Education Programs
Chicago Street Theatre is committed to education. Since 1994, we have offered young artists a comfortable, safe environment for exploring their creative side, both on stage and behind the scenes. Our inherent philosophy is to provide a hands-on experience where students learn by doing, not by lecture.
We offer a comprehensive and unique curriculum, where students are provided with the consistency of an entire program through which they can advance — not occasional classes with a variety of instructors. Professional and experienced faculty, veteran artists, and an ensemble-based community atmosphere enhance their experience. Students in our Apprentice Program train and volunteer, learning practical skills, leadership, and confidence behind the scenes. We are also home to the only Teen Ensemble in Northwest Indiana. We encourage a complete understanding and appreciation of live theatre. It’s also a lot of fun!
We are all dedicated to providing a healthy and safe environment for those young creatives looking for a place to feel at home. We are the outlet you’ve been searching for.
Should you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Chicago Street Theater’s Box Office.
About Our Educators
Arlene was born into theatre, participating in her first show at just two years old when she appeared on stage as a bumblebee in Alice in Wonderland. Arlene grew up at Chicago Street, sleeping in the old seating that was remodeled years ago. She attended rehearsals with her mom Dona Henry and learned how to fall asleep anywhere, including the aisles of the theater. Arlene has directed, acted, costumed, run tech, and many other activities in her career. She attended Indiana State University and graduated in 2015 with a B.S. in Theatre. She is so happy to be officially back at CTG as an Instructor after her six-year hiatus (yes, six years! how can someone stay away from something they love so much?). Well, Arlene got married, had two babies and her life got a bit chaotic. Now that her children are at the height of their chaos, she picked the perfect time to come back! She hopes her son Connor and daughter Adelaide will grace the stage with their presence and talent soon since they are already behind their mom in starting so early. Arlene really wants the parents to know one thing — teaching your kids is the highlight of her week (besides, of course, being a momma to her own kids).
Testimonials
Chicago Street Theatre has played an integral part in our lives for the past nine years. Our son has grown by leaps and bounds through their classes and productions, not just as an actor but also personally. Miss Lisa truly cares for each of her students. She lovingly pushes them toward excellence, and encourages teamwork, self-discipline and respect. We’ve been thoroughly impressed by the positive influence Chicago Street has had on our child. I would highly recommend their programs to anyone.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have Chicago Street Theatre’s excellent educational programs available for children in our community. We love that our own two children have increased their confidence in expressing themselves, have broadened their imagination and communication skills, have learned about people of different backgrounds, have been exposed to great literature, and all in a fun, safe environment. Thanks for all that you do, CST!
My grandson, Trey, showed signs of natural talent when, in preschool, he performed in the Montessori Of The Oaks annual production on a big stage. Because of that I decided to enroll him in theatre classes at Chicago Street Theatre when he was 5 years old. He loved every moment, and we were so pleased when the theatre decided to hire a very talented and experienced teacher, Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano, to head the Education Department. We both immediately fell in love with her and the method and content she chose to use in her classes.
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