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 and adults. 

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 Madison and set your dramatic journey in motion. Seize your chance to shine on the stage! Madison@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, 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
Madison Kisst headshot
Madison Kisst is an actor, director, and theatre teacher. She has taught for professional theater companies across the country and for the undergraduate acting program at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Madison has extensive training in physical and classical theatre, voice and movement, and devising. As an actor, some of her credits include: American Repertory Theater, Lyric Repertory Company, The Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Nevada Conservatory Theater, and Santa Cruz Shakespeare. She has her BA in Theatre Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Performance.
Emmy Bjerre-Jensen photo
Emmy Bjerre-Jensen is a singing teacher/musical director as well as an experienced teacher in the classroom and on the stage. She holds a bachelor's in digital cinema and a masters of education from DePaul University. Gorton Drama Studio's Peter Pan Now was her fourth production in a directing role. She is thrilled to be sharing her love of music and theater with the brilliant young thespians in our community.
Carla Garippo instructor at Gorton Drama Studio

Carla Garippo is a dance teacher/choreographer. She received her professional dance training from Ruth Page Center for the Arts and was a principal dancer of The Ruth Page Civic Ballet Company of Chicago. She is fluent in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary, Poms, Pointe, Musical Theatre, as well as Stretch/Conditioning and Character. Some of Carla’s credits include: The Chicago Tribune Charities production of “The Nutcracker ” at The Arie Crown Theatre, Dirty Dancing, Carnaval at The Victor Hotel, Dance Chicago, MTV's Sweet 16, as well as various music videos and concerts nationwide. Carla teaches dancers of all ages and levels and is excited to be a staff member at Gorton Drama Studio.

WHAT'S NEW
Blog: The Healing Power of Laughter in Uncertain Times
September 15

Blog: The Healing Power of Laughter in Uncertain Times

When headlines feel heavy, a good laugh can reset your day. The benefits of laughter go beyond a quick mood boost: research suggests it can lower stress, relax your body, and even support heart health.

Restorative Yoga with Live Guitar & Sound Bath
September 21

Restorative Yoga with Live Guitar & Sound Bath

A heart opening exploration of gentle movement set to musical vibrations – this guided restorative yoga experience features live acoustic guitar along with a full sound bath.

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