Gorton Center

Gentle Yoga
2025-02-27 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-03-20 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
This gentle flow class is warm and light, ideal for anyone wanting a slower-paced class. We move to create flexibility and sustain our range of motion through supportive passive openings and longer holds and props. This class is for any age, body type, and level of experience. As you progress, you will learn how to incorporate breath connection and meditation techniques into your practice. Please bring a mat and a water bottle.
Taking a yoga class can offer a variety of physical, mental, and emotional benefits including improving cardiovascular health, reducing stress and tension and leaving you feeling more energized and revitalized.

Irish Dance Lessons with Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance
2025-03-01 09:00 - 09:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Your child can experience a touch of Ireland in Lake Forest! In this multi-age class, Littles ages 3-5 will work on rhythm, coordination, the traditional Irish jig and a group dance. For ages 5 and up, Beginners will be introduced to basic Irish dance techniques and start solo and team dances. Continuing/Advanced Beginners will build on Irish dance fundamentals, hone skills and technique, and learn a variety of soft shoe dances. For more information, visit www.fitzpatrickschoolofirishdance.com.
9:00-10:30am – Level 3
10:30-11am – LITTLES
11-11:45am – LEVEL 1
12 – 1:30pm – LEVEL 2
1:30 – 3pm – LEVEL 3 + 4

Mr. V's "Winter Road Trip" Performance
2025-03-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
“Mr. V’s Winter Road Trip”
Come and see Mr. V’s winter odyssey across America! Kids will perform his brand new original musical- this will be a multi-media musical event you won’t want to miss. All aboard!
March 1st, 2025
10am

Getting Started with Watercolor Pencil
2025-03-03 13:00 - 15:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Explore the beauty of drawing and painting with watercolor pencils in this in-person course for beginners. Learn everything you need to get started – types of paper, pencils, how to put the color down, how to paint with a pencil. Each session will be a review and work on the painting. The class will work on 3-4 paintings during the course.
STUDENTS NEED TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN SUPPLIES:

Artist Grade Watercolor Pencils (at least 24 colors, 36 colors is preferred)
Mix Media Paper
#1 Round Watercolor Brush
1/8″ Angle Shader Watercolor Brush
Selection of Small Watercolor Brushes

Philip Schorn – P Schorn Studio – Botanical Color Pencil Artist My botanical renderings are not drawings of plant specimens as seen in scientific books; rather, they are renderings of plants as seen through the eye of an artist. I can look at the ground; I can see the shapes, light, and shadows. I focus on a small portion of the subject and what makes it interesting, whether that be the individual leaf, flower, or snapshot of the ground, to bring the details to life.
I have been working with colored pencil for several years and teaching the art for the last three years. I’m currently teaching online from my home since March. I currently teach online color pencil classes for other art studios/galleries, private classes and Facebook demos. I have two books published of my art/techniques on. I have done a number of outdoor shows, group and individual exhibitions.
My process of making a rendering with the detail that I want to have requires a significant amount of time. Sometimes I use other media, such as ink, watercolors or pastels.
I am a member of the Color Pencil Society of America, Grayslake Arts Alliance and the Lake County Art League. My studio is located in Grayslake.
Email: phil@nullpschornstudio.com FB: pschornstudio/

After School Art Club With Lezlie
2025-03-05 15:45 - 17:15 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Do you have a budding artist in the family? Then sign them up for this after-school class where they will create with an art history story! Students start out with free draw time, discuss an “artist of the day”, work on a project inspired by that artist, and finish up with clean up, an art discussion and a draw-a-long. Grades 1 – 4
Our art classes provide your child with a structured environment to explore their creativity and experiment with different artistic techniques. It also offers them a way to express themselves, their thoughts, and emotions in a visual and tangible form. Students will be introduced to various artistic styles, techniques, and cultural influences from around the world that can help them develop an appreciation for diversity and different perspectives.

Irish Dance Lessons with Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance
2025-03-05 16:00 - 16:45
Experience a touch of Ireland in Lake Forest! In this class for ages 5 and up Littles will work on rhythm, coordination, the traditional Irish jig and a group dance. Beginners will be introduced to basic Irish dance techniques and start solo and team dances. Continuing/Advanced Beginners will build on Irish dance fundamentals, hone skills and technique, and learn a variety of soft shoe dances. For more information visit www.fitzpatrickschoolofirishdance.com.
4:00-4:45pm – LEVEL 1
4:45-6:00pm – LEVEL 2
6:00-7:30pm – LEVEL 3 + 4

Alice in Wonderland Again: Friday, March 7 Performance
2025-03-07 18:00 - 19:00
Are you ready to embark on a theatrical adventure like no other? Come and join us for Gorton Drama Studio’s production of Alice in Wonderland in our Grotto Blackbox Theater!
In our “Alice in Wonderland Again: Episode 2 & 3,” students continue with this classic tale through new episodes by our head writer, Jeremy Kruse, a published playwright and award-winning dramatic writer. Madison Kisst, our director, recently led a wildly successful production of “We Will Rock You.”
After weeks of exploration and creation, our adaptation of “Alice” will take center stage in the Grotto Theater March 7 @ 6pm, and March 8 @ 2pm
Tickets are $10, $5 for Groundlings (floor seating, best suited for young kids or those who prefer to criss-cross-apple-sauce)
We can’t wait to see you there!
About 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

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.

Alice in Wonderland Again: Saturday, March 8 Performance
2025-03-08 14:00 - 15:00

Acting for Ages 5 to 8
2025-03-11 16:00 - 17:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Do you have a budding actor in the family? Turn your child’s love of make-believe play into a passion for the arts. Through theater games, improvisation, performing fairy tales and performing children’s books, your budding actor will explore her creative side, build confidence, and develop spontaneity – while enhancing social and motor skills. Students learn and practice skills such as listening, sharing the stage, hitting a mark, enunciation, voice projection and creating a character. Ages 5 – 8
Tuesdays
March 11- May 20
10 Classes
$375
*No class during Spring Break, 3/25

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.jeremykruse.com and www.jeremykruseactingtraining.com

Instructor, 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.

Art Impact Project: Modigliani Self Portraits
2025-03-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Amedeo Modigliani was an Italian painter whose portraits are often characterized by their elongated bodies and blank eyes, distinctively ‘Modigliani’. Using his technique and soft pastel, we encourage artists to reflect on, document, and share their true story, feelings, and mood, rather than the distorted version we sometimes have of ourselves.
Art Impact Project uses this basic drawing technique to demonstrate how you can use this process to relax and let your creativity flow. Using simple art supplies and water, you’ll be given a prompt to create fun and colorful art. You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy this unique wellness project. All supplies provided. This event is for adults, but children 6th grade and up are welcome!
Questions about this program or Art Impact Project? Please contact Cassandra, Manager of Programming. Or, visit the Art Impact Project website here!
Celebrating their tenth anniversary, Art Impact Project is a local 501c(3) with a mission of enhancing emotional wellness through creative expression. They partner with organizations such as schools, treatment facilities, libraries, and other community spaces throughout Lake County, to facilitate art programming with a focus on better mental health. Providing a supportive, small group setting, Art Impact Project guides participant step-by-step through the creative process so everyone can experience the benefits of art.

Advanced Acting Class for Adults
2025-03-11 18:00 - 20:00
Advanced Acting for Adults
Experienced actors are invited to join our Advanced Acting Class, designed for those ready to deepen their craft. Before enrolling, students will meet with Jeremy Kruse to ensure the class aligns with their skills and goals. This course focuses on advanced Method acting techniques through exercises, improvisation, and scene work for both theater and film. On-camera sessions allow actors to review their performances and build professional demo reels. Actors exploring a career will receive guidance on auditions, monologues, and industry preparation. Whether refining your craft or preparing for professional opportunities, this class provides the tools and support to excel.
Tuesdays
7 classes (No class 3/25)
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
March 11- April 29
$350

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

Adult Art with Joalida Smit
2025-03-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Join Joalida in her art studio at the Gorton Center for structured art classes over 3 weeks. Participants will start with mark-making (charcoal, pen, ink), exploring light and shading, moving towards more complex subjects incorporating paint and collage. The aim is to find your flow and natural style, working with your inner critic to become free in your art-making. Joalida will go at your pace, introducing elements as we go along.
This is a structured, yet fun art class where students let go of what holds them back and step into creativity. Every adult needs this class!
Classes will build on this foundational course moving towards, colour, paint and canvas. Join Joalida if you want to be part of a structured, yet freeing journey towards your creative self!

Teen Art Classes With Joalida Smit
2025-03-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Paint and draw with Joalida in her art studio at the Gorton Center! In this on-going class Joalida works with teens exploring different mediums, techniques and subject matter to discover their art style. These classes are unstructured, meeting your teen where they are in their art development and guiding them through individual attention to become more confident in their art making. All materials are provided. Ages 11 – 17
*Please note this is an art development class, not an after school club. Prior art experience and a keen interest in art required. Your teen will be asked to leave if they cannot adhere to the rules of the art room.
Joalida Smit is a Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist who lived and worked in London (UK) and Cape Town (SA) for the past 20 years. She pivoted to full time artist during COVID and now runs an art studio at The Gorton Center working on large scale canvases. Currently she is exploring innovative ways to incorporate art in the psychology work of personal transformation.

Cooking at Froggy's: Vegetarian
2025-03-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Froggy’s Highwood, 306 Green Bay Rd, Highwood, United States
Join Chef Theirry Lefeuvre of Froggy’s French Café in Highwood for a wonderful evening with friends a delicious food! Guests will enjoy two glasses of wine while watching Chef Theirry prepare 3 dishes – a soup, a main and a dessert and will learn recipes and techniques before enjoying the feast! $85 includes two glasses of wine and a 3-course meal.
This class takes place at Froggy’s, 306 Green Bay Rd, Highwood.
Why take a Cooking Class?
– Cooking classes provide an opportunity to learn new cooking techniques, methods, and skills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you can always improve your culinary abilities.
– Cooking classes can be a great way to socialize and meet new people who share your interest in food. It’s an opportunity to connect with others, whether you attend with friends or go on your own.

Breath & Meditation
2025-03-13 18:30 - 19:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Learning to breathe is an art form. Allowing the breath to center and rebalance the body & mind is a practice. Meditation helps to focus our energy and enhance our lives. Practicing breath and meditation can help with a variety of intentions including relaxation, stress reduction, focusing, intention setting, directing energy and more.
Each session we learn how to use the breath in new ways to experience the life force within us and help to direct our energy through intentions. Different modes of meditation will be used through sound, mudras, mantra, and more. This class is designed for beginners and current practicing meditators.
No prior meditation experience is necessary. Bring a yoga mat, blanket, and journal to help enhance your experience. Available on site as well.
Jennifer is a Holistic Occupational Therapist specializing in several healing modalities in her practice. She works with people from all ages and stages of life from birth to seasoned ages. Teaching how to move the energy of the body through breath, visualization and meditation is one her favorite parts of her career. Helping people shift and heal into their spirit’s joy is another! As a mom, wife, & healer the importance of self-care is ever so valuable. Healing individually and collectively is profound. It is beautiful life work. More on meditations and classes can be found at intuitlove.com or contacting Jennifer directly at JenniferLauren@nullintuitlove.com or 224-500-7797.

Alice in Wonderland Again: March 14 Performance
2025-03-14 18:00 - 19:00
Are you ready to embark on a theatrical adventure like no other? Come and join us for Gorton Drama Studio’s production of Alice in Wonderland in our Grotto Blackbox Theater!
In our “Alice in Wonderland Again: Episode 2,” students continue with this classic tale through a new episode by our head writer, Jeremy Kruse, a published playwright and award-winning dramatic writer. Madison Kisst, our director, recently led a wildly successful production of “We Will Rock You.”
After weeks of exploration and creation, our adaptation of “Alice” will take center stage in the Grotto Theater March 14 @ 6pm, and March 15 @ 2pm
Tickets are $10, $5 for Groundlings (floor seating, best suited for young kids or those who prefer to criss-cross-apple-sauce)
We can’t wait to see you there!
About 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

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.

Shamrock Art
2025-03-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
THIS CLASS HAS SOLD OUT!
Experiment with shades of green in a lively Shamrock painting project. Stencil, paint and collage a unique piece of art just in time for St. Patty’s Day Ages 7-12

Alice in Wonderland Again: March 15 Performance
2025-03-15 14:00 - 15:00

Connect, Visualize & Create + Bevies: Alignment
2025-03-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Join Joalida and Susan on a monthly meditation and art evening where we will use visualisation to connect with your inner self to access our universal creativity to live a life of purpose and meaning. Susan will start the evening with a guided meditation and visualisation, we will then move to Joalida’s studio and explore visually what came up for us during the meditation. No prior art experience required. All materials and snacks provided.
Joalida Smit is a Clinical Psychologist and Neuropsychologist who lived and worked in London (UK) and Cape Town (SA) for the past 20 years. She pivoted to full time artist during COVID and now runs an art studio at The Gorton Center working on large scale canvases. Currently she is exploring innovative ways to incorporate art in the psychology work of personal transformation.
Susan is local to Lake Bluff and can’t wait to share yoga with more people in her community. She’s been teaching yoga for 6+ years and practicing for 12+ years and received her teacher training at Forever Om. When not on her mat, Susan gains most of her energy surrounded by friends and family, love and laughter truly is the best medicine! Susan teaches at Toned Yoga in Lake Bluff and Black Cat Yoga in Libertyville.

“When I started my yoga journey, I couldn’t balance or focus…the concept of flow and presence was foreign. I was inflexible physically, mentally and emotionally. Through yoga I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge that supports and strengthens every aspect of my life. Everyone is on a path, your journey is your journey. As a human and instructor, I pride myself on honoring my students journey and encourage each student to empower themselves with grace and self love on and off their mat. “

Divorcing with Dignity
2025-03-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Are you or someone you know contemplating a divorce? This workshop will help you to understand the best options for you and your family. If a couple can communicate and be fair and reasonable, divorce mediation is a path that allows a couple to make 100% of their own decisions about parenting, financial and property divisions, child support and alimony, while allowing them to greatly minimize the negative impact of their divorce on their most valuable assets, their children.
Mediation is also the least costly and quickest way to get through a divorce in a less stressful manner. In this session, you will learn about divorce mediation, what it is, how it works, what it requires, and why it is the healthiest and least expensive way to divorce.
If you cannot attend in-person, you can contact Michael Cohen through his website at michaelsmediation.com to meet 1:1 to review this same information in a confidential manner.
Michael Cohen is a divorce mediator in Lake Forest who is dedicated to helping families get through the stressful process of a divorce in the healthiest way for the couple and for their children. During a successful career leading diverse teams for a large local company, Michael trained at Northwestern University to gain his divorce mediation certification and has built a practice whose purpose is to help others. Michael is a caring, empathetic leader who will take the time to understand your passions and priorities, and will guide you to help you create the best solutions for you and your families.

Cannoli Class! Learn to Make Cannoli
2025-03-20 17:00 - 18:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Tony “Cannoli” Volpentesta was taught in his Italian grandmother’s kitchen and is in never-ending pursuit to make the perfect cannoli shells as vehicles for his delectable filling. Leaning on traditional techniques, Tony Cannoli offers a playful variety of cannoli-themed desserts including cannoli bites, chips n dip, & cake! stop by his dessert shop in downtown Mundelein to satisfy your sweet tooth! Ages: 7 and Up!

Battle Robots Spring Break Camp
2025-03-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
THIS CAMP HAS SOLD OUT. PLEASE JOIN US FOR MORE ROBOTHINK CAMPS THIS SUMMER!
Attention all warriors and engineers! Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled camp with RoboThink where you’ll build and customize an impressive array of mechanical warriors. Once your robot is battle ready, step into the arena and face off against other participants. Using gears, motors, axles and our top secret hardware, victory will be within your grasp! No experience necessary, just get ready to have a blast! Ages 7 – 12

Overture STEAM Music Class (FREE WORKSHOP)
2025-04-01 16:00 - 17:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Join us for this free workshop! Registration is required.
How cool would it be if your child could learn music while playing video games? Overture Games offers a STEAM based music curriculum that introduces kids to musical concepts through engaging, interactive video games. Through our hands-on, game-based curriculum, your child will not only learn to play and compose music but also develop essential skills like creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Whether your child is a budding musician or just curious about music, our pro musician mentors will guide them every step of the way to become creative thinkers! Ages 3rd – 8th Grades
Aspen Buckingham and Steven Jiang, co-founders of Overture Games, are on a mission to revolutionize music education through video games. Aspen, a Northwestern University alumnus, has a background in music composition and computer science. Steven, also a Northwestern graduate, holds degrees in economics and music performance. Their passion for music entrepreneurship has earned them recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and the Chicago Inno 25 Under 25 list.

Kindermusik Level 1-2(16 Months - 3.5 YO)
2025-04-02 10:15 - 11:15 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Imagine twirling around the room, marching with happiness, and singing out with joy! You’ll nurture your child’s blossoming awareness and independence as they dance, sing, play instruments, socialize, develop listening skills, strengthen large/small motor movement, read stories, enjoy sensory stimulation, and practice turn-taking activities.
Kindermusik’s research-based curriculum has been taught exclusively by accredited early childhood educators since 1978! Units themes are new each month, and fees include access to an interactive app and digital learning materials at home. Ages 16 Months – 3.5 Years Old
Since 1978, Kindermusik has helped millions of children around the world build a strong foundation for lifelong learning as the world’s leading provider of music-based education for children from birth through age seven. Licensed educators use age-appropriate, research-based curriculum to harness the power and joy of music, helping your child to learn and grow during the years most critical to brain development. Check out www.kindermusik.com and www.kindermusiknorthshore.com for more information, and to see why we’re ranked as a Top Program by Kindermusik International!

Kindermusik Foundations: Babies - 16 Months
2025-04-02 11:15 - 12:15 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Treasure every giggle as your baby anticipates the next lift, bounce, and tickle! Babies/early walkers and their grown-ups will enjoy dancing, singing, bonding, socializing, exercise, massage, tummy/floor time, language development, sensory exploration, and instrument play. Kindermusik’s research-based curriculum has been taught exclusively by accredited early childhood educators since 1978!
Units themes are new each month, and fees include access to an interactive app and digital learning materials at home. Ages Babies – 16 Months
Since 1978, Kindermusik has helped millions of children around the world build a strong foundation for lifelong learning as the world’s leading provider of music-based education for children from birth through age seven. Licensed educators use age-appropriate, research-based curriculum to harness the power and joy of music, helping your child to learn and grow during the years most critical to brain development. Check out www.kindermusik.com and www.kindermusiknorthshore.com for more information, and to see why we’re ranked as a Top Program by Kindermusik International!

Adult Art With Joalida Smit
2025-04-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Join Joalida in her art studio at the Gorton Center for structured art classes over 5 weeks. Participants will start with mark-making (charcoal, pen, ink), exploring light and shading, moving towards more complex subjects incorporating paint and collage. The aim is to find your flow and natural style, working with your inner critic to become free in your art-making. Joalida will go at your pace, introducing elements as we go along.
This is a structured, yet fun art class where students let go of what holds them back and step into creativity. Every adult needs this class!
Winter classes will build on this foundational course moving towards, colour, paint and canvas. Join Joalida if you want to be part of a structured, yet freeing journey towards your creative self!

Teen Art Class With Joalida Smit
2025-04-02 16:00 - 17:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045

Acting for Ages 9 to 14
2025-04-02 16:30 - 18:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
First-timers and veterans explore their creative sides on stage and in front of the camera. The basics of acting such as hitting a mark, enunciation and voice projection as well as more advanced acting principles such as developing a character, developing a relationship and creating real behavior are explored. Classes consist of acting exercises, character work, improvising in character and doing scene work. Bring in material and characters from any play, TV show, film, book – anything that interests you. Performance material will also be provided. Strengthen your technique and be ready for your next audition and performance. The focus of the class is on learning about acting, learning life skills and having fun! Ages 9 – 14 Years
Wednesdays 4:30- 6:30
April 2- May 21
8 classes- $400
No class presentation.
About 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

Instructor, 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.
