Step into a storybook world where classic fairy tales and fresh new fantasies come to life on stage! In Once Upon a Stage, kids explore the fundamentals of acting, singing, and dancing through a rotating class structure that keeps things active, creative, and fun.

Grouped by age, students will work with professional teaching artists to build original scenes inspired by characters and situations from tales like Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, and modern twists like Shrek or Descendants. Kids are also encouraged to create their own fairy tale characters and settings—anything goes!

In singing and dancing, students learn age-appropriate songs and choreography drawn from musical theater and film inspired by fantasy and magic.

This camp is open to kids of all experience levels. Each child’s skills will be gently assessed so we can support their individual growth—whether they’re brand new to theater or already shining on stage. The day ends with a relaxed, low-pressure sharing where students perform the scenes, songs, and dances they’ve worked on. It’s imaginative, inclusive, and above all—fun!

NOTE: Kids will be divided up according to age.

• Monday, October 13, 2025 – Columbus Day
• Ages 7 to 14
• Time: 9am to 3pm 
• Price = $110

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, singing teacher/musical director, is an experienced teacher in the classroom and on the stage. She has a bachelor’s in digital cinema and a masters of education from DePaul University. This is her fourth production in a directing role. She is thrilled to be sharing her love of music and theater with the brilliant young thespians of Lake Forest. 

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.