Performing Arts Classes in Chicago, IL

Ready to take it to the next level?  In this workshop, we’ll focus on what it takes to develop total and complete comfort on stage. Harness the power of your self-confidence, streamline your intention and develop some personalized techniques for jumping fully into the moment on stage.  Some ideas are meant for just moment, some are meant...

Sanford Meisner said that, ‘acting is the ability to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances.’ In this intensive, we will work on the first half of that statement: living truthfully. Working through a series of innovative, step-by-step improvisational exercises we will train you to be thoroughly responsive, emotionally alive, spontaneous...

Apply your Piven training to advanced-level scene work. The Scene Study Extension provides advanced and returning students with the opportunity to polish scene work for performance. Led by an expert instructor, students will work in pairs to build the world of their scene and then present their final performances to the community in an Open Workshop...

Reverse Turns/Pivot Turns In this class, we will visit different kinds of turns that take you a step, or a turn, further than your basic left and right turns. We will learn how both the lead and the follow use proper connection to signal and execute a turn done in reverse, as well as a turn that uses the pivot technique. Prerequisite: Bachata (Core...

Basic & Turns In this class, we will introduce all basic footwork and basic partner work: left hand turn, right hand turn, and all foot work that is incorporated into different movements within your basic steps. Bachata’s style is characterized by soft hip motions, turns, and side-to-side footwork; our goal is to get you comfortable moving...

Piven Theatre Workshop has been devising new literary adaptations since our inception over forty years ago. In this class, we will give our adult students the opportunity to experience the creative energy of an ensemble-driven, text-based devising process. Through six weeks of group improvisation exercises and text exploration, students will adapt...

Basics & Virodinha Intro to Zouk will cover the main things that distinguish Zouk from other styles: Difference in Frame & Posture, how we connect with our partner, Zouk timing, and the progressive, water-like basic Step. You will also cover Virodinha in this class, which will prepare you to travel in your dance and transition to other Core...

Drapes and Hand Tosses In this class, we will begin to cover more advanced variations of hand placement and hand tosses. This movement grants dancers the ability to switch hands and grip with your partner, allowing new movement to be created without having to execute a new pattern. Prerequisite: Bachata (Core IV) Spot Turns & Rotations. Note...

Take ballroom dance lessons - Latin Style. Contemporary Latin dances are the "in" dances. Learn today's hottest dances - the Merengue,and Rhumba - in a fun and relaxed atmosphere while improving your rhythm, coordination, and developing your sense of space on the dance floor. This class is designed for beginners to learn the fundamentals. Wednesdays...

Learn how Piven’s signature improvisation style can take your monologue to the next level and rehearse and perfect your audition technique in a supportive environment! Cover all of the steps of a theatrical audition process, including the ins and outs of resumes and headshots, monologue selection and rehearsal, the first round of auditions, and...

Lighting Techniques on a Budget: A Small to No Crew Production Workshop This hands-on lighting workshop will teach you how to choose the right lighting equipment for your projects and your budget (for small to no crew productions). You will get to see and use a variety of lighting gear, from low to high-end lighting equipment and accessories in a...

Step onto the stage with glitter, glam, and pure rock badassery in Glam Rock Burlesque, where we will explore the aesthetics and attitudes behind the famous glam rock movement of the 1970s and incorporate these elements into a fun dance-and-strip group number! Whether you’re a seasoned performer, looking to try something new and exciting, or anxious...

Cross Body Leads & Copas In this class we will expand on the fundamental movement patterns of partner-work and begin to build your repertoire of moves. Prerequisite: Salsa (Core I) Turning Hand Positions & Cross Body Leads Note: Students should wear comfortable clothing they can move in as well as smooth bottom shoes with little grip on...

Acting is an emotional art form, yet as Meisner told us, ‘acting is not emoting.’ So how do we deepen our emotional life without becoming indulgent, self-conscious actors? How do we meet the emotional demands of the script without faking anything? Intensive 3 has the answers. You will be guided through a series of exercises specifically designed...

Swing out in style and hone in your vaudeville roots. Vintage movements straight outta Harlem bring the joy of jazz to life! Jump & jive in this energy blast from the past with a modern twist. Vintage styles of the first truly American dance shall be cherished, revered and replicated without the vintage patriarchy. Shimmy shake it for freedom!...