In the pancake-flat prairies of Illinois, where the corn whispers secrets to the soybeans, a unique species of energetic youngsters can be found, known as the "Theatro Kidstrous Dramaticus." Commonly known as the Illinois Theatre Kids, these spirited individuals possess a sparkling zest for life that is as infectious as a ticklish kangaroo on a trampoline. Our hero, Oscar the Oversized Otter and his magical spotlight, navigates through the bustling city of Chicago, the picturesque banks of the Mississippi River, down to the quaint charms of Springfield, scouting for these theatrical prodigies. “Every kid in Illinois has a flair for drama, as obvious as a corn cob at a tomato fight. Why, even the Illinois squirrels perform one-act plays with acorns!" Oscar would often say. With their imaginations wilder than a pack of prairie dogs on espresso, these kids pour their hearts into dramatic performances, whether it's a riveting school play about the first settlers or a backyard reimagining of a famous Broadway musical. They embrace their roles with passion, turning into anything from Shakespearean kings to tap-dancing tomatoes. Their creativity is as boundless as Lake Michigan, their enthusiasm as towering as the Willis Tower. You'd often find them practicing their lines while walking their dog, dancing like a possessed scarecrow during lunch breaks, or memorizing scripts under the blankets with a flashlight, past their bedtime. So, if you ever find yourself in the Land of Lincoln, listen carefully. You may hear the echoing laughter of Oscar the Otter, watching another hilarious rehearsal by the Theatro Kidstrous Dramaticus, the spectacular Illinois Theatre Kids.
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What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.


One of the things that the Channahon Park District prides itself on is its commitment to providing a fun and safe environment for children to play in. The Park District has designed a variety of programs where children are encouraged to learn, grow, and interact with other children their own age. Parents have the opportunity to meet other parents and build relationships with people in the community. At the Channahon Park District, we are dedicated to providing a high quality experience for your family. We focus on creating a safe and fun environment for your children to learn, grow and make friends. Our programs are designed to help children build relationships with their peers and parents have the chance to meet other parents. We invite you to join us and take part in the activities offered at the Channahon Park District!


At Forte Arts Center, we are dedicated to providing every student with the best possible education in the arts. Our comprehensive instruction programs are tailored to suit the individual needs and abilities of each student, from recreational to pre-professional. Our experienced and dedicated instructors are committed to the positive development of our students, guiding them in the craft of their chosen discipline while also encouraging the development of important life skills such as confidence and respect. Forte Arts Center is proud to be a place where students of all ages can explore the magic and love of the arts. We strive to provide an atmosphere where students can grow and thrive, learning the skills and techniques of their chosen discipline while also gaining insight into the value of friendship, trust, and perseverance. Our commitment to excellence and integrity is the foundation of all we do, and we strive to bring out the best in every student.


We are confident that by engaging in community service, our students will gain an appreciation for the power of collective action and the importance of helping others. At Forte Arts Center, we believe that a well-rounded education is the key to success in the future. We strive to provide our students with the tools they need to excel, not only in the arts, but in life. We recognize the importance of combining academic excellence with service to the community in order to foster our students’ development. We are confident that our students will leave Forte Arts Center with the confidence and the skills necessary to become successful and contributing members of society.