Camp - Original Music Video! from Brain Surgeon Theater on Vimeo.

Movie-Making Camps
For Young Artists Ages 6 through 14

Movie Making Intensive (1 Week Session)
Monday 8/24/15 through Friday 8/28/15 from 9 am to 3 pm
Screening Friday 8/28/15 at 3 pm
Brain Surgeon Theater at Prop Thtr
3502 N Elston, Chicago IL 60618

Dive in and create digital shorts, music videos, and a mini-feature film in this 5 day movie-making intensive. On days 1 and 2, movie-making campers will work as an ensemble to write a movie script starring each camper in a role of their own creation, and then film this mini-feature film with a professional Chicago filmmaker on day 3. Days 4 and 5 will focus on movie trailers and commercials created by each student in different genres of film. A hands-on, completely original experience for burgeoning filmmakers ages 6 through 14. MAXIMUM 15 CAMPERS. 

$325 for 1 week session
$600 for sibling or friend pairs (must register together on the same form)
Register Now

As a Montessori family, we love how child led Brain Arts Camp really is. 

Register Today and remember to tell them ChiIL Mama sent you to get your 20% discount! Your kids' brains will thank you.

Click here for more info. Brain Surgeon Theatre also hosts kickin' birthday parties!

Explore Awesome Kids Art/Dance Classes at Beauty & Brawn Art Gallery & Think Space

ChiIL out with amazing, affordable art/dance classes for kids of all ages with a new session beginning next week.   Have you heard about Beauty & Brawn Art Gallery & Think Space yet?  Check 'em out.  We finally met the inimitable owner, Lindsey Meyers, for lunch last week and this mother of two little girls is a HOOT and a half.  She's got the dreams of a visionary and the mouth of a truck driver.

Here at ChiIL Mama we're all about supporting local families & small business owners, especially artists & creatives.  And Lindsey is one chill Chi, IL Mama.  These kids' classes are the real deal... not McArt class clones dumbed down for the masses.  Spread the word. Beauty and Brawn rocks!  We hope to be partnering up often in the near future.i

The new class session at Beauty & Brawn begins on Monday, February 17th, 2014 and runs through Friday, March 28th, 2014.

$108.00 for six weeks of art/dance class. $150.00 for six weeks of private guitar instruction with Brian Riggs.

About

Art is meaningful. Art is courageous. Art is important. Art is alive. Art is generous. Art is thankless. Art is empowering. Art is healing. Art is jaw-dropping. Art is fancy. Art is organic. Art is raw. Art is legitimate. Art is non-judgmental. Art is classic. Art is hip. Art is life.

ART IS SMART.

Beauty & Brawn Art Gallery and Think Space is the vision of photographer and mixed media artist Lindsey Meyers–one which combines the intelligence and intellectual pulse of an art gallery and the indelible power and importance of an arts education space that truly lies outside the box.

Our mission is to service the community with outstanding arts education resources, supreme artworks, visionary projects, and philanthropic and charitable principles.

Beauty & Brawn Art Gallery and Think Space hopes to partner with other organizations and establishments, both city-wide and nationally, to offer a safe and welcoming environment in which to exchange ideas, to showcase young talent, and to involve and potentially employ the under served youth population of Chicago.

Gallery & Think Space hours:

Hours vary depending on classes, special events and gallery rentals.

Please call us for more information! 773-772-9808

*******************************************************************************************************************

Winter I Class Session:

Monday, January 6th, 2014- Friday, February 14th, 2014

Current classes are for children ages 3 years old and up.

10% sibling discount offered.

Check out Beauty and Brawn on Facebook for more info.

**Starting the crazy race to register for summer camps yet?  You could get artsy, cultural and more this summer with Beauty and Brawn's Summer Camp.**

Brain Arts Camp Photo Recap: Sail Away Buttercup #summercamp

Brain Arts Camp is an excellent summer theatre camp in Chicago.   Du-Jay just finished a week and the kids came up with an incredible musical from scratch.   It was written by a high school camper and memorized, produced, directed, and acted out by the campers.   They even did their own costumes & props. 

Check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often.   We'll have a full video of the kids' hilarious camp finale show:  Sail Away Buttercup up here and on ChiIL Mama's YouTube Channel in the very near future!

Some of their camp weeks are full, but there's still space available in others.   Each week has a theme and the kids take it from there.   Click here for our full past coverage.   We highly recommend Brain Surgeon Theatre and Brain Arts Camp.

Don't despair if you're not one of those uber organized parents who had summer all mapped out back in January.   There are still some major gems in the Chi-town summer camp crown that have space available.  We are thrilled to partner up with Brain Arts Camp for this sponsored post.

Got a budding 6-18 year old thespian (or actor for you less erudite types)?   Check out Brain Arts Camp at Gorilla Tango.

Brain Surgeon Theater's unique Experiential Theater Arts camp invites kids and teens ages 6-18 to bring their energy, imagination, and ideas to help us create an unusual and spectacular play for a very special performance on the last day of camp! 

New this year -- movie making camp & an acting intensive! Kids will spend mornings working alongside professional Chicago theater artists as they write, rehearse, and perform an original play from scratch; afternoons will focus on fun skill-building workshops including scenic and costume design, voice, movement, and dance.  No experience is necessary to participate.  Space is limited to 15 campers - contact us today to reserve your spot for the next session!

Summer 2013

New location! Gorilla Tango Theater at 

1919 N Milwaukee. 

”Sail Away, Buttercup!” a Rock Musical

July 8 - 12, 2013

9 am - 3 pm at Gorilla Tango (1919 N Milwaukee)

Instructors: Gwen Tulin, Nic Ruley

Cost: $300 per camper or $500 for sibling pairs

Final Performances Friday, July 12 at 4 pm and 6 pm at Gorilla Tango (1919 N Milwaukee). Reception follows 6 pm performance.

“Focus In, Pan Out!” a Movie Making Camp

July 22 - 26, 2013

9 am - 3 pm at Gorilla Tango (1919 N Milwaukee)

Instructors: Gwen Tulin, Nic Ruley

Cost: $300 per camper or $500 for sibling pairs

Rough cut screening on Friday, July 26 at 4 pm at Gorilla Tango (1919 N Milwaukee). 

”Robots, Aliens, and My Summer Vacation” a Rock Musical  SOLD OUT!

August 12 - 16, 2013

9 am - 3 pm at Gorilla Tango (1919 N Milwaukee)

Instructors: Gwen Tulin, Nic Ruley

Cost: $300 per camper or $500 for sibling pairs

Final Performances Friday, August 16 at 4 pm and 6 pm at Gorilla Tango (1919 N Milwaukee). Reception follows 6 pm performance.

*NEW!* Acting Intensive - ages 10 & up

Scene study, monologue work, and audition prep for the serious young performer. 

August 19 - 24, 2013

9 am - 3 pm at Gorilla Tango (1919 N Milwaukee)

Instructors: Gwen Tulin, Nic Ruley

Cost: $300 per camper or $500 for sibling pairs

Final Showcase Friday, August 24 at 4 pm at Gorilla Tango (1919 N Milwaukee). Reception follows 6 pm performance.

Camp & Performance Location: 

Gorilla Tango Theater

1919 N Milwaukee Avenue

Chicago, IL 60642

For more information:

Email brainsurgeontheater@gmail.com or call 773-798-9915

Click here to register now! 

Limit 15 campers per session. 

Disclosure:  Thanks again to Brain Surgeon Theater for cutting us a discount on tuition for publicity.