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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261009T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261009T150000
DTSTAMP:20260711T223425
CREATED:20260629T225626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T143513Z
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SUMMARY:HOLLYWOOD CASTING CALL
DESCRIPTION:HOLLYWOOD CASTING CALL \nLights\, camera\, action! Step into the exciting world of movie musicals\, auditions\, and on-screen performance. Throughout this high-energy one-day theater experience\, students audition for roles\, rehearse scenes\, and learn songs just like performers in a real Hollywood casting process. \nAlong the way\, students discover the differences between acting for the camera and acting on stage. They also build confidence as they practice audition techniques and make strong acting choices. Next\, they explore how actors bring characters to life under pressure. Throughout the day\, performers take part in audition games\, scene work\, commercial-style acting challenges\, and fun ensemble performance activities. \nSong & Performance Material may include: \n\nThis Is Me\nTry Everything\nA Million Dreams\nStart of Something New\nRoar\n\nFinal Event: The day culminates in a “Studio Showcase\,” where students present scenes\, songs\, and audition-style performances for an invited audience. \nNo experience needed – just bring your imagination and your best audition energy! \n\nLevel Two: Explore/Develop Day Camp\n\nAges 9–14\n\nFriday | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM\n\nOctober 9\, 2026\n\n1 Day | 6 Hours | $110\n\nGorton 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. \nMeet The Gorton Drama Studio Creative Team\n \nJeremy 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  \n  \n 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/hollywood-casting-call/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Classes,Gorton Drama Studio,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261012T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261012T150000
DTSTAMP:20260711T223425
CREATED:20260629T230438Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T143540Z
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SUMMARY:TIME TRAVELERS
DESCRIPTION:TIME TRAVELERS \nBuckle up – history and the future collide! In this imaginative theater adventure\, students become time travelers who jump between different eras\, characters\, and worlds. From ancient kingdoms to futuristic cities\, performers will create scenes\, explore characters\, and bring time-bending stories to life. \nStudents will build acting skills through improvisation\, character creation\, and ensemble storytelling. Each “time jump” introduces a new setting\, style\, and performance challenge\, helping students expand their range and creativity. \nSong & Performance Material may include: \n\nA Million Dreams\nTry Everything\nFirework\nWe’re All in This Together\nBrave\n\nFinal Event: A “Timeline Showcase” where students perform scenes and songs from multiple eras\, stitched together into a fast-paced theatrical journey. \n\nLevel Two: Explore/Develop Day Camp\n\nAges 9–14\n\nMonday | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM\n\nOctober 12\, 2026\n\n1 Day | 6 Hours | $110\n\nGorton 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. \nMeet The Gorton Drama Studio Creative Team\n \nJeremy 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  \n  \n 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/time-travelers/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Classes,Gorton Drama Studio,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261012T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261012T150000
DTSTAMP:20260711T223425
CREATED:20260707T204500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260710T204627Z
UID:20007359-1791795600-1791817200@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:"Mr. V.'s Day Off" - Columbus Day
DESCRIPTION:“Mr. V.’s Day Off” – Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day\n\nKids ages 4–11\, join Mr. V for an unforgettable day of music\, history\, and adventure on the John and Nancy Hughes Theater stage at Gorton! First\, celebrate great explorers and exciting ocean voyages. Then\, dive into the rich heritage of Native America through Mr. V’s original songs and captivating stories. \nAlong the way\, kids will sing\, move\, create\, and share as they discover history through music. Next\, they’ll enjoy hands-on activities that spark curiosity and imagination. Meanwhile\, Mr. V brings every lesson to life with live piano music and engaging multimedia presentations. As a result\, every activity is fun\, interactive\, and memorable. Best of all\, kids will build new skills while having an amazing time from beginning to end. \nChoose the full-day camp (9 a.m.–3 p.m.\, $120) or the half-day camp (9 a.m.–12 p.m.\, $60). \n\nAges: 4-11\nMonday\, October 12\nFull Day ($120) or Half Day ($60)\n\nMeet the Gorton Drama Studio Team\n\n \nBill Vaananen is an award-winning music educator and composer who has taught and directed elementary-aged students for over 45 years. Originally from Oklahoma\, “Mr. V.” was general music teacher at Wescott School in Northbrook for 37 years. He has written hundreds of songs and dozens of original theater works that have been performed across Chicago’s northern suburbs. Recipient of the Golden Apple Award\, IEA Human Rights Award\, National-Louis Distinguished Alumni Award for Social Justice\, and Star of Teaching Award for the State of Illinois\, Vaananen continues to perform classes and presentations for children\, weaving his original music into inspiring lessons on Nature\, history\, culture\, and adventure. \n  \n \nAbout Our Artistic Director: 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 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/mr-v-s-day-off-columbus-day/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Age,Camps,Classes,Gorton Drama Studio,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261017T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261017T130000
DTSTAMP:20260711T223425
CREATED:20260624T182544Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260624T182544Z
UID:20007323-1792224000-1792242000@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Babysitting and Child Safety
DESCRIPTION:Prepare for babysitting success with the Child and Babysitting Safety (CABS) program from MEDIC First Aid—an engaging and informative course designed specifically for teenagers and young adults who want to build confidence in caring for children. \nWhether you’re looking to start a babysitting business or simply want to be a more responsible sibling\, this course covers everything you need to know to babysit safely\, responsibly\, and professionally. From how to get started and communicate with parents\, to caring for infants and young children\, this class teaches critical skills in a fun and relatable format using a magazine-style student guide and vlogger-inspired videos. \nParticipants will learn important topics including: \n\nStarting and marketing a babysitting business\n\n\nUnderstanding the expectations of parents and caregivers\n\n\nBasic child development and age-appropriate play\n\n\nFeeding\, diapering\, and bedtime routines\n\n\nSafety and emergency preparedness\n\n\nBasic first aid and how to respond to common injuries and emergencies\n\nHands-on training and practice are central to this course. Through realistic scenarios and interactive learning\, students will gain the knowledge and experience needed to handle babysitting situations with calmness and confidence. To successfully complete the class and earn a certificate\, students must demonstrate competency in all required skills without assistance. \nThis class offers an excellent opportunity for participants to strengthen their leadership skills and gain practical experience in babysitting. Students will also learn valuable safety techniques and build a strong sense of responsibility. \nAges 12+\nPlease feel free to bring lunch\, a snack\, a water bottle\, and wear comfortable clothes!
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/babysitting-and-child-safety-october-17/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Classes,Specialty,Wellness,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261023T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261023T150000
DTSTAMP:20260711T223425
CREATED:20260629T231050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T143711Z
UID:20007345-1792746000-1792767600@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:MYSTERY MANOR
DESCRIPTION:MYSTERY MANOR \nSomething strange is happening at Mystery Manor. Now it’s up to our performers to solve the case! First\, students become detectives\, suspects\, and storytellers. Then\, they uncover clues\, solve theatrical puzzles\, and create scenes filled with suspense\, humor\, and surprising twists. \nThroughout the day\, students build acting skills through character development\, improvisation\, and ensemble storytelling. Along the way\, they take on a series of mystery-themed acting challenges. With each new activity\, they discover more clues. Finally\, they put everything together in an exciting final performance that reveals the mystery’s solution. \nSong & Performance Material may include: \n\nBe Our Guest\nWhen Will My Life Begin?\nSurface Pressure\nPoor Unfortunate Souls\nThis Is Me\n\nFinal Event: A “Solve the Mystery” showcase where students present scenes and songs that reveal the story’s outcome and uncover the truth behind Mystery Manor. \nNo experience needed – just curiosity\, imagination\, and a sense of adventure! \n\nLevel Two: Explore/Develop Day Camp\n\nAges 9–14\n\nFriday | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM\n\nOctober 23\, 2026\n\n1 Day | 6 Hours | $110\n\nGorton 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. \nMeet The Gorton Drama Studio Creative Team\n \nJeremy 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  \n  \n 
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/mystery-manor/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Classes,Gorton Drama Studio,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261025T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261025T120000
DTSTAMP:20260711T223425
CREATED:20260512T144536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T144536Z
UID:20007255-1792924200-1792929600@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Etiquette: Dining with the Stars
DESCRIPTION:Manners Matter\nGood manners help kids shine. Simple things – like saying “please” or waiting their turn -can lead to big rewards. These small habits build confidence\, respect\, and kindness. They also help children connect with others and feel more comfortable in social settings. \nIn this class\, children ages 5 to 8 will learn the basics of everyday manners. The lessons are fun\, hands-on\, and easy to understand. Through gentle practice and simple routines\, kids will build skills they can use at home\, school\, or anywhere they go. \nGood manners start with respect – for yourself and for others. When children practice polite behavior\, they show they care. They learn to be thoughtful guests\, kind friends\, and helpful family members. \nThis class covers key habits that make mealtimes smoother and conversations easier. Step by step\, students will learn how to behave politely in group settings and around the table. \nTopics include:\n\nSetting the table for a two-course meal using real plates\, cutlery\, and glasses\nPracticing how to use silverware correctly\nTaking turns and being patient while others speak\nSitting tall with good posture and keeping elbows off the table\nListening carefully and making eye contact when someone is talking\nStarting and joining polite conversations during meals\n\nEach skill is taught in a way that’s age-appropriate and fun. Children will practice with their classmates and build habits they can use every day. \nBy the end of class\, your child will feel more confident and capable in social situations. They’ll understand why manners matter – and how to use them to show kindness and respect. \nGive your child a strong start with the lifelong gift of good etiquette. It’s a small investment that brings big results. \nAges Kindergarten – 3rd Grades  — Please note lunch will be served (bread roll\, chicken\, 3 vegetables and dessert)  Notify LIBBY JOHNSON if your child has an allergy we should be aware of. \nThis class is taught by Sarah Berto from Confidence with Etiquette.
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/etiquette-dining-with-the-stars-october-25/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Classes,Specialty,Wellness,Youth
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261025T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261025T143000
DTSTAMP:20260711T223425
CREATED:20260512T143909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T143909Z
UID:20007253-1792931400-1792938600@gortoncenter.org
SUMMARY:Etiquette: Pearls & Bowties
DESCRIPTION:Manners Matter \nEtiquette is an important life skill that helps children thrive in any setting. Simple actions – like saying “please\,” listening respectfully\, or waiting their turn – can make a big difference. These habits build confidence\, encourage cooperation\, and show respect for others. \nIn this fun and interactive class\, children will learn the basics of everyday etiquette. They’ll practice polite behavior\, improve their social skills\, and gain tools to handle a variety of situations. The lessons are hands-on and easy to follow. Step by step\, students will grow more comfortable and confident. \nFirst\, we’ll talk about manners at home. Then we’ll move on to social settings. From casual playdates to formal family dinners\, your child will learn what’s expected – and why it matters. \nTopics include: \n\nHow to set the table for a three-course meal\nEtiquette for both casual and formal events\nMaking eye contact and being a good listener\nStarting conversations and knowing what to say\nUsing phones and tablets politely in group settings\n\nAlong the way\, students will learn to think before they speak\, show kindness\, and handle themselves with care. These skills help them feel more prepared\, whether they’re meeting new people or spending time with family. \nMost importantly\, they’ll learn that good etiquette isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being thoughtful\, respectful\, and aware of others. \nBy the end of class\, your child will feel more at ease in many social situations. They’ll understand how etiquette helps them connect with others – and why it matters every day. \nHelp your child build strong habits that last a lifetime. Because when they know how to use good manners\, they’re ready for anything. \nThis is led by Sarah Berto with Confidence with Etiquette  \nAges 9 -13 \n*Please note lunch will be served (bread roll\, minestrone\, chicken\, 3 vegetables & dessert)
URL:https://gortoncenter.org/event/etiquette-pearls-bowties-october-25/
LOCATION:Gorton Center\, 400 East Illinois Road\, Lake Forest\, IL\, 60045
CATEGORIES:Classes,Specialty,Wellness,Youth
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