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Metropolis School of the Performing Arts
Improv Classes
Improv Stars
Improv Stars (Coming Soon)
$ 360.00

Improv Stars Ages 9-11

Students will learn the fundamentals of improvisation such as developing skills in spontaneity, storytelling, listening, character creation, agreeing with all choices made by fellow players, and building onto new ideas through a variety of different improv games and exercises each week. Our students will be encouraged to “make mistakes” in order to build confidence and other helpful life skills that will transcend the classroom! This class is designed to be repeated.

Jan 13, 2026 - May 12, 2026
Improv Ensemble
Improv Ensemble (Coming Soon)
$ 360.00

Improv Ensemble Ages 12-14

Students will further develop the core skills of improvisation while focusing on their strengths as performers, pantomime and environment work, and building a group mind with other members of the troupe. Get ready to laugh and make bold choices! This class is designed to be repeated.

Jan 13, 2026 - May 12, 2026
Improv Encore
Improv Encore (Coming Soon)
$ 360.00

Improv Encore Ages 15-18

High School improvisers of all experience levels are invited to put their wits to the test, all while honing their skills in comedic form, teamwork, storytelling, and acting. Improv Encore provides a unique environment where students are simultaneously met at their own comfort level, and encouraged to push boundaries. This class is designed to be repeated.

Jan 13, 2026 - May 12, 2026


Drama Classes
Acting Ensemble
Acting Ensemble (Coming Soon)
$ 390.00

Acting Ensemble Ages 10-14 *Invitation Only

Acting Ensemble is designed for dedicated theater students ages 10-14 who demonstrate a desire and enthusiasm for refining and developing acting technique. Admission is based on instructor approval to ensure participants have the foundational skills and experiences necessary for advanced work. Through scene study, character development and performance-based exercises, students will deepen their emotional range, stage presence, and collaborative techniques. This class emphasizes individual growth, ensemble work, and preparation.

Jan 14, 2026 - May 06, 2026
Acting Exploration
Acting Exploration
$ 360.00

Acting Exploration Ages 7-9

In this class, students develop their acting skills through exercises in storytelling and movement. Students will be encouraged to use their creativity to develop characters in scenes and monologues, culminating in a final in-class performance. This class is designed to be repeated.

Jan 15, 2026 - May 14, 2026
Acting Encore
Acting Encore
$ 360.00

Acting Encore Ages 10-13

In this class, students develop their acting skills through exercises in storytelling and movement. Students will be encouraged to use their creativity to develop characters in scenes and monologues, culminating in a final in-class performance. This class is designed to be repeated.

Jan 15, 2026 - May 07, 2026
Puppetry Arts
Puppetry Arts
$ 150.00

Puppetry Arts Ages 9-13

Join Miss Zoe for an exploration of making the inanimate animated! Students will construct their own puppets, learn puppeteering techniques and history, and delve into storytelling through fun, crafty activities! 

This course ends in an in-class puppet show for family and friends!

**Unable to commit to the whole session? Drop-in on a class for only $25 per student!

Feb 03, 2026 - Mar 10, 2026


Adult Classes
Advanced Improvisation
Advanced Improvisation
$ 475.00

Advanced Improvisation Ages 18+

Ready for the next level? This class is about building ensemble while learning to explore and heighten to glorious absurdity. Students will work towards objectwork begin second nature, fully commiting to distinct characters, and enthusiastically honoring everything your scene partners say like the solid gold it is. In addition to mastering more complex short-form games, you'll also practice long-form structures in our continuing mission to provide fun and laughter for all.

**Must be a veteran Metropolis student or have equivalent experience to enroll.

This course ends with a performance for families and friends!

Jan 12, 2026 - May 11, 2026
Beginning Improvisation
Beginning Improvisation
$ 390.00

Beginning Improvisation Ages 18+

Want to laugh your way through an exciting learning experience? Want to gain confidence thinking on your feet? Want to sharpen your teamwork skills? Improv is the place to do it! Beginner students will learn about the fundamentals of improv through exercises, games, and scenes made up on the fly!

This course ends with a performance for families and friends!

Jan 14, 2026 - May 18, 2026
Continuing Improvisation
Continuing Improvisation
$ 390.00

Continuing Improvisation Ages 18+

Already taken an improv class or two? Continuing improv gives you the opportunity to build on those experiences, take bigger risks, learn new techniques, and gain more onstage confidence. Laughter, joy, and camaraderie included!

**Must be a returning Metropolis student or have equivalent improv experience

This course ends with a performance for families and friends!

Jan 14, 2026 - May 13, 2026
Sunny Beijing
Sunny Beijing (Coming Soon)
$ 475.00

Sunny Beijing **By Invitation Only

Sunny Beijing is a Chicago-based improv comedy troupe. You see, Beijing is a famously smoggy city.

**Drop-ins by troupe invitation only

Jan 14, 2026 - May 13, 2026
Acting for Adults
Acting for Adults
$ 360.00

Acting for Adults Ages 18+

Whether it's your first time stepping onstage, a way for you to come back to performing, or you are a seasoned professional wanting to keep your momentum going, this course is for you! Through this course, actors will apply acting techniques to monologues, scenework, and auditioning. 

This class ends in an in class performance for family and friends!

Jan 31, 2026 - May 16, 2026
Shakespeare without Fear
Shakespeare without Fear
$ 170.00

Shakespeare Without Fear Ages 18+

Shakespeare is for everyone! It shouldn't be scary or hard, but it can certainly feel that way at first. Through this course, students will learn strategies to interpret Shakespearian works, hold discussions, and put the texts into action! 

 

This course concludes with a final presentation of Shakespeare pieces for family and friends!

Feb 05, 2026 - Mar 26, 2026
Celebration Singers
Celebration Singers
$ 160.00

Celebration Singers Ages 18+

Create music and build friendships in Celebration Singers! This ensemble sings a variety of musical genres - pop, jazz, oldies, musical theater, and more! During weekly rehearsals, singers will develop musical skills while connecting with fellow music lovers in preparation for a live performance. Singers of all experience levels welcome!

 

Tech Rehearsal: May 2nd from 9am-12pm

Performance: May 3rd at 7pm

Feb 22, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026
Second Act Players
Second Act Players
$ 280.00

Second Act Players Ages 18-59

Shine on the Metropolis stage in this exciting opportunity to rehearse and perform scenes and songs from popular Broadway musicals! Learn the basics and beyond as we sing, dance, and act in preparation for a cabaret-style performance for your families and friends.

Tech Rehearsal: May 30th from 9am-12pm

Performance: May 31st at 7pm

Apr 09, 2026 - May 28, 2026


Musical Theatre Classes
Acting the Song
Acting the Song (Coming Soon)
$ 390.00

Acting the Song Ages 10-16

This course is designed to help students approach musical theater and pop/rock material from both and acting and vocal perspective. Through a pre-selected repetoire, students will learn the techniques to guide them through selecting their own songs, interpret the work into character choices, and trim the song to create a working audition cut!

Students will leave this course with multiple prepared audition songs and cuts in varying genres!

Jan 14, 2026 - May 13, 2026
Scene into Song
Scene into Song (Coming Soon)
$ 475.00

Scene into Song Ages 10-16

This group course is designed to help young performers bridge the gap between spoken scenes and songs within a musical. Students will learn the techniques to make the transition from dialogue into songsfeel natural and grounded in their characters. Through trios, duets, and solo work, students will leave with a better understanding of why characters sing when they do!

Jan 17, 2026 - May 16, 2026


metropolTOTS
Imagination Exploration - Session A
Imagination Exploration - Session A
$ 170.00

Imagination Exploration - Session A Ages 4-6

Winter is here - whether we like it or not! But with winter comes snowmen, sledding, ice skating, and snow ball fights! By using our imaginations, we can enjoy them all without getting cold! Through creative drama games and harnessing the poer of our bodies, voices, and imaginations, we will transform the classroom into a Winter Wonderland as Ms. Megan shares winter themed stories. It's going to be a (snow)ball!

This course ends with a narrative pantomime performance of a classic winter tale for family and friends!

Jan 12, 2026 - Mar 02, 2026
Wiggle Workshop January
Wiggle Workshop January
$ 30.00

Wiggle Workshop January Ages 18m-3y

Everything you've loved about Wiggle, Giggle, and Grow - now fun sized! 

In this creative drama class, little ones will learn to express themselves both verbally and physically through the use of action songs, finger plays, and storybooks. They will also work on fine and gross motor skills while engaging with props such as scarves, rhythm instruments, puppets, and bubbles! 

This is a child and guardian class, designed for adult participation. Join your little one for an hour of silliness and fun!

Jan 15, 2026 - Jan 15, 2026
Wiggle Workshop February
Wiggle Workshop February
$ 30.00

Wiggle Workshop February Ages 18m-3y

Everything you've loved about Wiggle, Giggle, and Grow - now fun sized! 

In this creative drama class, little ones will learn to express themselves both verbally and physically through the use of action songs, finger plays, and storybooks. They will also work on fine and gross motor skills while engaging with props such as scarves, rhythm instruments, puppets, and bubbles! 

This is a child and guardian class, designed for adult participation. Join your little one for an hour of silliness and fun!

Feb 10, 2026 - Feb 10, 2026
Imagination Exploration - Session B
Imagination Exploration - Session B
$ 170.00

Imagination Exploration - Session B Ages 4-6

As the air gets warmer and the flowers start to grow, it's time to let our creativity bloom! In this creative drama class for young actors, Ms. Megan will share spring themed story books and help the students bring stories to life. The classroom will be filled with baby animals, fragrant flowers, and gentle breezes as we learn to express carious characters using our actors' tools. Let's "fling"" away those winter blues and "spring" into some imagination exploration! 

This course ends with a narrative pantomime performance as the students use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to become bugs and act our a spring story for family and friends!

Mar 09, 2026 - May 11, 2026
Wiggle Workshop March
Wiggle Workshop March
$ 30.00

Wiggle Workshop March Ages 18m-3y

Everything you've loved about Wiggle, Giggle, and Grow - now fun sized! 

In this creative drama class, little ones will learn to express themselves both verbally and physically through the use of action songs, finger plays, and storybooks. They will also work on fine and gross motor skills while engaging with props such as scarves, rhythm instruments, puppets, and bubbles! 

This is a child and guardian class, designed for adult participation. Join your little one for an hour of silliness and fun!

Mar 10, 2026 - Mar 10, 2026
Wiggle Workshop April
Wiggle Workshop April
$ 30.00

Wiggle Workshop April Ages 18m-3y

Everything you've loved about Wiggle, Giggle, and Grow - now fun sized! 

In this creative drama class, little ones will learn to express themselves both verbally and physically through the use of action songs, finger plays, and storybooks. They will also work on fine and gross motor skills while engaging with props such as scarves, rhythm instruments, puppets, and bubbles! 

This is a child and guardian class, designed for adult participation. Join your little one for an hour of silliness and fun!

Apr 16, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
Wiggle Workshop May
Wiggle Workshop May
$ 30.00

Wiggle Workshop May Ages 18m-3y

Everything you've loved about Wiggle, Giggle, and Grow - now fun sized! 

In this creative drama class, little ones will learn to express themselves both verbally and physically through the use of action songs, finger plays, and storybooks. They will also work on fine and gross motor skills while engaging with props such as scarves, rhythm instruments, puppets, and bubbles! 

This is a child and guardian class, designed for adult participation. Join your little one for an hour of silliness and fun!

May 14, 2026 - May 14, 2026


Camps
Curtains Up! Seize the Day: Songs and Scenes from Newsies
Curtains Up! Seize the Day: Songs and Scenes from Newsies
 

Curtains Up! Seize the Day: Songs and Scenes from Newsies Ages 9-14

Now is the time to seize your opportunity to learn and perform your favorite Newsies classics like "Santa Fe", "Carrying the Banner", and more! Newsies follows Jack and a community of newsfolk as they fight for fair wages during the Newsboy strike of 1899. This upbeat and energetic musical has become a classic for many since the film release in 1992 and stage revival in 2017.

 

**This camp ends in a performance on the Metropolis stage at 12:30pm on Friday, March 27th!

Mar 23, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026
Lights Up! Everything is Awesome: Springtime in Bricksburg
Lights Up! Everything is Awesome: Springtime in Bricksburg
 

Lights Up! Everything is Awesome: Springtime in Bricksburg Ages 6-8

Inspired by everyone's favorite brick building toys, this camp is sure to make you say "Everything is Awesome!" Campers will explore teamwork, creativity, and invention through songs and scenes!

 

**This camp ends in a performance on the Metropolis stage at 12:30pm on Friday, March 27th!

Mar 23, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026
Little Lights Up! Springtime on Sesame Street
Little Lights Up! Springtime on Sesame Street
 

Little Lights Up! Springtime on Sesame Street Ages 4 and 5

Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street? It's springtime and there is so much for the monsters and friends to do! Featuring classic songs, this camp is sure to feel like a sunny day!

 

**This camp ends in a performance on the Metropolis stage at 12:30pm on Friday, March 27th!

Mar 23, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026


Workshops
Suspicious Butler Staged Reading
Suspicious Butler Staged Reading
$ 10.00

Suspicious Butler Staged Reading Ages 13+

Get to know our upcoming spring play with this interactive workshop! Students can sign up to participate as a reader, rehearsing on Saturday alongside the director and playwright, Göran Norquist, to explore characterization, or join us on Sunday (no registration necessary) to watch/listen to the reading to familiarize themselves with the story.

 

Saturday 10am-1pm: MUST register to participate in this portion of the workshop.

Sunday 10am-12pm: NO registration necessary - listen to the story and learn more about auditions and casting

 

**Participation in the workshop DOES NOT equate casting. Auditions for the production will be held the following weekend.

Jan 24, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026


Productions
Suspicious Butler
Suspicious Butler
 

SOPA Spring Play - The Suspicious Butler Ages 8-15

In a new work written by our very own Mr. Göran, meet Tabitha Mystery - the second cousin of a very famous and successful mystery author. When her publisher calls to say she's fired, Tabitha begs for one more chance to write the greatest murder mystery ever! The only problem? She doesn't have a single original idea. Maybe she can get away with "borrowing" some characters from other successful stories! 

Get ready to test your detective skills as Tabitha frantically tries to include every famous literary and pop culture sleuth she can in the hopes of creating the most thrilling mystery story ever told!

 

Check out the "Workshops" tab to learn more about our Staged Reading, an opportunity for students to meet Mr. Göran and get to know this never-before-seen debut work!

 

Auditions: Friday, January 30th from 4-7pm and Saturday, January 31st from 1-4pm

Callbacks: Sunday, February 1st from 1-4pm

Rehearsals: February 9th-March 28th, Mondays 4:30-7:30pm, Fridays 4-7pm, and Saturdays 1-4pm

Tech Rehearsals: March 30th-April 1st from 4-8:30pm

Performances: Thursday, April 2nd at 10am, Friday, April 3rd at 10am and 7pm, and Saturday April 4th at 7pm

 

Feb 09, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
Spring Cabaret: A Dream is a Wish (Coming Soon)
$ 350.00

Spring Cabaret: A Dream is a Wish Grades 4-12

In a celebration of the of the works of Disney, students will perform a variety of songs from old classics to recent box office hits! Through the mentorship of industry professionals and the encouragement of their peers, students are sure to find "a whole new world" of passionate performers!

Auditions: March 8th from 1-4pm

Rehearsals: Sundays 1-4pm *No rehearsal 3/22 and 4/5

Tech Rehearsal: May 13th from 4-8pm

Performance: May 17th at 7pm

 

Mar 15, 2026 - May 10, 2026


Tech Theatre
Costuming Crash Course - Session A
$ 100.00

Costume Crash Course - Session A Grades 6-10

Join professional costume designer, Amanda Vander Byl, for a crash course in costume design! Students will learn the history, create their own designs, and bring costumes to life through their our stock and their own construction!

Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 21, 2026
Costuming Crash Course - Session B
$ 100.00

Costume Crash Course - Session B Grades 6-10

Join professional costume designer, Amanda Vander Byl, for a crash course in costume design! Students will learn the history, create their own designs, and bring costumes to life through their our stock and their own construction!

Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026