SPRING 2023
CENTER FOR THE ARTS CLASSES

DANCE - ART - THEATER - MUSIC


Quick jump links to:

Where are Youth and Tween Dance Classes?
Our Youth and Tween Dance Recital Classes begin in January, and run through the spring session. Look for a fresh set of classes in our summer program guide.

To register, click on the class title to enter our Registration Portal for specific date, time and fee information.

TOT CLASSES

TOT DANCE
MOVE WITH ME
Age 15 months-2 1/2
Is your little dancer not quite ready to attend a class alone? Move with Me is the perfect class for you and your tot together. Learn to move and express through exploring creative dance in a fun environment enriched with props, music, and dance-along games, designed to introduce children to the beautiful art form of dance. Wednesday mornings

CREATIVE DANCE
Age 2 1/2 -4
An independent class for our youngest dancers who love to move! With exercises designed around expression through movement, we prepare them for future dance classes by teaching basic steps, classroom etiquette, listening and dancing to different music styles/tempos, all within a fun and supportive environment! Attire: leotard, tights, and pink ballet shoes. Skirts or tutus optional. Please note: this is not a parent and child class. Friday mornings or Saturday afternoons

STORYTIME DANCE
Age 2 1/2 -4
This class combines creative dance, basic ballet technique and a different story each week. Your child will interpret the story of the week through imagination and dance. Monday afternoons

PRE BALLET
Age 3-4
This class is for dancers who are beginning to understand basic steps and musicality. Students begin developing their ballet technique and placement, and start to become familiar with proper terminology. Pre Ballet includes barre work, center floor and across-the-floor exercises, and free dance, designed to provide true ballet training with classical music. Dress code: leotard, tights, pink ballet shoes. Skirts or tutus optional. Friday mornings

PRE ACRO/JAZZ
Age 3-6
Have a blast fusing basic tumbling with traditional jazz in this unique class! We'll work on balance, flexibility and strength with a variety of tumbling skills, then change gears to jazz techniques working with upbeat rhythms. Class will be barefoot for tumbling, and bring jazz or ballet shoes for jazz work. Friday afternoons

TOT ART

COME CLAY WITH ME
Age 3-5
Work side-by-side with your child as you learn basic ceramic and glazing techniques in this versatile medium. As your child grows, continue in future sessions where you and your child can fine-tune your skills and develop more intricate projects. A maximum of two children may enroll with one adult. Parents, grandparents and caregivers welcome. Monday or Saturday mornings

PAINT & CLAY
Age 4-6 and 7-10
The child who likes both paint and clay will love the format of this class: some classes focus on ceramic handbuilding and glazing, while other classes concentrate on painting techniques, such as sponge and brush. Monday afternoons

SCIENCE and ART
Age 4-6
How are rainbows made? What are the effects of chemical reactions? We can hear sound, but can you SEE it? Join us and open your mind to creativity! Wednesday afternoons

GYM and ART
Age 4-6
Youngsters spend 45 minutes in gymnastics and 45 minutes in art class making projects from clay, paint, paper and more. Some classes may be split on the first day, depending on size of enrollment. Monday or Thursday afternoons

TOT THEATER
PLAY IN A BOX
Age 3-6
Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan! In Play in a Box, your child will experience being in a brand new play each week. At the start of the session, parents will receive a list of stories. Every class begins with reading that story, and then bringing it to life! Students take turns playing each character, use imaginative skills, and learn basic narration! Tuesday afternoons

TOT MUSIC
FAMILY FIDDLE
Age 1-3 and 3-5 w/adult
Family Fiddle with Miss Emily incorporates fiddle tunes and exploration, ukulele singalongs, movement, and stimulating instrument play. It's perfect for the development of children in the 1-5 age range! Tuesday mornings (for age 1-2) or afternoons (for age 3-5)

YOUTH CLASSES

YOUTH DANCE

JAZZ/HIP HOP
Age 4-6 & Age 7-10
Jazz and Hip Hop in one fun class! Time will be spent in each class learning the basics of both disciplines in an enjoyable atmosphere. Students may use jazz shoes for both styles. Thursday afternoons

YOUTH ART
DRAWING
Age 5-7
Explore the fundamentals of shading, weight, depth and perspective. All drawing classes will use various media, such as pencil, ink and charcoal, as well as different papers and canvases. Monday or Wednesday afternoons

PINTEREST ART CLASS
Age 5-7 and 7-10
Explore the newest art trends in this unique crafting class! Each week, we'll explore a different kind of creative project, from upcycled jewelry, to macrame and weaving, wall art and dream catchers...we pick our projects based on what's popular and exciting. Tuesday afternoons

PAINT & CLAY
Age 4-6 and 7-10
The child who likes both paint and clay will love the format of this class: some classes focus on ceramic handbuilding and glazing, while other classes concentrate on painting techniques, such as sponge and brush. Monday afternoons

CERAMICS
Age 7-10
Our most popular art program is now designed to help students progress in this wonderful medium! Coils, slabs, clay sculpting and glazing techniques are taught on an appropriate level for each class. Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons

PAINTING
Age 7-10
"I dream of painting and then I paint my dream"-Vincent van Gogh
Students of various skills levels learn the fundamentals of painting and various painting techniques with a variety of mediums. Beginners and experienced painters are welcome in this class! Wednesday afternoons

ART CLUB
Ages 5-7, 7-10 and 10-13
An exclusive membership club for creative kids! We explore new mediums and techniques each week. Members learn drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramic painting, clay, glass fusion, and so much more! Wednesday evenings (age 10-13), Thursday or Friday afternoons (5-7 and 7-10)

BEGINNING SEWING
Age 7-10
Sewing is a great way to begin to learn how things are put together. We'll learn how to thread needles, make functional and decorative stitches, plan fun & simple projects, and complete them. Beginning with small felt badges and pencil tops, we will progress to felt stuffed toys and then projects with woven fabric, such as bags and book covers. Students will get to try sewing with a machine. Thursday late afternoons or evenings

YOUTH THEATER
LITTLE IMPROV
Age 6-9
Kids are great at making things up! Little Improv is the class to mold that imagination into an art form. Students will review the basic tenets of improv through dynamic theater games and character development activities. Tuesday afternoons

TWEEN and TEEN CLASSES

TWEEN/TEEN DANCE
MEET ME AT THE BARRE
Age 15 & up
The Ballet Barre, of course! This class will focus on strength, core, flexibility and focus by combining both ballet and Pilates. Basic ballet techniques at the barre and across-the-floor steps are the first half of class, then we move into Pilates for the second half. Adults: sign up for this class while your child is across the hall taking a ballet class of their own! Ballet shoes recommended, otherwise socks or bare feet. Floor mats will be provided if you do not have one of your own. Saturday mornings

TWEEN/TEEN ART
ON THE WHEEL
Age 10-14
Beginning and continuing students explore throwing techniques on the potter's wheel. We concentrate on centering and throwing, and practice the art of pulling handles and trimming. Glazes in different brush methods finish our pieces. We also cover hand-building techniques. Students are encouraged to continue beyond one session to learn proper technique and work on more advanced projects. Monday or Wednesday evenings, or Saturday mornings

SEW, PRINT AND DYE
Age 10-14
Join us as we experiment with fabric dyeing, block and screen printing, and sewing...all in one class. We'll tie-dye a t-shirt and other fabric. We will explore various fabric paint, print and dye techniques. The class all comes together as you design and sew your own throw pillow or drawstring bag! Tuesday evenings

ART CLUB
Age 10-13
An exclusive membership club for creative kids! We explore new mediums and techniques each week. Members learn drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramic painting, clay, glass fusion, and so much more! Wednesday evenings


TWEEN/TEEN THEATER
SCENE STUDY
Age 9-12
Students will intensely study character development through improvisational games and sketch comedy, and sharpen their audition skills through practicing cold readings and monologues from several scripted shows. This is an advanced theater class; prior theater experience or instructor approval is required for enrollment. Tuesday evenings

THEATRICAL STUDIES
Age 11-18
Students will intensely study character development through improvisational games and sketch comedy, and have the opportunity to sharpen their audition skills through practicing cold readings and monologues from several scripted shows. This is an advanced theater class; prior theater experience or instructor approval is required for enrollment. Thursday late aft/early evenings

ADULT CLASSES

ADULT ART
ADULT CERAMICS
Age 18 & up
This instructor-led class is designed to introduce beginning participants to techniques involved in hand building, throwing on the wheel and glazing a variety of clay forms, as well as building the experience and knowledge of the long-time student. We provide all materials including clay, glaze and basic tools. Instructor: Tomoyasu "TJ" Nakano. Classes Mondays-Saturdays; various times available

ADULT DANCE

NEW! ADULT BALLET
Age 15 & up
Come enjoy the beauty and grace of classical ballet! This class will cover basic ballet positions, steps and vocabulary with a focus on the student's awareness of proper posture and body alignment. Standing barre work and center floor exercises will be given to enhance coordination, strength, balance and flexibility. Participants will also develop a sense of musical awareness and movement quality. No prior ballet experience necessary. Ballet shoes required. Tuesday afternoons
NEW! ADULT TAP
Age 15 & up
Have you always wanted to learn how to tap? Join in the fun of tap dancing! Exercise your body and mind while learning a variety of tap dance steps and choreographed routines. All levels welcome. Tap shoes required. Friday evenings

MEET ME AT THE BARRE
Age 15 & up
The Ballet Barre, of course! This class will focus on strength, core, flexibility and focus by combining both ballet and Pilates. Basic ballet techniques at the barre and across-the-floor steps are the first half of class, then we move into Pilates for the second half. Adults: sign up for this class while your child is across the hall taking a ballet class of their own! Ballet shoes recommended, otherwise socks or bare feet. Floor mats will be provided if you do not have one of your own. Saturday mornings

PRIVATE LESSONS

PIANO LESSONS with DAN CHASE
Age 5 & up
Beginners learn the fundamentals of piano, such as the layout of the keyboard, keys, notes and hand positioning. As students progress, goals will include memorization, increased reading skills, and a wider exploration of more complex songs. Select your class time online when registering.
Mondays aft/eve
Tuesdays aft/eve
Saturdays morn/aft

PIANO LESSONS with THOMAS HART
Age 5 & up
Beginners learn the fundamentals of piano playing such as the layout of the keyboard, keys, notes and hand positioning. As students progress, goals will include memorization, increased reading skills, and a wider exploration of more complex songs. The instructor will contact you to arrange your lesson time.
Wednesdays aft/eve

VIOLIN LESSONS
with Paula Eatman
Age 5 & up
Tailored for students of all ages and skill levels, violin lessons use a combination of techniques as appropriate to each student including Suzuki, traditional or a combination of both. Select your class time online when registering.
Thursdays aft/eve
Fridays aft/eve

GUITAR LESSONS
with Ultimate School of Guitar Instructors
Age 8 & up
Students of all skill levels and interests are taught the basics of guitar with instruction on chords, songs, how to read notes, time signatures and scales. Each lesson is 30 minutes, tailored to the level and interest of the student, and explores styles such as rock, alternative, blues, folk, jazz and classical. Guitar rentals are available through the Ultimate School of Guitar at 773-508-9443. The instructor will contact you individually to schedule lessons.
Tuesdays aft/eve
Saturdays morn/aft

VOICE LESSONS
with Emily Shankman
Age 8 & up
Private voice lessons are taught with care for developing the singing voice with a focus on resonance, breath control, intonation, development of high and low registers, vowels and vocal expression, as well as reading music and rhythmic practice in a variety of styles. The student will explore various genres of repertoire, allowing the discovery of his/her voice, and learn how to prevent damage to the vocal cords. Each 30-minute private singing lesson focuses on both technique as well as application to a song in order to prepare the student for performance. Select your class time online when registering.
Tuesdays aft/eve
Wednesdays aft/eve

ACTING LESSONS
with Wendy Avon
Age 7 & up
Each 30-minute private lesson is structured to personally meet the needs of the individual student. In each lesson, Wendy includes audition coaching, monologue selection and preparation, character development and personalized tips on how to build and maintain confidence and stage presence. Wendy will contact you individually to schedule lessons.
Thursdays -evenings
Saturdays -evenings

DANCE LESSONS
Age 2 & up
Dive deeper into the intricacies of your preferred style. Each 30-minute lesson will be built to focus on the student's goals in ballet, jazz, pointe preparation, contemporary, poms technique and audition preparation. The instructor will contact you to arrange the lesson time. Sunday mornings

WILMETTE CHILDREN'S THEATER

The 2023-24 Season
will be announced in the Summer 2023 Explore Online program guide!

WCT Minis are open to children in Grades 1-4
WCT is open to children in Grades 5-8

Wilmette Children's Theater Spring Production:
FROZEN JR.
Shows: March 10-12 & 17-19, 2023

Wilmette Children's Theater Alumni Student-Directed Shows
Shows: May 5-7, 2023