PIRATES & MERMAIDS - Gorton Center - Lake Forest, IL
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PIRATES & MERMAIDS

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PIRATES & MERMAIDS

Saturdays, November 7 to December 12 9:00 - 9:45 am

Sat, November 7
9:00 am - 9:45 am

$200
An image of 3 kids dressed as pirates and dancing on stage. The pirate to the far right has a hook on her hand.
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Time

Sat, November 07, 2026 9:00 am - 9:45 am

Location

Gorton Center
400 East Illinois Road Lake Forest, IL 60045

PIRATES & MERMAIDS

Dive into an unforgettable musical theater adventure! Young performers will sail the seas, hunt for hidden treasure, meet magical mermaids, and outsmart playful pirates. Along the way, they’ll sing, act, dance, and bring exciting ocean stories to life.

First, students will learn songs inspired by favorite sea adventures, including “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and fun pirate-themed favorites. Then, they’ll jump into theater games, creative storytelling, movement activities, and character exploration. As they rehearse, they’ll build confidence, strengthen their imaginations, and practice working together as an ensemble.

Next, performers will develop foundational acting skills, improve stage presence, and learn simple choreography. Every activity encourages creativity, teamwork, and self-expression in a fun and supportive environment. Best of all, every student will have a chance to shine while creating memorable characters and exciting adventures.

Gorton Drama Studio proudly teaches foundational acting exercises and acting technique developed by Jeremy Kruse, author of “The Young Actor’s Handbook” (Applause Acting Series, 2017) and the author of the upcoming book, “The Young Actor’s Technique” that are designed to teach students the basics of acting such as stage presence, projection and creating believable behavior and life skills such as confidence, active listening and managing stage fright. In partaking in a Jeremy Kruse acting class, one makes discoveries about oneself, makes discoveries about the world and learns how to express oneself artistically.

Demonstration: Finally, the session concludes with a demonstration for family and friends. Students will share theater games, exercises, and songs that showcase the skills they developed throughout the session. They will perform songs in one large group or several small groups, complete with simple choreography.

No experience is necessary. Just bring your imagination, your adventurous spirit, and get ready to make a splash on stage!

  • Level One: Explore
  • Ages 5–8
  • Saturdays | 9:00–9:45 AM
  • November 7–December 12, 2026
  • 6 Classes | $200
Meet The Gorton Drama Studio Creative Team

Jeremy Kruse, Artistic Director of Gorton Drama Studio is the author of “The Young Actor’s Handbook” (Applause Acting Series, 2017).The book was published in Korean and Chinese in 2022. 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 

 

 

Gorton Center is a premier destination for outstanding cultural and performing arts experiences serving the residents of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and the surrounding region. As a proud nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we are dedicated to enriching our community through an array of exceptional events and programs.

At Gorton Center, we believe in the transformative power of the arts. Our vibrant calendar is brimming with diverse offerings, ensuring there's always something to captivate and inspire you. From live music performances that resonate with your soul to comedy nights that leave you in stitches, we curate events to suit all tastes and interests. Our dedication to quality and community engagement means you can expect only the best in cultural entertainment.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, there’s always something extraordinary waiting for you. Come be a part of our community, where every event is an opportunity to connect, enjoy, and be inspired.

Gorton offers financial assistance and flexible payment options to individuals who may be unable to afford standard program fees. This support ensures that everyone has the opportunity to participate in meaningful learning and cultural enrichment experiences. Applications are reviewed based on demonstrated financial need.

Gorton Center will take and may use photos and videos from this event for its promotional purposes. Your attendance indicates your consent to the above.

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