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.
WHAT'S NEW
Let's Dance! Girls Night Out Dance Party!
May 9, 2025

Let's Dance! Girls Night Out Dance Party!

Don’t miss out – join us for the ultimate girls’ night! Calling all ladies who love to have fun and dance but don’t want to party until dawn – this is your night! Girls’ Night Out is the ultimate women-only dance party where you can let loose, own the dance floor, and relive your best moves. And we let you do it all without sacrificing your beauty sleep.

Bags-Beer-Rock 'n' Roll
July 13, 2025

Bags-Beer-Rock 'n' Roll

Join us for Gorton’s 4th annual Cornhole Classic and Concert! It’s a great way to enjoy an afternoon of summer fun with your friends. Enjoy great music, food and drink and cheer on your favorite team. New this year and open to all- a variety of “Challenges” from pop-a-shot to long toss and more-a chance to flex all your tossing skills!

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