fall Saturday Program
Spend your Saturday mornings at The Academy.
DANCE
Session 1
September 12 - October 3, 2026
Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Dance I
Fundamentals of Technique
The perfect program balance for comprehensive dance training. We will give your child the fundamentals of ballet, jazz, and modern dance, all while inspiring their creative voice. This is the perfect introduction to dance training at The Academy. Each session will offer codified techniques and also allow your child to learn to express themselves through the language of dance.
For students currently in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
Cost: $250 for one session or $475 for both.
Session 2
October 17 - November 7, 2026
Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Dance
Technical Artistry
The perfect program balance for comprehensive dance training. We will give your child the fundamentals of ballet, jazz, and modern dance, all while inspiring their creative voice. This is the perfect introduction to dance training at The Academy. Each session will offer codified techniques and also allow your child to learn to express themselves through the language of dance.
For students currently in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
Cost: $250 for one session or $475 for both.
Media arts
Session 1
September 12 - October 3, 2026
Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Animation I
The 12 Principles of Animation
Students will survey the twelve principles of animation through a variety of technical projects. They will learn classic 2D animation techniques through storyboarding, illustration, and character design. They will use various software as well as hand drawn techniques.
Working alongside The Academy’s animation instructor, and receiving one-on-one feedback, the students will experience a comprehensive introduction to animation and its relevance to the art world today.
On the last day of the program, students, friends, and family will come together for a screening of their projects.
For students currently in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
Cost: $250 for one session or $475 for both.
Session 2
October 17 - November 7, 2026
Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Animation II
Creating on Your Own
In session two, students will advance to character design and storyboarding as they learn to animate complicated shapes and full characters. They will use what they learned in Session 1 to put together their own short animated project.
On the last day of the program, students, friends, and family will come together for a screening of their projects.
For students currently in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
Cost: $250 for one session or $475 for both.
Musical Theatre & Theatre
Session 1
September 12 - October 3, 2026
Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The Art of the Monologue
Whether you are preparing for an audition for the Theatre and Musical Theatre departments at the Chicago Academy for the Arts, a community theatre production, or a professional audition for TV and Film, a well-prepared monologue is essential as an actor. This four-week session will focus on material selection and preparation for putting your best foot forward in a solo piece.
For students currently in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
Cost: $250 for one session or $475 for both.
Session 2
October 17 - November 7, 2026
Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The Art of the Audition
An ideal follow-up to our Fall Session I or a great stand-alone for young actors, our "Art of the Audition" workshop will focus on the techniques for stepping into an audition room full of confidence. Explorations on finding the student's unique voice as well as professional preparation of audition room materials (i.e. Headshots, Resumes, Cold Readings, etc.). Don't be surprised if one or two professionals from the theatre industry stop by!
For students currently in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
Cost: $250 for one session or $475 for both.
visual arts
Session 1
September 12 - October 3, 2026
Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sketch to Study
Painting and Sculpture
The Visual Arts Saturday Program mirrors The Academy’s Visual Arts Department’s curriculum and pairs teaching foundational skills and techniques with contemporary art-making practices.
In Sketch to Study students will explore working at various speeds from gesture and improvisational methods of drawing to more planned and intentional methods of image making. Students will learn a variety of drawing techniques and will use their “quick” ideas as a resource to create more involved painting and sculpture projects. Weekly exercises will include drawing from observation as well as imagination. Our program’s instruction is highly individualized and projects will be geared towards and accessible to students who are beginners as well as to students with advanced levels of arts training and experience.
For students currently in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
Cost: $250 for one session or $475 for both.
Session 2
October 17 - November 7, 2026
Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sequential and Narrative Art
Drawing and Painting
Students will learn printmaking techniques to develop and build a series of narrative images. From monoprints to working with relief plates, students will experiment with the various ways images can convey information and tell stories. Students will work from observation and imagination and explore abstraction and variety in composition and framing. Our program’s instruction is highly individualized and projects will be accessible to students with beginning to advanced levels of arts training and experience. Though recommended, Sketch to Study: Painting and Sculpture is not a prerequisite for this session.
For students currently in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.
Cost: $250 for one session or $475 for both.
Life Changing experiences
Students in the Middle School Programs have the unique opportunity to study with working professional faculty who are leaders in their fields.
Our educators include performers from the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, dancers from The Joffrey Ballet, award-winning filmmakers, and more.
With guidance from these accomplished artists, students receive hands-on training that offers a deep, real-world understanding of the arts.
Professional Arts Instructors
In The Academy’s Middle School Programs, students don’t just learn about technique— they apply it.
Whether they are producing an EP in our Music Program or preparing an audition-ready monologue in the Theatre/Musical Theatre Program, application is at the heart of each department’s curriculum.
Hands-on
Art-Making
Community is a key part of The Academy Method.
Through project collaboration and shared experiences, students in the Middle School Programs start building their artistic networks earlier than other young artists— many leaving with lifelong friends.
Peer Collaboration
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS FAQ
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The Saturday Program is for students currently in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade regardless of age.
The Summer Program is for students heading into 7th, 8th, or 9th grade, also regardless of age.
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The Saturday Program is $475 for both sessions or $250 for one session.
The Summer Program is $995.
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Yes. Please email Program Coordinator Sarah Grant to pay your registration fee in installments.