Gorton Center

The Mothers' Circle: Find Your Tribe & Tools
2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
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!
Upcoming Sessions:

Thursday, March 13

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.

Wine & Chocolate: A Perfect Pairing
2025-02-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Uncover the magic of wine and chocolate pairings in this delicious tasting experience. Sip on a selection of wines from Napa Valley, Sonoma, Russian River, and France, each paired with luxurious chocolates designed to highlight their flavors. Learn the secrets of pairing wine with sweets in a guided tasting presented by Oakwood Vines, Lake Forest, IL.

Rendezvous Arts: Haymarket Opera Company
2025-02-21 19:00 - 20:15 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Chicago’s Haymarket Opera Company will make their Rendezvous debut this month – and we couldn’t be more excited to present them to our audiences! Since its founding in 2010, Haymarket has offered more than 30 productions using period instruments and historically informed staging conventions sung and played by a combination of international stars and regional talent. In 2020 Musical America lauded Haymarket as “among the most impressive period-performance ensembles around today.”
Haymarket will present a special program designed specially for Rendezvous featuring vocalists and a chamber group of period instrument musicians. Haymarket will present an all-Handel program with arias from Alcina, Tamerlano, Rodelinda, and Acis and Galatea
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
Millinery artist Eia Radosavljevic will join this program with a display of her amazing hat creations!! As a teenager, Eia was a dancer, and when she got her first paycheck for dancing in the “Nutcracker” she went straight to Marshall Field’s and bought an indigo blue crushed velvet hat with small curled feathers all around the crown! She has been in love with hats ever since! Eia describes her hats as “elegant, artistic, and finely crafted, with a sense of movement and a dash of humor.”

BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE
2025-02-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
The story of how reggae icon Bob Marley overcame adversity, and the journey behind his revolutionary music.
Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green
Stars: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Lashana Lynch, James Norton

Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny
2025-02-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
This event is sold out. Please call the office for more information.
Please note, that all attendees, regardless of age, require tickets.
A Magical Journey for the Whole Family with “Goodnight Moon” & “The Runaway Bunny”
Join us for a heartwarming theatrical experience as the beloved stories of Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny come to life on stage! Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings these cherished childhood tales to a new generation with captivating puppetry, dream-like imagery, and soothing rhythms that will enchant both young and old. Featuring endearing rabbit characters, this beautifully staged adaptation will transport you to a world of comfort and love, perfect for families to enjoy together.
Whether you’re introducing your little ones to these timeless classics or revisiting them yourself, this magical performance promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates family, love, and the joy of bedtime storytelling. Secure your tickets now for an enchanting afternoon of theatre that will leave everyone with a sense of wonder and warmth.
About the Author
Few writers have been as attuned to the concerns and emotions of childhood as Margaret Wise Brown (1910–1952). Brown, a former teacher, believed that very young children could be fascinated by the simple pleasures of the world around them. Few had previously attempted to write specifically for children aged two to five, and Brown created some of the most enduring and beloved children’s books of all time as well as developed the concept of the first durable board book.
About the Illustrator
Clement Hurd (1908–1988) graduated from Yale University and studied painting in Paris in the 1930s with Fernand Léger and others. His engaging semi-abstract style became world-famous with the publication of The Runaway Bunny in 1942 and Goodnight Moon in 1947 – collaborations with Brown that became two of the 20th Century’s best-known children’s books.

Gorton Center’s performing arts shows for the 2024-2025 season are partially underwritten by The Grainger Foundation.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
2025-02-24 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-03-03 10:00 - 15:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-timePlease note, pre-registration is mandatory and only takes a few minutes – please click the link.
If you want to donate blood, make sure to eat a healthy meal and drink an extra 16 oz. of water and fluids before the donation.
Also, bring a photo ID, your blood donor card, or two other forms of ID. You can save up to 15 minutes when you donate blood by using RapidPass! Visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass for more information (note: RapidPass can only be completed on the day of your donation).
Gorton thanks you for donating blood and helping to save lives!

DETERMINED: A SCIENCE OF LIFE WITHOUT FREE WILL
2025-02-24 12:00 - 13:00 | On Zoom
One of our great behavioral scientists, Robert Sapolsky, Ph.D., the bestselling author of Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst, mounts a devastating scientific and philosophical case against free will—an argument with profound consequences.
Behave, Sapolsky’s now classic account of why humans do good and why they do bad, pointed toward an unsettling conclusion: we may not grasp exactly how nature and nurture create the physics and chemistry that cause all human behavior, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. In his latest book Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will, Sapolsky takes his argument all the way, mounting a brilliant (and in his inimitable way, delightful) full-frontal assault on the pleasant fantasy that there is some separate self who tells our biology what to do.
Determined offers a marvelous synthesis of what we know about consciousness—the tight weave between reason and emotion and between stimulus and response in the moment and over a life. One by one, Sapolsky takes out all the major arguments for free will, cutting a path through the thickets of chaos theory and quantum physics. But as Sapolsky acknowledges, it’s sometimes impossible to uncouple from our zeal to judge people, including ourselves. Determined applies this new understanding to some of our most essential questions around punishment, morality, and living well together. Most of all, Sapolsky argues that while accepting the reality about free will is monumentally difficult, it will make for a much more humane world.
Sapolsky will be in conversation with Oliver Burkeman (FAN ’24), New York Times bestselling author of Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts; Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, and The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking.
BONUS AFTER-HOURS EVENT: Attendees who purchase a copy of Determined from FAN’s partner bookseller The Book Stall are invited to attend an AFTER-HOURS event hosted by Sapolsky 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.

Fencing
2025-02-24 17:00 - 18:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
En Garde! Prét? Allez! Sign your child up for a fencing class at Gorton.
This fencing course is designed for beginners or those who would like to work on basic fencing skills. The class will cover basic fencing rules, fencing etiquette, footwork and attack and defense moves. The instructor will lead students in a warm-up, footwork exercises, group lessons and bouting. Students are encouraged to dress comfortably and bring water. For ages 7 – 14
Why learn to fence?
Fencing is a great activity to build balance, physical coordination and agility, skills that transfer to other sports and daily life. Although fencing can be a physically demanding sport, you do not need to be a natural athlete to learn to fence. Our fencing class is designed to ease you into the sport and help you connect with your own body.
The sport of fencing exercises your mental as well as physical reflexes. Quick thinking, strategy and creativity are all skills fencing can help enhance. In fact, fencing’s combined physical activity with mental stimulation can help improve cognitive function and critical thinking skills. Fencing’s code of conduct also helps to teach the importance of discipline, respect, responsibility and good sportsmanship.
History of Fencing
Did you know the archaeological evidence of fencing dates back to 1190 B.C.E.? The oldest archeological evidence of a fencing contest is from an Egyptian temple along the river Nile, and in Europe, historical records of sword fighting schools extend back to the 12th century. Fencing evolved into a popular entertainment sport around the time of King Henry VIII, but it wasn’t until the mid-18th century that the sport became truly fashionable among European nobility.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, fencing became a popular sport among European aristocracy, and developed a gentlemanly code of conduct which the sport maintains to this day. Men’s fencing competitions were first included in the summer Olympics in 1896 and women’s fencing competitions were added in 1924.
Midwest Fencing Club’s mission is to help people discover, enjoy and excel in the sport of fencing by providing the highest level of instruction in a true sportsmanship environment. They have been serving the Chicagoland community for over 10 years. Their experience comes from National, NCAA, and Olympic champions. Their programs range from introductory levels to advanced competitive aspirations. Midwest Fencing Club welcomes all ages to learn fencing, enjoy it as a hobby, or turn it into their professional sport.

Shaken or Stirred: In Search of the Ideal Martini
2025-02-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
The Martini – a magnificent cocktail made with gin and vermouth. Unless you use vodka instead, or you add olive brine, or orange bitters, or both. In this class, we’ll explore the history and lore of this fantastic cocktail, the various techniques you might use to make it, and the many variations you might choose. We’ll taste a few along the way too, in search of the perfect recipe. Class will feature a few samples made with spirits from North Shore Distillery, the oldest craft distillery in Illinois, and be taught by their Chief Cocktail Nerd, Sonja Kassebaum. Sonja was recently named one of “Eight Women Who Changed Gin History” by Wine Enthusiast, and is a true Martini aficionado.

The Thriving Midlife Man Series
2025-02-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
***NEW DATE! THIS SERIES WILL NOW START ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26
This series runs every other week for 5 sessions – February 26, March 5 & 19 and April 2 & 16, 6:30 – 8pm
This five-session group coaching series is designed for men aged 50 – 70 seeking clarity, purpose, and renewed energy as they navigate the complexities of midlife. The program is built around the DAVE Method (Discover, Accept, Vision, Experiment), a structured approach that fosters personal growth and meaningful transformation.
Participants will reflect, redefine their purpose, and take actionable steps toward a more fulfilled life, both personally and professionally. Through self-reflection exercises, group discussions, and practical experimentation, participants will be guided to discover new perspectives and unlock their potential. The program fosters community, accountability, and personal growth among attendees, helping them cultivate a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.
Dave O’Connor is a renowned executive coach and thought leader whose work centers on helping high-achieving men rediscover meaning, confidence, and clarity in mid-life and beyond. With a unique blend of empathy and pragmatism, Dave has empowered countless executives, business owners, and industry leaders to navigate the complexities of life’s prime years, aligning their professional success with personal fulfillment.
Dave is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with over 300 hours of coaching experience. His coaching education includes training from the Co-Active Training Institute, the Harvard Institute of Coaching, and Dr. David Drake, the creator of the Five Maturities and founder of The Moment Institute, as well as independent study. He also engages in ongoing coach supervision with Katie Drescher, JD, MCC, ESIA, SP. His clients include senior executives, business owners, and high-achieving professionals who seek clarity, confidence, and renewed energy as they face pivotal career and personal decisions. Known for his approachable and grounded style, Dave’s sessions offer these individuals a sanctuary for authentic reflection, growth, and strategic insight.
Dave and his wife, Meg, live in Lake Forest, Illinois, where they enjoy the charm of the local community and take frequent walks with their two spirited terriers. A lover of golf and standup comedy, Dave also finds creative expression through fine art drawing and painting, which brings a meditative balance to his work.
Dave’s commitment to fostering community, connection, and genuine transformation has made him a standout in the industry, helping clients rediscover their passion and purpose.

Gentle Yoga
2025-02-27 09:00 - 10:00 | 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

2025 OSCAR SHORTS
2025-03-01 13:00 - 21:30 | Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
Since 2006, ShortsTV has proudly brought the Oscar® Nominated Short Films to audiences across the globe. This special release features the year’s most spectacular short films and is available to watch on the big screen for a limited time shortly after nominations are announced. Each nominee is released in one of three distinct feature-length compilations according to their category of nomination: Live Action, Animation, or Documentary.
These films may not be appropriate for audiences under the age of 14 due to gun violence, shootings, language and animated nudity.
LIVE ACTION (104 min with credits)
The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent – 13min
Anuja – 22min
I am not a Robot – 22min
A Lien – 15min
The Last Ranger – 28min
ANIMATION (90 MIN with credits)
Magic candies – 21min
In the Shadow of the cypress – 20min
Yuck! – 13min
The following films include nudity, and may not be appropriate for audiences under 14 years old.
Wander to wonder – 13min
Beautiful Men – 19min
DOCUMENTARY (165 MIN with credits)
Instruments of a Beating Heart – 23min
Incident – 30min
I am ready, warden – 37min
The only girl in the orchestra – 35min
Death by numbers – 36min

Game On!
2025-03-02 15:00 - 16:30 | Gorton Center – Stuart Community Room
This event is sold out. Watch the website for future dates!
Join us for Kids’ Game Night at Gorton, an exciting evening of classic board games, interactive fun, and friendly competition!
Designed for kids ages 8 and up, this drop-off event welcomes up to 30 participants for an afternoon of engaging gameplay with the support of instructor/teacher Jillian Floriani and high school volunteers.
From Twister and Uno to life-sized Jenga and Connect 4, there’s something for everyone—including a dedicated quiet area with puzzles and brain teasers for those who prefer a quiet activity.
Date & Time: Sunday, March 2nd | 3:00 – 4:30 PM
Cost: $5 per child
Location: Gorton Center | Stuart Community Room
We ask that participants arrive on time and stay the entire 90 minutes
Spaces are limited—sign up today and let the games begin!

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/

INSPIRE: THE UNIVERSAL PATH FOR LEADING YOURSELF AND OTHERS
2025-03-03 19:00 - 20:00 | On Zoom
Social psychologist and leadership expert Adam Galinsky, Ph.D. has spent three decades building a method for determining when we are inspiring versus infuriating, and where various leaders—presidents, CEOs, coaches, teachers, parents, and a wealth of others—currently land on that spectrum. In his new book Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others, Galinsky shows how inspiring leaders can fill us with a wellspring of hope and possibility as they guide us to become better versions of ourselves. In contrast, infuriating leaders disappoint and annoy, fueling seething cauldrons of rage. But both types of leaders are deeply connected—together, they represent a universal continuum that is rooted in the very architecture of the human brain. This means that inspiring leaders aren’t born—instead, we can inspire or infuriate in any given moment through our behavior, words, or presence.
Whether you’re a leader, a member of a team, a spouse, or a parent, this engaging and rigorous exploration unpacks the science of inspiration. Through compelling stories, fascinating research, and practical tips for addressing the common dilemmas we face daily, Inspire reveals how all of us, regardless of status or circumstance, can be more inspiring more often.
Galinsky is the Paul Calello Professor of Leadership and Ethics at Columbia Business School and has published more than 200 scientific articles on leadership, negotiations, diversity, and ethics. He is an Executive/Associate Producer on two documentaries short-listed for Best Documentary at the Academy Awards.
Galinsky will be in conversation with Amy C. Edmondson, Ph.D., the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School, a chair established to support the study of human interactions that lead to the creation of successful enterprises that contribute to the betterment of society. She studies teaming, psychological safety, and organizational learning.
BONUS AFTER-HOURS EVENT: Attendees who purchase a copy of Inspire from FAN’s partner bookseller The Book Stall are invited to attend an AFTER-HOURS event hosted by Galinsky and Edmondson 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.

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

99% PERSIPIRATION: A NEW WORKING HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE
2025-03-05 19:00 - 20:00 | On Zoom
As the wealth gap widens, communities crumble, and Americans work more for less, journalist Adam Chandler raises the question: What happens when perspiration isn’t enough? To answer it in his new book 99% Perspiration: A New Working History of the American Way of Life, Chandler crisscrosses the country interviewing mayors, teachers, generals, pastors, construction workers, and entrepreneurs, to reveal just how untenable relying on “perspiration” as a strategy has truly become. He also delves into America’s past to reveal how our government, education system, and culture at large have woven the idea of meritocracy deep into the fabric of American society and how some of history’s most famous so-called bootstrappers really built their wealth. From George Washington to Seattle, Washington, Jay Gatsby to Bill Gates, 99% Perspiration unpacks the misguided obsession with hard work that has come to define both the American dream and nightmare, offering insight into how we got here and hope for where we may go.
Chandler is the author of Drive-Thru Dreams: A Journey Through the Heart of America’s Fast-Food Kingdom and a recurring guest on The History Channel’s The Food That Built America. A former staff writer at The Atlantic, Chandler’s work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, WIRED, and elsewhere.
Chandler will be in conversation with Kathy Gilsinan, author of The Helpers: Profiles from the Front Lines of the Pandemic, and a senior editor at Puck News. Previously she covered the Midwest for Politico Magazine and was a senior editor and staff writer at The Atlantic, where she ran the international coverage before covering foreign policy and national security herself.
BONUS AFTER-HOURS EVENT: Attendees who purchase a copy of 99% Perspiration from FAN’s partner bookseller The Book Stall are invited to attend an AFTER-HOURS event hosted by Chandler and Gilsinan that will start immediately after the webinar. Details on the webinar registration page.
“Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” This phrase, arguably Thomas Edison’s most famous quote, has been drilled into the minds of generations of Americans. A straightforward iteration of the idea that innovation, discovery, and ingenuity are the result of drive and grit above all, it has also come to represent much darker myths: that hard work always leads to success and that achievement is the product of individuals and not communities. In this model, those who come out on top are there because they earned it, and everyone else needs to buckle down, glove up, and, maybe one day, they’ll get there too.
This event suitable for youth 12+. It will be recorded and available on FAN’s website and YouTube channel.

SHIFT: MANAGING YOUR EMOTIONS - SO THEY DON'T MANAGE YOU (EVENT 1 OF 2)
2025-03-06 19:00 - 20:00 | On Zoom
Whether it’s anxiety about going to the doctor, boiling rage when we’re stuck in traffic, or devastation after a painful break-up, our lives are filled with situations that send us spiraling. But as difficult as our emotions can be, they are also a superpower. Far from being “good” or “bad,” emotions are information. When they’re activated in the right ways and at the right time, they function like an immune system, alerting us to our surroundings, telling us how to react to a situation, and helping us make the right choices.
But how do we make our emotions work for us rather than against us? Acclaimed psychologist Ethan Kross, Ph.D. has devoted his scientific career to answering this question. In his new bestselling book Shift: Managing Your Emotions — So They Don’t Manage You, he dispels common myths—for instance, that avoidance is always toxic or that we should always strive to live in the moment—and provides a new framework for shifting our emotions so they don’t take over our lives.
Shift weaves groundbreaking research with riveting stories of people struggling and succeeding to manage their emotions—from a mother whose fear prompted her to make a spur-of-the-moment decision that would save her daughter’s life mid-flight to a nuclear code-carrying Navy SEAL who learned how to embrace both joy and pain during a hellish training activity. Kross spotlights a wide array of tools that we already have access to—in our bodies and minds, our relationships with other people, and the cultures and physical spaces we inhabit—and shows us how to harness them to be healthier and more successful.
Kross is the director of the Emotion and Self-Control Laboratory at the University of Michigan and professor in its top ranked psychology department and Ross School of Business. His book Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why it Matters, and How to Harness It was an international bestseller.
Kross will be in conversation with Daniel Pink (FAN ’18, ’22), the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several provocative, bestselling books about business, work, creativity, and behavior, including The Power of Regret, When, To Sell Is Human, Drive, and A Whole New Mind.
BONUS BOOK GIVEAWAY! We are giving away copies of Shift to randomly selected Zoom attendees. Details on the webinar registration page.

THE CRITIC
2025-03-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
A powerful London theater critic becomes entangled in a web of deceit and murder.
Director: Anand Tucker
Stars: Ian McKellen, Alfred Enoch, Matthew Cottle
This film is part of the First Thursdays Series which is generously supported by the Sheffield Foundation.

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.

Giordano Dance Chicago
2025-03-07 19:30 - 21:00 | Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
America’s original jazz dance company is back at Gorton!
Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) ignites the stage with their trademark high-energy performances that leave audiences breathless. As Chicago Tonight raves, “From the first moment GDC steps on stage, the audience knows this evening will be electric.” Celebrating over 60 years, this iconic company has performed in more than 1,300 cities worldwide, continually redefining jazz and contemporary dance while stunning audiences across the globe.
About Giordano Dance Chicago:
Now in their 62nd season, GDC continues to shine as a cultural powerhouse. Rooted in Chicago, the company has evolved from founder Gus Giordano’s Evanston studio into a world-renowned institution. Under Artistic Director Nan Giordano’s 40 years of leadership, GDC has commissioned groundbreaking choreography and inspired countless dancers.
GDC’s innovative works redefine jazz dance, blending passion, elegance, and celebration into every performance. Their unique foundational technique (NGCP©) has certified teachers in 36 states and 8 countries. Locally, their Jazz Dance/Science & Health program enriches under-resourced CPS schools, teaching hundreds of classes at no cost to students.
Stated simply, Giordano Dance Chicago delivers a universal and life-affirming experience—dance that is powerful, passionate, and unforgettable.
For more information on Giordano Dance Chicago, visit giordanodance.org
“Giordano is, and always will be, American jazz dance royalty” – Chicago Tribune

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

MooNiE and BrooN Show
2025-03-08 19:00 - 21:30 | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Comedians Brian Howard and Philip Earl Johnson, veterans of renaissance festivals, fringe festivals and theaters return to the Gorton Center for one show. Juggling, music and one bed of nails. Twenty years of creating hundreds of shows. Unscripted, unhinged and unedited. Best for ages 15 and up.

TURNING RED
2025-03-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Gorton Center – John & Nancy Hughes Theater, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045, United States
A thirteen-year-old girl named Mei is torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the changes of adolescence. And as if the challenges were not enough, whenever she gets overly excited Mei transforms into a giant red panda.
Director: Domee Shi
Stars: Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse

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.
