Registration for Center for the Arts Summer programs begins May 10 for Wilmette Residents and May 17 for non-residents. Registration for our Creative Camps is underway. Click here to view our camps, and to register!

The Center for the Arts at the Wilmette Park District offers a well-rounded curriculum including dance, music, theatre and art. Through classes, workshops and special events, the Center for the Arts provides ample opportunity for individuals to express ideas and emotions that cannot be communicated with language alone. The Center for the Arts is located in the Community Recreation Center at 3000 Glenview Road, Wilmette.

View the tabs below for Center for the Arts department information and seasonal programs.

  • Art Department General Information

    Wilmette Park District strives to provide a comprehensive art program by offering classes for all ages and media. In addition to our regular weekly classes, we offer:

    • Family workshops
    • Seasonal theme workshops
    • Adult workshops
    • Art birthday parties
    • Ceramics classes
    • Hybrid classes (such as Gym & Art)

    Art Department Programs

    Summer 2022 Art Programs

    Art Department Staff

    Peter Walton: pinterest art, art club, ceramics

    Michael Rose: pinterest art, art club, painting, science & art, drawing

    Lee Guenther: ceramics, gym & art

    Alexa Frangos: drawing

  • Dance Department General Information

    Wilmette Park District strives to provide a comprehensive dance program by offering classes for all ages and styles of dance. In addition to our regular weekly classes, we offer:

    • Dance workshops
    • Dance birthday parties
    • Annual Nutcracker Production
    • Annual Spring Dance Recital
    • Competitive Dance Team

    Dance Department Programs

    Summer 2022 Dance Programs

    Spring Dance Recital Information

    The Spring Dance Recital will perform on June 4 & 5. All of our Winter class offerings participate in the recital with the exception of Move with Me and Creative Dance classes.

    If your child is participating in the recital, please refer to the 2022 Spring Dance Recital page for all pertinent information.

    2022 Spring Dance Recital

    Spring Dance Recital enquiries can be directed to: ssoeldner@wilpark.org.

    Spring Dance Recital Performances:

    • Cast A Shows: June 4 & 5 at Noon
    • Cast B Shows: June 4 & 5 at 3 P.M.

    Tickets Go On Sale:

    • Tuesday, May 10 @ 9 a.m. (families only; limit: 5 tickets over all shows)
    • Tuesday, May 17 @ 9 a.m. (tickets open to public)

    TICKETS: $11 Purchase tickets online or at the Community Recreation Center front desk.

    Dance Team Information

    Dance Team is a year-long program with auditions during the summer. More information will be coming about the 2022-2023 season. Dance Team enquiries can be directed to: danceteam@wilpark.org.

    Our Dance Team instructors are Alex Goodreau and Rebecca Van Poucke.

    Nutcracker Production Information

    The Nutcracker Production is put on by our Theatre and Dance departments each year in December. Certain Late Fall classes participate in the Nutcracker Production. More information will be posted in the Fall. Nutcracker enquiries can be directed to: ssoeldner@wilpark.org.

    Dance Department Staff

    Kirsten Markham: move with me, creative dance, hip hop, pre ballet, ballet, jazz, tap, dance club

    Alex Goodreau: dance team

    Rebecca Van Poucke: hip hop, dance team

    Jenny Mitchell: pre hip hop

    Cassiday Zins: pre ballet, ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary

    Ruben Zapata: ballet, jazz

  • THEATER DEPARTMENT GENERAL INFORMATION

    Wilmette Park District offers a comprehensive children's theater program by offering group and private acting classes. In addition to our weekly classes we offer acting workshops and various performing opportunities such as:
    • Fall and Spring Children's Theater Performances for grades 5 - 8
    • Spring Mini Show Performances for grades 1 - 4
    • Annual Nutcracker Performances
    • Spring Student Directed Show Performances
    • Improv Troupe Performances
    • Broadway Bound Summer Camp

    Theater Department Programs

    Summer 2022 Theater Programs

    Wilmette Children's Theater

    Show Tickets (2022 production tickets are $11)

    2021-22 Season

    Annie Kids 101 Dalmatians Kids Legally Blonde Jr. Student Directed Shows
    Performances:
    Friday, 2/11 at 6 P.M.
    Saturday, 2/12 at 11 A.M.
    Saturday, 2/19 at 11 A.M.
    Sunday, 2/20 at 11 A.M.    		 Performances:
    Saturday, 2/12 at 2 P.M.
    Sunday, 2/13 at 11 A.M.
    Friday, 2/18 at 6 P.M.
    Saturday, 2/19 at 2 P.M.    		 Performances:
    Friday, 3/11 at 7 P.M.
    Saturday, 3/12 at 2 & 7 P.M.
    Sunday, 3/13 at 2 P.M.
    Friday, 3/18 at 7 P.M.
    Saturday, 3/19 at 2 & 7 P.M.
    Sunday, 3/20 at 2 P.M.
    		 Eligible for actors in grades 1-5
    Audition Videos Due:     February 21
    Shows: May 19-22

    For more information, please email ssoeldner@wilpark.org.

  • MUSIC DEPARTMENT GENERAL INFORMATION

    Wilmette Park District offers a comprehensive music department by offering group and private classes. We offer private piano, guitar, ukulele, voice and violin classes. We also have group lesson opportunities such as:
    • Wilmette Children's Pops Chorale
    • Family Fiddle

    Music Department Programs

    Summer 2022 Music Programs and Private Lessons

    Music Department Staff

    Benjamin Walton: piano, voice, ukulele (Wednesdays & Thursdays)

    Paula Eatman: violin (Thursdays & Fridays)

    Dan Chase: piano (Mondays & Saturdays)

    Emily Shankman: family fiddles & voice (Tuesdays)

    Evanston Children's Choir: pops chorale (Fridays)

    Ultimate School of Guitar: guitar (Tuesdays & Saturdays)

  • Art & Dance Parties

    Looking to plan a party with an Art or Dance theme? We've got you covered! Learn all the details on our Parties page!

    PARTIES