Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP), the professional summer theatre of northwest Illinois, will offer a variety of workshops and classes in the arts this summer, as well as performance opportunities for youth ages 6-to-18.
“I’m very excited to see the interest in our summer programs,” said Executive Director Dan Danielowski. “Our youth production of Matilda, Jr. last season was so successful, that we’re offering these types of opportunities again this summer.”
High School Theatre Intensive runs from July 8 to July 27. This workshop is for High School actors, singers, dancers, technicians, and other creatives. Participants will gain the tools necessary to perform on stage; help produce shows at their school; ace college auditions. During the workshop, students will produce and perform in the All Area High School Musical production of Ride the Cyclone, High School Edition.
Hilarious and outlandish, Ride the Cyclone chronicles the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian Chamber Choir, whose lives are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a Mechanical Fortune Teller invites each to tell a story, to win a prize like no other–the chance to return to life. This popular musical is a funny, moving look at what makes a life well-lived! Ride the Cyclone performs July 23 through 27. The cost of the workshop is $200.
Next Stage Junior Theatre will produce The Lion King, Jr. July 1 through July 6 (no performance on July 4.) The Lion King, Jr. features classic songs from the Broadway musical and animated feature film, including “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “He Lives in You,” and “Hakuna Matata.” Young performers will learn a wide range of new theatrical skills, such as mask-making and puppetry, encouraging them to explore this beloved story with creativity and pride. All youth will audition and be cast in a specific role during the first week of the workshop. They will then learn songs and choreography; build sets and props; perfect their parts during the workshop. Participants will receive instruction in vocal technique, acting, stage movement, and auditioning. This workshop and production runs from June 17 through July 6 and is open to youth ages 5-18. Cost for this production workshop is $100 and includes script and t-shirt.
Children’s Theatre Workshop will be held in two sessions, on July 6 and on August 3. This workshop is a perfect way for the young artist to shine. The class runs from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The July 6 workshop concludes with a ticket to the matinee performance of the Lion King, Jr. Cost for the Children’s Theatre Workshop is $50. It is open to children ages 6 to 12.
Scholarships are available for TLP’s summer workshops. Visit the TLP website, or contact the Box Office at 815-244-2035 to inquire about applying for a scholarship.
Also available are classes aimed at students as young as three-years-old. TLP has partnered with The Virtual BabySitter’s Club, to give our patrons full access to all artistic and creative virtual sessions for kids ages 3-to-12. These sessions are conducted by Professional Performers from Broadway and beyond in a live, interactive virtual experience.
TLP Reads is a series of books read by Timber Lake Playhouse actors and Teaching Artists. Partner teachers from around the Country use these videos as a part of their reading curriculum. The series is also available for parents to use with their children. These books are targeted for primary and elementary reading levels.
Timber Lake Teaches is a series of instructional videos designed to empower the emerging Musical Theatre performer. With classes that both develop your technical skills and encourage you to infuse those skills with your individuality, it’s about leveling up, in a way that feels true to yourself. Getting into a show at every level can feel like an additional skill. Our working professionals will walk you through those aspects. Whether you want to improve simply for the love of performing or to turn your passion into a career, Timber Lake Teaches can help you on your path!
Visit the TLP website at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org to see the list of classes available this summer, or call the Box Office at 815-244-2035 for additional information. Registration is open now and can be done online or through the Box Office.