GORTON DRAMA STUDIO

Led by Jeremy Kruse, Artistic Director, Gorton Drama Studio is dedicated to providing:

  • - Professional caliber Method acting and dramatic writing education.
  • - Professional caliber performance opportunities on the stage and screen.
  • - A fun and inspirational environment where community members of all ages can express themselves creatively through both entertaining and artistic theater and film.
Gorton Drama Studio band of images

ALL ARE WELCOME

Gorton Drama Studio is dedicated to building and upholding a culture of inclusivity for everyone. We value the uniqueness of all people.

OUR CLASSES

Gorton Drama Studio offers weekly classes for youth.

PRIVATE CLASSES

Book a private acting class: audition preparation, the business of acting, script analysis, comedic improvisation, Method Acting Technique and more!

SCHOLARSHIPS

Unlock the stage with Gorton Drama Studio’s exciting need-based and merit-based scholarship program! We’re thrilled to offer scholarships every session - winter, spring, summer, and fall - providing opportunities for aspiring talents of all ages. Whether you’re in 60044 and 60045 or beyond, there’s a scholarship waiting for you. For more details, reach out to Jeremy and set your dramatic journey in motion. Seize your chance to shine on the stage! jeremy@gortoncenter.org

FIND US

All Gorton Drama Studio classes and rehearsals are held at Gorton Center in Lake Forest in one of our beautiful spaces such as The John and Nancy Hughes Theater, our dedicated dance room and our intimate black box theater.

OUR INSTRUCTORS

Jeremy Kruse headshot
Jeremy Kruse, Artistic Director of Gorton Drama Studio, is the author of “The Young Actor’s Handbook” (Applause Acting Series, 2017). Jeremy is a professional actor, published playwright, award-winning screenwriter, and award-winning filmmaker. Some of the classes he taught at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York include Method Acting, Comedic Improvisation, Sketch Comedy Writing, and Acting for Film and TV. He graduated from The Strasberg Institute at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where he majored in drama. Jeremy also teaches privately, one on one. www.jeremy-kruse.com and www.jeremykruseactingtraining.com
WHAT'S NEW
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April 2026

View "MORE" - Gorton's 2025 Annual Report

2025 was More Than We Imagined - Find Out Why

Kids Take the Stage with Gorton Drama Studio’s Cinderella This Summer
April 2026

Kids Take the Stage with Gorton Drama Studio’s Cinderella This Summer

This summer, Gorton Drama Studio brings the classic story of Cinderella to life. Campers ages seven to 17 learn acting, stagecraft, collaboration, and confidence as they rehearse and perform this beloved fairytale. From fairy godmothers to glass slippers, every role plays a part in an inspiring, joy-filled theatrical experience that ends with a live performance in the John & Nancy Highes Theater.

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