Arts – General Information

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Cultural Arts General Information

The Waukegan Park District’s History and Cultural Arts Division offers Arts programs including: Special Events, Dance, Music, Art, a Community Symphony Orchestra and a Community Concert Chorus. History programs include: School Outreach, Guided Walking Tours, History Lunch and Learns, a Research Library, a Museum, and Exhibits.

The fine arts programming is supported by the Waukegan Park District, with partial support through a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, an agency of the State of Illinois.

Private Music Instruction

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Flute, Sax, Woodwinds and Brass

Private lessons are scheduled individually and price for one half hour lesson is $17.50/$18, Scholarships are available. Interested students/parents should call 847-360-4740 for assistance on available instructors, dates, and times. In person music instruction will take place at the Jack Benny Center, in Bowen Park. Virtual lessons will use an online video, which one depends on the instructor and the student: Go to Meeting, Zoom, Facetime, Google Duo, and/or Google Meet

Jack Benny Center does not rent instruments or sell music books. Students should be able to practice lessons on a daily basis, have the recommended music book and instrument.

Music lessons are continuous until you fill out an in-person cancellation form.

Dance Studio

Our spacious 29’ x 49’ dance studio is the home to the dance program and a variety of other movement classes throughout the year. Preschool through adult classes are held in the dance studio located on the lower level of the Jack Benny Center for the Arts at 39 Jack Benny Drive in Bowen Park. A variety of classes are offered to meet dance needs while Yoga, Tai Chi Chuan, and other classes are offered to meet the needs for movement and body awareness.

Theatre

The Dr. Lynn Schornick Theatre seats 80. It is also the stage for classes, workshops, and performances. Classes in theatre arts are held year-round for youth through adult. Classes include Stage One-theatre for youth, Compass Creative Dramatics brings in youth musical theatre, Acting 101 for Adults, Stage Make-up, Scene Study, Improvisation classes and workshops, and Audition Clinics. Classes and workshops are taught by Chicago/Milwaukee area actors and directors as well as workshops offered through professional companies.

Art

Jack Benny Center for the Arts is located at Bowen Park. This facility has a spacious art studio and gallery. Art studios are also available for rent.