eta's Programs & Education
Abena Joan Brown Summer Camp for the Performing Arts
The Abena Joan Brown Summer Camp for the Performing Arts offers classes during the summer Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 4 pm for students ages 7-13. Students enjoy healthy breakfasts and lunches provided by the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
The camp’s experienced performing arts instructors will lead students on a fun and dynamic journey into the world of theater, music, and dance. Students will dive into hands-on workshops, from acting and improvisation to choreography and stagecraft, all in preparation for a grand, end-of-summer stage production. Exciting rehearsals and field trips to immerse them in the creative process. It’s a summer full of creativity, teamwork, and the thrill of bringing an end-of-summer showcase performance to life in front of family and friends!
The curriculum is based on age/group and includes the following subjects:
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Theater - Acting, Directing, Performing
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Dance - Introduction to Dance-Hip-Hop. African and Jazz
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Music - Vocal performance, percussion, songwriting
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Stagecraft - Aspects of technical theater including lighting, sound, set design and stage management.
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An additional learning opportunity is a week at Blues Camp at Columbia College where students receive training in voice or the instrument of their choice.
Student Learning Outcomes:
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Public Speaking proficiency
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Character Development
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Projection
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Fitness/Movement
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Memory/recall
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Musical Aptitude
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Performance Opportunities
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Theater history/Production components
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Technical Theater
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Teamwork and cooperation
Stay tuned for schedule updates posted here and on our social media.
Useni Perkins Play Writer's Workshop
Discover the art of storytelling for the stage in our Useni Perkins Playwriting Workshop! Designed for aspiring writers aged 19 and up, this 4-week program provides both the foundational skills and creative tools to help you bring your ideas to life. Join us during the spring for Saturday sessions where you’ll dive into the craft of playwriting with a supportive community of fellow creatives. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop is your first step toward seeing your story unfold on stage.
The Curriculum Includes:
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Mastering Stage Directions: Learn the art of guiding your characters on stage, with insights into entrances, exits, and movement that bring scenes to life.
- Structuring Your Story: Break down your narrative and build acts that keep audiences engaged, ensuring each scene contributes to the overall arc of your play.
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Refining Your Craft: Polish your draft with dedicated sessions on proofreading and revision, transforming your work into a cohesive, compelling script.
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Table Reading and Feedback: Share your play aloud in a supportive table reading with fellow students, gaining invaluable insights from theater professionals on pacing, dialogue, and character dynamics.
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Incorporating Professional Feedback: Work closely with guidance from seasoned theater experts to fine-tune your play, bringing out its full potential.
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Building Your Playwright’s Toolkit: Conclude the workshop by creating a personalized toolkit that captures your unique approach to playwriting and outlines the next steps for future projects.
Student Learning Outcomes:
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Mastery of Playwriting Terminology
Develop a working vocabulary of essential playwriting terms, empowering you to analyze and discuss plays with confidence and precision. -
Proficiency in Planning and Structuring a Play
Acquire the skills to craft a cohesive play outline, with attention to plotting, character arcs, and pacing that will keep audiences engaged. -
Command of Playwriting Techniques
Gain hands-on experience with core techniques of stage writing, from crafting authentic dialogue to setting intentional stage directions and shaping memorable scenes. -
Understanding of Story Structure for the Stage
Explore how to adapt narrative structure specifically for theater, mastering the rhythm of acts and scenes to create a dynamic stage experience. -
Skills in Testing and Refining a Play
Practice the iterative process of workshopping your play, learning to gather constructive feedback, conduct live readings, and make thoughtful revisions. -
Completion of a Capstone Playwriting Project
Apply everything you’ve learned by completing a final playwriting project that demonstrates your growth and creativity as a playwright. -
Development of a Personalized Playwriting Toolkit
Create a unique toolkit of resources and strategies tailored to your style and goals, equipping you to continue your playwriting journey with clarity and purpose.
Stay tuned for schedule updates posted here and on our social media.
Okoro Harold Brown Academy for the Performing Arts
Explore the world of performing arts through our dynamic Drama, Music, and Dance classes! Designed for students ages 14 and up, this 4-week program offers Saturday sessions during the fall and winter. Each class lasts one hour, with sessions running between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., and students grouped by age to create a comfortable, collaborative environment.
The Curriculum Includes:
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Acting: Fundamentals of Performance
Dive into the essentials of acting! Learn foundational techniques that bring characters to life, practice script analysis to deepen your understanding of roles, and master body language and voice projection to enhance your stage presence. -
Dance: Movement and Expression
Discover the joy of dance through basic ballet, modern, and jazz. Develop a strong sense of rhythm, timing, and spatial awareness while learning choreography basics that allow you to express stories and emotions through movement. -
Music Theory
Build your musical foundation by understanding notation, rhythm, scales, chords, and key signatures. Develop aural skills to identify pitch and improve your musical ear, essential tools for any performer. -
Vocal Techniques
Strengthen your voice through essential techniques like breath control and vocal health practices. Experiment with pitch, warm-ups, and explore different vocal styles to find your unique sound, whether it’s classical or contemporary.
Student Learning Outcomes:
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Technical Skills
Master the foundational techniques in acting, dance, voice, and music, empowering you with versatile skills across all areas of the performing arts. -
Collaboration and Teamwork
Build effective communication and teamwork skills by working with classmates in ensemble settings, an essential aspect of successful performances. -
Creative Expression
Unleash your creativity! Gain the confidence to create original works and performances, and learn how to express yourself artistically on stage. -
Professional Preparedness
Get a glimpse into the performing arts industry with insights into potential career paths and the professional skills required for success in the field. -
Confidence and Stage Presence
Develop the stage presence and audience engagement skills necessary for captivating performances, building your confidence both on and off the stage.
Stay tuned for schedule updates posted here and on our social media.
artist in residence
This initiative fosters the development of up-and-coming artists by providing them with a dedicated workspace, dynamic community interaction, and essential networking opportunities. It serves as a platform for visual artists to exhibit and market their creations. Artists benefit from an atmosphere enriched with a variety of performances. The program is enhanced by our specialized programs, exhibitions, and the chance to instruct Performing Arts classes at eta. Artists are able to refine their talents and broaden their artistic scope, for more information please call (773) 752-3955.