Gorton Center

Do Not Submit-Lake Forest
2025-01-08 19:15 - 21:15 (America/Chicago) | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Storytelling Open Mic-WALK-INS WELCOME

DNS takes place the second Wednesday of every month. No Cover Charge!

Do Not Submit Lake Forest takes place in a cozy room in the Gorton Center, Lake Forest. It is a monthly storytelling open mic in an enthusiastic, supportive environment free from pressure, judgment, or scoring. No experience is necessary to participate. All are welcome to speak or simply listen. Arrive at 7:15 to sign up for a spot, and when your name is called, participants will have up to 7 minutes to tell/read/tap dance any personal story/fiction/essay on proper flossing they’d like. All language and content is acceptable except for hate speech. No cover charge. Beer, wine and non alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Hosted by Jasmin Rodriguez, Suzie Garfield & Lisa Parr
About Your Host:

Jasmin Rodriguez is a trained actress with over 10 years of stage, commercial, film, storytelling experience. Most recently she completed commercial’s for BrightStar Care and Spirit Juice. She has worked in several independent films, such as “Faithful Disappointment’s”, Market Value” and the TV true crime series “American Greed”. She completed her training at Second City, Vagabond, Sarantos Studios, Wheaton Drama, and Gorton Drama Studio. Jasmin is a dedicated actress and hard worker who is constantly looking to improve her skills. She is currently working as an MC for DO NOT SUBMIT – Lake Forest Open Mic and sharing wonderful stories with her guest. She enjoys powerwalking by the lake, bike riding, singing in her church choir & travels to Europe.

Suzie Garfield expects everyone to have stories (not just a story) to tell. As for her own background: She’s raised her 2 sons to adulthood. She’s programmed computers, managed business projects, learned as much as she could about other stuff, taught as much of it as she could get to interest other people, and always—always—told the stories about any and all of it. Now, as a retiree from the conventional workforce, an empty nester, a consumer of food, opera, theater, museums, the visual arts, and miscellaneous other adventures, and a perpetual storyteller, she keeps looking for and finding the next challenge, the next thing to learn, do, and teach, and the next story.

After teaching studio art and art history in high school and colleges, Lisa Parr opened and still runs her business internationally restoring Historic Landmark antique carousels, speaking and writing articles on them and her specialty of original paint. Additional application of her skills is for legal work, court verifying and identifying carousel figures for insurance, damage, and theft for private collectors, as well as appraisals for museums, art dealers, and auctions. In connection with carousel art, Lisa pursues research in early Celtic design and mythology on site in the upper isles of Scotland. Many early Celtic and pre-Christian designs are reproduced on carousels and carousel animals. Her interest in ancient and contemporary mythology has led her to research mountain storytelling, initiating more travel and recent storytelling, herself. Lisa has been telling Highland Park, Lake Forest, and several venues in Chicago. For fun, Lisa also restores antique wood toys and sports cars, which she drives with vigor and nostalgia.​

STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI
2025-01-09 19:00 - 21:30 | Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
After rescuing Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt, the Rebel Alliance attempts to destroy the second Death Star while Luke struggles to help Darth Vader back from the dark side.
Director: Richard Marquand
Stars: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher
This film is part of the First Thursdays Series and is generously supported by the Sheffield Foundation.

Girl Gonna Launch Dream Squad
2025-01-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Celebrating Girls’ BIG Dreams!
Each month, girls will explore new skills, develop big ideas, explore together, and learn fun things! Together, we’ll help girls develop BIG ideas, learn about business, and work on projects that can positively change her school and community! Grades 6 – 8
5 Total Session: Saturdays, January 11, February 8, March 8, April 12, May 10, 2 – 4pm
About the instructor
Kate Jackson, MA, MBA teaches at Northwestern University’s Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and has led a nationally recognized college entrepreneurship and innovation program. She is known for her innovative pedagogical approach to teaching which favors active learning over theory to help students master entrepreneurial habits of mind, resilience, human-centric design, business skills, and persuasive pitching. In addition to being an entrepreneurship and design-thinking educator, Kate is a founder herself. Before launching her own ventures, she worked for some of the largest global corporations, including Accenture, Deloitte Consulting, JP Morgan, and PBS. She received her BA and MA from University of Chicago and MBA from UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Red Rose Jazz 2025
2025-01-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Gorton Center – Stuart Community Room
THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT!
Come enjoy this annual Gorton Center highlight! The Red Rose Jazz Band returns for a concert in our lovely Stuart room. Red Rose presents the very best of ragtime, dixie and early jazz.

Connect, Visualize & Create + Bevies: Vision
2025-01-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Vision: Clear Space & Renew, Align with Your Goals
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. “

Acting for Ages 5 to 8
2025-01-14 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
January 14 – March 4
8 Classes
$300

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.

Advanced Acting Class for Adults
2025-01-14 17:00 - 19:00
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
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
January 14 – March 4
$400

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

After School Art Club With Lezlie
2025-01-15 15:45 - 17:15 | Gorton Center – Grotto, Lake Forest, IL, United States
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

RoboThink After School: Trains, Plane & Automobiles
2025-01-15 16:00 - 17:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Explore the world of transportation with RoboThink! Students will build robots based on their favorite vehicles from the RoboThink curriculum, from cars to planes and everything in between. With motors, gears, batteries and mainboards at their disposal, kids will construct exclusive new robot designs while gaining valuable STEM skills. Ages 7 – 12
RoboThink offers cutting-edge STEM education for kids, focusing on robotics, coding, and engineering. Our hands-on programs foster creativity, problem-solving, and a love for learning. With state-of-the-art robotics kits, children build, program, and bring robots to life in a fun, engaging environment. Our expert instructors are passionate about inspiring the next generation of innovators. Join us to unlock your child’s potential in a world of technology and imagination. Ideal for after-school, weekend, and holiday camps. Discover the joy of learning at RoboThink!

Alice in Wonderland: Again, Part 2
2025-01-15 16:30 - 18:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Join us for the Wednesday and Thursday winter session of Alice in Wonderland: Again as we continue our journey with Part Two of this original adaptation! Actors will work on beloved characters like Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts, immersing themselves in fresh, imaginative dialogue. In the first half of the session, we’ll concentrate on blocking and memorizing lines, while the second half emphasizes in-depth character work, guided by award-winning writer Jeremy Kruse and visionary director Madison Kisst. Whether you’re a seasoned actor or a beginner, this class offers a unique opportunity to refine your skills and join a vibrant, collaborative community, culminating in two exciting performances. Enroll today!
We hope you will join us!

Performance on March 7 at 6 pm in the Grotto.
Performance on March 8 at 2 pm in the Grotto.
16 classes (32 hours) + 2 performances (6 hours)

Do you qualify for free lunch? If so, email Jeremy Kruse regarding a full or partial scholarship.
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.

Film Acting & Production: Alice in Wonderland
2025-01-15 16:30 - 18:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
In this exciting on-camera class, students will dive into the art of film acting while helping bring two original plays — written by Jeremy Kruse and first performed on stage this past winter — to the screen. These scripts are being newly adapted for film, with fresh scenes and storylines created just for this project.
Students will work on scenes from the evolving Alice Again series, including “The Jabberwocky Necklace,” and “Willy-Nilly.” Those who participated in the live theater productions will have the special opportunity to build on their previous roles – or work on other roles – with new material written specifically for film, while new students can step into characters for the first time. Every student will have a sizable role.
Throughout the class, students will learn the subtleties that make screen acting different from stage work. They’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking process.
Once filming wraps, there will be a short post-production period during which Jeremy will edit the films. Within two weeks of the final class, families will be invited to a special screening of the completed projects. Additionally, the finished films will be submitted to local film festivals, giving students the exciting chance to see their work shared with a wider audience.
This class offers a rare opportunity to develop on-camera acting skills, contribute to an original film project from script to screen, and be part of a creative and collaborative filmmaking experience.

Wednesdays and Thursdays
4:30pm to 6:30pm
September 23 – November 13
Screening: December 4 at 6pm
$800

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

THE DISENGAGED TEEN: HELPING KIDS LEARN BETTER, FEEL BETTER, AND LIVE BETTER
2025-01-16 19:00 - 20:00 | On Zoom
Adolescents are hardwired to explore and grow, and learning is mainly how they do this. But a shocking majority of teens are disengaged from school, simultaneously bored and overwhelmed. This is feeding an alarming teen mental health crisis. As kids get older and more independent, parents often feel powerless to help. But fear not, there are evidence-backed strategies to guide them from disengagement to drive, in and out of school.
For the past five years, award-winning journalist Jenny Anderson and the Brookings Institution’s global education expert Rebecca Winthrop, Ph.D. have been investigating why so many children lose their love of learning in adolescence. Based on extensive original research, including surveys of over 60,000 students, 25,000 parents and 6,000 teachers; as well as in-depth interviews with 100 students over years, their new book, The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better offers four modes of learning that students use to navigate through the shifting academic demands and social dynamics of middle and high school, shaping the internal narratives about their skills, potential, and identity: Resister, Passenger, Achiever, and Explorer. Understanding your child’s learning modes is vital for nurturing their ability to become Explorers. Anderson and Winthrop outline simple yet counterintuitive parenting strategies for connecting with your child, tailoring your listening and communication styles to their needs, igniting their curiosity, and building self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Anderson and Winthrop will be in conversation with Charles Duhigg (FAN ’24), Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist and author of the New York Times bestsellers Supercommunicators and The Power of Habit.
BONUS AFTER-HOURS EVENT: Attendees who purchase a copy of The Disengaged Teen from FAN’s partner bookseller The Book Stall are invited to attend an AFTER-HOURS event hosted by Anderson and Winthrop that will start immediately after the webinar. Details on the webinar registration page.
This event suitable for youth 12+. It will be recorded and available on FAN’s website and YouTube channel.

The Mothers' Circle: Find Your Tribe & Tools
2025-01-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
The monthly Mothers’ Circle is a supportive and empowering class for modern-day moms who are looking to parent consciously and raise authentic, resilient children. This class offers a safe and nonjudgmental community where moms can share their experiences and challenges, and gain strategies and tools to navigate the complexities of motherhood.
Key themes and take-aways from the Mothers’ Circle:

Community: Finding support and connection helping moms feel resourced, encouraged, and inspired.
Conscious Parenting: Supporting moms along their journey to parent in a way that aligns with their values and goals, possibly different from how they were raised.
Matrescence: Exploring the process of becoming a mother and the identity transformation it entails.
Myths of the ‘Good Mother’: Debunking societal myths and pressures about what it means to be a good mother.
Mindfulness Practices: Learning do-able practices and tools that promote self-understanding, emotion regulation, and compassion.

The class is inclusive of moms with children of all ages, though specific topics like infancy and postpartum and transitioning kids out of the nest are better addressed in other groups.
Limited spots available!
Angele Close: A clinical psychologist, mindfulness meditation teacher, and accredited motherhood coach, Dr. Angele Close has been teaching workshops and courses on mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional healing and resilience for over a decade. Her personal journey of growth and healing as a mom to three kids has inspired her to focus her clinical skills and experience to support and guide other moms along their journeys of navigating motherhood and parenting to their fullest potential. Dr. Close has a private practice providing coaching and psychotherapy with women.

The Seven Times presents "The Negro Artist"
2025-01-17 18:30 - 22:00 | Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
Chicagoland Premiere of Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Nik Heftman’s first feature-length documentary: The Negro Artist.
Date January 17, 2025
Time: 6:30 -10 pm
Details: Doors open at 6:30 pm and the event starts at 7 pm, to include a Q & A discussion with filmmaker, producer and poet Caleb Rainey, the film showing, and followed by a reception.
This event showcases the up-and-coming, Emmy Award-winning documentary journalist/ filmmaker, Nik Heftman, and his media company, The Seven Times. (http://www.the7times.com) Nik Heftman won an Emmy early in his career for his work with CBS before starting his own media company, The Seven Times. You can learn more about his work in the links below. The Negro Artist has enjoyed several sold-out screenings throughout Iowa and an upcoming showing in Detroit, with others in planning. Additionally, the film is an Official Selection in the Culver City Film Festival, showing this December in Los Angeles, CA, so there has been great momentum building.
Our Guests: The January 17th event at Gorton Center will feature the film screening and conversations with the filmmaker, Nik Heftman, producer & veteran journalist, Doug Burns (https://theiowamercury.substack.com ) and special guest and subject of the film, spoken word poet Caleb Rainey (https://www.thenegroartist.com)
The Film: It is a beautiful and uplifting piece, gorgeously filmed, which weaves the story of the work of spoken word artist, Caleb Rainey, with those of the young students and farming community members in whom his work inspires, uplifts and heals. It’s a moving film about the power of poetry and communication in knitting communities together and even inspiring healing and change. While set in rural Iowa, its message is compelling and relevant for all.
Support: In addition to coming to the event, or if you are unable to attend, I invite you to make a donation to The Seven Times to help Nik continue his great work All funds raised will go toward promoting this film, entrance submission fees for international film festivals, to continue his media platform, as well as to help fund his next documentary film which is currently in the concept phase.
Tax-Free Donations: https://bit.ly/3OOjir8
The Seven Times: https://www.the7times.com

Rendezvous Arts: Kontras String Quartet
2025-01-17 19:00 - 20:15 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Friday night concert timeline / Concessions for sale, including beer & wine
7:00-8:15 PM Concert (no intermission)
8:15-8:45 PM Conversation with artists

Let’s ring in the new year with the Kontras String Quartet! Their attention to detail, high energy, and creative programming brought down the house in their past Rendezvous performances—and we know you’ll be glad you braved the cold weather to experience them again this year! Eleanor Bartsch and Francois Henkins on violin, Ben Weber on viola, and Jean Hatmaker on cello will bring a new and exciting program for you to enjoy!
Millicent Kennedy‘s interdisciplinary art practice responds to found objects, chosen places and the history embedded in material. From broken donated
tools encased in archival shrouds honoring workers, to window bars and security gates that maintain the thin veil of private property, the items their
practice engages are part of the thematic grounding of the work. A frequent modality of Kennedy’s work is stitching objects into textiles that
they have printed with natural dyes. The process of hand sewing around materials creates a fitted but obscured form. The process has a
transformative quality, allowing for the possibility to think about broken things differently, or consider how seeing a boundary that is not always
visible changes it.
Millicent Kennedy’s (they/them) practice is interested in how we archive a physical world in flux. Through skills both laborious and ancient including
book and box making, natural dye and hand stitching, Kennedy connects to the knowledge of generations of unknown hands who worked to hold their
world together. Their work as a whole is interested in connecting two or more things that could seem separate or worn away from one another. Like
dyeing and mending, the alchemy is in the labor and material itself, that leads to transformation.

The Second City
2025-01-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
This event is sold out. Please call 847-234-6060 to be added to a waitlist.
The Second City Touring Company’s “Mo’ Funny, Less Problems” promises an uproarious celebration of comedy genius through two acts of scripted scenes, musical comedy and their legendary improvisation. The iconic Chicago theater makes America laugh at pop culture, headlines, scandals and trends.
Today, The Second City is home to a world-class entertainment company, continuing to produce premier talent in all three of its locations–Chicago, Toronto, and Hollywood–and entertaining more than one million audience members a year. From Steve Carell to Keegan-Michael Key, Stephen Colbert to Tina Fey, Chris Farley to Mike Myers, Second City’s imprint is all over film, television, and beyond.
Cash bar will be provided. Please call for wheelchair seating.
The Second City controls the content of this event, and some material may be of a mature nature.

THELMA
2025-01-19 15:00 - 17:00 | Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
When 93-year-old Thelma Post gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she sets out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her.
Director: Josh Margolin
Stars: June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree

Mr. V's Day Off - Martin Luther King Day
2025-01-20 09:00 - 15:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Martin Luther King Day (Pajama Day) Monday, Jan. 20
Join Mr. V. for a day-long musical sojourn, including a tribute to the legacy of Dr. King and the Civil Rights movement. The WInter season will also be celebrated with songs and activities involving winter sports such as hockey, skiing, and speedskating. We’ll be snug in our jammies all day long as we sing, laugh, and find inspiration together on the John and Nancy Hughes stage at Gorton.
January 20, 2025
OPTION #1: 1/2 day – 9 am to Noon = $49
OPTION #2: 1/2 day – Noon to 3 pm = $49
OPTION #3: Full Day – 9 am to 3 pm = $99
Ages 4 to 10
Check out footage from Mr. V’s recent class.

Bill 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.

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

Alice in Wonderland: Again, Part 1
2025-01-20 16:30 - 18:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Join us for the Friday and Monday class of Alice in Wonderland: Again, where we’ll focus on performing Part One of this original adaptation, developed in the fall! Dive into Lewis Carroll’s whimsical world, portraying characters like Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts while collaborating on fresh, imaginative dialogue. Under the guidance of award-winning writer Jeremy Kruse and visionary director Madison Kisst, you’ll explore creative new perspectives on this classic tale. Whether you’re a seasoned actor or a beginner, this is a unique opportunity to enhance your skills and join a vibrant creative community. Enroll today!

Fridays – 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Mondays – 4:30pm to 6:30pm
NOTE: No class March 7/ a Thursday class is added on March 13 because the first show will be on Friday, March 14.
Performance on March 14 at 6 pm in the Grotto.
Performance on March 15 at 2 pm in the Grotto.
16 classes (32 hours)
2 performances (6 hours)

Do you qualify for free lunch? If so, email Jeremy Kruse regarding a full or partial scholarship.
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.

Financial Literacy: Your Financial Goals
2025-01-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
THIS SESSION HAS BEEN CANCELLED. PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE NEXT CLASS ON FEBRUARY 20!
Health, wealth and happiness are inter-related components to a successful life. This trio indicates not only how we live, but how long we live. Financial literacy is considered a strong indicator of financial health and wellness. Individuals with a higher level of financial knowledge tend to make better financial decisions, are more equipped to handle economic challenges and recover from financial setbacks. We are going to be talking about need to know financial concepts to help you better navigate your financial future – starting today!

Kristin is a Wealth Advisor and Family Consultant at the Lerner Group located in Deerfield Illinois, Kristin works with clients who find themselves in a moment of financial transition. Her primary focus is to work with clients through the divorce process as an advocate to give financial clairity and guidance.
Kristin has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from Michigan Tech University, and a Masters in Business (MBA)from Northwestern University. She is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and a Certified Divorce Financial Ananlyst (CDFA).
Kristin and her family have been a Lake Forest residents for 25 years. She has held numerous financial literacy gatherings in the Lake forest area for young adults, women and couples- presenting best practices for financial independence and success.

Ragdale Presents -A Conversation with Lisa Genova
2025-01-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
Harvard-trained neuroscientist and New York Times bestselling author Lisa Genova has been praised as the Oliver Sacks of fiction and the Michael Crichton of brain science for writing stories inspired both by neurological conditions and by our shared human condition. She will be discussing her new novel, More or Less Maddy, a novel about an NYU freshman trying to navigate the complex effects bipolar disorder has on her identity, her relationships, and her life dreams.
Conversation with Lisa Genova and Megan Stielstra after with audience Q & A.
DATE: Thursday, January 23, 2025
TIME: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

OUTRAGED: WHY WE FIGHT ABOUT MORALITY AND POLITICS AND HOW TO FIND COMMON GROUND
2025-01-23 19:00 - 20:00 | On Zoom
It’s easy to assume that liberals and conservatives have radically different moral foundations. In his new book Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground, Kurt Gray, Ph.D. showcases the latest science to demonstrate that we all have the same moral mind—that everyone’s moral judgments stem from feeling threatened or vulnerable to harm.
We all care about protecting ourselves and the vulnerable. Conflict arises, however, when we have different perceptions of harm. We get outraged when we disagree about who the “real” victim is, whether we’re talking about political issues, fights with our in-laws, or arguments on the playground.
In this fascinating and insightful tour of our moral minds, Gray, a professor in psychology and neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he directs the Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding, tackles popular myths that prevent us from understanding ourselves and those around us. While it is commonly believed that our ancestors were apex predators, Gray argues that for most of our evolutionary history, humans were more hunted than hunter. This explains why our minds are hard-wired to perceive threats and provides surprising insights on the scientific origins of our values and beliefs. Though we might think ourselves driven by objective reasoning, Gray unveils new research that finds our moral judgments are based on gut feelings rather than rational thought and presents a compelling reminder that we are more alike than we might think.
Drawing on groundbreaking research, Gray provides a captivating new explanation for our moral outrage and unpacks how to best bridge divides. If you want to understand the morals of the “other side,” ask yourself a simple question—what harms do they see?
Gray will be in conversation with Paul Bloom (FAN ’23), Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto and Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Yale University. He is the author of seven books, including his latest Psych: The Story of the Human Mind.
BONUS AFTER-HOURS EVENT: Attendees who purchase a copy of Outraged from FAN’s partner bookseller The Book Stall are invited to attend an AFTER-HOURS event hosted by Gray that will start immediately after the webinar. Details on the webinar registration page.
This event suitable for youth 12+. It will be recorded and available on FAN’s website and YouTube channel.

Winterfest – Featuring Mountainfilm on Tour
2025-01-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Experience Winterfest at Mountainfilm on Tour: Après-Ski Vibes, Food, Music, and Fun!
Get the full Mountainfilm on Tour experience by diving into the festive atmosphere of Winterfest, a free event included with your Mountainfilm on Tour ticket! Transport yourself to an alpine escape in the Stuart Ski Lodge, where the charm of a ski chalet meets lively entertainment and delicious bites.
Here’s What’s Happening in the Stuart Ski Lodge

Live Acoustic Music – Enjoy live music while you soak in the après-ski vibe
Craft Libations – Enjoy craft brews and signature “ski-style” cocktails for purchase
Food Trucks – Featuring something for everyone, from wood-fired pizza and tacos to hearty comfort foods from Left Bank

Stuart Ski Lodge Hours:

Friday from 6 – 7:30 pm
Saturday from 3:30 – 7:30 pm

Food Trucks on Site

LaPlancha Loca – Bold, Mexican fare with vibrant flavors featuring everything from carne to shrimp to tofu chorizo
Mamma Mia Wood-Fired Pizza – Classic, piping-hot pizzas with an artisanal touch
Left Bank – Indulge in hot dogs, pulled pork, and creamy mac-and-cheese

Dress in your coolest après-ski apparel, grab a drink and hang out with friends in our warm and welcoming lodge. Whether you’re refueling after the short films or gearing up for the medley, Winterfest has everything you need for an unforgettable evening.
Dinner plans? Done.
Après-ski experience? Perfect.
Mountainfilm on Tour Festival? Totally Rocks.
Come for the films, stay for the fun!

WINTERFEST FRIDAY NIGHT FEATURE - OUT THERE: A NATIONAL PARKS STORY
2025-01-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
A young filmmaker sets out on a 10,000-mile exploration of the national parks with his childhood best friend during the centennial year of the formation of the National Park Service. Along the way, the two record stories of the people who work in the parks and those who come to enjoy them, as part of the rich tapestry of the park system’s history emerges.

They hear profound stories of people from all ages, walks of life, and cultures that come to the parks seeking tranquility, healing, motivation, and connection to the natural world. Between the spectacular shots of the parks and compelling interviews are colorful bits of old maps, posters, and travelogues. This stunning road trip is a tribute to the national parks and their history, and is also a recognition of the people that appreciate them and work to maintain their beauty.

This is a wonderful film, that we can’t picture anyone not enjoying. It is a complete crowd-pleaser with great, personal stories and amazing cinematography. If you haven’t seen this one yet, don’t miss these last opportunities to see it on a big screen.

Filmmaker Brendan Hall will be Zooming in after the screening for a Q & A!
Mountainfilm is co-presented by the Gorton Center and Lake Forest Open Lands and sponsored by The Community Church of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff.

Mr. V's "Winter Road Trip" Saturday Show 2025
2025-01-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
“Mr. V’s Winter Road Trip”
Join Mr. V. for an unforgettable winter odyssey across America! Kids will love to hop aboard for the musical journey of a lifetime: an inspirational vision of our nation along a snowbound adventure through the American wilderness. This brand new original musical will be a multi-media musical event your child won’t want to miss. All aboard!
Saturdays
9 am to 11 am
Jan. 25-March 1
Performance on Saturday, March 1st at 10 a.m.
1st through 4th grade
Check out footage from Mr. V’s recent class.

Bill 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.

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

Mountainfilm on Tour 2025: All Ages Shorts Program
2025-01-25 14:00 - 15:30 | Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
Gorton Center and Lake Forest Open Lands present… All Ages Shorts Program!
A curated look at some of the very best Mountainfilm on Tour has to offer. The program offers an eclectic mix of films about extreme sports, nature, and animals. Bring the whole family along for a memorable experience in our John and Nancy Hughes Theater! We carefully selected films for this program that we feel will be a big hit with our community. Suitable for all ages.
All Ages Shorts Films:
The Rock Pool Waltz
Directed and created by 14 year-old Marlon Denning, The Rock Pool Waltz is the story of the unlikely friendship Marlon discovers while looking to nature for connection during the solitude of COVID.
Australia/ Duration: 8 min
Directed by: Marlon Denning
Frosty Formulations
Frosty Formulations is a zesty seven-minute film that uncovers the cool chemistry behind ice cream. Join the spirited Dr. Maya Warren as she dives into the microscopic magic that makes ice cream simultaneously solid, liquid, and gas.
USA/ Duration: 8 min
Directed by: Page Buono
Freya
Leo Houlding’s daughter, Freya, uses climbing as a practice to lean into discomfort and fear to help navigate her neurodiversity and harness its strengths.
USA/ Duration: 4 min
Directed by: Natasha Brooks
The Ugandan Quidditch Movement
In Uganda, a sport is driving social change. That sport is quidditch. After a chance encounter with a Harry Potter novel, a dedicated teacher brings the magic world of chasers, beaters, seekers, quaffles, bludgers and the golden snitch to the students at Good Shepherd Primary School in Katwadde Village. As they train for an upcoming tournament, the quidditch community they create helps the kids smash taboos about gender, learn teamwork and overcome poverty.
USA/ Duration: 15 min
Directed by: Ben Garfield
Concrete Dreams: The Skate Awakening of Laos
Concrete Dreams: The Skate Awakening of Laos chronicles the evolution of a grassroots skateboard movement in Laos. Local skaters, fueled by passion and vision, create DIY skate spots, reshaping their urban landscape.
USA, Belgium, Laos, Australia/ Duration: 8 min
Directed by: Seilina Miles
The Wintering Grounds
For most of the year, bands of world-class freestyle kayakers roam the land in search of waves. But when the rivers freeze, everyone finds their way to a special spot on the Chattahoochee River on the Alabama-Georgia border. Squatting in an abandoned parking lot, they spend the winter training for the next world championships on North America’s best winter whitewater. Although called “certifiable lunatics” by the locals, this tight-knit group is proof of the power of family and that indeed, everything is more fun with friends.
USA/ Duration: 21 min
Directed by: Jeff Springer
Desert Wings
Desert Wings brings the unique sport of paramotoring to light showcasing talented pilots exploring the dramatic landscapes of the American Southwest.
USA/ Duration: 4 min
Directed By: Nathan McBride

Winterfest – Featuring Mountainfilm on Tour
2025-01-25 15:30 - 19:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Experience Winterfest at Mountainfilm on Tour: Après-Ski Vibes, Food, Music, and Fun!
Get the full Mountainfilm on Tour experience by diving into the festive atmosphere of Winterfest, a free event included with your Mountainfilm on Tour ticket! Transport yourself to an alpine escape in the Stuart Ski Lodge, where the charm of a ski chalet meets lively entertainment and delicious bites.
Here’s What’s Happening in the Stuart Ski Lodge

Live Acoustic Music – Enjoy live music while you soak in the après-ski vibe
Craft Libations – Enjoy craft brews, and signature “ski-style” cocktails for purchase
Food Trucks – Featuring something for everyone, from wood-fired pizza and tacos to hearty comfort foods

Stuart Ski Lodge Hours:

Friday from 6 – 7:30 pm
Saturday from 3:30 – 7:30 pm

Food Trucks on Site

LaPlancha Loca – Bold, Mexican fare with vibrant flavors featuring everything from carne to shrimp to tofu chorizo
Mamma Mia Wood-Fired Pizza – Classic, piping-hot pizzas with an artisanal touch
Left Bank – Indulge in hot dogs, pulled pork, and creamy mac-and-cheese

Dress in your coolest après-ski apparel, grab a drink and hang out with friends in our warm and welcoming lodge. Whether you’re refueling after the short films or gearing up for the medley, Winterfest has everything you need for an unforgettable evening.
Dinner plans? Done.
Après-ski experience? Perfect.
Mountainfilm on Tour Festival? Totally Rocks.
Come for the films, stay for the fun!

Mountainfilm on Tour 2025: Adventure Shorts Program
2025-01-25 16:00 - 17:30 | Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
Gorton Center and Lake Forest Open Lands present… Adventure Shorts!
The Mountainfilm on Tour: Adventure Shorts program provides an eclectic mix of stories about appreciating the natural world and competing in extreme sport. Like any great adventure, the program has its share of grueling climbs and breathtaking descents, as well as more contemplative moments that focus on the beauty of the wild. It’s a program that’s sure to bring out the nature lover and thrill seeker in all of us!
Adventure Shorts films:
Above the Noise

The world around us can feel overwhelming and loud. In response, Maya delves into her practice of skydiving as a means to focus inwards. She gently inspires us to find our own means of grounding ourselves in flow.

UK/ Duration: 6 min
Directed by: Adam De Silva

Dancing Warrior

On windswept hills surrounded by the bluffs of the Lakota Badlands sits the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. For the native youth, living here can be a struggle — the teen suicide rate is among the highest in the country. But many have found hope and purpose in the unlikeliest of places: the traditional sport of horse racing known as Indian Relay. The film follows one teen racing team named Dancing Warrior, who come together to compete and support each other as they face the challenges of life on the reservation. This short film is a coming-of-age story of Lakota teens as they find strength in tradition and passion in competition.
USA/ Duration: 10 min
Directed by: Rachel McDonald & Peter Goetz
Fall Harvest

At Crankworx Cairns in 2023, Nicholi Rogatkin had a season-ending injury, marking the first time in his career that he had to sit out a season. Fall Harvest highlights how time seems to move more slowly while healing and the magic of getting back on a bike again.

USA/ Duration: 2 min
Directed by: Keenan Desplanques

Lexicon

A unique group of skiers from around the world come together to celebrate skiing as a catalyst for human connection. As they shred the bottomless pow of Hokkaido, the transformative power of adventure takes this group from strangers to friends.

Canada/ Duration: 13 min
Directed by: Austin Hopkins & Loic Isliker

Leaving a Tread

As the popularity of mountain biking grows across Mexico, riders like Israel Carrillo work to blaze the trail — literally. Carrillo shares the challenges athletes face in a growing sport, financially and otherwise, while showing off his hometown of Guanajuato.

USA/ Duration: 6 min
Directed by: Maxwell Frank

Re

Twenty years ago, Re forged a new path in the outdoor sports community as one of the few women in her field. As an action sports photographer, she is dedicated to working with and showcasing the strength and individual personalities of female athletes. Re landed the first cover shot of a woman for Backcountry Magazine and the first all-female cover shot for Skiing Magazine. She views her work as a catalyst, fostering a social shift in the perception of female athletes in popular culture.

USA/ Duration: 6 min
Directed by: Iz La Motte
The Draconians

Skiers Sam Favret and Nikolaï Schirmer team up in Norway on a ski touring trip of a lifetime. Follow them up and down futuristic lines as they execute their vision as athletes and filmmakers in this thrilling segment from The Draconians.
France/ Duration: 13 min
Directed by: Maxime Moulin
Time is a Funny Thing

Time is a Funny Thing is an exploration of time and how doing what we love makes it disappear. In this short film, professional mountain biker Tyler McCaul looks back on his career through the lens of his older and younger self.
USA/ Duration: 5 min
Directed by: Jeremy Grant

Unseen Peaks

After enduring discrimination and trauma due to her blindness, Addie seeks freedom through skiing, ice climbing and rock climbing, facing both the challenges of these activities and the need for acceptance within the outdoor community as a disabled person. She believes exposure is the most powerful antidote to fear and dreams of a world where everyone has the safety and freedom to experience the outdoors.
USA/ Duration: 7 min
Directed by: Roo Smith

Asking Less

The Colorado River is one of America’s most valuable and iconic rivers. Photographer and author Pete McBride has been following this river for over two decades. He shows us the stark reality of our water crisis within this river and the remarkable beauty and resilience of this ephemeral source of life.

USA/ Duration: 4 min
Directed by: Pete McBride
Obibini

Obibini is a high-energy dive into Ghanaian women’s joy and liberation through surfing. Since 2013, the Obibini Surf Club has empowered women to feel welcome at the beach and in the water.
Ghana Duration: 4 min
Directed by: Benoit Lalande
Ghost Resorts: Japan

With ski lifts no longer spinning and buildings falling into disrepair, abandoned ski areas are nestled among the snow-drifted peaks of Japan. The country’s massive economic boom in the 1980s fueled a wild demand for skiing and an explosion of new mountain resorts. The financial collapse that followed in 1991 decimated both the Japanese economy and the ski industry. Today, hundreds of ghost resorts span the mountains as silent witnesses to the pace of change. Yet the deep powder beckons those who seek to experience an unconventional backcountry adventure.
Japan/ Duration: 10 min
Directed By: Michael J Brown & Zeppelin Zeerip
Desert Wings

Desert Wings brings the unique sport of paramotoring to light showcasing talented pilots exploring the dramatic landscapes of the American Southwest.
USA/ Duration: 4 min
Directed By: Nathan McBride

Mountainfilm on Tour 2025: Indomitable Spirit Medley
2025-01-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
Gorton Center and Lake Forest Open Lands present… Indomitable Spirit Medley!
Social impact and exciting stories that include hiking, climbing, running, all in one program! This collection of short films tells stories of those who did not give up, back down, or let their challenges define them. Come enjoy an eclectic film program right here in our John and Nancy Hughes Theater!
Indomitable Spirit Medley films:
The Last Observers
Lennart Karlsson and Karin Persson have recorded weather measurements every three hours — temperature, air pressure, wind, wave height and cloud types — at a lighthouse on the southwestern coast of Sweden for 36 years. The dedicated couple have amassed over 100,000 observations and seen rapid changes in recent years as migratory birds arrive earlier in the spring, and heavy rains and drought become more frequent. Theirs is the last remaining manual weather station in the country and it too will soon become automated. In The Last Observers, the pair reflect on their simple yet joyful life where they find true happiness through symbiosis with nature.
Sweden/ Duration: 24 min
Directed by: Maja Karlsson
Never too Old
At one time Libby James held more running records than Flo-Jo and Usain Bolt combined, yet most likely you have never heard of her. She is considered the grandmother of women’s competitive running despite not having started running until she was 35. Currently, she holds six American records and in 2012 was the highest point-graded runner in the world. Libby is proof that you can be almost famous — and still happily lead a fulfilling life.
USA/ Duration: 5 min
Directed by: Patty Jen Arndt & Stash Wislocki
Ascend

This documentary follows the inspiring story of a group of young women from Afghanistan who pursued their passion for climbing and mountaineering despite facing grave risks. But when the Taliban seized power, they were forced to flee their homes and start anew in the United States. Members of the Yosemite Search & Rescue team learned about the women’s plight and invited them to spend a week in Yosemite, where they could safely reunite and find solace in the climbing community. Through this heartwarming tale, viewers witness the strength and resilience of these young women as they adapt to life in a new country and forge new friendships with fellow climbers.

USA/ Duration: 20 min
Directed by: Kathryn Francis, Campbell Brewer
Near the River
In the tourist town of Livingstone, Zambia, a group of local men who make their living portering kayaks aspire to become safety kayakers on the Zambezi River. However, the proposed Batoka Gorge Hydroelectric Scheme threatens to flood the famous rapids of the Zambezi and eliminate river-related jobs.
USA/ Duration: 11 min
Directed by: Darby A. McAdams
Wild Hogs and Saffron
Iranian-American filmmaker Andy Sarjahani and his unlikely childhood friend Bubba Samuels go on a wild hog hunt in their native Ozarks where unexpected conversations unfold that have a lasting impact on their friendship. Growing up, Sarjahani rejected his father’s Iranian culture to fit in. Now, by sharing that culture, he uses connection to dismantle hateful stereotypes about the people of both Iran and Arkansas.

*HEAVY EXPLICIT LANGUAGE, DRINKING, AND GRAPHIC IMAGERY

USA/ Duration: 19 min
Directed by: Andy Sarjahani

To Scale: Time
On a dry lakebed in California, a group of friends attempt to build a scale model of time: a true illustration of cosmic evolution and our place within it. Over miles, they lay out tiny lights representing important moments in the history of the universe: the Big Bang, the meteor that killed the dinosaurs and the beginning of human civilization. The result is time represented by distance and the recognition that although we are alive for the briefest moment — in this demonstration, the width of a hair — our lives are a gift from the universe that we must spend wisely.
USA/ Duration: 10 min
Directed by: Alex Gorosh
Planetwalker
In 1971, John Francis (Mountainfilm 2008) witnessed an oil tanker collision in the San Francisco Bay. The sight of oiled birds on the shoreline caused him to give up motorized transport and speaking, convinced that listening was the way forward. He spent the next 17 silent years earning the name Planetwalker. Over the many miles, his idea of environmentalism was changed by the people he met, talked to and broke bread with. At 77 years old, Francis now both talks and rides in cars. A Symphony of Tiny Lights recounts much of his interior journey and explores the weblike and sometimes deeply personal consequences of his decades of pilgrimage.
USA/ Duration: 31 min
Directed by: Dominic Gill & Nadia Gill

DEFY: THE POWER IF NO IN A WORLD THAT DEMANDS YES
2025-01-27 19:00 - 20:00 | On Zoom
Many of us comply much more than we realize. How many times have you wanted to object, disagree, or opt out of something but ended up swallowing your words, shaking your head, and just going along? Analyzing cases ranging from corporate corruption and sexual abuse to everyday acquiescence at work, the doctor’s office, and in our personal lives, organizational psychologist Sunita Sah, MD, Ph.D. delves deep into why the pressure to comply is a corrosive and often invisible force in our society.
In her new book, Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes, Sah radically transforms our idea of defiance from a misunderstood negative trait into a crucial, positive force for personal and societal change. An award-winning associate professor at Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business, Sah guides us through her five stages of defiance, equipping readers with simple tools to make decisions that align with their values. Drawing on her story as a woman scientist of color, as well as her original research and insights from multiple disciplines including psychology, ethics, law, medicine, organizational behavior, sociology, and philosophy, Sah reveals the critical need to rediscover our core values. She explores how we are neurologically, psychologically, and socially pressured to comply, and what we can do to train ourselves for conscientious resistance and reclaim our agency.
Sah’s accessible research investigates the everyday choices we make, from the psychology of advice to the inner workings of trust. She distinguishes compliance from consent, emphasizing that while compliance is reactive and often resembles obedience, true consent is active, powerful, and rooted in our values. This crucial distinction empowers individuals to stand firm in their convictions and live authentically.
Sah will be in conversation with LaTosha Brown, the co-founder of Black Voters Matter Fund and Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute, a power-building southern-based civic engagement organization leveraging over two decades of experience as a revered institution-builder in non-profit and philanthropy sectors.
BONUS AFTER-HOURS EVENT: Attendees who purchase a copy of Defy from FAN’s partner bookseller The Book Stall are invited to attend an AFTER-HOURS event hosted by Sah that will start immediately after the webinar. Details on the webinar registration page.
This event suitable for youth 12+. It will be recorded and available on FAN’s website and YouTube channel.
