In this exciting musical theater performance class, students will develop their skills in singing, dancing, acting, and character creation while learning the importance of focus, teamwork, and theater etiquette. Each class offers personalized guidance to help young performers build confidence and grow as triple-threat artists.

Students may enroll in Monday classes, Friday classes, or both. The session will culminate in a performance showcasing material from Broadway Junior Revue by Musical Theatre International. Featured selections may include songs from Willy Wonka Jr., Seussical Kids, Beauty and the Beast Jr., Frozen Jr., Elf the Musical Jr., Peter Pan Jr., Winnie the Pooh Kids, Matilda the Musical Jr., and more!

This is a fun and supportive environment where creativity and expression take center stage — perfect for both new and experienced performers.

• Mondays and Fridays
• 4:30pm to 6:30pm
• September 22 – November 16
• Students can do one or both days
• 8 weeks
• 2 Performances – Saturday, November 15 @ 1pm and Sunday November 16 at 1pm
• 1 Day = $550 
• 2 Days = $950 
• Monday students need to come to class on Friday, November 14 for rehearsal

Instructors: Jeremy Kruse, Emmy Bjerre-Jensen and Carla Garippo

Jeremy Kruse, acting teacher/director/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.jeremykruse.com and www.jeremykruseactingtraining.com 

Emmy Bjerre-Jensen is an experienced teacher in the classroom and on the stage. She has a bachelor’s in digital cinema and a master’s of education from DePaul University. A lifelong singer and performer, Emmy has studied voice in a variety of styles and has helped students of all ages develop healthy, confident singing techniques. Emmy has served as musical director on numerous musical theater productions and she is thrilled to be sharing her love of music, theater, and vocal performance with students of all ages and experience levels.

Carla Garippo, dance teacher/choreographer, 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, 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, MTVs 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.