Arts – General Information

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Cultural Arts General Information

The Waukegan Park District through its Cultural Arts Division offers fine and cultural arts programs through Jack Benny Center for the Arts, Bowen Heritage Circle/Waukegan History Museum, Schornick Theatre, and the Visual Arts Center. Arts programming includes special events, dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, as well as, a professional theatre, a community symphony orchestra and a concert chorus, each providing enrichment to the lives of those who attend. Programs allow students, lecturers, artists, musicians, and actors opportunities to contribute to the culturally diverse community. The park district works cooperatively with the historical society’s volunteer board by providing a museum supervisor, a research library and museum. Historically significant archives, events, tours, programs, and exhibits provide opportunities to learn about the community and its history.

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

One-on-one lessons offer focused attention and individualized study for each music student. Music lessons are offered in guitar, violin, viola, cello, string bass, woodwinds, Suzuki flute, piano, brass and voice. Private lessons are one of the most effective ways of musical advancement. Lessons are 30-60 minutes in length and meet once a week over an eight week session. Call the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, 847-360-4740, for fees and availability. Private music lessons are an activity that offers immediate evaluation and assessment between teacher and student/parent. Private music lessons are offered at the Jack Benny Center for the Arts.

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 is the home of the Bowen Park Theatre Company, and 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

Our Visual Arts Center is located at 533 Grand Avenue. This facility has a spacious art studio and gallery. Art studios are also available for rent.