Summer isn’t over yet! Check out our fun Throw Down 101 Fitness Dance pop-up classes for teens and adults!
Want to know a little bit about our wonderful teachers? We’d love to share their stories.
Registration for the Fall 2026 Session is now open.
All classes will be held at the Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL.
Fall 2026 Classes
3 Minutes in the Spotlight
Ready to shine? "3 Minutes In The Spotlight" is a relaxed, performance-focused vocal class where you’ll have the chance to choose your favorite song and work one-on-one with a vocal coach to perfect your performance. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a first-time singer, this class is designed to help you elevate your voice, technique, and stage presence.
Throughout the class, you’ll receive personalized instruction on everything from vocal range and breathing techniques to expression and interpretation. Your coach will offer feedback and help you refine your song to make sure it's performance-ready in an encouraging environment where your classmates are also striving for the same goal.
By the end of the session, you'll be ready to take the spotlight and confidently deliver your song in a performance for family and friends. Perfect your favorite tune, own your performance, and take your singing to the next level with "3 Minutes In The Spotlight!”
Instructor: Jeff Hamrick
Ages: Adults and Teens
Tuition: $125
Class Minimum - 4
Class Maximum - 6
Wednesdays, 9/23 - 10/21 from 7:15 - 8:45 p.m.
Performance on October 24
Live Lines and Movements: Adult Drawing Class
This class teaches students to draw using charcoal and pastel from live observation with a focus on gesture, contour, measurement, space, and light/shadow. Students will build and strengthen their technical skills while learning to recognize and lean into their own personal style. Rather than working toward a single "correct" approach, students will be encouraged to create in a way that feels authentic to them, whether expressive/energetic or analytical/methodical. The course concludes with live drawing sessions featuring local musicians, offering a unique opportunity to capture movement, rhythm, form, and atmosphere.
Required Materials: Students should bring sketchbooks or paper (8x10in minimum but 9x12in or bigger is preferred), Chalk and charcoal stick or chalk pastel, and erasers. Large sketchpads or drawing boards and large paper recommended for final pieces.
Helpful but not required: Charcoal pencil 2b and hb, white chalk, kneaded and art gum eraser, ballpoint pens.
Instructor: Ben Salus
Ages: 18+
Tuition: $200
Class Minimum: 5
Class Maximum: 10
Mondays, 9/14 - 10/5 from 6:00 - 8:00p.m.
Outspoken: Poetry Workshop for Adults
Outspoken will cover the basics of spoken word poetry and prose. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to hone your craft, we have a place for you! Students will learn a variety of techniques to take their words from the page to the stage. We will also cover editing and how to fine-tune your writing in a workshop format to prepare for a final presentation of your work.
Instructor: Annie Lawrence
Ages: 18+
Tuition: $90
Class Minimum: 7
Class Maximum: 15
SESSION 1: Tuesdays, 9/15 - 10/20 from 6:00 - 7:00p.m. (Possible performance on October 24th)
SESSION 2: Tuesdays, 10/27 - 12/8 from 6:00 - 7:00p.m. (Possible performance on December 12th. No class 11/24.)
In this class, we will work on learning dance combinations set to songs from Theatre, TV, Movies, TikTok and YouTube. Dance styles will vary between jazz, modern, hip hop and ballet. Some of the choreography will be recreated from the original choreographers and some will be created by the teacher. No dance experience is necessary, as variations will be given to accommodate different dance abilities and learning styles.
Dancers can dance in socks, jazz/ballet shoes, athletic shoes or barefoot, and wear clothing you can move in comfortably - layers are recommended. Please bring water every week and be ready to sweat!
Instructor: Jennifer O’Keefe
Ages: Teens and Adults
Tuition: $120
Class Minimum: 6
Class Maximum: 20
Tuesdays, 9/15 - 10/20, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Pop Culture Dance
Spotlight Theater: Adults Acting Out, Murder Mystery
Actors 18+ will have the chance to perfect their acting skills or try them on for the first time - no matter where you are on your theater journey - even if stepping on the stage from the audience, you will have a chance to grow and be challenged as you work with an ensemble of people sharing in the onstage, directing, and audience experience. Through theater exercises, monologues, scenes, and a 1-act Murder Mystery play, you will build friendships and become more comfortable on stage or in front of a crowd.
Instructor: Christine Rechsteiner
Ages: 18+
Tuition: $150
Class Minimum: 8
Class Maximum: 20
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12/16-1/14 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Performance on 1/16. No class on 12/24 or 12/31.
Spotlight Theater:
Movement and Rhymes
In Movement and Rhymes, children in Kindergarten through 2nd grade will experience 60 minutes of discovering how to use their bodies and voices. Each class participant will grow in their knowledge of theater and performance. At the end of the 6 weeks, the class will present several group projects that incorporate what they have learned throughout the class.
Focus Areas:
Exploring movement, space, and sound and how it fits into performance
Build Confidence
Work as a team/ensemble
Character transformation
Instructor: Christine Rechsteiner
Ages: Kindergarten - 2nd grade
Tuition: $180
Class Minimum: 8
Class Maximum: 15
Wednesdays, 9/16 - 10/21 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Students in grades 3 through 6 will have a blast exploring Movement, Monologues, and Scenes! Through theater games and acting exercises, students will build confidence, physical awareness, and stage presence while exploring character development and emotional connection. Students will learn how movement, staging, and connection help bring scenes to life. Each actor will perform a monologue and scene at the end of the session.
Focus Areas:
Realistic character development
Stage presence and confidence
Monologue performance
Audition confidence
Scene work and partner acting
Blocking and stage direction
Instructor: Christine Rechsteiner
Ages: Grades 3-6
Tuition: $180
Class Minimum: 8
Class Maximum: 15
Wednesdays, 10/28-12/9 from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Spotlight Theater: Movement, Monologues, and Scenes
Everyone has a story. This class will focus on discovering and developing stories in a supportive environment. Participants will learn tools and techniques to build an entire story from generation to production. Participants will engage in workshops to apply the techniques being learned. All experience levels are welcome. Writers are welcome, but you do not have to write at all to tell an effective story.
Instructor: Giggy Wagner
Ages: 18+
Tuition: $110
Class Minimum: 4
Class Maximum: 10
Thursdays, 9/17 - 10/22 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Performance on October 24th.
Storytelling for All
Throw Down 101 Dance Fitness
You may have seen some of the fun, viral dances from Fly Dance Fitness on TikTok or YouTube. Now it’s your turn to have a great time dancing while you improve your fitness. Each routine in this dance class will be broken down before bringing all the pieces together into one fun dance! ALL fitness levels are welcome.
Instructor: Carrie Bonanotte
Ages: 16+
Tuition: $120
Class Minimum: 6
Class Maximum: 20
Mondays from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. on 9/14, 9/21, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, and 11/2
Please mark your calendars carefully. We have to skip some Mondays due to other programming at the Science Center.
Young Poets Society
Are you a young writer interested in the fascinating world of poetry? Join the Young Poets Society and take the first step on your journey toward poetic self-expression.
In this six-week class, we will cover the building blocks of poetry writing and performance—learning content and composition by studying a wide variety of poets, both renowned and lesser-known, and the styles they created/popularized. You will have a chance to explore each style by writing and presenting your own pieces as you gain familiarity with the broad possibilities of the written word. Throughout the weeks, you will receive feedback from both the teacher and your peers in a welcoming yet constructive workshop environment, preparing you to share your voice with the world. This class culminates in a performance where you can showcase your skills to friends, family, and the community.
Instructor: Jordan Miller
Ages: 6th through 8th graders
Tuition: $160
Class Minimum: 8
Class Maximum: 15
SESSION 1: Wednesdays, 9/16 - 10/21 from 6:00 - 7:00p.m.
Performance on October 24th at 6:00 p.m.
SESSION 2: Wednesdays, 10/28 - 12/9 from 6:00 - 7:00p.m.
Performance on December 12th at 6:00 p.m. No class 11/25.
Miss Angie’s Music Makers
Participate with your child in singing, chanting, moving, dancing, listening and playing simple percussion instruments. Activities will bridge the natural connection between music and movement, improve listening abilities, and increase exposure and appreciation to different types of music. The class is 45 minutes and is designed for child and adult to participate in together.
Instructor: Angie Pope
Ages: 1-5
Tuition, session 1: $75
Tuition, session 2: $90
Class Minimum: 8
Class Maximum: 12
Thursdays, 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Session 1: 9/10 - 10/15 No class on 10/8
Session 2: 10/22 - 12/3
Join us for a choir experience geared towards ADULTS and TEENS! The benefits of choral singing go beyond musicianship and extend to physical and emotional well being. In our Community Choir, we will sing various genres of music with the focus being on fun! Absolutely no musical experience required, no audition, and you will NEVER be asked to sing alone!
Click HERE for a sample of our music!
Select the section that best fits your schedule. Both sections will perform together at all performances. We also have an ONLINE OPTION! Sing from the comfort and convenience of your own home and join us in person when you can!
Director: Carrie Bonanotte
Ages: Teens and Adults
Tuition: $135
SECTION 1: Wednesdays, 9/9 - 12/2 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
OR
SECTION 2: Thursdays, 9/10 - 12/3 from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
No classes during Thanksgiving week.
Concert: Sunday, December 6, 2026
Bel Canto Community Choir
Bel Canto
Children’s Choir Program
With ensembles for children ages 5-15, Bel Canto is the largest children’s community choir in the south suburbs of Chicago. In our classes, students will develop a love for singing, artistry, and expression through engaging repertoire and inspiring rehearsals. Each student will have the opportunity to perform at community events and celebrations as well as end of session concerts.
Tuition Assistance and Payment Plans are available to ensure access to our programming for ALL students.
See class descriptions below.
Ensembles
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Children's Choir
In Children’s Choir, students grades K - 2nd will develop a love for singing, artistry, and expression through engaging repertoire, movement, and musical games. Emphasis is placed on finding the child’s natural singing voice and instilling confidence through a supportive environment. Students will also learn music literacy and aural skills using the popular Solfege method. Please click here to listen to a sample from our youngest musicians.
Director: Angie Pope
Ages: Kindergartner through 2nd grade
Tuition: $215Thursdays, 9/10 - 12/3 from 4:15 to 5:00
No class on 11/26
Concert: December 6, 2026 -
Youth Choir
In Youth Choir, students grades 3rd - 5th will learn about their vocal anatomy and how the voice works. Students will learn how to properly warm up their voices to sing as well as techniques for expanding breath control and range. There will be a strong emphasis on learning to read music as it applies to choral works as well as sight-reading, the ability to learn music without having heard it first. Students will apply these newly-developed skills as they learn repertoire from a variety of genres. Please click here to listen to a sample of our fine musicians.
SELECT ONE SECTION. All sections will perform together at the concert December 6th.
Director: Carrie Bonanotte
Ages: Grades 3 through 5th
Tuition: $235SECTION 1: Tuesdays, 9/8 - 12/1 from 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
SECTION 2: Wednesdays, 9/9 to 12/2 from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. (Class minimum: 4 students, Class Maximum: 8 students)
SECTION 3: Thursdays, 9/10 - 12/3 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Class minimum: 4 students, Class Maximum: 8 students)No classes during Thanksgiving week.
Concert: December 6, 2026 -
Concert Choir
Concert Choir is an ensemble for 6th - 8th grade singers. In Concert Choir, students will focus on music literacy while learning to perform music that is of great technical difficulty. Students considering this ensemble should be highly motivated to practice their music on their own as well as interested in taking their own stage presence to an advanced level. Please click here to listen to a sample of our Concert Choir.
Director: Carrie Bonanotte
Ages: Grades 6 though 8th
Tuition: $240Tuesdays, 9/8 - 12/1 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
No classes on 11/24
Concert: December 6, 2026
Spotlight on Summer
When Summer rolls around, Spotlight’s got fun programming to enrich everyone’s sunny days!
Pop-up class:
Throw Down 101 Dance Fitness
You may have seen some of the fun, viral dances from Fly Dance Fitness on TikTok or YouTube. Now it’s your turn to have a great time dancing while you improve your fitness. Each routine in this dance class will be broken down before bringing all the pieces together into one fun dance! ALL fitness levels are welcome.
CHECK BACK EVERY WEEK DURING THE SUMMER FOR ANOTHER POP-UP!
All classes will be held at the Homewood Science Center, 18022 Dixie Hwy, Homewood, IL.
Instructor: Carrie Bonanotte
Ages: 16+
Tuition: $20
Class Minimum: 6
Class Maximum: 20
Monday, August 3rd from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Monday, August 10th from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.