Target Months: June - July
Target Audience: Ages 6 - 12

Mission
To bring quality professional theatre to children from pre-school through high school

In keeping with their mission of making the arts a part of life of all area residents, the Illinois Theatre Center of Park Forest will again offer area youngsters an opportunity to explore the arts under the supervision of trained specialists in art, music, dance, drama, and creative writing. Co-sponsored by Star Publications, with additional support from the Illinois Arts Council, Project SAM (Summer Arts Marathon) is now in its 30th year. Many past participants in Project S.A.M. have gone on to work in the arts as professional artists, performers, and writers.

The program will be held for six weeks, starting Monday, June 18th and running through July 27th, and is open to children age 6 through 12. Participants attend Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:30 to 12:30. Field trips, films, and special guest presentations further enrich this program which culminates in an art exhibit, performing arts presentation and publication of a creative writing magazine.

The children are guided by skilled professionals. Etel Billig, ITC's producing director, serves as program coordinator and teaches drama. Ms. Billig and Project S.A.M. art teacher Patricia Moore were selected as “Best Muses for Children” in Chicago Magazine’s “Best of Chicago” issue in 2005.

Project SAM meets at the Illinois Theatre Center, located at 371 Artists’ Walk in downtown Park Forest (off Indianwood Blvd., across from Village Hall). Tuition is $125 per child, which includes refreshments and field trips. There is a $10 discount on additional children from the same family. For a registration form or more information, phone (708) 481-3510.

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