Education
Theatre School Overview
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. In 2008, Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano joined CST as the Director of Education in an effort to expand and professionalize our offerings. Within 14 years, the program has grown to accommodate over 300 students each year. We are also home to the only Teen Ensemble in Northwest Indiana.
Lisa earned an M.F.A. from the Actors Studio Drama School in NYC, and currently teaches at Columbia College-Chicago. Learn about Lisa’s teaching philosophy.
The inherent philosophy of Chicago Street Theatre School is to provide a hands-on experience where students learn by doing, not by lecture. Read Testimonials about our program.
We offer a comprehensive and unique curriculum, where students are provided with the consistency of an entire program through which they can progress and advance, not occasional classes with a variety of instructors. Professional and experienced faculty, veteran artists, and an ensemble-based community atmosphere enhance their experience. Through our Apprentice Program, students train and volunteer, learning practical skills, leadership, and confidence behind the scenes. We encourage a complete understanding and appreciation of live theatre. It’s also a lot of fun! Take a look at our Education Brochure.
Open House!
If you have questions, would like to register in person, see the facilities or are uncertain about which class is right, please feel free to stop by our lobby on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, anytime between 6-7 pm.
Fun in Buds Class!
Youth Dates & Information
Our classroom focuses on the importance of creative expression and collaboration, while teaching the fundamentals of theatre through structured play. Classes not only enhance performance skills, but also develop concentration, self-esteem, discipline, and basic problem solving. We offer year-round education for ages 5-18, dividing our year into semesters with a summer session of shorter camps and workshops.
All classes end with a performance for an invited audience (family and friends) in our main auditorium, during our Showcase Week. All students receive a Certificate of Achievement, handed out at the end of the Showcase Performance, during a short and celebratory Ceremony.
All in-person classes will be limited to 12 students. Masks will be optional, hand sanitizing stations are installed, a HEPA air filtration system is installed in the classroom and, social-distancing practiced. Upon entry to the building, everyone will undergo temperature checks.
Workshops run two weeks, and are being offered in January, focusing on Exploring Directing and Improvisation.
Spring Semester – Beginning the week of February 14 – May 18, 2023
Classes will meet weekly in-person, through May 13, 2023. The Showcase Week will be May 15-19, with performances during our regularly-scheduled class times.
Spring classes will NOT be held the week of March 27-31, 2023, due to Valparaiso School District Spring Break. Classes WILL be held on all other dates, regardless of school in-service half-days, and/or breaks. If an in-person class is canceled due to any weather condition, every effort will be made to schedule a make-up session however, no prorated refund will be issued.
Adult Workshops & Master Classes
In order to accommodate the needs of our Adult Membersʼ creative skills and active schedules, we have designed a series of Workshops for those interested in brushing up on the basics, and Master Classes, designed to challenge the working actor. Active Members receive a considerable discount and are also eligible to “bank” their volunteer hours towards tuition dollars. For each hour of volunteer time, Members receive ½ hour of ʻfreeʼ tuition. If a Member works three documented volunteer hours, they earn credit toward one ʻfreeʼ Workshop! The rotating schedule of offerings makes it possible for you to pick and choose your own curriculum. Anyone is welcome to enroll.
The tuition for each Workshop or Master Class is $50 for Members/$75 for Non-Members. You may also become a Member at the time of registration and take advantage of the discount. There is a minimum of 6 and maximum of 12 participants for each session.
Registration Information
Before you register your child/teen, please double-check all dates involved, including the very important performances during our Showcase Week. We understand conflicts will occasionally cause absences however, if there are more than two missed sessions, (particularly during the final three weeks of the semester), the student may not be permitted to perform, as their continued absences adversely impact the progress of all students.
- Anyone may enroll* for an age-appropriate class or WORKSHOP. There are no auditions necessary with the exception of the teen ensemble.
- Open registration for our SPRING CLASSES will begin DECEMBER 1, 2022.
- Registrations for all CLASSES need to be received by 6:00 PM, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023.
- Registrations after established deadline will be assessed a $10 Late Fee and only guaranteed if there is space available.
- A completed registration form (ON-LINE) and current 2022-23 signed Medical Release is necessary for ALL students. These forms are renewed at the beginning of each fall semester and remain on file and current through the END of summer, 2023.
- All in-person classes & WORKSHOPS have a MAXIMUM enrollment of 12.
- Seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If enrollment for a particular CLASS fills, we will create a “waiting list” and notify you if there is a cancellation.
* enrollment in the Teen Ensemble is by invitation only.
Mandatory Orientation Sessions
An important, mandatory Orientation for ALL NEW students will be held MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6 from 6:00-7:00 pm. At least one parent/guardian needs to attend with the registered student.
Tuition & Payments
- Tuition for each full-semester class is $175.50, AND includes a Student Membership, a Theatre school FOLDER WITH MATERIALS AND A T-Shirt.
- Our affordable SEMESTER Payment Plan requires a $100.50 deposit at the time of registration (BEFORE FEBRUARY 10 FOR THE SPRING). The remaining balance of $75 is due APRIL 15. PaymentS made after this date will be assessed a $10 Late Fee.
- Tuition for each workshop is $95.50.
- Payment must be made at the time of registration in order to guarantee enrollment. If you fill out an on-line registration form but do not process payment within 24-hours, your child/teen’s enrollment is NOT guaranteed. Seats in classes are not held without payment.
- We accept PAYPAL, personal check, Mastercard & Visa. All credit card payments carry a $3 transaction Fee.
- There is no discount or prorated tuition for late enrollment.
- If a class is canceled due to any weather conditions, every effort will be made to schedule a make-up session, however, no prorated refund will be issued.
Discounts
- Full-Year Tuition – $25 off when enrolling in the Fall & Spring Semesters at september registration. Class schedules remain the same throughout the year.
- Second Child – $10 off the tuition of the second (or third, or fourth….) child enrolled.
- “Parents in the Wings” – should you choose to volunteer and assist with any production aspect of the theatre (excluding acting), we will bank your hours and deduct between 5%-20% of the total tuition, based on your involvement throughout the semester.
Scholarships
The Jack Hagman Scholarship Fund was founded in memorial by Jack’s family, the summer of 2015. For the past eight years, family members and long-standing Members have donated to sustain the fund. Special thanks to Jack and his family, Marcia Larson, Stan Christianson, Tiffany Lhotak and Nancy Haller for helping us to never turn away any family or young artist.
If you are in need of financial tuition assistance, please contact Lisa.
Checklist to Register
- Explore our YOUTH OR ADULT offerings to find the class AND/OR WORKSHOP that’s right for YOU OR your child/teen at the following link: Youth Classes.
- Fill out the APPROPRIATE ON-LINE Registration Form found on the youth classes tab. at this time, no paper registration forms will be available.
- Please print, SIGN AND complete the MEDICAL RELEASE FORM. bring it to ORIENTATION, the first IN-CLASS session OR, SUBMIT A SIGNED PDF to our Director of Education, Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano, via email.
- Submit payment:
- Use our secure online box office by clicking on the paypal button. you do not need a paypal account — by clicking on that button, it will also allow you to choose a credit/debit card option. A transaction Fee of $3 applies to all on-line payments, including payment plans.
- Payment must be made at the time of registration in order to guarantee enrollment. If you fill out an on-line registration form but do not process payment within 24-hours, your child/teen’s enrollment is NOT guaranteed. Seats in classes are not held without payment.
- Please direct all questions to our Director of Education, Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano, via email.
Apprentice Program
Coordinator – Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano, Director of Education
Assistant Coordinator – Marcia Burbage, Education Committee
Chicago Street Theatre created an Apprentice Program in order to provide young artists with the opportunity to learn all aspects of theatre production. As these Apprentices“shadow” experienced adult artists, they are guided through and included in “behind the scenes” process. The program is coordinated by the Director of Education, and administered by the Members of the Education Committee. The following procedures and policy apply:
Young Artists interested in becoming a Lighting and/or Sound Apprentice need to have taken Chicago Street’s “Booth Camp,” offered as a Workshop and Summer Camp. Those interested in becoming a Costume Apprentice need to have taken Chicago Street’s “Dress Up!,” offered during the summer (June-July). Those interested in becoming a Rehearsal Assistant/Directing Apprentice need to have taken Chicago Street’s “Exploring Directing,” offered as a Workshop (in either fall or spring). Enrolling in these programs insures the student has been “trained” on the advanced equipment in our tech booth and can “run” the lights and sound cues during a production, along with assisting with costumes.
Young Artists interested in becoming a Set/Prop, Lighting/Sound Apprentice, and/or Stage Manager Apprentice, need to have taken Chicago Street’s “Be Backstage!” Camp, offered only during the summer (July). Enrolling in this camp insures the student has been “trained” on the protocol and procedures of all ‘behind-the-scenes’ work.
Each production in the FAMILY SERIES (Teen Festival, Children’s Studio Productions, Holiday Show, and Spring Show) will offer areas of opportunity for Apprenticeships. During auditions, those who have successfully completed the above mentioned courses/workshops, may apply to become an Apprentice. Applications with opportunities listed will be made available on-line, as well. A limited number of Apprenticeships will be offered. It should not be assumed that if you audition and are not offered a role in a production, you can automatically become an Apprentice.
Those who are accepted to train as Apprentices will be required to attend an Information Meeting, at which time they will be assigned an adult Mentor and schedule at least two half-hour sessions for training prior to attending rehearsals. They will be required to attend every tech rehearsal and should they serve as either a Lighting, Sound, or Stage Manager Apprentice, they will be required to attend performances on a rotating schedule. All dates will be clearly listed on the Application, so there will be no confusion regarding commitment of time or overlapping of conflicts.
Upon completion of the production, all Apprentices will be evaluated by their adult Mentor and Show Director(s) on the following areas: application of their Apprentice Position and newly acquired skill, along with promptness, attendance, participation, attitude, ability to work well with others, and dedication. All evaluations are submitted, in writing, to the Director of Education who will communicate the results directly to the Apprentice.
If an Apprentice receives a favorable evaluation, they may make application to serve as a Technical Intern. Technical Internships will be offered, if the following conditions are met:
- The adult production is deemed appropriate for youths by the Director of Education;
- The production is also deemed appropriate by the parents of Intern making application;
- The Intern is at least 13 years of age;
- The Director(s) and Designers of appropriate production agree to a Technical Intern, adhering to all established Chicago Street Theatre Policy for the supervision of children.
Upon completion of the production, all Technical Interns will be evaluated by the Designers and Show Director(s), on the following areas: application of their skill, along with promptness, attendance, participation, attitude, ability to work well with others, and dedication. All evaluations are submitted, in writing, to the Director of Education who will communicate the results directly to the Technical Intern.
If a Technical Intern has received a favorable evaluation on at least two adult productions, they may make application to serve as a Design Intern. Design Interns are allowed to design either the lights, sound, costumes, set, or props, with an experienced adult Mentoring their work. Design Internships will be offered, if the following conditions are met:
- The production is deemed appropriate for a teen designer by the Director of Education;
- The production is also deemed appropriate by the parents of Intern making application;
- The Intern is at least 16 years of age;
- The Intern has shown considerable maturity and talent;
- An adult Designer agrees to Mentor the Intern during the entire process;
- The Director(s) and adult Designer of appropriate production agree to a Design Intern, adhering to all established Chicago Street Theatre Policy for the supervision of teens.
Upon completion of the production, the Design Intern will be evaluated by the adult Designer, Show Director(s), and Director of Education on the following areas: application of skill, along with promptness, attendance, participation, attitude, ability to work well with others, and dedication. This evaluation will take place in person, at an “Exit Interview.” The written evaluation of this Interview will be submitted, in writing, to the Director of Education who will place the record in the student’s permanent file.
While a student is serving as a Design Intern, all correspondence to Apprentices and/or Directors must be sent to the Director of Education first, and she, in turn, will approve and send out the schedule and all communication.
If a Design Intern has received an exemplary Exit Interview on at least two productions, they may progress to a level of Designer. All those interested and qualified must adhere to the standards established at Chicago Street Theatre for Designers, and must be at least 18 years of age.
For information or application, please contact Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano, Director of Education, via email.
© 2010 – Chicago Street Theatre
Updated: February 1, 2016
Apprentice Program
Coordinator – Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano, Director of Education
Assistant Coordinator – Marcia Burbage, Education Committee
Chicago Street Theatre created an Apprentice Program in order to provide young artists with the opportunity to learn all aspects of theatre production. As these Apprentices“shadow” experienced adult artists, they are guided through and included in “behind the scenes” process. The program is coordinated by the Director of Education, and administered by the Members of the Education Committee. The following procedures and policy apply:
Young Artists interested in becoming a Lighting and/or Sound Apprentice need to have taken Chicago Street’s “Booth Camp,” offered as a Workshop and Summer Camp. Those interested in becoming a Costume Apprentice need to have taken Chicago Street’s “Dress Up!,” offered during the summer (June-July). Those interested in becoming a Rehearsal Assistant/Directing Apprentice need to have taken Chicago Street’s “Exploring Directing,” offered as a Workshop (in either fall or spring). Enrolling in these programs insures the student has been “trained” on the advanced equipment in our tech booth and can “run” the lights and sound cues during a production, along with assisting with costumes.
Young Artists interested in becoming a Set/Prop, Lighting/Sound Apprentice, and/or Stage Manager Apprentice, need to have taken Chicago Street’s “Be Backstage!” Camp, offered only during the summer (July). Enrolling in this camp insures the student has been “trained” on the protocol and procedures of all ‘behind-the-scenes’ work.
Each production in the FAMILY SERIES (Teen Festival, Children’s Studio Productions, Holiday Show, and Spring Show) will offer areas of opportunity for Apprenticeships. During auditions, those who have successfully completed the above mentioned courses/workshops, may apply to become an Apprentice. Applications with opportunities listed will be made available on-line, as well. A limited number of Apprenticeships will be offered. It should not be assumed that if you audition and are not offered a role in a production, you can automatically become an Apprentice.
Those who are accepted to train as Apprentices will be required to attend an Information Meeting, at which time they will be assigned an adult Mentor and schedule at least two half-hour sessions for training prior to attending rehearsals. They will be required to attend every tech rehearsal and should they serve as either a Lighting, Sound, or Stage Manager Apprentice, they will be required to attend performances on a rotating schedule. All dates will be clearly listed on the Application, so there will be no confusion regarding commitment of time or overlapping of conflicts.
Upon completion of the production, all Apprentices will be evaluated by their adult Mentor and Show Director(s) on the following areas: application of their Apprentice Position and newly acquired skill, along with promptness, attendance, participation, attitude, ability to work well with others, and dedication. All evaluations are submitted, in writing, to the Director of Education who will communicate the results directly to the Apprentice.
If an Apprentice receives a favorable evaluation, they may make application to serve as a Technical Intern. Technical Internships will be offered, if the following conditions are met:
- The adult production is deemed appropriate for youths by the Director of Education;
- The production is also deemed appropriate by the parents of Intern making application;
- The Intern is at least 13 years of age;
- The Director(s) and Designers of appropriate production agree to a Technical Intern, adhering to all established Chicago Street Theatre Policy for the supervision of children.
Upon completion of the production, all Technical Interns will be evaluated by the Designers and Show Director(s), on the following areas: application of their skill, along with promptness, attendance, participation, attitude, ability to work well with others, and dedication. All evaluations are submitted, in writing, to the Director of Education who will communicate the results directly to the Technical Intern.
If a Technical Intern has received a favorable evaluation on at least two adult productions, they may make application to serve as a Design Intern. Design Interns are allowed to design either the lights, sound, costumes, set, or props, with an experienced adult Mentoring their work. Design Internships will be offered, if the following conditions are met:
- The production is deemed appropriate for a teen designer by the Director of Education;
- The production is also deemed appropriate by the parents of Intern making application;
- The Intern is at least 16 years of age;
- The Intern has shown considerable maturity and talent;
- An adult Designer agrees to Mentor the Intern during the entire process;
- The Director(s) and adult Designer of appropriate production agree to a Design Intern, adhering to all established Chicago Street Theatre Policy for the supervision of teens.
Upon completion of the production, the Design Intern will be evaluated by the adult Designer, Show Director(s), and Director of Education on the following areas: application of skill, along with promptness, attendance, participation, attitude, ability to work well with others, and dedication. This evaluation will take place in person, at an “Exit Interview.” The written evaluation of this Interview will be submitted, in writing, to the Director of Education who will place the record in the student’s permanent file.
While a student is serving as a Design Intern, all correspondence to Apprentices and/or Directors must be sent to the Director of Education first, and she, in turn, will approve and send out the schedule and all communication.
If a Design Intern has received an exemplary Exit Interview on at least two productions, they may progress to a level of Designer. All those interested and qualified must adhere to the standards established at Chicago Street Theatre for Designers, and must be at least 18 years of age.
For information or application, please contact Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano, Director of Education, via email.
© 2010 – Chicago Street Theatre
Updated: February 1, 2016
We can assure you, we have a wonderful program for those who will enter our classroom with safety and sanitation procedures in place.
During our past year, full summer and fall classes, we can proudly report there were no positive cases due to exposure in our building. Although we experienced students who missed a class due to attending school and contact-tracing, no incidents were caused at Chicago Street. Our fully-vaccinated Instructors & Interns remain diligent and insure all are as safe as possible.
And here we are . . .
When the state-mandated quarantine began in March, 2020, we all adjusted, to the best of our ability, as quickly as possible. On-line theatre classes were new for everyone, everywhere, in all classrooms. We continued to adapt to an ever-changing definition of “normal.”
According to the education survey sent in July, 2020, 90% expressed a desire to return to our theatre classroom. 49% prefer a combination of on-line and in-person instruction with 32% preferring in-person instruction only. Taking everything into consideration, we hope our varied offerings will accommodate.
We have put together a wonderful socially-distanced program for those who will enter our classroom with safety and sanitation procedures in place.
Seeds On-Line Showcase – May, 2020
