The Actors Gymnasium

The Actors Gymnasium was founded in 1995 and has grown to become one of the nation’s premiere circus and performing arts training centers. We are dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre, through developing physical performers and encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration.

[actorsgymnasium]

Dalice (they/them) doesn’t quite fit in, especially at school. Dropped into a fantasy world reminiscent of Wonderland, Oz and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with the aid of a magical book they discover that they’re not the only ones that are struggling to fit in. This show is for all kids, even the kids at heart! Get tickets >>> actorsgymnasium.org/shows #circus #circustheatre #wonderland #wizardofoz#oz #charileandthechocolatefactory #willywonka #evanston #chicago #chicagotheatre #theatre#aerialarts #childrenstheatre #artseducation#education 

[actorsgymnasium]

Classes are in session! There's still time to join in on the mischief at actorsgymnasium.org! 

#circus #theatre #circusschool #circuseverywhere #circuseverydamnday #chicago #evanston #northshore #downtown #chicagotheatre #dancer #aerial #actor #aerialarts #aerialsilks 

[actorsgymnasium]

Get off your phone and fall into class because registration is open! Our next term starts September 4, 2018. View classes >>> http://actorsgymnasium.org/classes-camps

#circus #theatre #chicago #evanston #perfomingarts #arts #performance #chicagotheatre #circuseverywhere #physicaltheatre #fitness

[actorsgymnasium]

Some classes have been extended for four weeks! ONLY $100! 

1) Currently enrolled? Extend your stay with us and continue training!

2) Not ready for a 16 course? This is the perfect taste tester! 

3) Need a quick refresher for an audition or a show you're in? We've got you covered!

REGISTER NOW

[actorsgymnasium]

Perfect for dancers, actors, and other artists intent on a career in physical performance. An excellent bridge for performers at the beginning of their career moving from a recreational to professional setting. The Actors Gymnasium emphasizes a physical approach to character creation and storytelling.

PRE-REQUISITES

Eligible/Prospective students that have never taken a class at The Actors Gymnasium, please add yourself to the wait list and submit the following information to [email protected].

Brief background

Training (if any)

Goals

Pictures or video link (not required)

SCHEDULE • June 11 – July 22

Intensive I (ages 16 & up):

Monday – Thursdays from 4:15-6:15pm

Intensive II (ages 18 & up):

Monday – Thursdays from 6:15-8:15pm

REGISTER NOW

[actorsgymnasium]

WhatIsCircus.org

[actorsgymnasium]

Want to take a #circus class, but not ready for a 16 week course? We’re excited to be offering a four week spring offering for ONLY $100! Class starts May 7! Register online at actorsgymnasium.org! #circus #tastetester #trial #class #theatre #dance #movement #extension #spring #season #summer (at Actors Gymnasium Circus School & Theatre Company)

[actorsgymnasium]

Adapted by Mary Zimmerman • Adapted and directed for the circus by Kerry Katlin • Circus Choreography by Sylvia Hernandez –– DiStasi 

This circus adaptation of Homer’s myth begins with a modern young woman who is struggling to understand Robert Fitzgerald’s translation of The Odyssey. A classical muse appears, and the young woman becomes the goddess Athena–a tireless advocate for Odysseus in his struggle to get home. Adapted for the circus from Mary Zimmerman’s irreverent and witty twist on this epic tale, Kerry Catlin brings to life the story of Odysseus’s ten-year journey, depicting his encounters with characters such as Circe, Poseidon, Calypso, the Sirens, and others with astonishing acts of circus.

All tickets are $15! Group discounts are available for 10 or more. Call 847.328.2795 to reserve a group. 

The Odyssey is recommended for all kids and big kids, but we recommend 2 and up! Performances are May 12 - May 20 at Noyes Cultural Arts Center in Evanston, IL 60201. 

GET TICKETS

[actorsgymnasium]

Do you approve of our new office table? It’s perfect for assisted handstands and other circus skills. #handstand #circus #skills #actors #gym #actorsgym (at Actors Gymnasium Circus School & Theatre Company)

[actorsgymnasium]

This. 👏 Sunday. 👏 Martinis. 👏 We hope to see in Chicago’s beautiful neighborhood, #Andersonville! Stop by Marty’s Martini Bar between 2PM and 5PM. Must be 21 and older. #whatiscircus #martinisthatmatter #fundraiser #chicago (at Marty's Martini Bar)

[actorsgymnasium]

We asked the kids of summer camp what they liked best about circus camp! 

A summer day camp for incoming 4th graders and older, the Actors Gym Circus Camp is perfect for kids who want to strengthen, stretch and flex their creative muscles –– or for those kids looking to just have fun. 

Each day begins with a warm-up, followed by training and workshops in circus, drama, and movement. Students learn circus and aerial skills: juggling, tumbling, trapeze, tightwire, stilts, and more; take fun-filled field trips; and create and perform their very own circus-theatre performance at the end of the session! Camp is directed by award winning choreographer, master teacher and Actors Gym Artistic Director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi.

2018 DATES

Session 1: June 11 – July 6 Mon-Fri 9 AM – 4 PM No camp July 4th.

Session 2: July 9 – August 3 Mon-Fri 9 AM – 4 PM

REGISTER • Financial Aid available!

[actorsgymnasium]

Journey for the Sun: A SciFi Cartoon Circus, our 10th Winter Circus closes this Sunday, March 25! Tickets are available online at actorsgymnasium.org/shows or by calling the box office at 847-328-2795. 

A cosmic adventure featuring astonishing aerialists and acrobats, unearthly retro-futuristic sounds and songs and an enormous intergalactic robot!

REVIEWS: 

Photography by: Cole Simon Photography • Graphic Design and logo by Joseph Taylor • Art direction by James Anthony and Madisen Dempsey