Gorton Cabaret - Monday
2026-03-30 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045
Gorton Cabaret – Monday
In this 8-week musical theater class, acting, singing, and dancing skills are introduced and progressed. Students select the songs they are most excited to perform and rehearse them throughout the session. The class culminates in a cabaret-style showcase in our black box theater, giving each student a chance to shine. Perfect for both beginners and returning students, this class offers a fun, camp-style experience where imagination, expression, and storytelling take center stage. This class meets students where they are and helps take them to the next level. The primary focus is on having fun.

Mondays
8 Classes
March 30 to May 18
Ages 8 to 14
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
$400

Instructors: Jeremy Kruse

Jeremy Kruse, acting teacher/director/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

Theater Basics for Kids
2026-03-31 16:00 - 17:30
Theater Basics for Kids
This fun, beginner-friendly class introduces students to the fundamentals of acting, singing, and dancing through a rotating structure that keeps every session fresh and engaging. In acting, students play theater games and improvise, exploring characters and situations. In singing and dancing, they learn age-appropriate songs and choreography from musical theater. Perfect for curious beginners or young performers with some experience, this class provides a playful, supportive environment where kids can build confidence, explore creativity, and develop their theater skills.

Tuesdays
8 Classes
March 31 to May 19
Ages 5 to 14
4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
$300

Jeremy Kruse, acting teacher/director/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

Comedic Improv for Kids
2026-04-01 16:30 - 18:30
Comedic Improv for Kids
In this high-energy improv class, students explore the fundamentals of comedic improvisation while building confidence, creativity, and teamwork. Through games and exercises, kids learn how to think on their feet, listen closely, support their scene partners, and use both physical expression and verbal communication to tell a story.
Each week introduces new building blocks of improv; character creation, quick thinking, and the “yes, and” mindset that helps scenes grow. Students practice working as an ensemble, developing emotional intelligence, and discovering how much fun it can be to collaborate on the spot.
The environment is supportive and low-pressure, with plenty of room for silliness, experimentation, and individual growth. As the class progresses, students will shape their favorite games and scenes into a short, upbeat comedy show performed for family and friends on the final day.
Perfect for beginners and returning improvisers alike, this class helps young performers stretch their imaginations, develop strong communication habits, and experience the joy of making each other laugh.

Wednesdays
8 Classes

April 1 to May 20

Ages 9 to 14

4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

$400

Instructors: Jeremy Kruse

Jeremy Kruse, acting teacher/director/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

Gorton Cabaret - Thursday
2026-04-02 16:30 - 18:30
Gorton Cabaret – Thursday
In this 8-week musical theater class, acting, singing, dancing skills are introduced and progressed. Students select the songs they are most excited to perform and rehearse them throughout the session. The class culminates in a cabaret-style showcase in our black box theater, giving each student a chance to shine. Perfect for both beginners and returning students, this class offers a fun, camp-style experience where imagination, expression, and storytelling take center stage. This class meets students where they are and helps take them to the next level. The primary focus is on having fun.

Thursdays
8 Classes
April 2 to May 21
Ages 8 to 14
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
$400

Instructors: Jeremy Kruse

Jeremy Kruse, acting teacher/director/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
