District 214 Community Education

Have you ever said, "I used to love doing theater in high school," or "I miss acting but life got in the way"? Whether you're brand new, returning after a break, or looking to sharpen you skills, this welcoming 8-week class is for you. Led by The Theater Lab Producer, Patrick Zielinski - an actor, director and writer with over 25 years of esperience - This course explores monologues, scene work, subtext, improvisation, and ensemble techniques. All levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary. At The Theater Lab, we believe in collaboration, inclusion and most importantly, fun. Join a supportive community of fellow creatives and rediscover the joy of acting.

You can play at any age! Have you ever wanted to think quicker on your feet, connect more deeply with others, or simply laugh more while learning? In this welcoming course, you'll explore the foundations of improv theater: agreement (yes, and), active listening, spontaneity and ensemble collaboration. Through games, exercises, and short-form scenes, you'll unlock your creativity and build confidence both on and off the stage. Led by The Theater Lab Producer Patrick Zielinski--an improvisor, actor, director and writer with over 25 years of experience--this class is designed for absolute beginners and returning performers alike. No script, no pressure, just a supportive space to take risks, share laughs and discover the joy of improvisation. At The Theater Lab we believe in collaboration, inclusion and most importantly, fun!

At The Theater Lab our mission is simple: to be a hub around which the community can collaborate to bring passionate theater to life. We welcome anyone with a passion for theater at all levels of experience to join us as a Theater Lab Member. A thriving theater community doesn’t happen by accident—it happens because people care enough to participate. Your membership helps The Theater Lab continue creating meaningful opportunities for artists, performers, volunteers, audiences, and the broader community. Annual membership is just $40 and includes: Free admission to all member events (listed below) Hands-on, behind-the-scenes learning opportunities Invitations to special members-only events Access to theater and industry professionals Our new quarterly Members Newsletter September 17 — Season Kick-Off — ALL ARE WELCOME, BRING A FRIEND! 7:30pm | Forest View Educational Center | Door #33 | Theater Start the season with The Theater Lab community! Reconnect with familiar faces, meet new people, and help us celebrate everything ahead. Membership Events... September 17 — Season Kick-Off Start the season with The Theater Lab community! Reconnect with familiar faces, meet new people, and help us celebrate everything ahead. October 18 — Murder Mystery Who did it? Join us for an entertaining night filled with clues, characters, surprises, and plenty of mystery. November 5 — Giving Back Theater is about community, and this month we’re putting that spirit into action by coming together to support Toys for Tots. December 11 — 2nd Annual Holiday Fundraiser It’s a Wonderful Life—and we’re celebrating it together! Enjoy a festive holiday gathering inspired by the classic film while helping support the continued growth of The Theater Lab. January 28 — Producing a Show What does it take to bring a show from an idea to the stage? Hear from industry professionals about the many creative and logistical pieces involved in producing live theater. February 25 — Intimacy in Today’s Theater Theater is evolving—and so are the ways intimate scenes and relationships among performers, directors, and production teams are approached. Join us for an engaging and informative panel discussion. March 25 — Theater Superstitions Break a leg! Enjoy a storytelling night devoted to the strange, funny, fascinating, and sometimes downright bizarre superstitions of the theater world. April — Film Professionals Curious about life behind the camera? Hear film professionals share their experiences, insights, and perspectives on working in the industry. May — Professional Actors What is it really like to make acting your profession? Join professional actors for an honest conversation about their careers, challenges, successes, and experiences in the industry. June — Game Night It’s time to set aside the serious theater talk and have some fun! Join us for an evening of games, laughter, friendly competition, and connection. July — End-of-Season Picnic Let’s celebrate the season together! Relax, reflect on the year, and enjoy time with the community we’ve built. Event dates, topics, and details are subject to change. To become a Member or for more information, please call us at 847-718-7700 or email ce@d214.org. To additionally support The Theater Lab, simply add a donation under 'Donation' and click 'Enroll Now'.