Lemont Theatre Group to Offer Improv and Audition Workshops this spring

In response to requests for additional acting experiences and training, Little Mountain Community Theatre NFP is offering one-day workshops in improvisation and audition skills this spring.

Improv...Just For Fun! will be held March 14 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Lemont High School. A children’s session will include students in 4th through 8th grades, while high school students and adults will receive separate instruction. Participants will learn to think on their feet in a non-competitive and supportive environment through interactive, hands-on activities. Cost is $30. Space is limited to 15 registrants per session.

LMCT Artistic Director Heather Hutchison said people from all walks of life can benefit from improv while having fun.

“Being involved with something theatrical helps people build confidence, improve teamwork, and be more comfortable with public speaking while having fun,” she said. “Mainstream businesses use it. Therapists use it. Improv is a fun way to communicate and play!”

Hutchison, a director, teacher, and musical theatre actress, will teach the children’s session of the workshop. In addition to directing LMCT’s programming, she has directed for many local theatre companies, and has headed up educational programs for schools in Chicagoland, Connecticut, and London, United Kingdom. She is on the theatre staff at The School of Performing Arts in Naperville and is program director for Artful Impact, a non-profit organization, also in Naperville.

The session for high school students and adults will be led by Jonathan Keaton, a Chicago native who has performed at The Improv Olympic and The Playground Theatre, and is a charter member of one of the longest running improv shows in Chicago - Pimprov at the CIC Theatre. Keaton has toured with The Second City, has been an instructor at The Second City Training Center, and a primary performer with Second City Communications. His experience with film and television has included roles in Chicago Code, Chicago Fire, The Moleman of Belmont Avenue, and My Name is Jerry. He has appeared in television commercials for McDonald’s, the Chicago White Sox, and the Wisconsin Lottery, and has also done radio ads for AT&T, McDonald’s, American Family Insurance, and Coors Light.

On April 24, Audition 101 will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at LHS. The workshop is open to students in 4th grade through adults, with participants being separated into various age groups. Hutchison will teach this workshop with help with other industry professionals.

Topics covered include audition preparation and etiquette, tips on selecting music and monologues, preparing for a dance call, a director’s perspective on casting, and how to handle rejection. Participants will take part in mock audition scenarios. Cost is $30. Space is limited to 15 registrants.

“Auditions can be intimidating,” Hutchison said. “Getting some tips from theatre professionals can give you the extra confidence that may make all the difference. This workshop will help you with any audition you may be preparing for.”

Registration forms are available at www.littlemountaintheatre.org under the Education tab. Forms should be completed and mailed with payment to Little Mountain Community Theatre NFP; Attn: Sandy Doebert; 800 Porter Street; Lemont, IL 60439. Registration confirmations and workshop details will be sent via email.

For more information about LMCT visit www.littlemountaintheatre.org.